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only additions, clarifications, and technical editing changes were made. Now staff is requesting that the Board approve the modifications for transmittal of the finalized CMP to the State. Summary of CMP The purpose of the CMP is to establish a strategy that equitably balances manatee protection, habitat preservation, and boating safety with commercial and recreational marine interests. The principal focus of this effort is the identification and implementation of protection and management practices necessary to ensure the recovery and protection of the Florida manatee's population. The plan is divided into three parts: Existing Conditions, Analysis, and Action Plan. The Existing Conditions section provides data and information regarding manatee habitat and mortality, boating activity, public awareness and education, and boat facilities. The Analysis section reviews the existing speed zone plan and suggests changes based on recent manatee mortality and boat safety issues. A main component of this section is the establishment of Marina Siting Zones. Future marina development will be directed away from sensitive manatee habitat and directed towards areas where marinas are more appropriate. Finally, the Action Plan details objectives and policies that will implement manatee protection and boating safety measures and provides a method by which the county can measure the success or failure of this plan. Summary of Modifications Attached is a Comment/Response Matrix that identifies the FWC's comments on the 1999 draft CMP and the County's response. FWC's comments were similar to concerns expressed by the SMC and the FWS. County staff changes to the 1999 draft MPP, to address FWC comments, are depicted in the revised MPP in the form of shikedimugh (deletions) and underline (additions). As indicated in the matrix, clarifications were made to the plan by adding definitions of "High" and "Occasional" Manatee Use areas as well as "High Watercraft -Related Manatee Mortality". Also, information regarding existing marina facilities was updated to reflect the results of a survey conducted in January 2000. Finally, Section 1.2 of the Action Plan was expanded to include all criteria used in the evaluation of proposed marina projects. Within that section, the following additions were made: clarified techniques to be used to determine percent coverage of submerged aquatic vegetation; - included techniques for evaluation of projects to determine if they are within High or Occasional Manatee Use areas and/or a High Watercraft -Related Manatee Mortality area; - clarified what the results of the evaluation methodology may be; and - added a flow chart that illustrates the evaluation process to be followed when reviewing marina projects. The modified CMP was considered by the MANWAC at its meeting on June 5, 2000 (see attached unapproved minutes). Since there was not a quorum present, a consensus was established. The consensus of the members present was that the plan be forwarded to the BCC with minor changes. Those minor changes are reflected in the attached plan. Both the FWC and the SMC have given tacit approval to the plan as presented, so there should be no further agency dictated changes. County staff is now presenting the finalized plan for Board consideration to approve the plan and authorize its transmittal to the State for Governor and Cabinet approval. AUGUST 229 2000 -80- BKIILow PG706