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PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2005 EMERGENCY HURRICANE SUPPLEMENTAL URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM Indian River County is requesting a $ 97, 750 grant from the Urban and Community Forestry Grant program . Grant funds, county funds, and community in-kind support will be used : 1 ) to perform exotic vegetation control on five acres heavily infested with Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) , a county owed natural area; 2) to plant trees to reforest this five-acre area at ORCA; and 3 ) to develop site-based educational workshops and materials for ORCA volunteers and for the general public that elucidate the environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees, that inspire residents to select tress wisely to minimize future storm damage, and that show residents how to plant and care for these trees . Indian River County is a fast- growing county with a current population of approximately 120, 000 people . Conversion of land from citrus production to housing development dramatically increases the need for tree-planting and associated educational efforts . Demonstrated Need Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne dramatically impacted the tree canopy throughout Indian River County. At the ORCA, these storms toppled the "Awesome Pine , " the former National Champion South Florida Slash Pine, large live oaks in wet areas , and some cabbage palms . In the grant target area, Brazilian pepper tress were uprooted and blown down into an impenetrable tangle . The included photographs depict this devastation. The included map shows the location of this area. Well-Defined Goals & Obiectives 1 ) To clear 5 acres of exotic vegetation at the ORCA; 2) To reforest the 5 acres with native trees and cabbage palms ; and 3 ) To educate the general public, ORCA volunteers, and Indian River County Parks Department staff about tree planting and care . Technical Correctness : During the first year of this grant, grant-partner Indian River Mosquito Control District will use its ASV tracked-vehicle with a Felco grinder to mulch the exotic vegetation covering five-acres . Volunteers will make two herbicide applications to the site to control weeds prior to tree planting . Dr Ken Langeland, Department of Agronomy, University of Florida, will assist with herbicide selection and applicator training.