HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-21-1997 - 10a 1
ORANGECOUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 21, 1997
Agenda Abstract
Item# /0 —a-
SUBJECT: WILDLIFE CORRIDOR STUDY-TRIANGLE LAND CONSERVANCY
DEPARTMENT: Planning PUBLIC HEARING: Yes ___X_No
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes X No
ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT:
Planning Director/X2585
Preservation Planner/X2594
PHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
Chapel Hill 967-9251
PURPOSE: To hear a status report on the Wildlife Corridor Study.
BACKGROUND: In September, 1995, the Board of Commissioners approved funding of a Wildlife Corridor
Study to be conducted by the Triangle Land Conservancy. The Corridor Study is a follow-
up phase of the 1988 Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange
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This project will include mapping of the forested areas of the County to determine the
extent of different forest types. The study will identify specific habitat areas based on the
type of vegetative cover as determined from aerial photography. The study will also
determine the degree to which forested areas have been fragmented. Priority will be
given to identifying large, contiguous areas of unfragmented hardwood forest, which is the
most important habitat for a diversity of wildlife species.
In addition to mapping of wildlife corridors, the study will propose specific
recommendations for protection of wildlife and its habitat.
The Wildlife Corridor Study is being conducted by Steven Hall, a biologist with the NC
Natural Heritage Program, and Haven Wiley, Professor of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill,
under the guidance of the Triangle Land Conservancy. The Information Services Division
is providing GIS support.
RECOMMENDATION: For information purposes only. The Wildlife Corridor Study is scheduled for completion
in March, 1997.