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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA AGENDA ITEM Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Date: September 22, 2023 To: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners Through: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator From: Beth Powell, Director of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Subject: Duck Head Island Revegetation — Final Completion and Release of Retainage. BACKGROUND: The Lost Tree Islands Conservation Area (LTICA) was purchased in 2003 with funds from the Florida Communities Trust. The 508 -acre site is located in the Central Indian River Lagoon (IRL) approximately 0.75 miles north of the SR 60 boat launch on the barrier island. In 2002 the Town of Indian River Shores and the City of Vero Beach entered into an interlocal agreement with the County for the purchase and maintenance of the site. The LTICA is the second largest publicly -owned island system that is protected in Indian River County, and includes more than 10 miles of shoreline habitat. The County has designed an enhancement and restoration project on the three main islands within the conservation area. These islands include: (1) the 68.6 -acre Joe Earman Island; (2) the 60.4 -acre Duck Head Island; and (3) the 48.4 -acre Hog's Head Island. The LTICA ecological enhancement project will be the largest lagoon -based enhancement project undertaken by Indian River County. To further the objectives outlined in the design and engineering plan, the County initiated exotic plant removal on approximately 10.5 -acres on Duck Head Island in early 2022. To further the habitat restoration of this portion of Duck Head Island, a revegetation plan was bid for this area. On February 2, 2022, the Board approved the award of a contract to Sandhill Environmental Services, LLC in the amount of $140,073.56 to install native plants throughout the treated 10.5 acres. DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS: Native vegetation was installed in 2022, however, there was an issue with the survivorship of planted live oak trees. The contractor agreed to re -plant the live oaks, and it was their decision to delay the replanting until 2023, to coincide with Board approved native plant installation for Earman Island. The live oaks were re -installed on Duck head Island in late July of 2023. Sandhill Environmental Services, LLC has therefore completed the plant installation on Duck Head Island, and is requesting final payment on the project. Final payment will be in the amount of $11,432.39, of which $6,770.59 includes retainage. Payment in the amount of $11,432.39 will complete the county's obligation to the contractor. C:\Granicus\Legistar5\L5\Temp\66979139-66961928-a94a-b46f8c7c201 e.do c 50