§ 23-202. Findings.

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners finds that:

(1)

The rivers and associated wetlands of the county provide:

a.

Scenic beauty;

b.

Flood control;

c.

Partial treatment of stormwater runoff; and

d.

Maintenance of a healthy fish and wildlife population.

(2)

Although specific alteration of wetlands and construction of structures within the river may result in minor alterations, these alterations could result in increasingly detrimental impacts to the riverine system.

(3)

Uplands which fringe wetlands play a vital role in buffering potentially degrading impacts of development.

(4)

Beneficial economic expansion continues to pressure the native habitat of threatened or endangered species.

(5)

Certain unique vegetative communities exist within the riverine system.

(6)

Freshwater wetlands assist in maintaining the hydraulic pressure which prevents the intrusion of saline water into groundwater.

(Ord. No. 90-17, § 2, 8-23-90)