Orange County NC Website
Commission for the Environment November 26, 2014 <br />Foster participation in green energy programs such as installation incentives for solar hot <br />water /solar generation /solar tempering in residential or commercial construction. The <br />County should develop programs that will link citizens and businesses with options for <br />alternative and sustainable energy sources. <br />• The CFE's Air and Energy Resources Committee has developed proposals that <br />address energy efficiency and renewable power issues, and will pursue further in <br />collaboration with other advisory boards and stakeholders. <br />Objective NA -3: <br />Develop a more detailed and consistent methodology for monitoring changes in forest <br />cover throughout the County, and specifically the extent of mature hardwood forest. <br />• The CFE's State of the Environment report documented significant reductions in <br />mature hardwood forest that occurred from 2003 -2008 and since 1988. DEAPR staff <br />will update those data to include forest conversions that occurred 2009 - 2013. <br />Objective NA -11: <br />Develop a comprehensive conservation plan for achieving a network of protected open <br />space throughout Orange County, which addresses 1) threats to important natural areas; <br />2) connectivity between protected areas; 3) coordination with neighboring counties; and <br />4) sustainable management of critical natural resources. <br />• The CFE's Il uollo �oollll... and Resources Committee lip: ouITllJin liih oilher on,, ;euITv i'on <br />ni fle,,: to liin Plato the ovollopu,ngu]t of g on,, ;eirva lion n Il a n. aepaFi?d a <br />Objective NA -16: <br />Create a system of public and private open space and conservation areas, including <br />parks, nature preserves, and scenic vistas representative of Orange County landscape. <br />• The CFE advises County's Lands Legacy program in its efforts to protect the most <br />important natural and cultural resource lands through a variety of means. <br />• The CFE's IC::: od4o. Gao,11.... and Resources Committee lip: ouIT,,J, n liill� other ou�n ,,;eirva'on <br />5 q .................... <br />ni fle,,: to liin Plato the ovollop�,ngu]t of g g2MEo : ?honsive on,, ;eirva Noun Il an. Fi ?paIT�? <br />.u.wITdk.6 ........IC:ko. „.0 Fat; ou ....p�J..�,tc.n:....11 :.l4i <br />Objective WR -5: <br />Promote and participate in regional efforts to plan for use of water supplies in the region <br />in an equitable manner, including contingency planning for water supplies during <br />droughts. [Also Objectives WR -9, WR -10, and WR -15] <br />• CFE stays abreast of Jordan Lake Partnership and advises staff as needed <br />• CFE advocates for full implementation of the Water Resources Initiative to ensure <br />planning for an adequate water supply for current and anticipated future needs <br />Objective WRA 1: <br />Provide incentives and educational information to landowners to increase protection of <br />watersheds and ground water supplies and their inter - relationships. <br />• The CFE distributes groundwater and surface water educational materials at Festifall <br />and Last Fridays events and as part of its State of the Environment reports <br />NOTE: The Orange County State of the Environment 2014 identified specific <br />recommendations on ways to help maintain and improve Orange County's <br />environmental quality, many of which address objectives stated in the <br />Orange County Comprehensive Plan. <br />