The proposed Mangrove Restoration Program was a central topic, with committee members envisioning how it might be structured if funding is secured through the village’s budget or external grants. An innovative suggestion was to allow residents to apply for grants supporting the installation of living shorelines, either as standalone projects or as enhancements to existing seawalls. This approach aims to foster community involvement while addressing environmental concerns.

The committee emphasized the importance of presenting a well-defined plan to the Village Council, stressing that a structured approach is essential for successfully securing funding. There was a discussion about involving the Environmental Advisory Committee in reviewing grant applications and establishing scoring criteria based on factors such as need and the applicants’ financial contributions. The goal was to ensure the grant process remains accessible and user-friendly, avoiding the complexities often associated with federal grants.

Beyond funding discussions, the meeting’s agenda included varied topics related to environmental sustainability. A presentation on Green Building certification systems highlighted the potential financial and environmental benefits of adopting systems like LEED, FGBC, NGBS, and Energy Star Home certification. The presentation emphasized the importance of energy efficiency and resource conservation in building practices, noting that incentives to encourage homeowners and developers to pursue these certifications would be explored in a future session.

The conversation then shifted to the village’s tree code, with a focus on updating the list of prohibited species. The landscape architect introduced a list developed by the University of Florida, targeting non-native species such as the lofty fig and banyan tree. Concerns were raised about banyan trees due to their aggressive root systems and potential infrastructure issues, although existing trees may remain while new plantings are discouraged. The eucalyptus tree was also discussed, with recommendations for its continued prohibition based on its fast growth and high water usage.

Further deliberations centered on species listed by the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) that are not currently prohibited in the Village of Tequesta. There was agreement that species on the FISC list should be prohibited locally, although discretion was suggested for certain species if deemed suitable by the village landscape architect. The discussion covered various species, including glossy privet and sapodilla, and the need to review non-tree species for potential inclusion in the prohibited list was noted.

Innovative projects involving shoreline restoration were also presented, with a focus on enhancing stability and promoting environmental health. This project, completed without the use of traditional barges, illustrated the feasibility of such methods in enhancing coastal resilience.

The concept of “Iron Wall Defenses” was introduced. These structures are designed to enhance the growth of seagrasses and mangroves while mitigating storm impacts. The committee discussed the role of these innovative solutions in increasing the footprint of seagrass in surrounding areas, highlighting recent successes in Jupiter Islands.

The committee also addressed the challenges of beach restoration, particularly the high costs associated with traditional methods, and explored the cost-effectiveness of new structures compared to conventional riprap techniques. The importance of designing structures with gaps to allow for the escape of marine life, such as manatees, was emphasized, along with the ecological benefits of promoting habitat creation.

Finally, the meeting concluded with a discussion on the potential for nighttime meetings to increase public attendance and community engagement. The committee agreed to consider organizing an evening session during the winter season, with February identified as an optimal time. This initiative aims to enhance community involvement and align with the committee’s educational objectives surrounding living shorelines.