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5LA Page 3 The APB continued discussing the farms and their locations in the potential four priority areas of Cane Creek, Upper Eno, Back Creek and Little River. Other important active farm units were identified and marked on the map. Strayhorn noted that they had not identified farms that were likely to be lost within the near future. Morrow noted that there are farms that aren't in a watershed which meet the other criteria such as soils,.and that the economic vitality is important in regards to promotion of culture heritage. These farms should be included in some way. Including farms that are assets to the entire community was suggested. Stancil summarized the APB's ideas toward agricultural priority areas. One approach is to target efforts toward farms in the county's water supply watersheds. Another approach is to consider economic vitality, value to the community, and potential threats. These categories were labeled Geographic and Objective areas. Kleese suggested going with the general areas as identified at this time pending on further information. We see the northern third of the county as a high priority and also the critical watersheds of Cane Creek, Upper Eno. Maybe the northern /western area of the county should also be included. Mandell asked to include farm activity regardless of location. Other farms within the objective criteria economic vitality, environmental water quality areas, threatened areas were also identified on the map. Staff to create map of the identified areas for APB review. Mandell asked for a small map to use while viewing the county farms (while on the road). Stancil distributed and reviewed two resolutions adopted by the BOCC on March 6th: Deferral of Accrued Use Value property taxes — Farmer to Farmer Transfers in Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Promote Viable Agriculture /Alternative Farming & Agricultural Practices. ITEM #5: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Draft 3/21/2001 a. Farm and Open Space Preservation Work Group: Final Report Stancil reported that Commissioner Jacobs is likely to come to the April meeting to discuss this report. b. Farmland Preservation Report C. "Farmers head to Raleigh" d. Joint Meeting with Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission The APB discussed potential topics for the upcoming joint meeting with the Planning Board and Historic Preservation Commission. The most timely topic to discuss is the newly proposed Heritage /Scenic Corridor Program, which may be the appropriate tool to preserve St. Mary's Road. Morrow