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� � r <br />Mr. Dean reported that the St. Johns River Water Management <br />District (the District) is one of 5 in the state that were created <br />under the 1972 Florida Water Resources Act, and that regional water <br />management is based on hydrologic basins rather than on political <br />boundaries. The District is governed by 9 unpaid members who are <br />appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate to <br />serve 4 -year terms. The governing board has determined that <br />purchasing ecologically important lands is preferable to imposing <br />strict regulations on private property owners. In addition, the <br />lands acquired are available to the public for recreational use. <br />Mr. Dean indicated that data compiled by the District is <br />available to local governments, and educational programs are <br />available to interested teachers. <br />Mr. Dean concluded his presentation by inviting anyone who has <br />any questions or would like to be taken on an airboat tour of the <br />marshes to call him at the District office. <br />Chairman Bird agreed that recreational benefits derived from <br />these lands are a good tradeoff for the loss of the land for other <br />uses. He felt that some of the areas should be accessible by land <br />in order for more people to be able to enjoy them. For example, <br />the area west of Vero Beach on SR -60 would be ideal for hunting and <br />fishing activities, but a levee is not scheduled for construction <br />until 1995 or 1996. He asked if there was anything the Board could <br />do to help expedite construction of that levee, or find another way <br />to access that property. <br />Mr. Dean suggested that the Commissioners join him when <br />General Art Williams, chief of the Army Corps of Engineers, visits <br />the project site in late September, and they could discuss this <br />issue at that time. <br />Chairman Bird suggested that the Board send a letter to <br />General Williams prior to his visit. <br />Commissioner Adams agreed that marsh restoration has been a <br />financial boon to the County. She brought up the fact that <br />although most of the airboat operators are careful, there are <br />hotrodders and she suggested limiting the number of airboat <br />launching sites to maintain more control. <br />Mr. Dean responded that airboat access is a low priority issue <br />at this time, but it will be revisited in the future. <br />Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, felt that increasing ad <br />valorem taxes 55% was excessive in these tough times and questioned <br />the need for hiring 62 new personnel. <br />11 <br />BOOK 90 PAGE 302 <br />L-AUB 2 4 1993 J <br />