Minutes 09-15-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 The County has also worked since 2000 through its Lands Legacy Program with willing farm owners on the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements, leveraging over$4 million in state and federal grants to ensure the permanent conservation of 17 farms totaling 2,080 acres of Orange County prime and threatened farmland, with a focus on farms in water supply watersheds — recognizing that protection of farms with good conservation practices also helps protect water quality. A total of 13 Voluntary Agricultural District farms and three conservation easement farms are located in the portion of Back Creek watershed in western drinking water to the cities of Mebane and Graham. The purpose of the discussion was to explore mutual interests and opportunities in Farmland Preservation and Open Space initiatives. David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) Director) presented this item, with one map shown on a PowerPoint slide. David Stancil said the voluntary farmland preservation program was started in 1992 to protect farmlands, and there is around 11,000 acres in this program. David Stancil said the conservation easements program exists as well, which is a perpetual program. He said some of the most prime farmlands have been protected with their easements. David Stancil said there are many inquiries into both of these programs, and many easements have been done with several partners, in order to leverage grant funds. Commissioner Jacobs asked to add this item to the agenda because he remembered Council Member Tim Bradley had brought farmland preservation up years ago, and Orange County has the capability to assist Mebane, if so desired. He said they may want to talk about partnering in the area of recreation, since Orange County just purchased more land near the soccer complex. Council Member Everette Greene asked if Orange County has done any research on this. David Stancil said Orange County just finished a Master Park Plan, but there was a discussion two years ago, about trails around Lake Michael, and possibly co-locating facilities at schools. Commissioner Price asked if, with Mebane's growth, staff has heard any concerns about the urbanization coming into rural areas. David Stancil said he had heard some farmers talk about this years ago in the High Rock area, and they had some concerns. Council Member Ed Hooks said developers are required to install water and sewer when they develop land, and it is very expensive to install water and sewer in the area being discussed. Council Member Auditori asked if there is an opportunity for voluntary agricultural districts in the City Council's jurisdiction. David Stancil said Alamance County has farmland preservations, and municipalities can do this too. Commissioner Jacobs said the way the relationship with Mebane was originally resumed was over the Hebron community, which was upset by an annexation by Mebane. He said this community asked the County if it could incorporate in order to block the annexing. He said the County spoke to the legislatures, and did not want Mebane to annex, or the community to incorporate. He said the County was warned not to interfere with the annexation, and as a result, the two groups decided it would be beneficial to meet. He said the relationship has grown since then.