Agenda - 12-14-2010-13 (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA ITEM • INITIAL REPORT AND DISCUSSION OF THE NOVEMBER 30, 2010 COMMUNITY MEETING AND PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN, AND NEXT STEPS PURPOSE • Provide a brief report on the November 30, 2010 Community Meeting and public comments on the draft Forestry Management Plan, and receive the Board's guidance. BACKGROUND • The Board of Directors previously concurred with the NC Division of Forest Resources' (NCDFR), NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) staff's, and OWASA staff's recommendation that we draft a plan for sustainable management of our forest lands. • OWASA's forestry consultant, True North Forest Management Services, drafted a Forestry Management Plan for 17 parcels comprising about 1,900 acres. The draft plan includes recommendations and a general timetable. • The draft plan has been reviewed by staff of NCDFR and NCWRC, and the Duke Forest Resource Manager, and their comments have been considered in the development of the draft plan. The Natural Resources and Technical Systems Committee discussed the draft plan on October 19, 2010. • On November 30, 2010 OWASA held a Community Meeting to provide information and receive questions and comments from nearby landowners and other interested citizens regarding the draft plan. More than 150 people attended, and about 40 people spoke. • We will draft a report addressing all of the questions, comments, concerns, and recommendations we received at the meeting and through e-mail, regular mail, and telephone calls. • OWASA staff initially requested public comments on this matter by December 2, 2010. We will continue to receive and welcome comments from the public until the Board takes action on a final plan for OWASA's forest lands. ACTION NEEDED • Discussion and guidance; no formal action is requested. December 9, 2010