Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
133 <br />the tract and McGowan Creek (which forms the eastern boundary) are significant water <br />resources and wildlife corridors that should be protected from any future development activities. <br />Cultural Resources: There are no previously identified historic properties or resources located on <br />the subject parcel or on adjacent parcels. The current Cemetery Census map does not show any <br />identified burials on this parcel. <br />FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN <br />A Forest Stewardship Plan was prepared in 2013 by Richard Sanders with support from the USDA Forest <br />Service, the NC Forest Service and the Eno River Association. A copy of the plan is included in the <br />appendices. Forest management objectives for the subject property identified in the plan include: <br />• Protection and enhancement of soil and water resources <br />• Generation of income from sound silviculture practices <br />• Conservation of open space through sale of development rights <br />• Facilitation of application of permaculture principles and practices <br />• Maintenance and improvement of wildlife habitat <br />• Family legacy <br />The plan also addresses several elements of natural resources including soil and water, biological <br />diversity, aesthetic quality, recreation, timber, fish and wildlife, threatened and endangered species, <br />forest health, archeological, cultural & historic sites, wetlands, fire, carbon cycle, and <br />s i I vo pa stu re /ag rofo rest ry. <br />SITE RECONNAISSANCE <br />Past and Current Land Use <br />According the current land owner, Alana Ennis, the land has previously been used for farming and <br />timber. It has been in her immediate family since 1962, and Ms. Ennis has owned the property since <br />1991, so she has firsthand knowledge. This statement is supported by historical aerial photographs. <br />The land is currently being used for farming and timber, as well as recreational activities such as hiking. <br />The developer of the proposed community, Hart's Mill, LLC, holds a lease on the property as well as an <br />option to purchase. Members of the group have spent considerable time on the site for maintenance, <br />social activities, gardening and clearing trails. These activities have provided ample opportunities for <br />observation of soils, flora, fauna and artifacts. <br />Woodland <br />Much of the property was heavily cutover in the late 1990's. Following this timber harvest, a site prep <br />burn was conducted to remove logging slash and facilitate artificial regeneration of loblolly pines, which <br />were planted around 1999. Overall, the pines have performed well, reaching heights of about 40 feet <br />Hart's Mill Environmental Assessment 1 4 <br />