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statement from the Pelican Island Audubon Society on the position <br />they have taken on Jungle Trail. <br />Peeican Wand c4adaBvn Societe <br />P. 0. BOX 1833 - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32961-1833 <br />(305) 567-3520 <br />STATEMENT OF PELICAN ISLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY RE. CLOSING OF JUNGLE <br />TRAIL, PRESENTED BY FRED OETZEL, DIRECTOR, AT THE PUBLIC HEARING <br />BEFORE THE IRC BBC ON FEB. 23, 1988. <br />We cannot agree to the closing of one mile of Jungle Trail to <br />vehicular traffic. The Trail is a public scenic and historic <br />road, so designated in the county Comprehensive Plan, as <br />something unique and special...a natural treasure linking today's <br />county population with its roots. This was the road to the <br />Sebastian Inlet before A -1-A was extended north from the Summer - <br />place area. It was used by residents and visitors alike,and was <br />far more than a "grove" road. <br />It is narrow and unpaved. It should remain forever wild and <br />scenic and open to slow-moving vehicular traffic so that all <br />people can enjoy it without damaging it. <br />The best possible "security" for the Polo Club residents would be <br />a tangle of Spanish Bayonet, Cactus, Greenbrier, and Wild Grape, <br />a spiny, thorny, tangled mass of native vegetation that could be <br />planted to conceal a fence if additional security is desired. <br />The Audubon position is that there is no need to "improve" Jungle <br />Trail except for posting slow speed signs and buffering from the <br />proposed development to the east. <br />We fear for the integrity of Jungle Trail if it is turned into a <br />"Park". It is sure to be abused by over -use, putting the mangrove <br />forest to the west in jeopardy when the public demands access to <br />the river, docks, and launching ramps, picnic tables and <br />shelters. <br />If this county can't save one small unspoiled area that abuts a <br />National Wildlife Refuge, it is a sad reflection on us. <br />We have no objections to the Polo Club, per se. Just put it east <br />of Jungle Trail and leave the Trail and the mangrove forest <br />alone. <br />In conclusion, Mr. Oetzel noted the standing room only <br />audience and felt that many people who were out in the hall and <br />in the first floor conference room listening to the meeting on <br />the public address system might not have the chance to voice <br />their opinion. For the sake of some of those people, he asked <br />72 <br />x23198 <br />BOOK 71 <br />