Agenda 8-g - Ratification – Conservation Easement for Tunnel’s End Horse Farm

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