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1 Wetland and Coastal Resources. Identify, acquire, and protect undeveloped coastal areas to 2 conserve their significant natural and aesthetic attributes. Identify, acquire, and protect significant 3 wetland areas, with specific emphasis on resources associated with the Indian River Lagoon, 4 including its associated tributaries. 5 Water Resources. Identify and protect lands that are valuable for conservation of water resources, 6 including surface waters and those contributing to public drinking water sources. 7 Management of Environmentally Significant Lands. 8 Lands acquired under the ELP Guide shall be managed primarily to restore, enhance and maintain important 9 natural ecological characteristics. These lands will be managed and maintained, as appropriate, for passive 10 recreational pursuits, or other compatible uses. 11 Unique Areas 12 The natural characteristics of these areas will be enhanced or maintained to ensure protection of 13 the natural resources. Areas may be maintained or enhanced by many methods, including but not 14 limited to: fencing, planting, prescribed fire, selective clearing and/or removal of non-native 15 species, removal of artificial drainage features, elimination of off-road vehicle access, and 16 prohibition of dumping. 17 Recreation Areas 18 The objective in managing these areas should be to provide opportunities for recreational 19 experiences in the out-of-doors. Limited facilities will be developed to encourage users to enjoy 20 the land and its resources in a natural setting. Nature trails, boardwalks, educational displays and 21 centers, and observation platforms are the type of facilities that may be developed in these areas. 22 Other Compatible Uses 23 Uses compatible with the primary objective of protecting significant natural areas may be 24 considered. Such uses include ground water primary recharge protection, and storm water 25 management. Such uses shall only be considered if they do not threaten the integrity of the natural 26 system to be protected. 27 POLICY 28 Indian River County, Florida will acquire lands consistent with the resource conservation goals and 29 objectives as set forth in the ELP Guide; State acquisition guidelines (when applicable); and policies of the 30 Indian River 2030 County Comprehensive Plan, foremost of which being policies of Objective 6 of the 31 Conservation Element. 32 The County's basic policy is to purchase land when other means such as zoning or regulation are not 33 available or effective. When lands are to be acquired, the minimum ownership interest necessary to satisfy 34 the objectives is to be sought. If fee title is required, full consideration will be given to extended use 35 reservations, exchanges or other alternatives that will lessen impact on the owner and the community. 36 Donations of desired lands or interests will be encouraged. 37 In carrying out this policy, the County shall give additional consideration to land acquisition measures that 38 are coordinated with various entities. It is the policy of the County to work in a cooperative venture with 39 such entities, including but not limited to profit and nonprofit organizations, municipalities within Indian 9 9/6/2022 6:36:42 PM Z i3