Agenda 03-19-24; 4-a - Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan Presentation

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57 • Policy 1.14: "The town should practice and encourage ecologically sound and sustainable maintenance of open space, including parks and greenways." The Facilitated Small Area Plan for Carrboro's Northern Study Area explicitly requires preservation or strict limitation of development in natural areas along the Bolin Creek basin,in the Meadow Flats area, and in other sensitive environmental areas identified in the plan's Environmental Constraints Map. Goal 2, Objective 2.B. suggests that the town"Investigate and implement various mechanisms for the acquisition of land for the purposes of providing open space, creating trail and bikeway linkages, and preserving environmentally sensitive areas." Similarly, Goal 3,which focuses on"conservation of natural and environmentally sensitive areas,and the protection of environmental quality,"includes as an objective the"pursuit of land acquisition or dedication strategies to protect important natural areas." The action plan for the Recreation and Parks Comprehensive Master Plan Update for the Town of Carrboro suggests a focus on land acquisition for the Bolin Creek and Morgan Creek greenways and designation of portions of these stream corridors as"Natural Areas"or"Nature Preserves". The plan outlines greenway guidelines and development criteria that designate environmentally sensitive areas as "no facility development"or"low impact uses/limited development"areas. LAND USE& DEVELOPMENT The development-related sections of Carrboro Vision 2020 include several policies that support the protection of natural areas and natural resources. The Development section states, as a value that should guide development,that"Respect for and protection of the natural environment should be integrated into the town's policies as a high priority in enriching the quality of life." Several Development section policies support protection of natural areas,open space, and buffers, including: • Section 2.1,Adverse Effects on Public Health and Safety o Policy 2.12: "The town should limit development in sensitive areas such as the watershed,wetlands, and other areas the development of which could adversely affect water supplies and habitat. The town's restrictions on development within the University Lake Watershed should be retained and enforced." • Section 2.2, Preservation of the Natural Environment o Policy 2.21: "The town should continue to require the preservation and maintenance of open space when land is developed,to enforce restraints on clear-cutting, and to require adequate buffers." o Policy 2.22: "Where development is deemed acceptable,there should be well defined dense development with areas of well preserved open space." o Policy 2.23: "The town encourages the planting of native plant species, as well as non- native species that are not invasive. Removal of invasive species is encouraged. The town supports education on this topic and encourages the public to become aware of the list of invasive plant species found in Appendix E-17 of the Town of Carrboro Land Use Ordinance." • Section 2.4, Carrboro's Character o Policy 2.42: "The town should adhere to policies that...retain unspoiled green spaces and other natural areas." Economic Development, Section 3.1,Nature of Development, states, "In the interest of environmental preservation,new commercial development must minimize negative environmental impact,it must emphasize appropriate buffers, and it must not compromise the integrity of established neighborhoods." Housing Policy 6.15 supports"...the development of density bonus provisions for projects incorporating environmentally sensitive development and building practices." 44 A Landscape Plan for Wildlife Habitat Connectivity