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full $13,000 fine would come into effect at that point. Chairman Scurlock felt it would be different if Mr. Christou were a land clearer or a builder who should have had knowledge of the laws and regulations concerning his trade. Commissioner Wheeler believed it is understandable how the error could occur, and suggested that the County find some way to alert people to where mangroves are growing on their property, such as putting a stamp on their building plans. Chairman Scurlock agreed that we have a problem with trying to educate the general public about our tree protection ordinance. Commissioner Bowman believed that if we let Mr. Christou off, we would be giving an open invitation for anybody to come in and plead ignorance, and she strongly emphasized that ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law. Mr. Christou has removed thousands and thousands of calories from this ecosystem that will not be replaced in probably 10 years. Chairman Scurlock understood that, but pointed out that a lot of people have come in here who have been fined for this type of thing and demanded to know why we have these crazy ordinances, while Mr. Christou came in with his head held low and was genuinely upset about what he had done. Chairman Scurlock did not think it would accomplish any purpose to give him another 20 lashes, since Mr. Christou already has planted double the number of plants he cut. Commissioner Bowman felt we need to send an inspector down there every 6 months to see if the seedlings are doing well, and if they are not, see that they are replanted or whatever. She asked if the $1000 fine would cover all the hassle of going down there and checking on the mitigation efforts. Chairman -Scurlock felt that it should cost no more than $50 to send an inspector out once every 6 months. L_ 13 BOOK 73 P'�u.106