Agenda - 09-21-2004-9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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prime forest, riparian buffers), Agricultural Preservation Board (farmland preservation), Historic Preservation Board (historic and cultural resources) and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (parklands). The draft Action Plan is also consistent with the Lands Legacy Long -Term Priorities document that was adopted by the Board in April 2001. Highlights of the 2004 -06 Action Plan are shown on the table on pages 7 -9 of this abstract package, and include: ➢ Acquire remaining unprotected portions of Natural Areas considered to be of State significance (Occoneechee Mountain, Mason Farm Oak - Hickory Forest, Sugar Maple Bottoms) with assistance from other conservation partners, such as Eno River Association, State of NC, and the Botanical Garden Foundation ➢ Acquire lands for future park sites, in conjunction with adopted plan ➢ Continue to acquire portions of identified Natural Areas and water quality critical lands for additions to the Seven Mile Creek Preserve ➢ Complete farmland conservation easements (with USDA and OWASA matching funds) on over 650 acres of prime farmland (already underway) ➢ Acquire land or easements for the "missing links" needed for eventual Northern Chapel Hill Township Rustic Woodland Trail ➢ Formalize protection of natural areas owned by Duke and UNC, and partnering with those institutions on conservation projects of mutual interest ➢ Work with group of landowners interested in donating conservation easements in the Faucette Mill and Halls Mill historic area along the Eno River ➢ Acquire options for conservation easements to protect riparian buffers in the Upper Eno watershed /apply for grants from the state Ecosystem Enhancement Program and Clean Water Management Trust Fund ➢ Pursue other opportunities as they arise Changes to the draft Action Plan were made based on Board comments at the August 31 work session. These changes may be found highlighted in the Plan, and a question and answer attachment is also provided to address other questions. Finally, a list of the accomplishments of the Lands Legacy Program over the first four years of the program is included as an attachment to the Action Plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to accomplish the priority projects over these two fiscal years (2004 -06) are present in the current CIP (both existing year and programmed future years), including appropriations from the 2001 Parks and Open Space bond, alternative financing for conservation easements, and the Lands Legacy Opportunities Fund (pay -as- you•,go source). Where identified, the proposed funding source is listed in the attached Action Plan. For many projects, ERCD seeks grant funds from a variety of state and federal sources. Thus far, Orange County has received seven grants totaling $2.7 million for the acquisition of lands through the Lands Legacy Program. Final decisions on funding for land acquisitions are made by the Board on a project -by- project basis, as potential purchases are presented for approval. As in previous acquisitions, in each case separate project budgets with specific funding streams and amounts will be addressed at the time of purchase approval. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the Lands Legacy Action Plan for fiscal years 2004 -2006, with revisions as needed.