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The location of all proposed improvements will be chosen to minimize impact to the natural <br />resources of the site, and to completely avoid impact to any listed plant or animal species. Staff <br />of the GFC will be involved in planning, site analysis and design for all site improvements for <br />public access at the Conservation Area. <br />For the immediate future, the Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area should not be open on a day- <br />to-day basis for unattended visitation. At least until an ecological burn program has been <br />implemented, and other measures to reduce fuel loads to protect the site from wildfire have <br />taken effect, protection of the site's resources should take precedence over the need for casual <br />public access to the property. After public access facilities are developed, County staff will <br />arrange for a reservation system, or for weekend staffing one or two times a month, for visitor <br />access and interpretive tours or other activities consistent with the purpose of the project. <br />Volunteers and/or staff from the Environmental Learning Center will provide important <br />assistance to the County Parks Division in providing open days and activities at the <br />Conservation Area. <br />An identification sign will be placed at the access drive connecting to Wabasso Road. The sign <br />will identify the Conservation Area as being open to the public on a reservation basis or on <br />scheduled days, and provide telephone contacts to arrange site visits. The sign will also identify <br />the site as being operated as a natural resource conservation area, and provide credit for <br />funding to Indian River County and the Florida Communities Trust. <br />Mr. Granse did not know where the words came from that are in <br />the proposed management plan, particularly, "The trails will allow <br />visitors of all disabilities." <br />Mr. Granse wondered why the County will be able to build -all <br />these improvements on this property when the people in Sebastian <br />Highlands could not build on their lots because of the scrub jays. <br />He emphasized that all this came about since the meeting last <br />Thursday afternoon,- stressing that the $26—million received from <br />bond revenues could grow to $50—million when you add in all the <br />improvements and maintenance called for in the management of the <br />LAAC properties. <br />William Roolage, Vista Trail, urged the Board to give some <br />consideration to the retirees in this community whose income has <br />shrunk by being very careful about the expenditure of capital. <br />Public Works Director Jim Davis pointed out that there are <br />several benefits in acquiring this property. The CR -512 project is <br />being held in abeyance until we can resolve the scrub jay issue, <br />and this could help that. <br />There being no others who wished to be heard, the -Chairman <br />closed the Public Hearing. <br />46 BOOR 95 PAEE6I4 <br />JUNE 279 1995 <br />