Agenda - 03-16-1999 - 9h - Laserfiche WebLink

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.-. • TRIANGLE_ LAND CONSERVANCY D 2 ~ ~ ~~7' (~ ~ " ~ I August 24, 1998 Emily Cameron Planner IULandscape Architect Orange County Planning Department 306F Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 Deaz Emily: 31 office 1100A Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27604 Mail PO Box 13031 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3031 tel 919.833.3662 fax 919.755.9356 Thank you for giving the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) the opportunity to review and comment on the conceptual plan for the Johnston Trust property. As indicated in the "site analysis and design response," TLC has been negotiating with SASS Properties to purchase 257+/- acres of the Johnston Trust property for a nature preserve. I believe that we are close to finalizing a purchase contract for the land. The only remaining issue seems to be how to deal with hurricane-damaged trees that aze visible from the portion of the tract to be developed. As TLC's expertise relates to the preservation and enjoyment of natural land, I will limit my comments on the conceptual plan to issues related to those resources: Protection of Significant Natural Areas: The exact location of the 257 acres that TLC is to purchase was based upon a map (copy enclosed) that indicates azeas of five different levels of environmental sensitivity. The map was developed as part of a detailed biological inventory conducted in 1994 by Elizabeth and James Pullman. SASS Properties has agreed to sell TLC all of the land identified within the first two levels of sensitivity (shown as blue and yellow on the map) and much of the land of the -third level of sensitivity (red on the map). The land to be purchased includes the portion of site Nl 1 in the Orange County Inventory of Natural Areas found on the Johnston Trust tract. It will also protect the existing wildlife corridor between Oosting Natural Area and the Korstian Division of Duke Forest and safeguard water quality in New Hope Creek and its tributaries. egg Trails and Public Access: TLC plans to establish hiking trails on the property that will be accessible to the general public and to homeowners in the new neighborhood. The trail system will run along New Hope Creek and both sides of the downstream portion. of Old Field Creek (see enclosed map). Steps built into the bluffs will allow neighbors in the new development to reach the trails below. TLC does not plan to develop trails in the southern portion of the property. This area is the most biologically diverse on the property, particulazly in the seeps and bogs along the Johnston Branch, and we aze concerned that heavy public use would impact it negatively. ® rocyclad papei