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33 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> Department of Environment, <br /> Agriculture,Parks&Recreation <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: Ashley Moncado,Planner III, Planning and Inspections Department <br /> From: Christian Hirni,DEAPR Land Conservation Manager <br /> Date: June 6,2024 <br /> Re: Common Ground EcoVillage-Map Amendment Application <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Common Ground EcoVillage- <br /> Map Amendment Application. The Map Amendment would revert the zoning designation to Rural <br /> Residential on approximately 112 acres located east of Frazier Road and south of Lebanon Road(Upper <br /> Eno Protected Watershed). The subject property is compiled of one parcels (PIN 9835-74-8573). <br /> The property contains a large tributary(over 3,700 linear feet)to McGowan Creek, and almost the entire <br /> eastern border(over 2,700 linear feet) is the center streamline of McGowan Creek. <br /> DEAPR comments on subdivisions are generally intended to a)address any concerns with respect to <br /> potential impacts on important natural or cultural resources,and b)identify any areas that might be <br /> desirable for possible dedication to the County for public recreation/open space pursuant to Section 7.11.5 <br /> of the Unified Development Ordinance. <br /> Natural Resources Review Comments: <br /> The sections of the forested areas along both McGowan Creek and its tributary, approximately 34 acres in <br /> size,is recognized in the 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map as a"Resource <br /> Protection Area". These areas were determined to be of conservation value considering several factors, <br /> including but not limited to the existence of floodplains,wetlands,bottomland hardwood forests,and soils <br /> of statewide importance. Cross referencing the State Natural Heritage Program dataset of the Biodiversity <br /> and Wildlife Corridor Assessment confirms the area to be of Moderate conservation value. All of the <br /> forested areas are recognized in the 2019 Eno-New Hope Landscape Connectivity Report to be of <br /> Moderate conservation value as Habitat Patch and Wildlife Corridors.As such,this area would be a <br /> desired addition to any potential extension of the proposed open space on the tract. All these areas are <br /> under current negotiations for a permanent conservation easement to be held jointly by Eno River <br /> Association and Orange County. <br /> There are no additional natural resource areas of high significance(e.g.,natural heritage sites,proposed <br /> wildlife corridors,threatened or endangered species)located on this property that would warrant further <br /> potential DEAPR recommendations for open space. <br /> Cultural Resources Review Comments: There are no previously identified historic properties or resources <br /> located on the subject parcel. <br /> As with any development,care should be taken to locate, identify and protect any potential human burial <br /> sites or cemeteries. The current Cemetery Census does not show any identified burials on this parcel. <br /> Anyone who encounters what appears to be a burial or grave should immediately contact the Orange <br /> County Cultural Resources Coordinator at 919-245-2517. <br />