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Oyster Bar Marsh Trail Purpose of the Oyster Bar Marsh Trail The purpose of the Oyster Bar Marsh Waterfront Trail is to create a trail system for public access to the Indian River Lagoon along the perimeter of the Oyster Bar impoundment. Oyster Bar Marsh Trail Goals • Create a public/private partnership to develop and maintain a multi -use recreational trail at Oyster Bar Marsh. Provide for a diversity of passive recreational and educational opportunities appropriate for the natural resources at Oyster Bar Marsh. • Continue to protect, enhance and conserve the natural resources of the Lagoon and adjoining wetland and upland habitats. Oyster Bar Marsh Background and Initiative The Oyster Bar Marsh project comprises approximately 155 acres of maritime hammock and impounded wetland, located between State Road AIA and the Indian River Lagoon on Orchid Island (Hutchinson Island), approximately 0.8 mile north of the Indian River — St. Lucie County line (Figure 1). In 2001, Indian River County purchased seven parcels from three private landowners, resulting in a total acquired project area of 96 acres. The seven parcels were purchased,.in part, with funds from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Preservation 2000 program. At the time, acquisitions were to proceed as adjacent parcels could be acquired. Unfortunately, the County was unable to purchase remaining parcels to date. As early as 2010, the Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) identified Oyster Bar Marsh as a high priority area for acquisition. Of the remaining parcels, six parcels owned by four private owners were identified by the Land Trust as necessary to fully meet the objectives of hydrologic restoration and recreational opportunities at Oyster Bar Marsh. Specifically, these parcels contain the remaining sections of the perimeter dike and total 41 acres (Figure 2). To date, the Land Trust has acquired four of the parcels totaling 30 acres. 75