Agenda - 12-05-2016 - 4-a - Resolution of Approval – Conservation Easement for Persimmon Hill Farm

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 5, 2016 Action Agenda Item No. 4-a SUBJECT: Resolution of Approval — Conservation Easement for Persimmon Hill Farm DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENTS INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Resolution of Approval David Stancil, 245-2510 2. Location Map Rich Shaw, 245-2514 3. Site Map 4. Draft Conservation Easement PURPOSE: To consider a resolution to approve the acceptance by Orange County of an agricultural conservation easement donation for Persimmon Hill Farm. BACKGROUND: The acquisition of conservation easements to protect highly important natural and cultural resource lands in Orange County is a longstanding goal of the Board of Commissioners, and is a priority of the Lands Legacy program. Since 2001, the County has partnered with landowners and other entities to protect 2,153 acres of prime farmland and natural areas with permanent conservation easements. Over the past several months, DEAPR has worked with Bernadette Pelissier and Vann Bennett on a project to conserve significant land and water resources at the Persimmon Hill Farm located at 8403 NC Highway 86 (Cedar Grove Township). The owners grow organic blueberries and lease portions of the farm out for a variety of row crops and vegetables. The 90-acre farm (comprised of three adjacent parcels) is located in the South Hyco Creek Protected Watershed, within which an agricultural conservation easement would have a dual effect of protecting prime farmland and surface water quality. The farm drains to Roxboro Lake, which supplies drinking water for residents of the City of Roxboro and Person County. The owners intend to grant a permanent conservation easement that will restrict future development to protect prime farmland soils and forested riparian buffers, as well as scenic views of the farm from NC 86 and Burton Road. DEAPR Staff and the County Attorney have worked with the owners to prepare an agreement that meets their needs and the County's interests. There are two existing residences on the 90-acre property — a farmhouse with outbuildings and a rental house. The easement will allow the construction of one future residence and prohibit future subdivision of the property. The easement will also protect forested stream buffers located throughout the farm. All other non-agricultural development rights will be extinguished through the conservation easement. Future farm activities will be in accordance with a Conservation Plan prepared for this farm by the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District and updated