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2 <br />this farm by the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District. DEAPR staff will monitor the <br />property on an annual basis. <br />The agricultural conservation easement area is depicted on the attached site map. The <br />executed deed of conservation easement is also provided. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: The owner of Tunnel's End Horse Farm donated the conservation <br />easement to Orange County. The cost to the County was $2,551 in transaction costs, <br />including title search and closing fees. Those funds came from existing funds budgeted in <br />the Conservation Easements Capital Project. <br />The Tunnel's End Horse Farm property is enrolled in the Present Use Value taxation <br />program, so the conservation easement does not lessen the amount of property taxes paid to <br />the County. The decrease in the property's market value caused by the conservation <br />easement (and extinguishing of its development rights) will not lower the property value to a <br />level that is less than the present farm use value. <br />SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable <br />to this item: <br />• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF - SUFFICIENCY <br />The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding <br />necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for <br />themselves and their dependents. <br />This farm conservation easement will help ensure that this prime farmland remains available <br />for cultivation and food production, helping to provide healthy local food to County residents <br />and others. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board ratify the acceptance of the <br />County Manager's decision to accept the conservation easement due to the extenuating <br />circumstances. <br />