CFE Agenda 11132023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 3 In 2020, the CfE recommended the following for the 2020-2023 plan: The Orange County Commission for the Environment recommends that the Lands Legacy Action Plan (LLAP) take actions to recognize, protect, and interpret sites vital to the County for preservation of our natural environment, wildlife corridors, stream and creek health, climate resiliency, and prevention of erosion and stormwater run-off. In particular, we propose the following major considerations for determining the future land parcels protection by the County. Commission for the Environment Land Legacy Action Plan Recommended Focus Points •Focus on natural area connectivity, connections between protected areas, parks, easements, etc. As a guideline, we recommend that County staff should work to protect wildlife corridors, specifically those outlined in Eno New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan and work to compare those corridors with those outlined in the County's comprehensive plan. •Continue efforts to protect Natural Areas identified by the NC Natural Heritage Program, specifically those under private ownership. Riparian forests in the County should be considered of the utmost importance for protection. •Seek projects which will benefit climate resiliency, both in terms of carbon storage and watershed safety due to increased storm strength and drought protection due to likely overall reduction of precipitation over time. •Aim to preserve Orange County's rural character and cultural heritage through farmland, historically designated areas, and scenic viewsheds. •Continue efforts to connect the Mountains to Sea Trail through Orange County. Initial considerations for FY 2021-23: ➢ To date, Lands Legacy has helped landowners protect 2,846 acres on 43 projects with conservation easements on both farms and natural areas. Lands Legacy has purchased outright 1,125 acres on 23 projects for parks and preserves. ➢ In FY 15-16 the County allocated $125,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $125,000 in additional funding from outside sources. In FY 16-17 the County allocated $250,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $250,000 in additional funding from outside sources. In FY 17-18 the County allocated $0. In FY 18-19 the County allocated $500,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $500,000 in additional funding from outside sources In FY 20-21 the County allocated $250,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $250,000 in additional funding from outside sources In FY 21-22 the County allocated $1,000,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $500,000 in additional funding from outside sources In FY 22-23 the County allocated $250,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $250,000 in additional funding from outside sources ➢ The County intends to apply for state and federal matching funds to complete additional conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions between 2023-2027. ➢ There is a collaborative focused on the creation of landscape corridors that connect a network of critical wildlife habitats within Jordan Lake watershed and across the eland Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245-2510