Agenda - 10-20-1998 - 9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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16 Possible Interim Program for Land Acquisition During the interim period when the necessary process, prioritization and program for the Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program is being developed, there may be occasions where the County will be approached about voluntary donation of land, either through conservation easement or fee - simple dedication. The County has, for several years, promoted voluntary donations of land, and has sponsored conservation easement workshops for the public and created incentives for land conservation within its Flexible Development standards in the Subdivision Regulations. By working with existing State and Federal agencies to promote programs such as the Forest Stewardship Program, the Conservation Reserve Program, and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, among others,, the County can enhance voluntary land conservation initiatives. Interim Acquisition Of Conservation Easements and Purchase of Land Prior to developing a Comprehensive Resources Acquisition Program, the County may desire to acquire conservation easements from willing property owners, when such proposed acquisitions are consistent with resource preservation goals. Such proposed acquisitions may be motivated by a landowner's estate plans, or by other initiatives. The County may also be presented with the opportunity to purchase desirable parcels of land. In order to move quickly in such instances, the County should acquire the ability to negotiate an acquisition, execute the necessary documentation, and accept the donation or obtain title to the land. In these cases, the County would provide stewardship and /or acquisition funds at the outset. To facilitate these activities, the County will hire a Natural Resources Conservation Manager. Among the abilities of this new position will be significant expertise in identification and prioritization of natural resources, and substantial experience in the negotiation of land acquisition. It is recommended that the County begin to develop an interim program based on the above, and report back to the Board with a proposed interim acquisition program.