02/13/2018 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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I/ render the existing nursery area a virtual dead zone. This appears to be an unacceptable risk, when the existing limestone road has proven for decades to be compatible with the conservation area. Regarding the proposed placement of additional markers in the water, I would argue that Oslo Road has one of the best marked areas in the entire County. Since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is required to permit all placement of markers in the Lagoon, I would like to request a copy of the permit the County received from them, to see if any criteria exists regarding the number of markers allowed per 100 feet. I am concerned because as a licensed boat captain I would think too many markers in an area may pose a serious navigational hazard at night, outside of the manatee slow speed season. Manatees are another issue that needs some clarification. Yes, the area around the City power plant was historically a "hot spot" for manatees. As a previous US Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist who evaluated manatee issues, I can assure you that this has no validity anymore, since the power plant that attracted manatees has not been operational for some time now. I fish this area regularly, and it currently gets no more manatee use than any other canal area in the County. Dan Harley, who lives on the canal along the power plant, stated to me that five years ago he used to see dozens of manatees in the power plant canal at one time, but has only seen two manatees this entire winter. Also, this potential ramp location has deep water access, with a year round manatee slow speed zone, all the way to the Intra Coastal Waterway. Manatee safety should not be considered a valid issue at this site anymore. The concern in the Staff Report that the mangrove lined canal at the sewage treatment site would not be allowed to be filled in by permitting agencies is valid, however, the potential ramp is currently being discussed at the power plant site, not the sewage treatment site. The sewage treatment site, where the ramp conceptual drawings were made, is also where the bridge abutments are located. The south side of the power plant site has no environmental issues that I can identify that would preclude a boat ramp. The water depths are deep enough all the way to the Intra Coastal Waterway, that the presence of submerged vegetation would be almost impossible. Choosing options four and five of the Staff report appear to be the best options for a number of reasons. Maintaining the Oslo ramp and road area in its existing condition would allow historic boating use and protect the areas that were purchased for conservation. This would also protect the critical gamefish nursery that is like no other ever located in the entire 156 mile long Lagoon system. Option five at the power plant site would benefit many more County residents than the Oslo site by allowing a boat ramp for larger vessels, more trailer parking, and restroom facilities. The City power plant site is only three miles and a four and a half minute drive from Oslo road. With the existing shopping center at Oslo road, I doubt the traffic congestion would be any worse at the power plant location. Another consideration is that the staff report indicated that both the US Army Corps of Engineers and St. John's Water Management District would require new permit applications for the proposed Oslo alterations. Therefore, it would appear the permitting requirements would be starting from the beginning regardless of the decision to pursue the Oslo ramp or power plant location. Thank you again Commissioners and let me end with a proposition. When I worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service I was trained and had years of experience reviewing the very kind of projects we are discussing. If the Commissioners vote to choose options four and five, I offer my assistance free of charge to help County staff obtain the necessary permits to place a boat ramp at the City power plant site. Thank you and I would be happy to answer any questions the Commission may have.