Agenda - 09-05-1995 - IX-E - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 on specific criteria, including cropland and forestland productivity, as well as locally defined site assessment characteristics such as farm size, percentage of farm in agricultural use, and the presence of environmentally sensitive areas.The LESA system had been used extensively nationwide,and Forsyth County,North Carolina was notable among the jurisdictions which have used the system for this purpose. In May, 1994, the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board met with Board of Commissioners to review work completed to date on the LESA system, and administrative procedures and financial options for a PDR program. Subsequently, the Board of Commissioners adopted a bond calendar and proceeded with plans to hold a referendum on a$5.0 million farmland preservation program. In November, 1994,the bond issue was defetaed by a margin of 52% to 48%. Since the November bond referendum, the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board has focused on a more comprehensive approach to farmland preservation, including. • Conducting a Farmland Preservation Workshop with representatives from the American Farmland Trust invited to meet with the farm community and general population to identify successful methods of farmland preservation. • Conducting a series of staff training workshops involving Planning, Soil Conservation, and Agricultural Extension personnel in the use of voluntary conservation easements as a means of farmland preservation through estate planning. • Preparation of a"Future of Agriculture Study" (modeled after a similar project undertaken in Montgomery County,Maryland)to identify the role of agriculture in the local economy and serve as a component of the Economic Development Strategic Plan update. • Conducting a study of the feasibility of establishing a Land Trust in Orange County,including the applicability of such an approach to other goals; e.g., historic preservation, rural character protection, and natural resource preservation. • Consideration of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Study prepared by a Planning Intern as part part of program requirements for a Masters Degree in City& Regional Planning. • Review/revision of the Purchase of Development Rights Program,including the LESA system for evaluating farmland. • Preparation of a Farmland Preservation Element as part of the Comprehensive Plan which incorporates the findings and recommendations of the above workshops and studies. These objectives have been included in the attached Plan of Action. RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS Development of a farmland preservation program will involve the following commitment of staff resources: Planning Director Planner IIJSpecial Projects Planner I/GIS Administrative Assistant II Staff will compile data from time sheets concerning staff hours expended and costs associated with completion of this goal.Monthly reports will be distributed to County Manager,Agricultural Districts Advisory Board,Planning Board, and Board of Commissioners outlining monthly/cumulative staff hours and costs assigned to this project.