Orange County NC Website
0.3 <br />things that are programmed. Low impact recreation typically includes more <br />individual pursuits such as walking trails, nature trails and an occasional picnic <br />area. <br />Morrow and Strayhorn mentioned that part of the purpose of the letter was to ask <br />to be included in the planning process or committee for future decisions about <br />the property. Strayhorn explained how the family wished to protect the overall <br />farm vista as an example of agriculture in the county. Modifications and <br />clarifications to the letter were suggested and agreed upon including a <br />Blackwood farm photo in the letter. <br />The possibility of a site visit by the APB was broached and everyone indicated <br />that they would like to see the property. Staff to poll the members for a date in <br />April. <br />b. Revisions to Voluntary Farmland Protection Ordinance <br />Stancil reviewed the APB discussions during the past year regarding strategies <br />to preserve farming and active agriculture lands in Orange County. The following <br />items reflect potential revisions to our existing farmland preservation ordinance <br />(VFPPO) to better incorporate these new strategies. <br />Language Changes: <br />Review (again) the new model ordinance developed by North Carolina State <br />University and consider using some of its language to revisit VAD issues. <br />Clarify the language in Section D. Application and Certification procedures item <br />6. to more clearly differentiate the conservation agreement requirement to <br />participate in a voluntary Agricultural Districts versus a traditional conservation <br />easement (to simplify the old eight page form). <br />Stancil reported that the county attorney has indicated the updated form is <br />,satisfactory, however, he has not returned it formally. <br />Ways to improve the Voluntary Agricultural District Program (VAD) <br />Increase the number of incentives to participate in the VAD program: <br />• Reduce minimum farm size <br />• Provide more benefits <br />Decrease number of disincentives to participate in the VAD program <br />• Revise agreement form <br />• Reconsider qualifications for a seat on the APB regarding district <br />representation. <br />,Utilizing the Farmland Ranking System <br />Update the ranking system to reflect agricultural priority areas (as information <br />about the location of active farms becomes available) <br />Other issues and potential partnerships <br />Economic Development for Agriculture <br />Farmland Preservation through land use planning <br />