Agenda - 03-10-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Geologic resources in the Rural Buffer include both exemplary -exposed formations and mineral deposits which allow for commercial extraction. Two active quarries exist in the Rural Buffer and two other mineral deposits that could be mined commercially have been identified. One of the two is in the Duke Forest. The exemplary exposed formations consist primarily of bluffs and basalt flows in the New Hope Creek corridor. Certain subsurface formations other than mineral deposits are also relevant to land use planning. Faults, of which there are two in the Rural Buffer, and shear zones, of which there is one, can have bearing on the siting of such uses as dams and industrial buildings. Their location also affects the movement of groundwater. The Rural Buffer is an area rich in Iocal history. Within the district are three state recognized historic buildings, one dozen cemeteries and churchyards that can be considered historic, and over thirty archeological sites. Although historically significant sites are often part of the man-made environment and not natural features they are, nevertheless, unique physical features that can have an impact on growth patterns within the buffer . While visual amenities are not often considered in a survey of natural resources they should be for several reasons. The visual environment educates the viewer about possible problems in the environment. Unfortunately, many problems are not dealt with until they are visually evident. Similarly, everything that is seen effects human emotion and guides activity on the Iand. The overall image of the Rural Buffer is one of variety, which is most valuable to the visual environment. Harmonious visual variety Is not only more aesthetically pleasing but is more indicative of ecological stability and an environment tolerant of visual change. Lands in the buffer can be classified in three groups. Wild Iands are characterized by natural elements in a natural state. Agrarian Iands are natural elements in an altered state, such as a planted field or pasture. The third element is settlement areas. These Iands are dominated by man-made elements. INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT Existing Iand use in the Rural Buffer is characterized by very low residential densities. Of the 44,000 acres in the Joint Planning Area (Rural Buffer and Transition areas) nearly three-fourl-hs: ins open space or undeveloped land. Less than 3,600 acres' i s. r..r rro`s i dent l`a=1 use. While housing try in the Rural Buffer is Iow the current pace of develop:rrren.t and construction activity is high and i ncreas 1 Tinto I n� r er. Tft news.,, -I ots created i n the University Lake ` Erite etritrrcreaks it 1ti veto ld from 38 parcels i n 1984 to 199 paftwrgr in 1986. 'Ma Jor"=sibd iv is ions accounted