CFE agenda 121216 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission for the Environment Movember.15, 2016 DRA,,FT County should develop programs that will link citizens and businesses with options for alternative and sustainable energy sources. • The CFE's Energy Resources Committee has developed proposals that address energy efficiency and renewable power issues, and will pursue further in collaboration with other advisory boards and stakeholders. Objective NA -3: Develop a more detailed and consistent methodology for monitoring changes in forest cover throughout the County, and specifically the extent of mature hardwood forest. • The CFE's State of the Environment report documented significant reductions in mature hardwood forest that occurred from 2003 -2008 and since 1988. Objective NA -11: Develop a comprehensive conservation plan for achieving a network of protected open space throughout Orange County, which addresses 1) threats to important natural areas; 2) connectivity between protected areas; 3) coordination with neighboring counties; and 4) sustainable management of critical natural resources. • The CFE's Land Resources Committee is participating in a County effort to identify and preserve important landscape corridors that connect significant natural areas. Objective NA -16: Create a system of public and private open space and conservation areas, including parks, nature preserves, and scenic vistas representative of Orange County landscape • The CFE advises County's Lands Legacy program in its efforts to protect the most important natural and cultural resource lands through a variety of means. • The CFE's Land Resources Committee is participating in a County effort to identify and preserve important landscape corridors that connect significant natural areas. Objective WR -5: Promote and participate in regional efforts to plan for use of water supplies in the region in an equitable manner, including contingency planning for water supplies during droughts. [Also Objectives WR -9, WR -10, and WR -15] • CFE stays abreast of Jordan Lake Partnership and advises staff as needed • CFE advocates for full implementation of the Water Resources Initiative to ensure planning for an adequate water supply for current and anticipated future needs Objective WRA 1: Provide incentives and educational information to landowners to increase protection of watersheds and ground water supplies and their inter - relationships. • The CFE distributes groundwater and surface water educational materials at Earth Evening and Last Fridays events and as part of its State of the Environment reports NOTE: The Orange County State of the Environment 2014 identified specific recommendations on ways to help maintain and improve Orange County's environmental quality, many of which address objectives stated in the Orange County Comprehensive Plan.