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04 <br />Possible Course of Action <br />1. Recommend that funds for 2002 -03 go toward acquisition of conservation <br />easements for willing sellers in the Upper Eno, Back Creek, and Cane Creek <br />watersheds. <br />2. Pursue Clean Water Management Trust Fund project and Farmland <br />Preservation Trust Fund if available. <br />3. Complete identification of Agricultural Priority Areas (using new mapping) by <br />December 31, 2001. Use this to help evaluate candidate sites and make final <br />recommendations in early 2002. <br />4. If possible, work toward building on critical mass of protected lands /protected <br />farmlands. <br />Stancil suggested that if the APB might consider going ahead with their <br />recommendations to the BOCC at the October meeting. Comments need only <br />be three or four bullets saying where the APB thinks the County should focus <br />conservation funding and activities for 2002 -2003. Staff to provide copy of <br />previous year's recommendation. <br />Discussion of these topics followed: <br />• Requirements of the LLP concerning BOCC parameters for this program with <br />the intent for general guidelines instead of requirements <br />• Lands Legacy program has preference to preservation regarding farmland <br />easement in Voluntary Agriculture Districts but not a requirement —which <br />would encourage more agricultural districts <br />• Transfer versus purchase of development rights on farmland <br />• Try to incorporate horse – Equine farm operations into our farmland <br />preservation programs including VADs <br />• Encourage continuation of farming <br />• Taking action before opportunities are lost <br />• Paying on installments instead of paying total price upfront <br />• Consider 10 year project plan <br />• Lower acreage amounts for Voluntary Agricultural Districts <br />ITME #6: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION <br />a. Update on Farmland Mapping Project/Ag Priority Areas <br />Stancil reported that ERCD is continuing the work with Farm <br />Service Agency staff and Soil & Water to develop our first farmland mapping in <br />the county. Once the maps are completed, the APB can begin to evaluate <br />potential farmland preservation properties based on the criteria adopted and the <br />quality of farmland. <br />Draft September 19, 2001 <br />