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Attachment 3 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE, <br /> PARKS AND RECREATION <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: Commission for the Environment <br /> From: Christian Hirni, Land Conservation Manager <br /> Date: November 13, 2023 <br /> Subject: Lands Legacy Action Plan for FY 2024-27 <br /> Every three years DEAPR develops a new"Action Plan"to guide the County's protection of land <br /> through the Lands Legacy Program. The next plan will be for Fiscal Years 2024-2027. <br /> DEAPR staff works with advisory boards to identify project areas to include in the plan, such as <br /> the Commission for the Environment (CfE) for environment and natural resources. Input from <br /> the CfE can be in the form of specific projects, general guidance or both. <br /> In 2017, the CfE recommended the following for the 2018-20 Action Plan: <br /> - Lands Legacy Action Plan should recognize, protect, and interpret sites <br /> representative of the rich geological history of Orange County. Also, <br /> wildlife corridors, stream and creek health, erosion and stormwater runoff <br /> should be major considerations in the future land parcels purchased <br /> by the county. <br /> - Also, we encourage the county to complete the priority List for July <br /> 2014-June 2017 as well as move forward with the considerations laid <br /> out for 2017-2020, especially with regard to protecting wildlife habitats, <br /> ensuring water safety, preventing erosion and establishing natural <br /> heritage protection areas for the land near local waterways like Jordan <br /> Lake, all local streams and creeks (Seven Mile, New Hope, Bolin, etc.) <br /> as well as for the Eno River. For example, the connector between <br /> Morgan Creek and the upper areas of Jordan Lake we hope to see <br /> completed in the near future under the new Lands Legacy Action Plan. <br /> - The CFE encourages the county to consider farmland easements to tell <br /> the geologic history of Orange County. We also encourage that the <br /> county work with farmers to encourage sustainable and greenhouse gas <br /> conserving policies in negotiating farmland easements. <br /> - Also, we hope the county will continue to develop and maintain parks and <br /> recreation facilities, including the planned Mountains-to-Sea Trail, in ways that <br /> avoid sensitive natural areas and use environmentally friendly and sustainable <br /> methods.". <br /> Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> (919) 245-2510 <br />