Agenda - 11-12-2013 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Over time the price of land has risen steadily in this region, and after the recent economic slowdown, prices are expected to begin to rise again. Some of the land the County purchased through Lands Legacy is "land banked" for identified future parks. In the meantime, that land is in stewardship, with much of it in use for agricultural production through temporary arrangements with nearby 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 the Triangle Greenprint and One NC Naturally, and is working with neighboring jurisdictions to extend the Mountains -to -Sea Trail through the central Piedmont. An award winning program Lands Legacy has been recognized for its successful efforts. In 2007 Orange County received the national Excellence in County Planning Award from the National Association of County Planners. The program was also 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 joint establishment of Little River Regional Park. And in 2007, the NC Soil & Water Conservation Society awarded Orange County the Local Government Conservationist Award. Still important to conserve land? Through Lands Legacy, Orange County has made long -term investments in preserving its precious natural and cultural heritage —part of the county's foundation for maintaining a vibrant quality of life. With the Triangle Region expecting another 400,000 residents by 20151, and two interstate highways running through the county's midsection, the protection of these assets will reap countless benefits in the future. Those assets 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, a major part of the local economy. Lands Legacy has responded to the agricultural community's interest in preserving farmland, and in doing so helped 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. By 2015 the Triangle Region's population is expected to increase from 2.05 million (20 10) to 2.4 million people (Source: Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census of Population. Esri forecasts for 2010 and 2015) 2 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. Oil 0