5/5/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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with the local government situation and the rights of the boaters who use the local waterways. They have a difficult problem to solve and there are competing uses of the waterways, but they are trying to work together with everyone and they appreciate the MANWAC committee because they have really helped the DNR to better understand some of the local constraints. They appreciate all the feedback they can receive. Commissioner Bird understood that it was not necessary to get into the details of the changes today since we will deal with those changes when it comes back later this month. Mr. Rose said he would appreciate having the opportunity to go over some of these changes today. The state is proposing to establish 35 mph, unrestricted, season and year-round segments within the Intracoastal Waterway and 100 -ft. buffer zones. Currently, that area is exempt from speed restrictions. The state also wants to scale back the county's five non -restricted and recreation use areas to one non -restricted recreational use area, two 35 mph year-round recreational use areas and two seasonal (June 1 to Oct. 31) 35 mph recreational use areas. Mr. DeBlois noted that would include the Jungle Trails narrows, which is the most popular ski area in the county. From DNR 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. The non -restricted area between Wabasso Bridge and the Sebastian Inlet, east of the Intracoastal Waterway, would remain intact, except for a seasonally regulated area around the sand and shell islands. The remainder of the Indian River would have slow speed restrictions year-round, with selected areas at the mouth of the St. Sebastian River, Johns Island Creek, the Fingers, the Moorings and subdivision canals posted for idle speeds. Mr. Rose noted that Indian River County has a lot of water space and areas where boating activities can be confined. There are not that many places where the boaters and the fishermen are forced to share their activities. Mr. DeBlois reported that the Marine Advisory Committee has made 3 recommendations, but they will not be presenting those recommendations to MANWAC until next Monday's meeting at 2:00 p.m. Commissioner Wheeler, chairman of MANWAC, extended an invitation to Mr. Rose to attend the MANWAC meeting next Monday, Mr. DeBlois announced that the DNR will hold an official public hearing at the Vero Beach High School on Wednesday evening, 18 r