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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-11-2018 8-c - Resolution of Approval – Conservation Easement on Walker Farm and Approval of Budget Amendment #4-A 1 ORD-2018-036 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 11, 2018 Action Agenda Item No. 8-c SUBJECT: Resolution of Approval — Conservation Easement on Walker Farm and Approval of Budget Amendment #4-A DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Resolution of Approval David Stancil, 245-2510 2. Location Map Kim Livingston, 245-2514 3. Site Map 4. Draft Conservation Easement PURPOSE: To consider a resolution to approve the purchase of and acceptance by Orange County of an agricultural conservation easement for the Walker Farm, and approve Budget Amendment #4-A. BACKGROUND: The acquisition of conservation easements to protect highly important natural and cultural resource lands in Orange County is a longstanding goal of the Board of Commissioners, and is a priority of the Lands Legacy program. Since 2001, the County has partnered with landowners and other entities to protect 2,385 acres of significant natural areas and prime farmland with permanent conservation easements, leveraging over $3 million in outside funding and grants toward these easements. Over the past several years, DEAPR has worked with Norman Walker on a project to conserve 77-acre of his 87-acre farm property located on Guess Road in Little River Township. The farm property is located in the Little River Protected Watershed, a priority watershed for acquiring agricultural easements in a dual effort to protect prime farmland and drinking water quality. The farm has nearly 5,000 feet of stream frontage on the North Fork Little River and a tributary, which supply drinking water for the City of Durham. Norman C. Walker intends to grant a permanent conservation easement that will restrict future development to protect prime farmland and streams, as well as scenic views of the farmland from Guess Road and Sneed Road. All non-agricultural development rights will be extinguished through the conservation easement. Future farm activities will be in accordance with a Conservation Plan prepared for this farm by the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District. 2 The planned agricultural conservation easement would be held jointly by Orange County and the Eno River Association. The easement would complement the technical assistance from the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District and will also protect stream buffers. The planned agricultural conservation easement area is depicted on the attached site map. A draft deed of conservation easement is also provided. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The easement purchase price is $249,000, which is 100 percent of the easement value as determined by an appraisal by Kirkland Appraisals, LLC. DEAPR worked with the Eno River Association to identify the following funding sources: Eno River Association $ 30,384 (12%) City of Raleigh (Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative) $ 43,016 (15%) City of Durham (Watershed Protection Program) $ 35,550 (13%) Orange County (Lands Legacy) $170,000 (60%) $278,950 (acquisition + transaction) Funds for the easement purchase would come from Orange County ($166,000 purchase price plus $4,000 for appraisal and closing costs), Eno River Association ($19,684 purchase price plus $10,700 for survey, stewardship, and legal fees), City of Raleigh ($43,016 purchase price) and City of Durham ($20,300 purchase price plus $15,250 stewardship). The City of Durham recently established a Watershed Protection Program similar to the City of Raleigh's Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative (UNCWI). The program is intended to protect source waters to the Little River Reservoir and Lake Michie. This project is the first funded project in Orange County under the City of Durham's new program. Raleigh's UNCWI program has funded several projects in Orange County. The County's share of funds ($170,000) would come from existing funds budgeted and approved for the Lands Legacy program (Land Legacy Fund). The Walker Farm property is enrolled in the Present Use Value taxation program, so the conservation easement would not lessen the amount of property taxes paid to the County. There would be no decrease in the property's market value caused by the conservation easement (and extinguishing of portion of its development rights) since it would not lower the property value to a level that is less than the current present use value. With this allocation, approximately $2.59 million remains available in the Lands Legacy Capital Project. The following Budget Amendment #4-A provides for the use of the above mentioned funds, and amends the following Capital Project Ordinances: Lands Legacy Capital Project (-$170,000) - Project #20011 Revenues for this project: Current FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 Amendment Revised Alternative Financing $3,103,972 ($170,000) $2,933,972 From General Fund $42,697 $0 $42,697 Donations $1,000 $0 $1,000 Appropriated Fund Balance $9,337 $0 $9,337 Total Project Funding $3,157,006 ($170,000) $2,987,006 3 Appropriated for this project: Current FY FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 2018-19 