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Page 2 37 <br />Using this information; we should devise a comprehensive resource <br />conservation plan for Orange Counry. Once we have this plan, we can begin 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 land whether in <br />the form of conservation easements, purchase of development rights, fee <br />simple; or other conservation tools_ <br />Although two million dollars is a relatively small amount of money, it <br />can be considered seed money for future funding, used perhaps to match <br />available state funds from the Natural Heritage and Clean Water Trust Funds. <br />Later we can seek other methods of financing 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 cornmunity as <br />development is our area increases. <br />To facilitate the development and implementation of a Comprehensive <br />Resource Conservation Program we should focus county efforts in a new <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Department as proposed. <br />Coordination of County Departments to Support This Program <br />Planning Department. There would be extensive cooperation between <br />the Planning Department and the new Environment 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 Orange County's Future. <br />Recreation 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 Departments and Boards. There would be cooperation with other <br />depa rents and/or advisory boards. For exa -ple, there would most likely be <br />cooperation with the Purchasing Department and with the Agricultural <br />Districts Advisory Board. <br />Imolerrmencation <br />1. Continue the one cent school/park reserve fund. <br />2. Hold a work 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 />