HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2016-073 Resolution of Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement between OC and Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier RES-2016-073 PIF�/ 5--,1d`
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION
Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement between
Orange County
and
Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier
WHEREAS, Orange County has adopted goals that promote the preservation of natural
areas, wildlife habitat, prime farmland, and open space in the county; and
WHEREAS, Orange County established the Lands Legacy Program for the purpose of
protecting the most significant natural and cultural resources through partnerships with
landowners and other conservation entities; 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 Persimmon Hill Farm includes approximately 90 acres in the South Hyco
Creek 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, Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier, the owners of Persimmon Hill Farm,
wish to donate a permanent conservation easement to Orange County, which will protect the
prime farmland and forested riparian corridors on the property; and
WHEREAS, a conservation easement on this approximately 90 acres would ensure the
preservation of this farmland for future generations;
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
land owned by Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier; 2) approve the execution of this
conservation easement agreement with Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier, 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 December 15, 2016;
and 4) authorize County staff to sign any and all closing documents upon consultation with
the County Attorney.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board thanks Mr. Bennett and Ms. Pelissier for their
civic-minded donation of this conservation easement through the Lands Legacy Program.
This the 5th day of December, 2016.
Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Donna B ker, Oerk We Board