Amendment Revised Lands Legacy Program $3,157,006 ($170,000) $2,987,006 Total Costs $3,157,006 ($170,000) $2,987,006 Conservation Easements Capital Project ($170,000) - Project # 20006 Revenues for this project: Current FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 Amendment Revised Alternative Financing $1,988,132 $170,000 $2,158,132 From General Fund $696,521 $0 $696,521 Donations $1,020 $0 $1,020 NC Agriculture Development $135,480 $0 $135,480 Grant Eno River Association $252,843 $0 $252,843 Upper Neuse Clean Water $54,000 $0 $54,000 Initiative NC Conservation Reserve $18,800 $0 $18,800 Program Contribution from Hillsborough $6,157 $0 $6,157 USDA Farmland Protection $1,936,000 $0 $1,936,000 Total Project Funding $5,088,953 $170,000 $5,258,953 Appropriated for this project: Current FY FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 2018-19 Amendment Revised Conservation Easements $5,088,953 $170,000 $5,258,953 Total Costs $5,088,953 $170,000 $5,258,953 SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. This farm conservation easement will help ensure that this prime farmland remains available for cultivation and food production, helping to provide healthy local food to County residents and others. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution approving the acceptance by Orange County of the conservation easement, and authorize the Chair and the Clerk to sign the conservation easement agreement, subject to final review by staff and County Attorney, with a closing and recordation of the document expected to occur on or about June 30, 2019, and approve Budget Amendment #4-A. RES-2018-084 Attachment 1 4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION Approval of Conservation Easement between Orange County and the Eno River Association and Norman C. Walker 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 Walker Farm property includes approximately 77 acres in the Little River protected watershed, consisting of a majority of prime agricultural soils, and includes 5,000 linear feet of the North Fork Little River and one of its tributaries that drain to the Little River Reservoir—a drinking water supply reservoir for the City of Durham; and WHEREAS, Norman C. Walker, the owner of the Walker Farm property, wishes to grant a permanent conservation easement to Orange County and the Eno River Association, which will protect the prime farmland and riparian corridors that exist on the property; and WHEREAS, a conservation easement on this approximately 77 acres would ensure the preservation of this farmland and stream buffers for future generations and help compensate the owner 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 conservation easement for land owned by Norman C. Walker; 2) approve the execution of this conservation easement agreement with Norman Walker, 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 June 30, 2019; 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. Norman C. Walker for his civic- minded granting of this conservation easement through the Lands Legacy Program. This the 11th day of December, 2018. Penny Rich, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board 5 F°rk l Gi e� I I L�' I I I r i I y1/ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I a I i vo � I I I I I I Walker Easement OUCH I Vicinity Mapo f Walker Easement 0 County Parks and Open Space N ,z ;z Conservation Easements Held By County 0 Non County Parks And Open Space Conservation Easements Held By Others Major Streams Reserviors Streets Date: 10/2/2018 1 inch = 5,280 feet m SNEER R� 0 2 6.4 acres e , A r e � 71.0 acres .,� Nosh Fork4�ittle River a: 0 16.4 acres w Of co =o o." '` GUESS RD t Walker CE Scenario: 2017 Aerial Image Potential CE (77.4 acres) Aerial Map <^ °, Walker Farm N ' Conservation Easements Held By County Parcels Conservation Easements Held By Others j DEAPR Streams Streets 1 inch = 457 feet Date: 4/19/2018 7 This instrument prepared by and return to: John L.Roberts,Office of the Orange County Attorney Box 8181,Hillsborough,NC 27278 Revenue Stamps: NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ORANGE WARRANTY DEED OF AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT This Deed of Agricultural Conservation Easement (hereinafter "Conservation Easement") is granted on this th day of , 2018, by NORMAN C. WALKER having an address of 5317 Normans Road, Rougemont,NC 27572, (referred to as "Grantor"), to ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA, having an address of Post Office Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 and ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENO RIVER VALLEY, INC., a North Carolina Nonprofit Corporation, having an address of 4404 Guess Road, Durham,NC 27712, also known as the Eno River Association, (both together referred to as "Grantee" or"Grantees"). The designation Grantor and Grantees as used herein shall include said parties, their respective heirs, successors and assigns, and shall include singular,plural, masculine, feminine or neutral pronouns as required by context. WHEREAS: Grantor is the sole owner in fee simple, of certain farm properties identified in Exhibit A located in Little River Township, Orange County,North Carolina and identified on the plat of property entitled" prepared by , which plat is recorded at Plat Book Page , Orange County Registry, and 77.4 acres of said farm properties will be covered by this Conservation Easement as shown on said recorded plat(the "Protected Property"). The Protected Property consists primarily of productive agricultural land. The majority of the soils on the Protected Property are classified as "prime" or"statewide important" soils by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture (also Page 1 of 19 8 referred to as "NRCS"). The Protected Property includes an unnamed tributary of the North Fork Little River and the North Fork Little River that flows generally southeast into the Little River Reservoir, a City of Durham public water supply. The entire Property is located within the designated Little River Protected Watershed. The primary purposes of this Conservation Easement are to protect the agricultural soils and agricultural viability and productivity of the Protected Property, and to protect the quality of surface waters in the Little River Protected Watershed. The Protected Property also includes riparian and woodland habitats for a variety of wildlife species of importance to the Grantor and Grantees, the people of Orange County and the people of North Carolina. Furthermore, the Protected Property contains outstanding scenic qualities that can be enjoyed by the general public, namely the views along Guess Road and Sneed Road. It is a secondary purpose of this Conservation Easement to protect these natural and scenic resources. The agricultural resources of the Protected Property, and its contribution to the protection of prime farmland soils, a public water supply, natural and wildlife habitat, and the other conservation interests described herein to be preserved by this Conservation Easement are collectively referred to as the "Conservation Values" of the Protected Property. The specific Conservation Values of the Protected Property and its current use and state of improvement are described in a Baseline Documentation Report ("Report")prepared by the Grantees with the cooperation of the Grantor, and acknowledged by both parties to be accurate as of the date of this Conservation Easement. This Report may be used by the Grantees to document any future changes in the use or character of the Protected Property in order to ensure the terms and conditions of this Conservation Easement are fulfilled. The Report, however, is not intended to preclude the use of other evidence to establish the present condition of the Protected Property if there is a controversy over its use. The Grantor and Grantees have copies of this Report, and said report will remain on file at the offices of the Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation and the Eno River Association. The Grantor and Grantees agree that the current agricultural use of, and improvements to, the Protected Property are consistent with the conservation purposes of this Conservation Easement. The Grantor intends that the Conservation Values of the Protected Property be preserved and maintained, and further, Grantor intends to convey to the Grantees the right to preserve and protect the agricultural and other Conservation Values of the Protected Property in perpetuity. The conservation purposes of this Conservation Easement are recognized by, and the grant of this Conservation Easement will serve, the following clearly delineated governmental conservation policies: (1) Sections 1238 H and 1238 I of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, which authorizes the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, administered through the United Page 2 of 19 9 States Department of Agriculture,Natural Resources Conservation Service, which provides funds for the acquisition of Conservation Easements or other interests in prime,unique, or other productive soils for the purpose of limiting conversion to nonagricultural uses of the land; (2)North Carolina General Statute 139-2 et seq., which provides that"it is hereby declared ...that the farm, forest and grazing lands of the State of North Carolina are among the basic assets of the State and the preservation of these lands is necessary to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of its people... it is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of the soil and resources of this State;" (3)North Carolina General Statute 106-583 et seq., which states that"It is declared to be the policy of the State of North Carolina to promote the efficient production and utilization of the products of the soil as essential to the health and welfare of our people and to promote a sound and prosperous agriculture and rural life as indispensable to the maintenance of maximum prosperity;" (4) The Uniform North Carolina Conservation and Historic Preservation Agreements Act, North Carolina General Statute 121-34 et seq., which provides that conservation agreements are "interests in land"which may be effective "perpetually;"which provides for the enforceability of restrictions, easements, covenants or conditions "...appropriate to retaining land or water areas predominantly in their natural, scenic, or open condition or in agricultural, horticultural, farming or forest use...;" and which provides for tax assessment of lands subject to such agreements "on the basis of the true value of the land and improvement less any reduction in