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The County has been monitoring and maintaining the areas from the point at which the mitigation projects were deemed to be successful by agency personnel. Maintenance has included removal of seedling trees, and spot spraying undesirable vegetation. The challenges and successes that the County experienced through the implementation of these projects provide a solid basis for the design of a comprehensive plan for ecological enhancement of the three larger islands. The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Freshwater Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Water Management Districts (SJRWMD, SFWMD) are on the forefront of planning and implementation of programs directed at improving the health and viability of the Lagoon. Groups like the Spoil Island Working Group and the East-Central Florida Estuarine Restoration Team (ECERT) include a diverse assemblage of recognized experts from all levels of government (including those identified above). This expertise has resulted in several successful spoil island enhancement projects that will be used a basis in the design of a diverse, resilient, and sustainable LTICA. The ecological enhancement of the LTICA will be used as an educational platform to engage the public and local schools so that they may learn what they can do to assist in this process. It is the County's plan to use the design of the ecological enhancements at the LTICA as a basis for other improvements that may be possible throughout the County. III. PROJECT VALUE PROPOSITION STATEMENT: This project will encompass several objectives. The project objectives for design and engineering of the LTICA habitat enhancement plan are briefly summarized as follows: • Site design that is resilient and versatile, and by its nature will be adaptable during extreme weather events and climate change • Water quality benefits through creation and enhancement of wetland communities • Establishment of endemic habitat, including, but not limited to: o High marsh habitat which is a rare resource in Indian River County o Strategically located mangrove wetlands o Maritime hammock habitat o Salt flats and open sandy beaches for shorebird nesting o Seagrass habitat (based on appropriateness and feasibility) o Oyster reefs (based on appropriateness and feasibility) o Expanded nursery areas for fish and invertebrates • Incorporation of innovative, low maintenance elements for shoreline stabilization • Incorporation of green technologies where appropriate and feasible • Provide for educational engagement on the ecological issues facing the Lagoon • Provide passive recreational opportunities that promote ecotourism, educational awareness, local responsibility and facilitates informed community input • Minimization of mosquito production • Elimination of nuisance and exotic plant species such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper • Minimization of long-term maintenance, management, and capital costs IV. LOCATION OF PROJECT: The 508 -acre site is located at 27°40'29.90"N & 80°22'43.43"W in the Central IRL, in Indian River County. The islands are approximately 0.75 miles north of the SR 60 boat launch on the barrier island. In 2002 the Town of Indian River Shores and the City of Vero Beach entered into an interlocal agreement with the County for the purchase and maintenance of the site. The conservation area was purchased in 2003 with funds from the Florida Communities Trust. The LTICA is the second largest publicly owned island system that is protected in Indian River County and includes more than 10 miles of shoreline habitat. 35