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approximately 2,500 square feet in size, and located on the east - central portion of the proposed development site. The South Midden is densely forested and relatively intact, is approximately 14,400 square feet in size, and runs virtually the entire length of the development site near Jungle Trail. According to the survey, the South Midden contains indigenous ceramic pottery and shell tools. No evidence of human remains was found on the overall site. Impacts The archaeological consultant indicates that the proposed River Villas Phase III development will have minimal impact on the South Midden. Approximately 1,800 square feet of the North Midden, however, falls within the footprint of a proposed 24 -unit building. More specifically, the top two feet of the midden within the footprint of the building will be disturbed, with the remainder undisturbed except by compaction. The consultant indicates that although the North Midden will undergo some disturbance (as described), this represents only +10% of the total North and South Middens. For this reason, the proposed development would not substantially affect the overall archaeological value of the remnant middens, since future analysis could occur on the remaining preserved portions (90%) of the middens. Archaeologist's Recommendations Following is a summary of recommendations made by Storm L. Richards and Associates, Inc. concerning protection of the remnant middens in conjunction with development of River Villas Phase III. Preserve and discourage excavation of the 90% portion of the identified middens that will be unimpacted by the proposed development. This should be accomplished by covering the area with soil and "light" landscaping to protect the archaeological materials and to discourage further unauthorized removal of artifacts. • Have a certified archaeologist, employed by the developer, on site as needed during construction excavation to identify and retrieve any significant artifacts. The developer should formally request the return of artifacts removed from the property - by local collectors. The developer should identify the location of the middens with signage and display certain retrieved artifacts, and possibly prepare a brochure about the Blue Goose Midden for educational purposes. It is county staff's position that these recommendations are appropriate, and that the developer should be allowed to impact approximately 10% of the identified midden area as described, conditioned upon the archaeologist's recommendations listed above. Further, staff feels it is appropriate to require that the developer execute a conservation easement with Indian River County that would overlay the preserved midden areas. This conservation easement would be worded to limit only those activities that would be detrimental to the archaeological resource. At its meeting on November 14th, HRAC concurred with the archaeologist's and staff's recommendations, as reflected in HRAC's 23 December 10, 1996 800K 99 ur,06