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41® <br />�I�A (JTiy should [IND participate in this project? <br />P1•orida's inland waterways present FIND with many problems, not the <br />least of which is the environmental well being of this valuable <br />resource. Your concern is shared by the Pelican Island Audubon <br />Society, which has positioned itself to offer major assistance to <br />the District in meeting this responsibility. <br />We have long felt that the health of the lagoon and the environmental <br />future of Florida in general are dependent upon an enlightened <br />population. How much more effective the District's efforts would be <br />if.the public better understood what we are trying to teach.them. <br />To that end, an Environmental Learning Center is planned for fifty- <br />one acres on Wabasso Island along the intracoastal waterway. <br />The District's effort to increase public interest and understanding <br />of the inland waterway will be greatly enhanced by processing <br />annually Indian River County's ten thousand students through the <br />Center. In addition to public and private school participation, the <br />Center will provide for adult educational opportunities by three of <br />the District's finest supporters. The Department of Natural Resources <br />will maintain an on-site facility under the direction of Ms. Liberta <br />Poolt, Manager of the Aquatic Preserve, from which the waterway <br />program of that agency will be enlarged. The Marine Resources Council <br />will also establish an office with teaching capability. Ms. Diane <br />Barile,•Executive Director of MRC assures us that the waterway's <br />best interest, especially that section known as "the narrows", will <br />be better served. In addition, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, under the <br />direction of Cmdr. Jack Reeder, will be provided headquarters. Safe <br />use of the waterway will be taught on an ongoing basis. <br />In conclusion, it is our belief that the mutual investment in the <br />Learning Center by FIND and PIAS will create a facility of important <br />assistance to the District in meeting its responsibilities. In the <br />hope that you concur, we look forward to your consideration of our <br />application. <br />