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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY PROPOSED BEACH IMPROVEMENTS <br />Project Description: <br />Six sites along Indian River County's beachfront have been selected for <br />improvements including dune restoration, walkover structures and <br />revegetation. These sites are not included in the county's two <br />proposed areas for beach restoration. <br />Indian River County has a relatively undeveloped shoreline, compared with <br />counties further south. The :lungs and natural vegetation are intact in <br />most areas. However, in the areas listed the dunes have been trampled <br />by pedestrian and vehicular traffic and vegetation destroyed. The dunes <br />and natural vegetation are a valuable resource as they help retain <br />windblown sand and provide upland protection from storms by absorbing <br />wave impact. To serve Indian River County's growing population and <br />tourism industry, better beach access is required. The proposed <br />improvements will help meet the goals of better access and storm <br />protection. <br />Project Need: <br />These improvements are important for several reasons: <br />Better beach access is required to serve the county's growing population. <br />Unless steps are taken to prevent foot and vehicle traffic over the <br />dunes, they will erode and provide less protection to the beach road <br />and other upland structures. Dune cuts will be filled in to provide a <br />continuous dune line along the beach. Planting vegetation such as <br />seagrape and sea oats will stabilize the newly filled cuts and other <br />dune areas where vegetation is sparse. Also, vegetation such as <br />Spanish bayonets can be planted along access areas to further encourage <br />beach visitors to use the overwalk structures. Dune overwalks will <br />provide greater access to the beach and protect the restored dunes and <br />vegetation. <br />