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,~ nine rare and endangered species of aquatic life. Adjacent to this property, there are 24 acres under conservation easement held by Orange County. The City of Raleigh is contributing money through the Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative. The County is being asked to contribute $250,000 toward the purchase price of $1.1 million. The Eno River Association negotiated a contract with the owner to purchase this land over three years. However, with the State funds, local government funds, and Eno River Association private funds, the association intends to close on the purchase of this property on December 18th. In doing so, over $190,000 will be saved in additional fees. Following the acquisition, the Eno River Association will convey a conservation easement on the property to the State of North Carolina for the wooded stream buffers along the perimeter of the property, and a separate conservation easement to Orange County for the entire property. The conservation easement would limit the future use of the property for low-impact recreation, educational purposes, and continued limited agricultural use. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the resolution authorizing the following: a) the County's contribution of $250,000 toward the purchase of the Eno Confluence property with a transfer of funds for a closing on the purchase expected to occur on or about December 18, 2007; and b) the County entering into an agreement with the Eno River Association that stipulates the Eno River Association will grant a conservation easement to the County on or before December 31, 2008; and c) the Chair and the Clerk to sign said agreement, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney; and d) the Chair and the Clerk to sign the conservation easement agreement, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Foushee read the resolution. RESOLUTION Authorization to Accept a Conservation Easement from the Eno River Association for the Eno Confluence Property WHEREAS, Orange County has adopted goals promoting the preservation of natural areas, wildlife habitat, farmland and open space in the County; and WHEREAS, one component of the Lands Legacy Program is the acquisition of conservation easements on lands that include natural areas, wildlife habitat and riparian buffers within water supply watersheds; and WHEREAS, Orange County and the Eno River Association, a private non-profit land trust with similar conservation goals, have agreed to collaborate on the acquisition and protection of riparian buffers and aquatic habitat in the Upper Eno watershed; and WHEREAS, Orange County and the Eno River Association were awarded a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to protect a 110-acre property located at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Eno River ("Eno Confluence"); and