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JUN 27 '289 booK 77 could change the existing historically rural character of the Trail. The design of the proposed new Trail/project entrance road intersection would include the decision as to whether or not stop signs should be placed to stop traffic on the Trail or the project entrance road. In the opinion of the Public Works Director, the best traffic practice would be to have Trail traffic stop since traffic on a less travelled unpaved road should normally yield to a more travelled paved road. The Indian River County Historical Society has expressed its opinion that if the realignment proposal is approved, Jungle Trail traffic should not have to yield to project traffic since Trail continuity is an objective in the Management Plan. C. Surrounding development: According to Bill Thurston of the Division of Historical Resources, development of an area can change the character and surroundings along the Trail and consequently "degrade" the historic character and value of the road. The realign- ment plan proposes preservation of a mature hammock along a significant portion of the proposed new Trail segment. Further buffering proposals (native vegetation and existing citrus trees) establish some "knowns" regarding the future character of the proposed Trail segment: that the citrus and buffer areas and the conservation tract will maintain a rural and natural character. The area along the proposed new Trail segment would be more rural and natural in appearance than the existing segment if golf course and residential areas are developed around the existing Trail. D. Relation and jurisdiction: The subject Trail area is a concern to both the County and the Town of Orchid. The proposal, with conditions, could essentially give coordinated and joint "control" of this area of the Trail to the County and the Town. The conservation and buffer areas 'and conservation tract could be granted to both the County and the Town to ensure a perpetual and coordinated effort to maintain the Trail properly. Alternatives: There are essentially two viable alternatives for the County: denial or approval with conditions. (The applicant has repeatedly expressed concerns for timing and desires action on the request.] If the County denies the realignment request, the developer could either build/re-design around and over the Trail in accordance with adopted Town of Orchid regulations or he could partially develop now and re-initiate a different proposal at a later date; the overall effect of the development on the Trail would be unknown. If the County approves the realignment request with conditions, the developer would proceed with the basic design indicated on the submitted realignment plans; the parameters of the overall effect of the development on the Trail would be known. CONCLUSION: As shown in the report's analysis section, the proposed realign- ment would enhance the scenic value of the Trail and can, with conditions, clearly meet all of the realignment review criteria specified in the Jungle Trail Management Plan with the exception of the criterion regarding historical character and integrity; evaluating historical impacts is not as clear-cut an issue as the other criteria. In staff's opinion, the historic rural character, and environment surrounding the existing Trail will be eventually diminished by impending development over which the County has little or no control. If the proposal is denied and the project 38