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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: November 14th, 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, most properties are not referred to <br /> by name: <br /> Occoneechee Mountain to Seven Mile Creek Natural Area (Phase 1) <br /> • Staff and the Eno River Association (ERA) continue 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 a future BOCC open session <br /> and subsequent State review. Staff also continue discussions with State and private <br /> nonprofit partners to confirm the final route and connection through State Parks-owned <br /> land to be included in a 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 schedule for closing, after a delay due to property ownership <br /> changes.The closing attorney has been hired, and all closing documents and easements <br /> have been provided to the State for approval which is anticipated at any time. The closing is <br /> estimated for fall/winter 2023. <br /> • Negotiations continue with landowners for a fee-simple acquisition that will be the final <br /> piece needed to connect Seven Mile Creek Natural Area to the east.The County has recently <br /> been awarded a grant from the NC Land and Water fund that will cover 50%of the <br /> acquisition costs, and more grant sources are being researched and reviewed for availability. <br /> Staff will be working with Eno River Association to draft the final closing documents and <br /> budget to be presented in a future BOCC open session after State review is completed. <br /> Cane Creek Reservoir Area (Phase 11) <br /> • Staff continues to work with OWASA staff and the Friends of the MST(Friends)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 for this purpose, and bimonthly <br /> updates between staff and OWASA staff continue to occur. Staff are working to finalize an <br /> Emergency Access and Management Plan for this proposed section of trail with Emergency <br /> Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> (919) 245-2510 <br />