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

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E Lands Legacy Action Plan 2014 -17 DRAFT 10131113 For the period July 1, 2014 — June 30, 2017 Introduction The purpose of Orange County's Lands Legacy Program is to help protect the county's most important natural and cultural resource lands before they are damaged or lost to incompatible land -uses activities. Much has been accomplished by the County and its many partners, but there are still many special places needing some level of protection. Lands Legacy works with landowners who are interested in conserving their land. All projects are voluntary. Some properties are purchased outright to serve a specific public purpose, such as for a park or nature preserve, consistent with adopted county plans. Most properties protected through the program are accomplished with a conservation easement -- a permanent, legal agreement between the County and the landowner, whereby the land remains in private ownership. To qualify for a conservation easement the property must have special Alconservation values," the protection of which will provide meaningful and lasting public benefit (e.g., water supply watershed, prime farmland, natural heritage area, historic or cultural site). In most cases the property possesses multiple conservation values. Most projects completed through Lands Legacy are in partnership with other organizations, such as Eno River Association, Triangle Land Conservancy, Orange Water and Sewer Authority, Duke University, and other local governments. The County often uses state and federal matching grant funds to acquire land or to construct facilities. The Lands Legacy Program is guided by a three -year Action Plan that sets priorities for determining what projects to work on over the specified timeframe. The Lands Legacy Action Plan is prepared the DEAPR staff and adopted by the Board of Commissioners. Some projects are long -term efforts that span multiple action plans. The process of developing the Action Plan begins with staff identifying potential projects and asking the Board for initial guidance. Staff then meets with advisory boards for their input on development of priorities for the upcoming years. Some of that discussion with advisory boards is still ongoing through the end of November. Staff prepares a draft Plan and presents it to the Board of Commissioners for their consideration and feedback. The Action Plan is then finalized for Board approval prior to adoption of the County's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The following is the draft Action Plan is for the upcoming three fiscal years: 2014- 2017. Like the previous (current) action plan, this one focuses on fewer target areas. The reason for limiting the scope of projects is allow staff to complete one or more of the larger, multi -year priority projects. Staff is also adjusting to the reduced availability of state grant funds to local governments and the elimination of the NC Conservation Tax Credit (effective 12/31/13). The scaled -back plan will continue also enable the staff to tend to its land stewardship responsibilities of properties "land- banked" for future parks and preserves.