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

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SOIL&VVATIi � 42 CONS Z-RVAi ION Orange Soil and Water Conservation District 306 Revere Road • P.O. Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 • Phone: (919) 732 -8181 • Ext. 2754 Fax: (919) 732 -7559 Auvust 19, 1998 To : Mr. John Link, County Manager From : Orange Soil and Water Conservation District Subject: Conservation District's Functions in Natural Resource Conservation Mr. Link, We have reviewed the proposal to form The Environment and Resource Conservation Department dated June 22, 1998 which emphasizes Elie importance of Natural Resource Conservation -in Orange County. We share the same concerns and would like to take this time to reinforce our commitment by making you aware of the resources the District and its partners have to offer. The local Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been and continue to be the backbone of natural resource conservation efforts in North Carolina and throughout the nation. Through the Conservation Partnership in North Carolina, county, state, and federal agencies combine to form a wide resource base which addresses many natural resource concerns. The District works hand in hand with The Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners to provide technical assistance to landowners involving natural resource conservation and management. Attached is a listing of the types of technical resources available to Orange County citizens through the Conservation Partnership. (See attachment A.) - The Conservation Partnership also provides a wide variety of financial resources. These include funding for technical assistance, cost sharing and incentive programs. These programs promote and assist citizens with installation of Best Management Practices which help to improve water quality and conserve resources. These programs also have a tremendous impact on sustaining and protecting the resource base in Orange County. Attached is a listing of the programs available and a summary of the impact of some of these programs. (See attachment B.) The District is committed to the preservation of agriculture in Orange County. Statute GS -139 allows the District to assume many functions relating to resource conservation in its respective county. (See attachment C.) The District and its staff are well - placed to help the county meets its farmland protection goals. The District has agreed to hold Conservation Easements. (See attachment D.) The District may be willing to expand its role in this area. Some unanswered question still remain as to available resources, and legal and regulatory auth