5/5/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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_I MAY 0 5 1992 Boos FDNR staff have indicated that manatee protection warrants speed restrictions in certain sections of the Intracoastal Waterway channel, largely to allow reaction time for boaters (and manatees) to avoid collisions. As proposed, the majority of the Intracoastal Waterway channel would be exempt from speed restriction or limited to 35 m.p.h. maximum speed. FDNR staff have pointed out that most boats would not be adversely affected by the 35 m.p.h. maximum, and that in those specific segments of the channel where speed would be restricted below 35 m.p.h. the limit is warranted based on manatee sighting data. Regarding the Jungle Trail narrows area which is proposed to be restricted to seasonally slow speed, FDNR staff originally proposed a 35 m.p.h. speed allowance from June lot to September 30th each year, with the remainder of the year to be slow speed. However, subsequent to the local informal meeting, FDNR staff revised their recommendations to allow 35 m.p.h. from June lot to October 31st each year, shortening the slow speed season by one month. The Jungle Trail narrows is the most popular water ski area in the county, and is used for skiing year-round. From FDNR staff's perspective, the area is of major importance to manatee migration, and anything other than slow speed year-round is a compromise on their part, in an effort to accommodate popular use of the area for skiing. In addition to the two main issues discussed, MANWAC members raised the more fundamental question as to the need for establishing manatee protection speed restrictions in Indian River County. Relative to other "key" counties, manatee mortality in Indian River County is low. In 1992, for example, four manatee deaths were'recorded in the county, with only one (possibly two) attributed to boat collision. FDNB staff maintain that Indian River County is of vital importance to the migration habits of manatees on the east coast of Florida. Moreover, the St. Sebastian River is documented has being one of the most important havens for manatees on the coast, and county waters serve manatees accessing this area. While the manatee mortality rate is relatively low in the county, FDNR staff indicate that, statistically, there has been a noticeable increase in manatee deaths over the past decade. Alternatives The Board of County Commissioners has a number of alternatives in commenting to FDNR concerning the proposed manatee protection speed zones, including: 1. Expressing support of the FDNR manatee protection speed zone proposal; 2. Expressing support of the FDNR proposal with modifications; 3. Reiterating county recommendations as set forth in County Resolution 90-58: or 4. Expressing non-support of the FDNR proposal. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board authorize staff to send a comment letter to FDNR supporting the proposed manatee protection speed zones with a recommendation that the proposed seasonal recreation use areas be modified to extend the 35 m.p.h. period from April lot to October 31st each year. 16