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Contract# IRL2018-13 Encumbrance#s GLO1-1701($36,000) & GLO1-1895($25,000) Generally, it is preferred to plant a site with a variety of vegetative species across a topographic gradient. Wetland planting is anticipated to be most successful if completed during the summer months. However, because this site is located in east Central Florida where winters are generally mild, the installation of plants for this project can be scheduled to occur following the earthwork and start-up of the wetlands. Because juvenile plants are more sensitive to elevation that mature plants, the start-up of the wetlands will include greater scrutiny of water level fluctuations to ensure that newly planted material has the greatest chance for successful establishment. Over time the plants will become well established based on hydrologic and topographic conditions, and will be more tolerant of fluctuations. In addition to water levels, the start-up of the wetlands will consider that salt marsh plants can be very sensitive to stagnant waters with elevated salinities. The site will be maintained to flush consistent with nearby natural areas. C. Monitoring Carefully planned monitoring plans are key to the successful establishment and long-term viability of created wetlands. Monitoring data will identify areas where re -plantings are required; provide insight into the effectiveness of water flows and levels based on species composition, substrate conditions and wildlife use; determine how elevations are affecting diversity and composition; assess water quality as needed; identify areas of erosion so that corrective measures may be instituted; and identify whether nuisance and exotic species need to be controlled. Successful monitoring will collect data not only on vegetative cover, but will also assess other wetland functions and stability of wildlife using the site. Created saltmarsh would not be immediately expected to contain all of the vegetative and wildlife species as a natural marsh, however, with proper monitoring and maintenance the diversity and abundance of species will reflect conditions within nearby natural systems. A detailed monitoring plan for the site will be developed as part of the permitting for the project. Baseline monitoring will be conducted upon completion of construction to document site conditions. It is anticipated that long- term proposed monitoring activities will include: Photographic Monitoring ➢ Establishment of photo stations to document conditions within the wetlands over time. Vegetative Monitoring ➢ Establishment of transects and/or other quantitative sampling methods to document diversity and cover within the wetlands and uplands. Hydrologic Monitoring ➢ Installation of staff gauges within the wetlands, as well as one gauge on the historic dock. These gauges will be constructed and surveyed so that the wetland hydroperiods can be consistent with water levels in the Lagoon. The County may also install a rain gauge on site. Sediment Monitoring ➢ Inspection of the system to detect any areas of significant erosion that may cause problems in wetland operation. Water Quality Monitoring ➢ As part of the monitoring of the site, data including temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and ph will be collected via meter readings. Samples to determine influent and effluent levels of TSS, TN and TP may be included as part of the proposed monitoring. Wildlife Assessment ➢ Saltmarsh habitat is a rare resource within Indian River County. Protected species known to utilize saltmarsh habitat include: Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens), Roseate spoonbill Page 16 153