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<br />species. TLC plans to hold this property in perpetuity to protect water quality and to provide <br />unique flora and fauna habitat. <br /> <br />The planned conservation easement would be donated and held by Orange County. All <br />development rights will be extinguished through the conservation easement. The planned <br />conservation easement area is depicted on the attached site map. A draft deed of conservation <br />easement is also provided. <br /> <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: TLC would donate the conservation easement to Orange County and <br />TLC would cover all transaction fees. There would be no cost to the County. <br /> <br />The Patterson-Thornton property is enrolled in the Present Use Value taxation program. The <br />donation to Triangle Land Conservancy, a private, non-profit 501c3 organization, will eliminate <br />obligation of tax henceforth. <br /> <br />SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated <br />with this item. <br /> <br />ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br />impact is applicable to this item: <br />• RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY (Assess and <br />where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and <br />adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.) <br /> <br />The conservation of this land by Triangle Land Conservancy and the conservation easement <br />held by Orange County will protect an area of mixed mature hardwoods, which provide <br />important wildlife habitat, and will protect 3,250 linear feet of Morgan Creek, which feeds directly <br />into University Lake, a water supply for OWASA. <br /> <br />The property also contains a large portion of the priority Calvander Laurel Bluff and Bottom <br />listed in the State Natural Heritage Area Inventory. The easement will permanently protect the <br />habitat of a multitude of wildlife and unique plant species. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt and authorize the Chair <br />to sign the resolution approving the acceptance by Orange County of the conservation <br />easement, and authorize the Chair and the Clerk to sign the conservation easement agreement, <br />subject to final review by staff and County Attorney, with a closing and recordation of the <br />document expected to occur on or about June 30, 2020. <br />2