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Contract# IRL2018-13 Encumbrance#s GLO1-1701($36,000) & GLO 1 - 1895($25,000) II. OBJECTIVE Project objectives are: • To restore and create wetlands and uplands on the site to provide ecological benefits; • To convert the existing land use to provide additional treatment of stormwater runoff prior to discharge into the Indian River Lagoon; • To use Lagoon waters for base flow through the created wetlands. This aspect of the project allows for creation of saltmarsh habitat which is unique to the area. The use of Lagoon water will help in maintaining salinity within an acceptable range, which will in turn establish the wetland plant community that will facilitate water quality improvements. • To provide refuge for wildlife, including protected species; • To design and implement the long-term management of the site to address climate change and sustainability issues. Over the past five years of observing conditions within the conservation areas along Jungle Trail, it has become obvious that the County's ability to "restore" hammock communities on the site is no longer a viable option due to shifts in water levels. • To convert the existing land use to remove a source of exotic vegetative species; • To provide for passive recreation for the public including walking trails and wetland viewing; and • To provide a comprehensive public education program that emphasizes conservation and sustainability, as well as the importance of public participation (e.g. volunteerism, environmentally sensitive day-to-day practices, etc.) III. LOCATION OF PROJECT As shown on the Location Map included in the Executive Summary, the 16 -acre site is located at 27044'5.67"N & 80°23'36.22"W along Jungle Trail, in Indian River County. The site is on the barrier island and is located approximately 2 miles south of the intersection of Jungle Trail and CR 510. IV. SCOPE OF WORK A review of historic imagery (c.1940's) does not provide much detail about past natural resources on the site (the majority of the land had been cleared by that point). It appears that there may have been several small wetland areas on the property, including the remnant hammock that remains. Grading and site drainage have removed and/or permanently altered the majority of what may have been historic wetlands. Recent extreme weather events have resulted in significant alteration of the natural communities along Jungle Trail. In 2016, the storm surge from Hurricane Matthew and resulting persistent inundation of the un -developed lands resulted in loss of maritime hammock along the Trail. This was evident within the Captain Forster Hammock Preserve (which is approximately 1 -mile north of the Jones' site). The original management plan for the Jones' site outlined plans to "restore" hammock to the site; it is apparent that hammock restoration would be a poor choice given the changing conditions along Jungle Trail. Revised site planning has changed the focus from the original plan to create a mosaic of estuarine wetlands and uplands that will be constructed to withstand anticipated extreme weather events and the long-term effects of climate change. Page 14 151