value caused by the agreement;" (5) The establishment of the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund established in 1986 (N.C.G.S. 106-744(c) as amended)to preserve important farmland in North Carolina; (6)the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, authorized by NCGS § 113A-251 et seq., which finances projects to acquire land and interests in land, including conservation easements for the purposes of providing environmental protection for surface waters and urban drinking water supplies; (7) the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act, authorized by NCGS § 139-1, et seq., which provides for the preservation of farm, forest and grazing lands; (8) the special use assessment of farm and forestland as set forth in NCGS § 105-277.2 et seq., which allows for lower property tax rates for land enrolled in active agricultural uses; (9) the Land Use Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan(adopted November 18, 2008)with its goal of"Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions and features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character."; Page 3 of 19 10 (10) The Orange County Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan, adopted November 17, 2009, which recommends that the County acquire agricultural conservation easements to help protect farmland as a valuable natural resource; and (11) The zoning of the Property by Orange County as Agricultural Residential and Little River Protected Watershed, the latter to help protect the public water supply watershed of Little River Reservoir. Grantor and Grantees have the common purpose of protecting the above-described Conservation Values and current condition of the Protected Property and preventing conversion of the Protected Property to nonagricultural uses. Grantor agrees to create and implement a conservation plan (hereinafter the "Conservation Plan") that is developed utilizing the standards and specification of the NRCS field office technical guide and 7 CFR part 12, as well as other commonly-recognized best management practices, and is approved by the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District; Orange County is a body politic existing under Chapter 153A of the North Carolina General Statutes, and is qualified to hold conservation easements under the applicable laws of the State of North Carolina; NOW, THEREFORE, for the reasons given and other good and valuable consideration, and in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms, conditions and restrictions contained herein, and as an absolute and unconditional gift, the Grantor hereby grants and convey unto Grantees, their successors and assigns, forever and in perpetuity for the benefit of the people of North Carolina, a Conservation Easement of the nature and character and to the extent hereinafter set forth, in respect to the Protected Property; The terms, conditions and restrictions of the Conservation Easement are as hereinafter set forth: 1. Grant of Conservation Easement; Extinguishment of Development Rights Grantor hereby voluntarily grants and convey to the Grantees, and the Grantees hereby voluntarily accept, a perpetual Conservation Easement on the Protected Property, which easement is an immediately vested interest in real property the nature and character described herein. Grantor promises that they will not perform, nor knowingly allow others to perform, any act on or affecting the Protected Property that is inconsistent with the covenants herein. Grantor authorizes the Grantees to enforce these covenants in the manner described below. Grantor hereby voluntarily grants and convey to the Grantees all development rights for the Protected Property, except as otherwise reserved and provided by the terms of this Conservation Easement, that are now or hereafter inherent in the Protected Property. The parties agree that such development rights are now terminated and extinguished, and may not be used on or transferred to any other property adjacent or otherwise, nor used for the purpose of calculating permissible lot yield of the Protected Property or any other property by anyone or any entity, including the Grantees. Page 4 of 19 11 2. Statement of Purpose The primary purposes of this Conservation Easement are to enable the Protected Property to remain in agricultural use by preserving and protecting its agricultural soils and agricultural viability and productivity, and to protect the riparian areas and surface waters associated with the stream tributary to North Fork Little River and North Fork Little River from the risk of adverse impacts arising from use or development of the Protected Property contrary to the provisions of this Conservation Easement. Except as specifically permitted herein, no activity that would impair the actual or potential agricultural use of the Protected Property shall be permitted. Likewise, any activity that would risk causing adverse impact to the stream tributary to North Fork Little River or North Fork Little River is prohibited. To the extent that the preservation and protection of the other natural, historic, recreational, habitat, or scenic values referenced in this Conservation Easement are consistent with the primary purposes stated above, it is within the purpose of this Conservation Easement to also protect those values, and no activity that would significantly impair those values shall be permitted. As authorized in the Uniform Conservation and Historic Preservation Act,N.C. Gen. Stat. § 121-34 et seq., this Conservation Easement is perpetual; it restricts the Grantor's Property in perpetuity; and it is enforceable by the Grantees against the Grantor, their representatives, heirs, successors and assigns, lessees, agents, and licensees. 