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2 <br /> language and/or survey work should be finalized by late fall, allowing for title work and <br /> closing dates to be scheduled for late fall/early winter of this year. <br /> • Staff have identified landowners for possible additional connections into and within the trail <br /> route on OWASA lands, and has contacted these owners in the recent months about <br /> interest. <br /> Buckhorn Road to Seven Mile Creek Natural Area (Phase III) <br /> • NOTE: This segment of the trail is slated in the C/P for FY 2027-28 and beyond. No activity <br /> other than conversations with FMST and occasional landowners. <br /> • Discussion with FMST staff about potential interim connections along roads route (or future <br /> alternate spur route) continues. Conversation in early stages with one landowner and FMST <br /> along an interim road route. <br /> Eno River State Park(ERSP)to Durham County(Other Lead Entities) <br /> Note:State Parks, the Eno River Association and the FMST are coordinating in this segment from <br /> Hillsborough Riverwalk eastward to Durham County. <br /> • Orange County has recently agreed to help FMST with a bridge crossing project on Cates <br /> Creek, as it travels from Hillsborough Riverwalk to Eno River State Park. <br /> • The FMST and State Parks worked to secure a pedestrian walkway on the proposed new <br /> NCDOT bridge over the Eno River at Pleasant Green Road. The new bridge is expected to be <br /> completed around 2025 (before recent DOT budget issues)with a sidewalk. This will allow <br /> nearly 4 additional miles of trail through Eno River State Park. <br /> • FMST, State and County staff continue working to ensure the trail path be included <br /> underneath the newly rebuilt Hwy 70 bridge north of Hillsborough. <br /> • FMST and ERA is following up with landowners to connect two portions of ERSP. <br /> • FMST is working to repair the support structure and replace a bridge across Cates Creek,just <br /> south of the Eno River in Hillsborough,with a much sturdier, long-term bridge. <br /> Next Steps: <br /> • Follow-up with interested landowners in Cane Creek and Occoneechee Mountain/Seven <br /> Mile Creek Natural Area locations. Complete recent landowner-initiated revisions. <br /> • Continue discussion of specific trail location and construction details with OWASA staff. <br /> Begin drafting, with Emergency Services and Sheriff's Office, an Emergency Access and <br /> Management Plan for the Cane Creek Reservoir sections. <br /> • The FMST is posting road routes to allow hiking connections between existing and proposed <br /> trail segments on their website. <br /> In closing, it is important to note that negotiations of all trail easements involve a series of <br /> discussions with landowners,their attorneys, and the County's environmental and legal staff and <br /> management.The County must perform due diligence in any negotiation for acquisitions using <br /> public funds. As such,there are occasions where conversations and information gathering is <br /> underway and necessary but not always visible to all interested parties, until the time for official <br /> action (as per State statutes). Please let me know if we may provide additional information. <br /> Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> (919) 245-2510 <br />