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~/ r .~_ ~) Club, resented a prepared statement (an attachment to these minutes -- on ~~ pages''}) . Dawson Sather spoke as Chief Investigator for the Natural Areas Inventory commissioned by the Environmental Affairs Board. He noted that approximately 25~ of the natural areas in Orange County are owned by Duke Forest. He reviewed the forest types and species of animals and plants that are rare and unique to the area noting that half of those natural areas are the best in Orange County. He reviewed the major streams which are a part of those natural areas and noted that it is critical that every step be taken to preserve these streams; the Eno River, the New Hope Creek and Morgan Creek. Beth Friedman spoke as an alumnus of Duke University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and as an Environmental Scientist. She referenced the training and education she had received in the studying of Duke Forest and noted its importance as a research area. She urged the Boards to insure that the resource uses supplied by Duke Forest are fully preserved in its present state. Joe Woodman, president of the Stoneycreek Neighborhood Association spoke in support of the proposal to designate Duke Forest as a Public Interest District. He noted that many of his neighbors had moved to this area from those areas that had been destroyed due to unchecked growth. He noted that until recently Duke University had fought against commercial and residential development of its properties. He expressed the hope that city officials and private interests can work together to a long-term plan that will prevent or greatly reduce commercial and high density residential development of Duke Forest and surrounding lands. Elizabeth Sokefeld spoke on behalf of the Duke Neighborhood Association. She expressed concern with protection of the integrity of Duke Forest. She urged the Commissioners to take whatever steps necessary to prevent Duke Forest from being developed. Jim Keighton, president of New Hope Audubon Society, expressed strong endorsement of the rezoning of lands including the Duke Forest tracts in Orange County as Public Interest Districts. Duke Forest along the New Hope Creek has been a major resource for the Audubon's education and recreation. He described some of the society's studies and programs associated with Duke Forest lands. David Lakin, spoke on behalf of the organization Save Duke Forest and presented a prepared statement (an attachment to these minutes on pages`~~]~36~jo. Laura Drey, presented a prepared statement (an attachment to these minutes on pages~f--.3~ . Mike Savino expressed concern with the comment that Duke Forest is private land noting that whatever anyone does with their property _ does affect others and their properties. He asked that all the Duke