Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Orange County Commission for the Environment <br /> Meeting Summary <br /> May 13t", 2024; 7:00 pm <br /> Hybrid Meeting <br /> • Recommended going forward- bring in experts, investigate procurement, Water <br /> Resources members investigate drought tolerant plants in preparation for policy <br /> Land Resources Subcommittee: <br /> Present: Regina Baratta, Wilson Greene (via Teams), Jane Harris (via Teams), Reade <br /> Oakley, Aimee Vandemark <br /> Staff: Christian Hirni, Karina Nabors <br /> • The committee discussed ways to connect the draft No Net Loss Tree Canopy and <br /> Non-Native/Invasive Species Policies to parts of the Climate Action Plan. <br /> • Four possible Climate Action Plan goals to try to achieve via Land Committee: <br /> 1. Plant 10,000 trees in 10 years partner with Forest Service? <br /> 2. Heat Mapping Study: Where in the county can urban heat islands be mitigated? <br /> 3. Change Behavior(aka reduce lawns and their maintenance)- via more public <br /> outreach and PSAs like No Mow March and Leave the Leaves <br /> 4. Develop a Tree Master Plan—this connects to the draft No Net Tree Canopy Loss <br /> policy <br /> • Resources - CH Canopy Policy, Hillsborough Tree Policy, OC Preferred Plant List, <br /> NC Botanical Garden's List of Drought Tolerant Plants, OC's Land Use Section of <br /> Comprehensive Plan (being revamped in 2024) <br /> • Possible partners -Eno River Association, MST, Hillsborough Tree Board, Forest <br /> Service <br /> VI. Updates and Information Items <br /> • Amy Eckberg gave the CFE an update on the Energy Futures Grant. They received <br /> $500,000 and are collaborating with Durham and other municipalities to create <br /> resilience hubs. <br /> • Amy Eckberg gave the CFE an update on the "Solar for All"Program that will roll <br /> out Fall 2025. There is approximately$7 million available to provide solar for <br /> underserved communities. <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br />