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Joseph Spataro, Forest Area Supervisor, indicated that Tim <br />Elder, County Forester for Indian River County and the City of Vero <br />Beach, and Jim Rath, new District Manager of the Division of <br />Forestry were in attendance. Mr. Spataro stated that usually the <br />report is placed on the Consent Agenda, but this -year he wished to <br />appear before the Commission and present the report and present the <br />highlights of the projects to be completed during next fiscal year. <br />The Division of Forestry plans to increase prescribed burns, <br />working with landowners, to eliminate areas that could be potential <br />wildlife hazard. The number of hours expended in Donald MacDonald <br />Park was not reported because the park supervisor is no longer <br />there, so those numbers are not available. Mr. Spataro assured the <br />Commission that the Division of Forestry will continue their <br />commitment to the County and give assistance at Donald MacDonald <br />Park. Basically it was a good year as far as numbers of fires and <br />reduction of acreage. The forecast is for a dry winter but that <br />may be wrong and they hope for a reduction in the number of <br />wildfires this coming season. <br />Commissioner Adams asked, and Mr. Spataro responded that we <br />have two fire towers. The one in the Yeehaw Junction area is <br />active. The one located at 43rd Avenue and 4th Street is in a <br />reserve status because it is no longer an isolated area, and with <br />the increased. use of cellular telephones, the fire department is <br />there before a fire is spotted. <br />Commissioner Macht thought that the Division of Forestry <br />should be invited to the meetings of the Land Acquisition Advisory <br />Committee, and Community Development Director Bob Keating reported <br />that staff has been in touch with Mr. Spataro and will work with <br />the Division of Forestry during the management phases of scrub <br />sites. <br />Tim Elder, our County Urban Forester, came before the Board <br />and reported that from July 1992 through January 30, 1993, his <br />department conducted many programs. They are active in the forest <br />stewardship program with landowners in west county and give <br />assistance with land management practices. Through the newborn <br />seedling project approximately 200 trees were given to the parents <br />of newborn babies. He reported a total of 1,500 assists to City <br />and County residents with a total of 1,746 hours. <br />Jim Rath, the new District Manager of the Division of <br />Forestry, stated that he moved to the district about six months ago <br />from Lake City and it is a big change for him. The District <br />includes Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Glades and <br />Highland Counties. He has attended meetings in Indian River County <br />and is aware of some concerns which will receive attention. He <br />25 <br />CT 2 `993 BOOK 90 FnE8,57 <br />