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i Contract #SD609AA Program and the innovative BMPs that will reduce non -point source pollution entering the IRL from the Vero Lakes Estates subdivision. In addition, residents will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Florida Yard Certification program. According to the Indian River County Tax Assessor, there are currently 710 single-family homes in Vero Lakes Estates. With a limited amount of new growth, the projected maximum number of single-family homes in the subdivision will be slightly less than 1,046 residences within the next two years. The WAS office will supply FYN Handbooks and FYN Workbooks for use by these residents. Additional localized fact sheets about the Vcro Lakes 1~states project will be produced to explain the local perspective of FYN BMPs. ELM practices to be targeted in this project will focus on the following subjects: (1) irrigation efficiency, (2) yard waste minimization, (3) the appropriate application of mulch, (a) encouragement of wildlife habitats within the landscape, (5) use of integrated pest management as the appropriate method of pest control, (6) proper landscape plant selection and instillation, (7) management of storinwater runoff on the landscape, (8) adoption of recommended University of Florida landscape fertilization practices, and (9) canal/waterfront property management techniques. Forty ELM practices have been identified by the University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department as BMPs suitable for Florida Yards. These practices are listed on the `Florida Yardstick,' a poster and handout that will be distributed as an informational piece to program participants. Critical practices to be encouraged through the educational program that will address non -point source pollution reduction in the IRL include but are not limiters to the following practices: NPSP goal ELM BMP Reduction of fertilizer runoff * Reducing in the amount of soluble fertilizers applied to landscape sites. * Apply iron compounds instead of nitrogen to provide suunmcr green -up of turfgrass. * Apply no more than one pound of nitrogen per one thousand square feet of landscape area, with no more than half in soluble forms. Reduction in yard waste production * Elimination of unnecessary pruning practices. * Allow turfgrass clippings to remain on the lawn. Wildlife habitat improvement * Encourage native wildlife by planting food plants in the landscape. * Remove exotic invasive weed trees which displace native habitats Additional IFAS personnel hired over a 16 -month period will be required to deliver the FYN programming to the residents in the Vero Lakes Estates area. FYN volunteers will also be utilized in presenting some of the programs to the local homeowners, and will provide support for the follow-up communication necessary for continuity and accountability in the program. Page 22 of 28