Agenda 09-03-19 Item 8-i - Approval of FY 2019-20 Forest Service Contract

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2 • Taking preventative measures, educational and otherwise as necessary, to prevent forest fires. In addition to their statutory responsibilities, the County and District offices participate in many public education efforts. For example, the County's Lands Legacy Program calls for the conservation of high priority natural areas, prime forests and wildlife habitat. Part of the strategy to address this priority is through public seminars on Sustainable Forest Management and Stewardship, in which the County and District offices participate. Forest Service staff also provided Wildland Fire Suppression training classes to volunteer fire departments. A summary of accomplishments for 2018 by the Forest Service is included as an attachment. FINANCIAL IMPACT: As is done each year, the anticipated budget for the Forest Service contract is shared with the County prior to budget approval, and amounts budgeted accordingly and approved as part of the County budget in June. The approved FY 2019-20 total Forest Service budget is $147,134, with the County's share of the budget as per the proposed contract at $58,854. These funds were included in the adopted FY 2019-20 County budget. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated with this item. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact is applicable to this item: • RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY (Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.) Promoting sustainable forestry practices, and protecting county woodlands from forest fires and other hazards helps mitigate adverse impacts to the natural resources of the County. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached annual agreement between Orange County and the N.C. Forest Service for FY 2019-20, and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.