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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE, <br /> PARKS AND RECREATION <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: David Stancil, DEAPR Director <br /> From: Christian Hirni, Land Conservation Manager <br /> Date: June 7, 2023 <br /> Subject: NC Mountains to Sea Trail Progress Report <br /> As an update on activity along the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) corridor, I have been working with <br /> our trail partner organizations and interested landowners and can report the following activity to <br /> further the MST project.To protect landowner confidentiality, properties are not referred to by <br /> name: <br /> Occoneechee Mountain to Seven Mile Creek Natural Area (Phase 1) <br /> • Staff and the Eno River Association have entered into final negotiations with the landowners <br /> for a conservation/trail easement that will make the connection from Occoneechee <br /> Mountain State Natural Area to Dimmocks Mill Road. Both State and City of Raleigh grants <br /> have been awarded to provide funds for the project. County staff is assisting ERA in <br /> acquiring and drafting all closing documents for presentation in open session and <br /> subsequent State review. Staff also continues discussions with State and private nonprofit <br /> partners to confirm the final route and connection through State Parks to be included in a <br /> trail easement. <br /> • The previously approved conservation and trail easement from the Draper-Savage <br /> Foundation (Moorefields), adjacent to Seven Mile Creek Natural Area, is under final state <br /> legal review and awaiting closing, after a delay due to property ownership changes.The <br /> closing attorney has been hired, and all closing documents and easements have been <br /> provided to the State for approval which is anticipated at any time.The closing is estimated <br /> for late summer 2023. <br /> • Negotiations continue with another landowner for a possible fee-simple acquisition that <br /> would be the final piece needed to connect Seven Mile Creek Natural Area to the east. <br /> Action to secure grant funding for the acquisition of this property has occurred. <br /> Cane Creek Reservoir Area (Phase 11) <br /> • Staff continues to work with OWASA staff and the Friends of the MST(FMST)to determine <br /> the optimal trail route through OWASA Cane Creek Reservoir lands (permitted by OWASA in <br /> 2018 with conditions). A meeting was held with OWASA to this purpose, and bimonthly <br /> updates between staff and OWASA staff continue to occur. Staff is working to finalize an <br /> Emergency Access and Management Plan for this proposed section of trail with Emergency <br /> Services,the Sheriff's Office, and other first response agencies. Once these plans are in draft <br /> stage,work will begin to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) between <br /> OWASA and Orange County for the trail. This is anticipated to occur in late 2023. <br /> Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> (919) 245-2510 <br />