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5 <br /> a. Resolution of Approval — Conservation Easement for Persimmon Hill Farm <br /> The Board considered voting to approve a resolution to approve the acceptance by <br /> Orange County of an agricultural conservation easement donation for Persimmon Hill Farm, <br /> and authorizing the Chair to sign. <br /> Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager, reviewed the background below: <br /> BACKGROUND: The acquisition of conservation easements to protect highly important natural <br /> and cultural resource lands in Orange County is a longstanding goal of the Board of <br /> Commissioners, and is a priority of the Lands Legacy program. Since 2001, the County has <br /> partnered with landowners and other entities to protect 2,153 acres of prime farmland and <br /> natural areas with permanent conservation easements. <br /> Over the past several months, DEAPR has worked with Bernadette Pelissier and Vann <br /> Bennett on a project to conserve significant land and water resources at the Persimmon Hill <br /> Farm located at 8403 NC Highway 86 (Cedar Grove Township). The owners grow organic <br /> blueberries and lease portions of the farm out for a variety of row crops and vegetables. <br /> The 90-acre farm (comprised of three adjacent parcels) is located in the South Hyco Creek <br /> Protected Watershed, within which an agricultural conservation easement would have a dual <br /> effect of protecting prime farmland and surface water quality. The farm drains to Roxboro <br /> Lake, which supplies drinking water for residents of the City of Roxboro and Person County. <br /> The owners intend to grant a permanent conservation easement that will restrict future <br /> development to protect prime farmland soils and forested riparian buffers, as well as scenic <br /> views of the farm from NC 86 and Burton Road. <br /> DEAPR Staff and the County Attorney have worked with the owners to prepare an agreement <br /> that meets their needs and the County's interests. There are two existing residences on the <br /> 90-acre property— a farmhouse with outbuildings and a rental house. The easement will allow <br /> the construction of one future residence and prohibit future subdivision of the property. The <br /> easement will also protect forested stream buffers located throughout the farm. All other non- <br /> agricultural development rights will be extinguished through the conservation easement. <br /> Future farm activities will be in accordance with a Conservation Plan prepared for this farm by <br /> the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District and updated periodically. DEAPR staff will <br /> monitor the property on an annual basis. A copy of the draft easement agreement is attached <br /> along with maps showing the property outlined in red. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley recognized that Rich Shaw would be retiring at the end of <br /> December, and this would be his last formal presentation to the Board. <br /> Agricultural Conservation Easement <br /> Persimmon Hill Farm <br /> Conservation Easement: <br /> ➢ Perpetual easement <br /> ➢ Rights of privacy <br /> ➢ Right to farm <br /> ➢ Agricultural buildings/structures <br />