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FF__ I BOOK 98 F* A number of initial site improvements, such as exotics removal, can be paid for with bond referendum funds as part of the property acquisition. Improvements such as limited parking would need to be funded by a source other than referendum monies. Potential funding sources include park development grants, county mitigation funds, and tree removal violation funds. Relating to long term management, the property would be managed by the County Parks Division in coordination with county environmental planning staff. Volunteer groups can be asked to assist the County with certain aspects of property management such as nature trail up -keep and litter patrol. County staff has already been approached by representatives of the Sea Oaks Residents Association, which is interested in playing a role in patrolling the property and assisting with basic up -keep. Also, staff has met with Environmental Learning Center (ELC) staff concerning ELC's use of the property for field excursions. If the County accepts management responsibilities for the Cairns tract, county planning staff will coordinate with the State to develop a management plan within a year of property closing, subject to Board approval. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners authorize staff to advise the State that the County generally agrees to manage the Cairns Tract, with the timing and level of property improvements ppntingent upon the availability of funds. Commissioner Bird questioned who will develop the management plan for this property, and Director Keating stated that the County will. Commissioner Macht felt the County wants to maintain local control and he would hate to see a remote agency have any great say-so. County Attorney Vitunac advised he is leaving shortly to go to Tallahassee to work with the State DEP staff on language to satisfy the County's concerns. The County must have an interest in the land in order to control whether the land will stay in environmental usage beyond 15 years. Chairman Adams believed that environmental conservationists should be alarmed if the State does not revise its language. While the State is normally the last to react, there has been positive reaction from aides and some of the cabinet members. She asserted that both the Cairns and Fischer properties are in jeopardy. Chairman Adams announced that she will miss the next commission meeting to appear before the State Cabinet on this issue. Jim Granse of 36 Pine Arbor Lane remarked that a management plan for the property is possibly the most important .thing in the bond issue. He wished Chairman Adams good luck. Toni Robinson of 1491 Treasure Cove Lane, representing Indian River Land Trust, stressed the importance of preservation, and volunteered the Land Trust's help with the management of the property if they can get additional volunteers. Jim Haeger, their botanist, would like to assist with laying out trails, etc. and they will help in any way they can. JULY 29 1996 24