HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-20-2010-13 (2)Information Item
Environmental Education and Programming (2010)
Environment, Parks and Recreation Department
The department is planning a series of public meetings intended to promote the conservation and
management of privately-owned land in Orange County, with particular focus on conserving
farmland, forestland, and natural areas/wildlife habitat.
Each meeting will focus on a different set of land conservation issues tailored to Orange County
landowners. Resource professionals will be on hand to talk with workshop participants before and
after presentations to answer specific questions.
The meetings will be publicized using a variety of means once the specific meeting dates and
locations have been determined. For information contact Rich Shaw at <rshaw@co.orange.nc.us>.
Landowner Assistance Programs (May 2010)
Topics: Landowner options for protecting significant natural historic resources on private
land, conservation easements, SWCD/NRCS programs (types, timing, cost-share,
etc.), farm services programs
Financial Benefits of Conservation Easements (June 2010)
Topics: Introduction to conservation easements, potential tax benefits (locaUstate/fed taxes),
landowner examples/testimonials (panel discussion)
Conservation Planning and Development (Summer 2010)
Topics: Learning basic land management skills (map & compass use; tree/plant id., soil
sampling, using GPS and GIS information, invasive plant basics, and more), site
evaluation /How to assess different property values, conservation options
(conservation easements, timber rights, etc.), conservation development
Native Landscaping and Water Management (Summer 2010)
Topics: Soil testing/preparation, choosing native plants and trees, invasive plant ID and
treatment, solving stormwater problems with plants (such as rain gardens)
Sustainable Forest Management and Stewardship (Fa112010)
Topics: Landowner options for managing forestland on their property, how to keep forests
healthy, how to obtain forest management plan or forest stewardship plan, current
state and local laws/guidelines for timber harvesting (e.g., stream buffers/crossings,
notification, burning, replanting), forestry in advance of future development
Renewable Energy Production on Farmland (Fa112010)
Topics: Producing energy for use on farms and for sale to others, grant programs available
for funding energy infrastructure