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8 <br /> Peter Sandbeck said the board reviewed 12 farms, and added over 1000 acres. He <br /> said 133 farms are now enrolled, totaling 16,500 acres protected from development. He said <br /> this maintains the land in farm use, and is a voluntary program. <br /> Commissioner McKee joined the meeting at 8:22 p.m. <br /> Peter Sandbeck said there has been remarkable growth in 10 years, and he wants to <br /> keep the momentum going. He said there has been a lot of administrative work on the transfer <br /> of lands, as people can move in and out of the program. <br /> Peter Sandbeck said the board is part of the food council project, and has a dedicated <br /> seat. He said this has been a very informative partnership. He said the board continues to help <br /> farms with the Century Farm program, having added four more farms this year, totaling 32. <br /> Peter Sandbeck said grant money has been distributed by economic development to <br /> support farming, which has been wonderful. <br /> Peter Sandbeck said the board hopes to create an Agricultural Trust Fund, under the <br /> auspices of the county, which would promote farm land production to support local food <br /> economy. He said this is in the exploratory stage, and would supplement the lands legacy <br /> program through a dedicated funding source. <br /> Peter Sandbeck said the board wants the county to become a leader in dairy production, <br /> which is a large part of the county's history, and looking at ways to achieve this goal. <br /> Chair Price thanked farmers for all they do, and looks forward to the board's future <br /> plans. <br /> Christian Hirni presented for the Commission for the Environment (CfE). He said many <br /> CfE members are involved in Earth Day activities, and he is presenting on their behalf. <br /> Christian Hirni noted accomplishments for 2020. He said the CfE reviewed the <br /> submitted rankings for applicants for the Climate Action Tax Fund Grants; participated in <br /> reviewing the lands legacy action plans, and submitting priority recommendations based on <br /> environmental concerns. He said the CfE held discussions around Orange County land <br /> holdings, and received presentations from the Eno New Hope land conservation group. He <br /> said the CfE worked with the Planning Department to review and comment on several county <br /> development proposals. <br /> Christian Hirni said the CfE would like to draft and submit a proposed tree management <br /> plan to manage the tree canopy on Orange County lands. He said the CfE has concerns <br /> around food scarcity and availability in the county, and is interested in reviewing opportunities to <br /> preserve farmlands. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a timeline for the next round of proposals for <br /> climate tax funds. <br /> Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Coordinator, said this process will begin in early May, <br /> and be open throughout summer. He said the CfE and the Human Relations Commission will <br /> review and score the applications, and come to the BOCC in the early fall. <br /> Melissa McCullough presented for the Climate Council, and gave an overview of the <br /> council's history. She said this year the council created a database of 200 actions taken by <br /> local climate organizations, and brainstormed actions that could be taken by local governments. <br /> She said these actions were categorized. She said the council is part of the second round of <br /> LEED's beta testing system for cities and communities. She said the Council also held its first <br /> annual community update meeting, where actions and goals were presented to 80 local <br /> participants <br />