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Whatever the vegetation, it protects the soil when rain falls or wind blows. Root systems of plants hold soil together. Even in drought, the roots of native grasses, which extend several feet into the ground, help tie down the soil and keep it from blowing away. With the vegetation cover stripped away, soil is vulnerable to damage. Whether through cultivation, grazing, deforestation, burning, or bulldozing, once the soil is bare to the erosive action of wind and water, the slow rate of natural erosion is greatly increased. Losses of soil take place much faster than new soil can be created. With the destruction of soil structure, eroded land is even more susceptible to erosion. The occurrence of erosion has greatly increased. This is because of the activities of modern development and population growth, particularly agricultural intensification. It also is in the field of agriculture that most efforts have been made to conserve soils, with mixed success (Union of International Associations, 1999). Particles scattered by erosion can also cause problems elsewhere. Stormwater drainage systems, both natural and mechanical, are frequently clogged by loose sediment. If drainage systems are not cleared of uncontrolled sediment on a regular basis, they lose function. Extent. Due to the low probability of occurrence, this hazard will not be fully profiled. Erosion (Beach) — Hazard Identification. Beach erosion is the wearing away of land and the removal of beach or dune sediments by wave action, tidal currents, wave currents, drainage or high winds. The wave climate impacting Indian River County's 22.4 miles of shoreline has contributed to the long term erosion of the County's barrier island. As a result, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has concluded that 15.7 miles of shoreline is "critically eroded". A critically eroded area is defined by FDEP as a segment of the shoreline where natural processes or human activity has caused or contributed to erosion and recession of the beach or dune system to such a degree that upland development, recreational interests, wildlife habitat, or important cultural resources are threatened or lost. To assist with its coastal management strategies and long term sustainability of its shoreline, the County has developed and adopted a Beach Preservation Plan (BPP), updated 2014. The Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 46