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and the reasoning behind many of the recommendations. He advised that they were able to move a good bit closer to the positions taken at the last meeting. The other concern in developing their proposal was trying to present a plan that would be enforceable. There are facets of the latest MANWAC recommendations that actually will make it much more confusing in many respects, but there are other things that probably will make it more understandable. So again it is not a clear-cut situation. Chairman Eggert announced that of the 10 letters received, 8 were for the DNR proposal and 2 were against. There being no others who wished to be heard, the Chairman closed the public hearing. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, that the Board support the latest MANWAC revisions and recom- mendations of June 16, 1992, and authorize staff to follow through on the proposal we are sending to Tallahassee. Under discussion, Commissioner Bird believed this county doesn't have a major problem with killing manatees with boats and that we could make a pretty strong argument not to have these regulations. He was concerned that if we go too strong at this time, we will never see any reduction in the regulations. He felt the latest recommendations are adequate at this time and should be supported by this Commission. He personally intended to go to the mat on this issue even if it means going to the Governor and Cabinet or the Supreme Court if necessary. He felt we are being reasonable and that all of the compromises have been made on the part of the boaters and not on behalf of the manatees, at least not from what he has heard tonight. Commissioner Wheeler, chairman of MANWAC, explained that the committee members are of varied backgrounds who have an interest in the river. They have worked long and hard to come up with this compromise plan. He felt that DNR and Mr. Rose also have come a long way and that there has been a big step forward in protecting the manatee, the environment and other areas. Although no one here may be completely happy, regardless of which side they are on, we all need to live in this community and we all have some of the same basic interests. Commissioner Wheeler believed the latest MANWAC recommendation is a defendable compromise and that it is very reasonable and very fair to all people involved and also one that is protective of the manatee. He would like to see our plan given 21 J U N 12 p 1'~� oc� 1