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2 <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 concurrently with the <br /> closing of the three trail easements in the Cane Creek Reservoir region, planned in the late <br /> spring-summer 2024. <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.) in <br /> one case,the landowner asked for additional modifications to the original approved <br /> agreement, delaying the closing to accommodate their requests. <br /> • As mentioned in the last MST update, staff continues discussions with a third landowner on <br /> Cane Creek Reservoir.This owner is interested in granting a trail easement(which is <br /> provided for in their deed of purchase) on land recently acquired adjacent to the reservoir <br /> and along the trail route. At the landowner's request, discussions will continue in the next <br /> few months after the landowner 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 C/P for FY 2027-28 and beyond. No activity is <br /> currently underway here, other than conversations with Friends of the Mountains to Sea <br /> Trail (Friends)and occasional landowners. <br /> • Discussion with Friends 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 the Friends 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 Friends 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 the Friends 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 US 70 Bridge east of Hillsborough. <br /> • The Friends and ERA are following up with landowners to connect the trail between two <br /> portions of ERSP. <br /> Next Steps: <br /> • Close the Moorefields trail easement once State review is finished. <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 /> Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> (919) 245-2510 <br />