TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
FROM: Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
DATE: February 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Economic Impact of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Proposed Stakeholder
Workshops
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BACKGROUND
The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (Board) has made significant investments to protect and restore the health of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), recognizing its vital role in our community’s quality of life and local economy. This commitment is evident through active participation in the Indian River Lagoon Council, ongoing land conservation along the lagoon, and major infrastructure projects such as stormwater treatment facilities and septic-to-sewer conversions, all supporting the Central Indian River Lagoon Basin Management Action Plan (CIRL BMAP).
Building on these efforts, the Board adopted the Indian River County Lagoon Management Plan (LMP) on September 26, 2023. The LMP provides a comprehensive framework to address key factors affecting lagoon health through scientific research, targeted restoration projects, and resiliency strategies that benefit both the IRL and our residents.
The County continues to advance projects that meet CIRL BMAP compliance requirements while implementing LMP priorities to accelerate lagoon recovery. Given the IRL’s significant economic and environmental impact and the scale of ongoing programs, establishing stakeholder workshops will strengthen engagement and expand public input, ensuring transparency and collaboration in shaping future restoration and management practices.
Historically, the County maintained the Marine Advisory and Narrows Watershed Action Committee (MANWAC), which advised on policies and plans related to lagoon preservation, enhancement, protection, and intergovernmental coordination. MANWAC was dissolved as part of a broader effort to consolidate advisory committees. Since then, staff have received inquiries about whether the Beach and Shores Advisory Committee could address lagoon-related topics; however, that committee remains focused exclusively on coastal issues and is at capacity. Given our ongoing efforts toward the LMP and the CIRL BMAP, stakeholder engagement is increasingly critical. Workshops offer a flexible, collaborative approach to advancing these initiatives.
ANALYSIS
The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program commissioned the Balmoral Group to conduct an economic analysis of the IRL. The study found that the lagoon generates approximately $28 billion in annual regional spending through activities such as recreational fishing, boating, tourism, commercial fishing, boat-building, natural resource management, and lagoon-driven aerospace. Habitat restoration projects within the IRL are projected to yield a 24-to-1 return on investment.
The IRL is not only an economic engine but also a critical ecological resource supporting diverse habitats and species. With the Indian River County Lagoon Management Plan and the CIRL BMAP guiding the County’s water quality and restoration efforts, now is an opportune time to host stakeholder workshops focused on these priorities. These workshops would provide a formal mechanism for local input on project planning, enhance communication across jurisdictions, and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders. While the County remains an active participant in the Indian River Lagoon Council, local stakeholder workshops would focus on County-specific priorities, foster community engagement, and create opportunities to share lessons learned, best practices, and collaborative strategies.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There is no cost to the County associated with this request.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Adoption of the Indian River County Lagoon Management Plan (23-0872)
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Update on workshops
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Indian River County Lagoon Management Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve staff to host two stakeholder workshops, one focused on the Lagoon Management Plan and the other focused on the Central Indian River Lagoon Basin Management Action Plan.