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BOOK 97 PA;E 572 <br />single-family docks and associated boat traffic, which would <br />otherwise conflict with manatee protection. The property purchase <br />will also serve to buffer the river from adjacent development, <br />thereby contributing to water quality protection. <br />• Comprehensive Plan Acquisition Commitment <br />Conservation Policy 6.2 of the County Comprehensive Plan commits <br />the County to acquire a minimum of 50 acres of xeric scrub <br />vegetative community for conservation purposes.. The Fischer project <br />contributes to fulfilling this policy by conserving +30 acres of <br />coastal scrub. -The project also furthers objectives in the County <br />comprehensive plan relating to floodplain protection, open space, <br />and endangered species habitat protection. <br />*Public Access <br />As previously mentioned, the subject Fischer property west of the <br />South Prong adjoins the Coraci Tract, which is now owned by the <br />State. Since the Fischer property is part of the overall Sebastian <br />Creek CARL project (which includes the Coraci Tract), public access <br />cane be • addressed in the context of the Sebastian Creek CARL project <br />as a whole, and therefore public access specific to the Fischer <br />property is not essential. However, county staff feels it is <br />important to secure an opportunity for public access to the Fischer <br />property, both east and west of the river, for flexibility in the <br />event that the County or State desires some level of public access <br />(such as a canoe launch) in the future. <br />Staff is presently working with Dr. Fischer to resolve some <br />outstanding issues regarding access easements to the subject <br />property. For this reason, exercise of the County's purchase option <br />should be contingent on the County (or State) securing sufficient <br />legal access rights. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the <br />Fischer property purchase contract by agreeing to exercise its <br />purchase option, contingent on the State's approval to exercise its <br />option, and contingent on the County and/or State securing <br />sufficient rights for ingress and egress. Staff also recommends <br />that the Board authorize staff to proceed with property closing <br />tasks in coordination with the State, and authorize the Board <br />Chairman to execute any documents associated with the closing. <br />ATTACHMENTS <br />•General map of project •LAAC meeting minutes <br />.*Purchase Option Contract <br />(Appraisals are available for review in the County Planning Office] <br />APPROVED: <br />1eaan Rivdr G0 Approved Date <br />FOR: C( Admin. �' 13 qG <br />Legal <br />BY: Qom`^ \rl\laac\fiachpu.bcc 6Ud-geL <br />Dept. <br />Risk Mgr. <br />32 <br />March 19, 1996 <br />