HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2012-009 Resolution of Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement between Orange County and the Eno River Association and Dennis and Linda Brooksj''~~'S- ~G~~~ ~lJ ~'1 1-.z y- 20~~...
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION
Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement between
Orange County and the Eno River Association
and
Dennis and Linda Brooks
WHEREAS, agriculture in Orange County is an important facet of the economy and time
honored way of life in the County; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has an adopted goal promoting the preservation of farmland in
the County; and
WHEREAS, one component of the Lands Legacy Program is the acquisition of conservation
easements on prime farmland within water supply watersheds; and
WHEREAS, the Brooks farm includes approximately 114 acres in the Upper Eno River
protected watershed, consists of a majority of prime agricultural soils, and is located in an
agricultural community with good access to farm markets; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the Eno River Association have agreed to collaborate on the
joint acquisition of a conservation easement that will protect the prime farmland and riparian
corridors that exist on the Brooks farm with a conservation easement; and
WHEREAS, matching funds have been earmarked for this project from the Upper Neuse
Clean Water Initiative, the Healthy Forests program, and the Town of Hillsborough to help
purchase the agricultural and watershed protection conservation easement; and
WHEREAS, a conservation easement on this approximately 114 acres would ensure the
preservation of this farmland for future generations and help to compensate the owners for
this long-term commitment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
does hereby 1) accept on behalf of Orange County the agricultural and watershed protection
conservation easement to land owned by Dennis and Linda Brooks; 2) approve the execution
of this conservation easement agreement with Dennis and Linda Brooks, in accordance with
the terms of the proposed easement agreement, subject to final review by staff and the
County Attorney; 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 February 28, 2012; and 4) authorize
County staff to sign any and all closing documents upon consultation with the County
Attorney.
This the 24th day of January, 2012.
Don a aker, Clerk to the Board
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Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners