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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA CONSENT ITEM BOARD MEMORANDUM TO: Jason E. Brown, County Administrator THROUGH: Richard B. Szpyrka, P.E. Public Works Director THROUGH: - James D. Gray,Jr. Coastal Engineer FROM: Kendra Cope, M.S. Coastal Environmental Specialist SUBJECT: Sea Turtle Education Grant "Florida Traveling Turtles" DATE: July 6, 2016 DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS Working under one of the objectives of the County's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the protection of sea turtles staff molded a new relationship with 511 grade Indian River public schools science teachers as part of a new education program conducted by the Indian River County Sea Turtle Program. During the 2015-2016 school year staff and volunteers gave presentations about marine conservation to 5th grade science classes in 6 of the 13 public elementary schools in Indian River County. This presentation was aligned with the 5th grade adaptations curriculum and taught students about sea turtle and marine mammal biology, the difference between inherited and taught traits, and specific adaptations for sea turtle survival. The subject of this agenda item is to request the Board's approval of Florida's Traveling Turtles education program grant in an effort to expand the current school based sea turtle education programs implemented under the County HCP. The attached agreement from Inwater Research Group commits up to $1,200 with zero cost share and a three year program commitment with no expenses to the County. On June 24th, 2016 county staff applied for the Florida's Traveling Turtle Program. This program started in Martin County and provides a trunk full of model sea turtles, tools, and lesson plans to interested teachers teaching grades 3-8. F-\Public Works\Kendra Cope\Public Presentations and Meetings\Commission Meeting Items\Consent Item\Florida's Traveling Turtles—Educational Grant--Agenda Item 7-12-16—Final Rev I.docx 175