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Agreement with minor modifications. A copy of that contract is attached to this staff report. (Purchase of only 50 of the lots will require a contract amendment). ANALYSIS *Multiple Benefits • Environmental Education As with most of the County's proposed acquisitions, the Sebastian Highlands Scrub AGC purchase will enhance education in the County. With this property, the educational function will consist of -nature trails and educational displays fir the site. Also, the Environmental Learning Center has expressed an interest in using the property as a "satellite" location for xeric scrub educational excursions. County staff are in the process of coordinating with the School Board, particularly with School Board staff at the Pelican Island Elementary School, concerning school use and access to the property. • Comprehensive Plan Acquisition Commitment Conservation Policy 6.2 of the County Comprehensive Plan commits the County to acquire a minimum of 50 acres of xeric scrub for conservation purposes. The AGC portion of the Sebastian Highlands Scrub project contributes to fulfilling this policy by conserving +12.5 acres of xeric oak scrub. The project also furthers objectives in the County (and City) comprehensive plans relating to open space, aquifer primary recharge area protection, and rare species conservation. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the purchase contract by agreeing to exercise its purchase option, contingent upon a contract amendment reducing the number of lots from 56 to 50 lots. Staff recommends that the Board authorize the Board chairman to execute said contract amendment. Staff also recommends that the Board authorize staff to proceed with property closing tasks in coordination with the FCT, and authorize the Board Chairman to execute any documents associated with the closing. Environmental Planning Chief Roland DeBlois explained this is the first phase of the Sebastian Highlands Scrub Project. Florida Communities Trust has approved a 50% participation in this project. Staff has negotiated with Atlantic Gulf Communities to purchase 50 of the 56 lots originally considered. This reduction -has lowered the cost to $183,800 plus approximately $15,000 in other costs such as appraisal, title insurance and the management plan. The County's total bond expenditure for this project would be approximately $99,400. Mr. DeBlois then presented a letter from the United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service of July 11, 1996, which indicated that the original 56 lots would not be sufficient for mitigation: JULY 16, 1996 13 BOOK 543