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• Local Historic Landmarks (4 easements) <br /> Lands Legacy Program <br /> Protecting special places in Orange County <br /> Rich Shaw said he would like to emphasize the importance of partnerships, especially <br /> as funding has lessened. He said partnerships with OWASA, universities and local <br /> government have allowed for the accomplishment of a lot of projects. <br /> Referring to the slide on Priority Projects, he said Bingham Township is still on the <br /> radar screen, though there have been some stops and starts. He said the goal with Mountains <br /> to the Sea is to connect the Seven Mile Creek area into Hillsborough and the Riverwalk and <br /> Occoneechee State Park. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked how much has been invested in the Mountains to Sea Trail. <br /> Rich Shaw said no land has been acquired specifically for the Mountains to Sea Trail, <br /> though the state has used parts of their property. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said the partnerships are important. She commended staff on <br /> this effort, and said they have done a good job of making use of their funds. <br /> Dave Stancil said the reason there is still $1.3 million in funding left is because of the <br /> many partnerships. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if the summary list of projects is in priority order. <br /> Rich Shaw answered no. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said she is supportive of the plan. She questioned whether all <br /> of the goals would be able to be addressed, given the limited monies. She asked about the <br /> prioritization of projects. <br /> Rich Shaw said a lot of this work is opportunity. He said some projects have been set <br /> aside due to lack of interest, and it is important to go with the flow. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he is so impressed with this project, and he would like to do <br /> the same type of land acquisition for affordable housing. He said that same aggressive mind <br /> set is needed. <br /> Chair Jacobs expressed his appreciation for this program. <br /> Chair Jacobs said he understands that OWASA has approached the County regarding <br /> the possibility of taking over recreation at Cane Creek. He questioned whether Cane Creek <br /> ought to be looked at as Bingham Township Park, with consideration of what uses can be <br /> made available to the public without compromising water quality. <br /> Stancil said staff is meeting with OWASA tomorrow. <br /> Chair Jacobs asked about payment-in-lieu projects. <br /> Dave Stancil said there are some payment lieu funds available for acquisition of land <br /> for open space and for construction. He said the new master plan speaks about payment in <br /> lieu. <br /> Chair Jacobs asked if there will be funds available that have not been budgeted. <br /> Dave Stancil said yes. He said the Bingham project in particular has funds available. <br /> Chair Jacobs said OWASA is no longer participating in conservation easement <br /> acquisition in its watersheds. He questioned whether this should be posed to the AOG to see <br /> if the governments would like to participate in protecting their own water supplies. He said the <br /> other option is to ask the OWASA board to re-consider participating. <br /> Chair Jacobs said the County has met twice with the Mayor of Durham to recommend <br /> that the city participate in easements in Little River and other parts of Orange County. He said <br /> the County is protecting Durham's water supply but the city is contributing nothing to preserve <br />