4/11/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Pr - APR 11'98JJ ROOK 76 PAGE 545 °Buffer Area Vegetation This was probably the most controversial part of the plan in previous hearings. As proposed, the plan allows removal of existing vegetation only in areas invaded by exotics. The plan requires replanting with native vegetation - tall plantings (7 feet) must be located within 10 feet of the travel way; a 70% opacity must be achieved within the 30 foot buffer; and native plantings must be interspersed within the buffer. These criteria reflect the goal of creating a native vegetation, jungle -like appearance along the trail. By recreating a condition similar to that existing before removal (dense, tall, thick vegetation close to the trail), this requirement will prohibit creation of a "manicured look", prohibit view windows, and maintain a jungle -like appearance. °Travel Way Alignment The proposed management plan would provide for the Board of County Commissioners to approve realignment of the trail. Any proposed realignment could be approved only after a public hearing where the Board would be required _to make certain findings. Various criteria would also have to be met with a realignment. As structured, the proposed management plan would not affect the vehicular travel restriction approved for a portion of the trail which runs through the Polo Club Development. °Cost The proposed management plan includes various county actions to maintain or improve conditions on or along Jungle Trail. Some of these, such as property aquisition, are one-time expenses; others, such as travel -way grading, are amnual charges. Overall, the cost for implementing the plan could be more than $250,000 over the next two years. These figures are rough estimates and could be affected by other actions. Most of this cost is attributable to three proposed actions: shoreline stabilization, acquisition of access sites, andacquisition of parking areas. If shoreline stabilization is undertaken by the Moon River project and coun- ty -owned areas are available for parking and access, the estimated cost will be reduced by 80%. At the regular meeting on March 9, 1989, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing for the Jungle Trail Management Plan, and voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of ap- proval to the Board of County Commissioners, with some minor word changes (see page 29 of the attached Planning and Zoning Commis- sion meeting minutes). Staff have made the recommended word changes in the attached plan. The Commission also voted to recommend: that endangered plants (and animals) within the trail's protected area be surveyed, coordinating with the Fish and Wildlife Service; that temporary drainage problems at construction sites be looked into; and that the conceptual Jungle Trail Plan of the Indian River County Historical Society be adopted as an educational guide for resi- dents and visitors coming to this county to see Jungle Trail. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt, by resolution, the Jungle Trail Management Plan, and authorize staff to coordinate with the Fish and Wildlife Service to survey the trail protected area for rare or endangered species. Further, it is recommended that the Board adopt the Indian River County Historical Society conceptual plan as a guide to be used as an educational tool for residents and visitors to he county. 14)- 29