Agenda - 12/11/2008 - 6b late - Laserfiche WebLink

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26 Attachment 5 ORANGE GOUNTY ENVIRONNi[ENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION i©EPARTMENT MEI~IORANDUiK To: Eddie iGrk, Planner From: Rich Shaw, ERIC Land Conservafion Manager Date: August 7, 2008 . Sum Proposed Lucas Farm at New Hope Subdivision Thank you for the opporlvn'~y to review Preliminary Plan for the proposed Lucas Farm at New Hope subdivision (formerly "New Hope Church. Rd Property") located northeast of the intersection of Oid NC 86 and New Hope Church Road. ERCD commented on two conceptual plans for this project in a memo dated Apnl 22, 2008. In that memo ERCD suggested a preference for•the conventional plan, which would set aside 21 acres of Open Space for wildlife habitat and low-impact public recreational use. ERCD identified the following "conservation values" for the subject property: Z. The property is adjacent bo a section of New Hope Creek that is recognized by the State of NC as providing habitat for aquatic spades of stafie and regional significance. Z. The Orange County Comprehensive Plan recommends that this segment of New Hope Creek be prot3ected as a permanent "Wildtfe Corridor" (330` on both sides of Cn'elc}. 3. Much of the proposed open space is within the 100-year ftoodplain 4. The northern 2/3 of the property is identified in a 1939 irnentaary of prime forests suitable for native wildlife habitat (Triangle Land Conservancy). This hardwood Prime Forest has high conservation value, consistent with the proposed Wildlife Corridor. 5. The existing Stanfield subdivision jlocated north of New Hope Creek; across from the subject property) has. a public trail easement.along north side of New Hope Creek. The new Preliminary Pian (dat~i 7/9/08) appears bo- be consistent with the earlier eom-errtional plan that proposed dedicating 21 acres of open space for public recreation/open space pursuant fio Section IV-6-7=b of the Subdivision Ordinance. Tike protection of this open space would help ibo implement the County's goals of protecting floodplains, wetlands, significant natural areas, and prime wildlifie habitat. If the County were fio acquire this site, ERCD would recommend that only minima) (if any) public faatities be eonshvcted, such as a natural trail with interpretive signage and benches along New Hope Creek. Signage would also be needed to help satisfy the notation on the Preliminary Pian stating that "Public access prohibited south of this line." Let me know if there are any questions. oc: David Stanch, Lori Taft Environment and Resourre ConservaNan PO Box 8981 /306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, IVC 27278 (999) 245-2590