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3 Water Resources Committee Cada reported that the Water Resources Committee intends to conduct a literature review of the science in support of maintaining vegetative buffers to protect water quality. Hintz reminded the committee that buffers also protect habitat and biodiversity, and they serve as wildlife corridors. Becker asked the committee to continue monitoring the chemical treatment of hydrilla in the Eno River. Land Resources Committee Hintz reported the Land Resources Committee will collaborate with a group that intends to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for Orange County—and perhaps a more regional plan for Orange, Durham, and Chatham counties. The focus will be identifying the most significant natural area corridors that are essential for native plants and wildlife. Hintz also reported the committee wants to work with County staff to determine whether conservation land is distributed equitably throughout the county so that everyone has reasonable access to enjoy these areas. Hintz said the committee wants to continue exploring ways to protect important native plant habitat, including a project with the NC Botanical Garden and educating residents on reasons to landscape with a diversity of regionally native plant species. VIII. Updates and Information Items – Information on the following subjects was provided in the meeting package; selected items were discussed: a) 2016 CFE meeting calendar, b) CFE news articles re water availability and Solarize Orange, c) airport/airstrip rule amendments canceled, d) Eno River hydrilla management, e) State guidance for local stream buffer rules, f) COP21 agreement summarized, g) 2015 hottest year on record, h) Solarize the Triangle, i) effects of solar panels on farm fields, j) conservative case for solar subsidies, and k) Brumley Forest Nature Preserve. IX. Adjournment – Wegman adjourned the meeting at 9:40 pm. Summary by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff