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',SON U,2 1992 BOOK. 8, Ft,uC�e�e,"r Degraded Habitat: Mr. Krovocheck was required to submit an environmental assessment of site conditions with his application; the submitted assessment included a benthic (submerged bottomlands) survey conducted by Biological Services, Inc. Based on review of submitted information, coupled with site inspections, and applying the functional assessment criteria of LDR Subsection 928.04(4), staff found the habitat to be significantly degraded due to reduced tidal exchange, siltation, absence of littoral (shoreline) vegetation, and invasion of exotic species (along the wetland edge of the private lagoon). These conditions have also contributed to a lack of species diversity in the private lagoon. The existing private lagoon is utilized by fiddler crabs, mullet and killifish. Snook, red drum, and manatee may pass through the lagoon; the present lagoon condition does not provide significant habitat for these species. Littoral zone plantings such as cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) would contribute significantly to fish breeding and juvenile stage habitat. Reasonable Restoration: The purpose.and intent of Chapter -928 is to "discourage development activities ... that may adversely affect wetlands and deepwater habitats, and to encourage restoration of already degraded or destroyed systems" (ref. LDR Sec. 928.01(2)). Habitat restoration of degraded systems cannot reasonably be expected to occur absent an incentive for the private landowner to undertake restoration; the allowance of limited filling is such an incentive. Public Interest: It is in the public interest to preserve viable wetlands and deepwater habitat, and to encourage the restoration of degraded wetland and deepwater habitat. In weighing the public benefits of the present unaltered degraded condition of the site vs. restoration with limited filling, staff concluded that the benefits of a restored (though areally reduced) wetland and deepwater habitat are in the public interest. section 928 06(1)(b) and 928.01(2): alternative of least ordinance intent. LDR Section 928.06(1) pertains to information required in association with a wetland resource permit application. Subsection 928.06(1)(b) requires "a wetland/deepwater habitat functional value assessment ... justifying the proposal as the development alternative of least impact." It is Mr. O'Haire's position that the proposed development of the property, as it affects wetland and deepwater habitat, is not the "development alternative of least impact", because the overall property could be subdivided and developed without the need for dredge and fill. Staff reviewed this matter closely, and do not contest Mr. O'Haire's point that the property could conceivably be subdivided and developed without dredge of fill. However, keeping in mind the intent of LDR Chapter 928 (Sec. 928.01(2)) and comprehensive plan 12