Agenda - 08-04-1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • pule irtiiiereitg U 1 DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA 27706 SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OFFICE OF THE DUKE FOREST TELEPHONE(919)694-2421 July 18, 1986 Ms. Susan J. Smith, Planner Orange County Planning Department 106 E. Margaret Lane Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Ms. Smith: I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed Heartwood Development beside the Blackwood Division of the Duke Forest. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Orange County Planning Department and the Planning Board for their continued interest in protection of the natural resource values of the Duke Forest. Prior to receipt of your letter, I had spoken with Barry Jacobs about the project and subsequently met with Mr. Spence Dickinson, the applicant, who has explained his proposal to me. Basically, the number of dwelling units seems consistant with the intent of the "Rural Residential" classification, and the positioning of the homesites as indicated on the preliminary site plan revised June 16, 1986 appears to leave a wooded buffer along the perimeter. A possible improvement to this would be restrictive covenants protecting the buffer or some form of conservation easement. Adequately designed septic systems should not effect water quality, though Mr. Dickinson mentioned a package plant as a possibility for future developmental phases. That would be of some concern as it appeared to drain northward to a small stream eventually flowing to New Hope Creek. Otherwise, Mr. Dickinson's ideas are innovative and represent concern for multiple uses and provide a variety of amenities for the residents. I view the availability of the Duke Forest as a recreational facility to the residents of Heartwood in much the same manner as for others in the surrounding communities. It is available for hiking, jogging, picnicking and general enjoyment of nature. I have included a Discover Duke Forest brochure which summarizes permitted uses. We prefer that access be gained through the system of roads and fire trails which allows us, to some extent, to direct recreational use away from sensitive research projects or fragile ecosystems. This allows us to help protect study areas which our researchers consider important. We believe that we can provide these types of recreational benefits and still serve as an educational and research facility. I would be glad to answer any specific questions you may have, and again I appreciate the opportunity for input to the planning process. Sincerely, Lm Judson D. Edeburn Duke Forest Resource Manager JOE:lrr Enclosure cc: Dr. George F. Dutrow, Dean-w/o enclosure Mr. Barry Jacobs, Chairman, Orange County Planning Board