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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: September 7, 2005 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. -5-14 <br />SUBJECT: Forest Service Contract for Fiscal Year 2005-06 <br />DEPARTMENT: Budget PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />Agreement for Protection, Development <br />and Improvement of Forest Land in <br />Orange County <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Donna Dean, Budget Director 245-2151 <br />TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br />Hillsborough 732-8181 <br />Chapel Hill 968-4501 <br />Durham 688-7331 <br />Mebane 336-227-2031 <br />PURPOSE: To approve the annual agreement between Orange County and the North Carolina <br />Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for protection, development, <br />reforestation, management and improvement of forestlands located in the County. <br />BACKGROUND: This agreement, made under authority of Sections 113-54 and 113-59 of the <br />North Carolina General Statutes, provides for continuation of active protection of Orange <br />County forestlands by the NC Forest Service. <br />Responsibilities of the Forest Service and County Forest Ranger include: <br />• Developing and improving forestlands through reforestation, promotion and practice of <br />Forest Management practices, <br />• Protecting water quality, <br />• Protecting forestlands from insects and diseases, <br />• Controlling forest fires in the County, <br />• Detecting and extinguishing fires that break out, <br />• Investigating the origin of forest, woodland and field fires, <br />• Enforcing State forest fire laws, <br />• Mutual aid in times of emergency, and <br />• Taking preventative measures, educational and otherwise, as necessary, to prevent <br />forest fires. <br />The Forest Service in Orange County, staffed by District Forester John Howard and County <br />Forest Ranger Jacob Pressley, has been very cooperative in working towards mutual <br />agreement on other items that each party can address. For example, in early June, the Forest <br />Service hosted a tour of forestry activity sites throughout the County, followed by a panel <br />discussion luncheon with state and local foresters, to offer Commissioners and other County <br />staff representatives a better understanding of services that they offer. As a result, all parties <br />gained a better understanding of responsibilities and limitations of each agency/entity.