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41 ■M■ <br /> _ - <br /> - • • <br /> 411 <br /> While the status of such holdings as Duke Forest, UNC lands and <br /> Camp New Hope is uncertain in the future, their continued existence <br /> appears likely during the planning period. This is due to the <br /> research, educational, forest management and recreational functions <br /> related to such areas. If decisions are made to change the use of such <br /> large tracts of land, negotiations should be initiated to secure the <br /> use of all or portions of the tracts for recreation and/or open space <br /> purposes. Such areas contribute greatly to the natural setting of the <br /> Joint Planning Area and every effort should be made to retain such <br /> features. <br /> Agricultural Areas <br /> During the compilation of background information, a land use <br /> survey was conducted of the Joint Planning Area. The survey indicated <br /> those land areas currently in use for agricultural purposes. This <br /> information was further verified through the Orange County Tax Office <br /> to determine those farms which were Qualified and listed for use value <br /> taxation purposes. <br /> The Land Use Plan designates those farm and agricultural uses <br /> which are anticipated to continue in the same status during the <br /> planning period. Agricultural areas existing within Transition Areas <br /> 0 are expected to change from rural to urban uses as Chapel Hill and <br /> Carrboro continue to grow and as public water and sewer services are <br /> expanded. Agricultural areas are located principally in University <br /> Lake Watershed but are also prominent along the northern perimeter of <br /> the Planning Area boundary. As development occurs in these areas, it <br /> will be of a very low-density nature and will generally consist of farm <br /> dwellings and outbuildings. <br /> Water Quality, Critical Areas <br /> Only one Critical Area exists within the Joint Planning Area <br /> though others have been designated in Orange County. A Water Quality <br /> Critical Area has been established around University Lake, the primary <br /> raw water source for Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The Critical Area <br /> includes all lands which drain directly to University Lake and to major <br /> trunk streams feeding the reservoir. Only low-density residential uses <br /> are permitted in this area at densities not to exceed one dwelling per <br /> two acres of land. <br /> Rural Residential <br /> The Rural Residential category is a low-density area consisting of <br /> single-family homes situated on large lots two acres in size or <br /> greater. The Rural Residential designation is identical to the Rural <br /> Buffer category contained in the current Orange County Land Use Plan. <br /> 411 The Rural Buffer category is described in the Plan as land adjacent to <br /> _ - - <br />