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| Home > Departments > Community Development > Code Enforcement Division > Environmental Planning Section > Environmental Lands Program |
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Over
the past decade, Indian River County, and Florida as a whole,
have experienced substantial population growth and land development.
In 1990, both the State and the County took measures designed
to conserve significant natural resources that might otherwise
be subject to development. At that time, the State legislature
enacted Preservation 2000, a ten-year, $3 billion statewide
program of public land acquisition for natural area conservation
and compatible public recreation purposes. In turn, Indian River
County adopted objectives and policies in its 1990 Comprehensive
Plan that resulted in the establishment of the Indian River
County Environmental Lands Program, subsequently funded by a
1992 $26 million ad valorem tax bond referendum.
PURPOSE
- The
primary purpose and objective of the County Environmental
Lands Program is to protect, restore and sustain endangered
ecosystems and associated rare and endangered species in
Indian River County.
- Secondary
objectives of the program include public passive recreation;
preservation of open space; groundwater quality protection;
flood protection; protection of historic and cultural resources;
and general preservation of "quality of life."
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Indian River County
Eco-Heritage Interactive Tour
Take an interactive tour of the natural and historical resources of Indian River County.
Expore a vast array of activities and attractions includes hiking, fishing, wild life viewing, canoeing, recreational parks, historical museums, memorials, old homes, wildlife refuges, archaeological sites, cemeteries, much more.
Content provided by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and made possible with a grant form the Indian River County Tourist Development Council
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HISTORY
- September
1990 - County Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (LAAC)
formed, consisting of 17 members with diverse representation
of groups and interests from throughout the country.
- May
1991 - Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
adopt the Land Acquisition Guide, establishing environmental
land site selection and acquisition guidelines and procedures.
- November
1992 - Voters approve environmental lands acquisition bond
referendum, up to $26 million, ½ million ad valorem
tax not to exceed 15 years.
- August
1994 - County retains an environmental lands acquisition
consultant, Florida Affinity, Inc.
- July
1995 - County issues first series of bonds, $15 million
- 1995-October
1998 - County acquires 15 environmental land project sites
- January
1999 - County hires full-time Conservation Lands Manager
as part of County staff to actively manage the project sites
acquired
- 2003
- County issues second series of bonds, $11 million
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CONSERVATION AREAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA – North Sebastian Conservation Area - the Gibson Street Entrance is located behind the Sebastian City Hall Complex, off of Main Street. From US 1, go East on Main Street, across the railroad tracks, go past the new Sebastian City Hall Complex to Gibson Street and turn right. Parking is available in the adjacent city complex lot. The Equestrian Entrance is located on Main Street further west; across from the Post Office.
- OSLO RIVERFRONT CONSERVATION AREA – 9TH Street SE (Oslo Road), east of US 1, behind the South Vero Squares Shopping Center
SOUTH OSLO RIVERFRONT CONSERVEATION AREA - 9TH Street SE (Oslo Road), east of US 1, behind the South Vero Squares Shopping Center (use ORCA Parking Area, entrance is approximately 1000’ east of ORCA parking on the south side of the road)
- CAPTAIN FORSTER HAMMOCK PRESERVE – Jungle Trail, off of County Road 510 on the Barrier Island. Go South on Jungle Trail 1 mile from County Road 510, entrance is on the east side of the road.
- PELICAN ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – Jungle Trail, off of State Road A1A, approximately 4 miles North of County Road 510. Turn left onto Jungle Trail, first entrance is on the east side of Jungle Trail – second entrance is approximately ½ mile on the west side of Jungle Trail.
http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/ - link to USFWS for more information
- SEBASTIAN RIVER CANOE LAUNCH – at the juncture of County Roads 510 & 512, go North toward Fisher Lake Estates Subdivision. Entrance is on the east side of the road.
- CARSON PLATT ESTATE/PART OF THE ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK – multiple entrances, please see link to Florida State Parks: http://www.floridastateparks.org/stsebastian/default.cfm
- PRANGE ISLAND CONSERVATION AREA – accessible by boat only – south of the 17th Street Bridge on the east side of the Lagoon.
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