3. Rights and Responsibilities Retained by Grantor Notwithstanding any provisions of this Conservation Easement to the contrary, the Grantor reserves to and for themselves and their successors all customary rights and privileges of ownership, including the rights to sell, lease, and devise the Protected Property provided such transaction is subject to the terms of this Conservation Easement and written notice is provided to the Grantees, together with any rights not specifically prohibited by or limited by this Conservation Easement, and consistent with this Conservation Easement. Unless otherwise specified below, nothing in this Conservation Easement shall require the Grantor to take any action to restore the condition of the Protected Property after any natural disaster or other event over which he had no control. Grantor understands that nothing in this Deed relieves them of any obligation or restriction on the use of the Protected Property imposed by law. 4. Right to Farm Grantor retains the right to farm, or to permit others to farm the Protected Property, consistent with the Conservation Values of the Protected Property and in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Subject to the terms of this Conservation Easement, farming, grazing, horticultural and animal husbandry operations are permitted only if conducted consistent with Best Management Practices promulgated by the State of North Carolina and in conformity with a Conservation Plan as required in Paragraph 9 of this Conservation Easement, which Conservation Plan is hereinafter referred to as "the Conservation Plan." Page 5 of 19 12 Cattle and other livestock are allowed to exist and to graze on the Protected Property, except within a 600-foot-wide stream buffer along North Fork Little River, which is 300 feet wide on either side of the stream as measured from the center of the stream and perpendicular to the stream, as well as 600-foot-wide stream buffer along the unnamed tributary of North Fork Little River, which is 300 feet wide on either side of the stream as measured from the center of the stream and perpendicular to the stream. The location of both stream buffers are identified and marked on Exhibit A. Exhibit A is a copy of a GIS rendering of the Protected Property, the original of which will be maintained with the Baseline Documentation Report at the office of the Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation and the Eno River Association. Fencing intended to keep cattle and other livestock out of the above mentioned stream buffers shall be installed before livestock is brought onto the Protected Property. The aforementioned 600-foot-wide stream buffer shall be restricted from any development that would impair or interfere with the Conservation Values of the Protected Property. S. Right to Privacy Grantor retains the right to privacy and the right to exclude any member of the public from trespassing on the Protected Property. This Conservation Easement does not create any rights of the public in, on or to the Protected Property. 6 Right to Use the Property for Customary Rural Enterprises Grantor retains the right to use a portion of the Protected Property within a"Farmstead Area"no greater than five (5) acres, the location of which will be determined when such area is needed. The location will require approval by Grantees. The "Farmstead Area" can be used for otherwise lawful and customary rural enterprises, such as, but not limited to, farm machinery repair, sawmill, firewood distribution,bed and breakfast, farm stand, or educational programs so long as such activities are a) consistent with Orange County zoning regulations and permits required by and issued by Orange County under its laws and ordinances as they exist now and as they may be amended from time to time, and b) are conducted in buildings otherwise permitted under this Conservation Easement in a manner that is consistent with the conservation purposes of this Conservation Easement, and c) are subordinate to the agricultural and residential use of the Protected Property. Conducting customary rural enterprises on any other part of the Protected Property is not permitted without the advance written permission of the Grantees in each instance. Grantees shall not give such permission unless the Grantees determine that the proposed use will not diminish or impair the Conservation Values of the Protected Property. The parties expressly agree that enterprises that market petroleum or chemical products are prohibited, and that commercial feed lots for cattle or other meat animals are also prohibited. 