Agenda - 02-15-2011 - 7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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~. include our "green infrastructure"-a web of natural green space, vital for wildlife corridors, recreational trails, and protecting the many rivers and streams that supply our drinking water. Another critical part of that resource base is the county's prime farmland used to produce agricultural goods and services. Lands Legacy has responded to the agricultural community's interest in preserving farmland, and in doing so, helping to recapitalize participating farms with an infusion of funds and an opportunity to diversify their products to meet the demands of the strong local food movement all without reducing the local tax base2. Finally, many important historic and archaeological sites, part of our cultural heritage that contributes to tourism, are being lost due to lack of information and adequate safeguards, and over 40 percent of the County's most important natural heritage areas remain unprotected. The cost of conservation Orange County's land conservation over the past 10 yeazs cost the County $3,980 per acre-less than 1% of the County's budget over that period. Those funds went towazd the direct conservation of 2,547 acres by the County, plus an additional 1,453 acres acquired by the State for Eno River State Park and for the portion of Little River Park located in Durham County. Over time the price of land has risen steadily in this region, and after the current slow down prices will rise again. Some of the land the County purchased through Lands Legacy is being "land banked" for future parks. In the meantime, much of that land remains in use for agricultural production through temporary arrangements with neazby farmers. Part of a state and regional effort to protect vital resources Lands Legacy is part of a statewide effort to identify the most important resource lands and to distinguish them from areas more suitable for future development. Orange County was an active participant in formulating the Triangle Greenprint and One NC Naturally. We are also working with neighboring jurisdictions to extend the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail through the central Piedmont. Similar efforts are going on in Durham and Wake counties, and Chatham County is currently developing a countywide conservation plan. An award winning program Lands Legacy has been recognized for its achievements. In 2007 Orange County received the Excellence in County Planning Award from the National Association of County Planners. The program was twice runner-up for the national County Leadership in Conservation Award by the National Association of Counties and Trust for Public Land. In 2003 the Conservation Trust for NC recognized Orange and Durham counties with the Government Partner Conservation Award for their joint establishment of Little River Regional Park. And finally, the NC Soil and Water Conservation Society awarded the Local Government Conservationist Award in 2007. z Local property taxes were unaffected because the farms were already enrolled in the present use value program; more than half of the funds used. to purchase easements were from state/federal grants and landowner donations. 3