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232 0 Chapter 6: Natural and Cultural Systems Element STATUS OF RARE PLANTS AND ANIMALS The conversion of natural lands to urban or suburban uses results in habitat loss for native plants and animals, and can result in loss of native species. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program maintains a list of rare plant and animal species and classifies them as endangered, threatened or species of concern. The status of Orange County's rare plant and animal species is provided in Appendix L. Since 2002 three species (Carolina darter, sharp- shinned hawk, small whorled pogonia) were changed from the "Current" to the "Historic" category, meaning that they have not been observed in Orange County during the past 20 years. The 2004 update of the Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat for Orange County, North Carolina confirmed the previous documentation of several rare species within the county's natural areas and added one new species, the Carolina Ladle Crayfish. LAND PROTECTION EFFORTS Early efforts to conserve land in Orange County include Duke University's purchase of large tracts of land (including abandoned farmland) in the 1920s and 30s. The land was managed for forestry research and education, and later for timber production. Duke Forest continued to grow and many sections were recognized for their conservation value. In 2004, Duke University registered 1,220 acres for voluntary protection with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Today, Duke is the largest landowner in the County, owning more than 5,000 acres of land. Duke Forest provides an excellent model of sustainable land management. The State of North Carolina began purchasing lands for the new Eno River State Park beginning in the 1970s. The linear park was established around large natural areas associated with the river. Acquisition of land along the Eno from Durham to Hillsborough continues today pursuant to the state park master plan. Now more than two - thirds of the state park (3,160 acres) is in Orange County. The State has also acquired. 160 acres along the Eno near Hillsborough for Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. In the 1980s the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) started acquiring lands in Bingham Township for the Cane Creek Reservoir and later acquired more land in the watershed to protect drinking water supplies. In 1984 the University of North Carolina dedicated 367 acres as the Mason Farm Biological Reserve. During the 1980s and 1990s the Triangle Land Conservancy, the Eno River Association, and others used the aforementioned inventories and plans to protect critical resource lands along important river corridors. Significant natural resource lands are also protected as part of the development approval process administered by the Orange County Planning Department. The zoning and subdivision ordinances Unified Development Ordinance requires that important natural resources be identified and avoided. Some of those areas are set aside as private open space or are dedicated to the County for open space and low- 0va+1geiCcvnty Co-nVrehensvve,Pla.vi. Page 6 -63