HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2004-081 Approval & Acceptance of Grant-Agricultural Conservation Easement with Ira & Hazel Wardf° ~S -~dc)~--O d'J II-~G-z-oa5~
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS G 0.--
RESOLUTION
Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement between
Orange County and Ira and Hazel Ward
WHEREAS, Orange County has an adopted goal promoting the preservation of farmland in
the County; .and
WHEREAS, agriculture in Orange County is an important facet of the economy and way of
life in the County; and
WHEREAS, one component of the Lands Legacy Program is the acquisition of conservation
easements on prime or threatened farmland within water supply watersheds; and
WHEREAS, the Ward farm includes 112 acres in the Upper Eno and Back Creek protected
watersheds, .consists of a majority of prime soils, and is located in an agricultural community
with access to farm markets; and
WHEREAS, a grant in the amount of $210,750 was awarded to Orange County from the
federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program to protect the future of this farm with an
agricultural conservation easement; and
WHEREAS, a conservation easement on 112 acres of this farm provides awin-win scenario -
ensuring the preservation of this farmland for future generations and providing return on the
property for the Ward family:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
does hereby 1) accept on behalf of Orange County the agricultural conservation easement to
protect prime farmland owned by Ira and Hazel Ward; 2) approve the execution of this
conservation easement agreement with Ira and Hazel Ward, in accordance with the terms of
the proposed. easement agreement, subject to final review by staff and the county attorney;
and 3) authorize the Chair and the Clerk to sign the easement agreement on behalf of the
Board, with a closing to occur on or about December 31, 2004..
This the 16th day of November, 2004.
Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners