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species are found to depend on cypress head habitats. In addition, cypress heads form a vital link with surrounding flatwoods by providing much of the breeding environment for flatwoods wildlife. This habitat is subject to periodic flooding and has severe limitations for urban development. The alternate mangrove penalty assessment method relates to principles of resource economics which involve analysis of energy production (and through further application monetary value) of wetlands systems. By incorporating this methodology in the ordinance, the penalty for illegal mangrove removal could be related to the relative value of the tree, rather than set at a maximum of $500.00 per tree. In conjunction with this analysis, the planning and legal staffs would identify and evaluate tree removal violation penalties generally. Several other tree protection issues have arisen recently and could be addressed as part of an ordinance amendment. One such issue is a discrepancy between the state and county mangrove trimming regulations. Another is understory protection in certain areas. A third is the timing and requirements for issuance of landclearing permits in wetland areas. ALTERNATIVES & ANALYSIS: Most of the activities required to amend the tree protection ordinance will not involve a substantial amount of staff time. The alternate mangrove penalty method, however, will necessitate considerable staff analysis. This is because using principles of resource economics to determine mangrove value for penalty assessment purposes is a new idea, and the application of this concept may involve a considerable amount of staff work. If workable however, this method would provide a more equitable determination of value and therefore a more appropriate penalty. Generally, the alternatives available to the Board are to authorize the request as presented, authorize a modification of the request, or deny the request to authorize. For the first two alternatives, the principal disadvantages are cost. Primarily) these costs would involve an expenditure of thirty to fifty hours of staff time plus the relatively low advertising and notification costs required for public hearings. The advantages of these alternatives are: a more equitable ordinance, an innovative ordinance, an ability for the Board to consider a full analysis of the issues before making a decision. For alternative 3, no action, the major advantage is no cost, and the major disadvantage is retaining the ordinance in its present form. RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the Board authorize the staff to undertake the necessary activities to amend the tree protection ordinance. Commissioner Eggert noted we had that problem with the dune clearing on South Beach and asked if she can assume that kind of thing will be taken up and added. Director Keating confirmed that it will. Commissioner Eggert asked if someone is going to do something about taking pictures of mangroves if their intent is to go mangrove by mangrove and compare the size, and Director 13 f11AR 15 1988 11. BOOK 71 F` GE 182