Agenda - 06-22-1998 - 9d - Laserfiche WebLink

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