Agenda - 05-30-2013 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DEAPR - continued DEAPR: Natural and Cultural Resources Division Major Services • The Natural and Cultural Resources (NCR) Division provides a wide range of services in the areas of land conservation; water resources policy analysis; protection of significant historic /cultural resources agricultural land preservation, and efforts to implement the long -term goal of environmental responsibility in county government. • The Lands Legacy Program works to conserve high priority natural and cultural resource lands, with landowners and other partners (e.g., land trusts, universities, other jurisdictions). • The Local Historic Landmark Program recognizes properties and groups of properties (districts) with local historic and architectural significance. Once designated, individual local landmarks are eligible for a 50% property tax deferral. All designated properties (individual and districts) are subject to a design review process prior to making exterior changes. The program is administered through the Historic Preservation Commission. • Orange Well Net is a groundwater, observation well network established by the County and other partners in 2010. The network currently includes six bedrock wells that monitor fluctuations in bedrock groundwater levels. This information is used to inform the public and officials about groundwater supply issues, including the impact of natural phenomena (such as drought) on groundwater in Orange County. Groundwater levels are collected hourly, and this information is made available to the public on the NC Division of Water Resources web page. • H2Orange is a multi - departmental initiative, led by DEAPR NCR, to share information on County water resources, including: reservoir levels, surface water data, drought information (historic /current), water conservation, stormwater and erosion control information, and weather. • The goal of Environmental Responsibility in County Government was adopted by Orange County in December 2005. DEAPR works with other county departments to implement objectives that support the goal of performing County functions with sensitivity and ethics that promotes environmental responsibility and leadership. • The NCR Division maintains a comprehensive database of significant natural and cultural resources in Orange County. These data are updated regularly; most are available electronically for use by other County departments, other jurisdictions, partner entities, and the general public. FY 2011 -12 Outcomes • Secure and fund permanent conservation easement to protect Thompson farm (40 acres). • Acquired 1.07 -acre addition to the Sevenmile Creek Preserve (Brooks' donation). • Developed request for new County water allocation from Jordan Lake, with assistance from other departments. • Helped a landowner designate the Captain John S. Pope Farm as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Organized the 2013 Agricultural Summit. • Prepared joint NCDOT application for proposed Old Well to Jordan Lake Scenic Byway. Ii [IL!