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 consolid...
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