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2 <br /> • Previously-approved landowner-donated trail easements with the Shy and Johnson families <br /> continue to move toward closing. (Note—both landowners requested modifications to their <br /> approved easement language and/or new survey work, which has delayed both closings.) <br /> One of the requested trail easement modifications is now complete, and the County is <br /> preparing to hire a closing attorney for final title work,with closing expected this summer. <br /> We are saddened to report that both families have suffered a loss in recent months, and <br /> respecting the losses both families are dealing with put the final activities on hold <br /> temporarily. <br /> • As mentioned in the last update, staff continues discussions with a third landowner on Cane <br /> Creek Reservoir.This owner is interested in granting a trail easement (included in their deed <br /> of purchase) on land recently acquired adjacent to the reservoir and along the trail route.At <br /> landowner request, discussions will continue in the next few months after the landowner <br /> has completed construction of their home. <br /> Buckhorn Road to Seven Mile Creek Natural Area (Phase III) <br /> • NOTE: This segment of the trail is slated in the CIP for FY 2027-28 and beyond. No activity <br /> other than conversations with Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST)and occasional <br /> landowners. <br /> • Discussion with FMST staff about potential interim connections along road routes (or a <br /> future alternate spur route) continues. There is conversation in the early stages with one <br /> landowner and FMST along a likely 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. Orange County is assisting as needed and <br /> requested. <br /> • Orange County previously agreed to help FMST with funding assistance from existing <br /> sources for a bridge crossing project on Cates Creek from Hillsborough Riverwalk to Eno <br /> River State Park.The project has been completed by FMST, and the requested County funds <br /> are conveyed. <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 <br /> provide access to nearly four additional miles of trail through Eno River State Park. <br /> • FMST, State and County staff successfully petitioned the NCDOT to ensure the trail path be <br /> included underneath the newly rebuilt Hwy 70 Bridge north of Hillsborough, and the work <br /> was concluded in December of 2022! <br /> • FMST and ERA is following up with landowners to connect two portions of ERSP. <br /> Next Steps: <br /> • Complete easements and acquisitions with interested landowners in Cane Creek and <br /> Occoneechee Mountain/Seven Mile Creek Natural Area locations. Complete recent <br /> 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 /> Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> (919) 245-2510 <br />