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6 <br /> August 21, 1995 <br /> Moses Carey, Chairman <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> Hillsborough, North Carolina <br /> Dear Moses:: <br /> The Orange County Chapter of the Triangle Land Conservancy <br /> proposes to define and delineate the major wildlife habitats of the <br /> County and to make recommendations as to how they can be <br /> protected. This twelve month project would provide significant data <br /> about the needs of animals which are becoming endangered due to <br /> the fast pace of growth in our area. The study will provide more <br /> specific information about the requirements of animals named in our <br /> 1987 Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange <br /> County. In order to carry out the next phase of the Inventory, we <br /> respectfully request $10,000 from the County to fund this project. <br /> Wildlife experts agree that fragmentation of habitat results in <br /> the decline of animal populations. Birds such as hooded warblers <br /> and whip-poor-wills require large interior tracts of hardwood <br /> forests, while creeks and rivers provide the natural corridors along <br /> which other animals find food and shelter. The precise identification <br /> of these forests and wildlife corridors will result in wise planning <br /> that will insure that we do not inadvertently destroy these <br /> endangered animals. <br /> We hope that this study in Orange County will provide a model <br /> for other counties in the Triangle, leading to a regional approach to <br /> wildlife protection. By viewing an entire ecosystem, experts can <br /> determine how best to plan for the survival of species in our area. <br /> Animals do not recognize political boundaries in their search for food. <br /> For example, mink, otter, and bobcat range from Mason Farm in <br /> Orange County to Jordan Lake in Durham and Chatham Counties. This <br />