HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2007-085 Contribution of Funds Land Acquisition & AcceptConservation Easement Eno River AssocORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS -~ ~ $ -~~ d'~ " ~ ~~
RESOLUTION / ~ _3 '~~~ ~
Authorization to Accept a Conservation Easement
from the Eno River Association for the Eno Confluence Property
WHEREAS, Orange County has adopted goals promoting the preservation of natural areas, wildlife
habitat, farmland and open space in the County; and
WHEREAS, one component of the Lands Legacy Program is the acquisition of conservation
easements on lands that include natural areas, wildlife habitat and riparian buffers within water supply
watersheds; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Eno River Association, a private non-profit land trust with similar
conservation goals, have agreed to collaborate on the acquisition and protection of riparian buffers
and aquatic habitat in the Upper Eno watershed; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Eno River Association were awarded a grant from the NC Clean
Water Management Trust Fund to protect a 110-acre property located at the confluence of the East
and West Forks of the Eno River ("Eno Confluence"); and
WHEREAS, the Eno River Association intends to acquire the property and grant a conservation
easement over the entire property to Orange County, which would protect the property for future low-
impact recreation and educational uses; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Eno River Association have generally agreed on the language of
said conservation easement to be granted to the County; and
WHEREAS, the Eno River Association intends to execute a promissory note obligating the
Association to repay the County's funds in the event that the Association fails to execute and record a
conservation easement acceptable to the County; and
WHEREAS, the joint acquisition and protection of this property is exemplary of the County's ongoing
collaboration and partnership with the Eno River Association;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that that the County agrees to release funds in the amount
of $250,000 for the purchase of the Eno Confluence property, which will be owned by the Eno River
Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners agree to the
acceptance of a conservation easement from the Eno River Association, with the understanding that
said easement will be granted to the County on or before December 31, 2008.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners agree to execute an
agreement with the Eno River Association that stipulates the specific terms of its collaboration on this
project.
This, the 3rd day of December, 2007
Do na Baker, Clerk to the Board
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Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners