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2 <br /> support to the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group and other ad hoc or special project <br /> committees related to resource conservation, agriculture, parks and recreation. <br /> Since the Lands Legacy Program was established on April 4, 2000, this program continues to <br /> work to protect the County's most critical natural and cultural resources through a variety of <br /> voluntary means and working with willing landowners and other conservation partners. Since its <br /> creation, Orange County has acquired land for eight (8) public parks and nature preserves, and <br /> secured forty-six (46) conservation easements (including twenty-eight (28) active farms) for a <br /> current total of 2,973 acres of farmland and open space in the Eno River, Cane Creek, Little River, <br /> and New Hope Creek watersheds. Over that same period the County helped other conservation <br /> partners protect an additional 1,338 acres of sensitive resource lands in Orange County. During <br /> this time over $6 million in grant funds have been leveraged for these purposes. <br /> October 19, 2024 is also Great Trails State Day in North Carolina. As a member of the Great <br /> Trails State Coalition, Orange County will join many other jurisdictions and thousands of others <br /> on this day in celebrating North Carolina's amazing and diverse trail networks that span from the <br /> mountains to the coast. <br /> Given the synergy between these events and activities, it was decided to combine both the 25tn <br /> anniversary recognition with Great Trails State Day for a commemorative event on October 19, <br /> 2024. The celebration will be held at the Blackwood Farm Park picnic shelter at 10:00 am, and <br /> will feature guided hikes, information about conservation successes and ways to get involved, <br /> and other games and activities. <br /> A proclamation recognizing this history and the October 19, 2024 celebration is attached for Board <br /> consideration. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems <br /> development through supportive policy, funding, farmland protection and educational <br /> outreach. <br /> OBJECTIVE 5. Review land use policies to promote and connect Town, County and private <br /> trails and open spaces. <br /> OBJECTIVE 6. Protect water supply / watersheds. <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Conserve and protect high priority open space, including Natural Heritage <br /> sites, nature preserves, watershed riparian buffers, and prime/threatened farmland. <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life <br /> of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) <br /> • GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Provide resources to small, creative, and agro-businesses that add <br /> character and quality of life to our community to attract employers, employees and visitors. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the <br /> Chair to sign the proclamation for the 25t" anniversary of conservation initiatives and Great Trails <br />