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46 <br />Page 2 <br />li sing this information, we should devise a comprehensive resource <br />conservation plan for Orange County. Once we have this plan, we can ~~ to <br />acquire land. We have a fund now of between one and two million dollars for <br />school park sites, but no active method of finding and acquiring sites. we <br />have no comprehensive plan for the acquisition of other resources. However, <br />Land prices are escalating at an unprecedented rate and potential sites are <br />being developed. With this fund we can set about purchasing Iand whether in <br />the form of conservation easements, purchase of development rights, fee <br />simple; or other conservation tools. <br />Although two miU.ion dollars is a relatively small amount of money, it <br />can be considered seed money for future funding, used perhaps tv match <br />available state funds from the Natural Heritage and Clean Water Trust Funds. <br />Later we can seek other methods of fuzancing to provide a continuing source <br />of funds to purchase and maintain natural areas, farmland, and recreational <br />properties, which will balance the quality of life in our cosnmunity as <br />development in our area increases. <br />Tv facilitate the development and implementation of a Comprehensive <br />Resource Conservation Frogram we should focus county efforts in a new <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Department as proposed. <br />Coordination of County Deva,rtments to Supj~Ort This Program <br />Planning DetaartmenS. There would be e.~ctensive cooperation between <br />the Funning Department and the new Fnvfronment and Resource <br />Conservation Department. For example, they would cooperate in the writing of <br />new elements for the county's comprehensive plan and on efforts related to <br />Shaping Grange County's Future. <br />Rgcreatzon and Parks. The parks task force is working to develop a <br />master plan for recreation and parks. Their recommendations would be <br />integrated into the comprehensive resource conservation program. <br />Purchases could be arranged by the new department, and the department <br />could keep a record of all such purchases. <br />Other De~artnients and Boards. There would be cooperation with other <br />departuzents and/or advisory boards. For example, there would most likely be <br />cooperation with the Purchasing Department and with the Agricultural <br />Districts Advisory Board. <br />Implementation <br />1. Continue the one cent scb.ool/'park reserve fund. <br />2. Hold a wnric session in August or as soon as can be arranged to discuss <br />this proposed program and its relationship to existing preservation goals and <br />programs. <br />