Agenda - 03-03-2011 - 7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 4 27 to oversee activity in the park. The race course would be around the perimeter of the field areas, thus eliminating the need for interim trail construction through the forest. The cost of County staff, port-a- johns, signage, etc would be covered by parking/admission fees charged for the event. Orange County would sponsor or co-sponsor the event. Winterfest, Music Festival or Other Special Events -Orange County's Egg Hunt and Jazz Festivals have both been held at this future park. These events were ongoing budgeted events. The cost varied considerably due to the complexity of the activity and related expenses. Neither is currently planned or budgeted. Staff resources are currently insufficient to plan and run a large event. Current policy allows use of future park properties only for County sponsored or co-sponsored events, considered on a case-by-case basis. Public Safety Activities -Activities that enhance or improve public safety in Orange County are considered on a case-by-case basis. This has been the primary activity at the site to date. Training exercises by the Orange County Sheriff's Department have been held, and the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise is scheduled annually under this provision. Interim Management Actions The following actions are recommended to address safety, enhance the resources present on site, and prepare for limited access by the public. Signage -DEAPR staff will post signs at various locations to warn lawful visitors of obvious dangers so that they understand the risks. Signs will be posted at the entrance, around the farm buildings, at the pond, and any other known areas with potential hazards. Staff will also warn visitors of the potential for hidden hazards on the property. Relocation of Beavers -The DEAPR Land Stewardship and Management Team has been working to address re-location of a large number of beavers from the site. Over the past several years, damage to the forest northeast of the pond -and the pond itself -has occurred and needs to be addressed before resources are lost. The beaver population has increased each year, thus increasing the impact on the property. The dam, pond and spillway require regular maintenance and oversight to combat the beavers' industrious activity. Relocation would be contracted to a licensed firm that specializes in this work. Re-establishment of Orchard -The former orchard is currently reduced to a fig tree and two pear trees. In addition there are large pecan trees and Muscadine grapes on site. DEAPR staff, working in conjunction with Cooperative Extension staff, proposes to provide upgraded care and management of the existing trees and gradually introduce additional complementary species. Re-introduction of Native Species (e.g., Quail) -With most of the Park to be left in a largely- natural state, there is an opportunity for the County to manage the land with nature conservation as one of its primary goals, consistent with the master plan. The introduction of native song birds, grassland birds and early successional birds will be one of the primary objectives, along with the eradication of invasive plant growth and re-introduction of native plants. Meadow Restoration and Establishment - In conjunction with the above-mentioned land management for native species, is a proposed parallel effort -the re-establishment of a native meadow or grassland. Native grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe. The County could re-establish and preserve a small native grassland at this property, consistent with the proposed 2