04/04/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DEPARTMENTAL INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA MEMORANDUM TO: Michael Zito, Interim County Administrator THROUGH: Richard B. Szpyrka, P.E., Public Works Director THROUGH: Eric Charest, Natural Resources Manager FROM: Melissa Meisenburg, Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist SUBJECT: Revised Outline for Indian River County's Lagoon Management Plan DATE: March 24, 2023 BACKGROUND On June 19, 2018, under Commissioners Matters 14.C.1, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (Board) discussed and approved pursing an Indian River County Lagoon Management Plan (IRL Plan). The plan would combine the efforts the County is undertaking through multiple departments including Public Works, Utilities, Parks and Community Development into a comprehensive management plan designed to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon. On September 7, 2018 County staff entered into a work order with Tetra Tech, Inc. (Tetra Tech) to assist in the development of an IRL Plan Outline laying the foundation for potential water quality projects, restoration projects and education efforts. Staff presented the initial IRL Plan Outline to the Board on May 7, 2019. At that time, recommendations were made regarding the direction of the IRL Plan. Staff incorporated the Board's recommendations into a revised outline, which was presented to the Board on July 16, 2019. During the meeting, the revised outline was not supported by the Board, instead staff was directed to move forward with a Research and Review Phase to identify keyfactors which may be impacting the region of the Indian River Lagoon in Indian River County. Updates on the Research and Review Phase were presented quarterly to the Board. The final update was presented on September 21, 2021. Board direction at that time was for staff to move forward with a new outline incorporating the key factors identified in the Research and Review Phase. DESCRIPTIONS AND CONDITIONS Coastal Division staff worked closely with Tetra Tech to develop the revised outline for the Indian River Lagoon Plan. The layout forthe plan is intended to be similarto the County's 2019 Beach Preservation Plan, so it will be reader -friendly. The plan will identify management strategies and projects supported by the data analyzed during the Research and Review Phase. Measurable metrics will also be included in the document in orderto demonstratethe County's progress towards plan goals. The current revised outline follows an ecosystem approach, incorporating the key factor36