7. Procedure to Construct Buildings and Other Improvements The Grantor's rights to construct or reconstruct buildings and other improvements are described in subparagraphs (a)through (f)below. Any construction or reconstruction not Page 6 of 19 13 permitted below is prohibited. Before undertaking any construction or reconstruction that requires advance permission, the Grantor shall notify the Grantees and obtain written permission. All construction or reconstruction is subject to Orange County zoning regulations and must be consistent with permits required by and issued by Orange County under its laws and ordinances as they exist now and as they may be amended from time to time for such construction activities. (a) Fences—Existing fences may be repaired and replaced, and new fences may be built on the Protected Property for purposes of reasonable and customary management of livestock and wildlife or to fence off the perimeter of the Protected Property or the perimeter of the stream buffer without any further permission of the Grantees. (b) Structures &Improvements—There are no structures existing on the Protected Property as of the date of this Agricultural Conservation Easement. New buildings, including barns, sheds and other structures and improvements to be used primarily for agricultural purposes (including the processing or sale of farm products predominantly grown or raised on the Protected Property) may be built on the Protected Property without any further permission of the Grantees provided they are located in the "Farmstead Area." Any new buildings, structures or improvements proposed for locations outside the "Farmstead Area" shall be for agricultural purposes only and may be built only with the advance written permission of the Grantees. The Grantees shall not give such permission unless they determine that the proposed building, structure or improvement would not diminish or impair the Conservation Values of the Protected Property or otherwise be inconsistent with this Conservation Easement. (c) Single-Family Residential Dwellings—No residential dwellings exist on the Protected Property. Future residential dwellings on the Protected Property are prohibited. (d) Passive Recreational Improvements—Grantor expressly reserves the right to engage in low impact, non-developed recreational activities requiring no surface alteration of the land and posing no threat to the Conservation Values set herein such as hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, and to control access of all persons for these purposes, except the general public shall not be allowed to participate in these activities; provided that these activities do not impact the protection and conservation of any animal habitat or other Conservation Values of the Protected Property. However, under no circumstances shall golf courses, golf ranges, airstrips or helicopter pads be constructed, placed or permitted to remain on the Protected Property. Nothing about Orange County's participation in or the signing of this Deed of Easement constitutes zoning or the permitting of these recreational improvements and their appurtenant structures. (e) Utility Services and Septic Systems—Installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, removal and relocation of electric, gas, and water facilities, septic systems, sewer lines and/or other public or private utilities, including for solar energy generation and including telephone or other communication services over or under the Protected Property for the purpose of providing electrical, gas,water, sewer, or other utilities to serve improvements on the Protected Property permitted herein, and the right to grant easements over and under the Protected Property for such purposes, is permitted. Grantor shall not permit or grant easements Page 7 of 19 14 for utility transmission or distribution facilities or systems without the written consent of the Grantees. Maintenance, repair or improvement of a septic system(s) or other underground sanitary system that exists on the Protected Property at the time of this Conservation Easement, or the construction of a septic or other underground sanitary system, for the benefit of any of the improvements permitted herein and if necessary to serve the existing (or replacement) residential or commercial uses located immediately adjacent to the Protected Property on the property identified as Orange County PIN 0808-06-7557, is permitted. All other utilities are prohibited on the Protected Property. Cellular communication towers or structures are prohibited on the Protected Property. 8. Subdivision The Protected Property may not be divided, subdivided or partitioned, nor conveyed except in its current configuration as an entity. 9. Conservation Practices All agricultural operations on the Protected Property shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the requirements of this Conservation Easement and a Conservation Plan prepared in consultation with NRCS and approved by the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District. This Conservation Plan shall be developed using the standards and specifications of the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide and 7 CFR Part 12 that are in effect on the date of execution of this Conservation Easement. The Grantor may, however, develop and implement a Conservation Plan that proposes a higher level of conservation and is consistent with the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications. Copies of the Conservation Plan shall be kept on file in the office of the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District and shall be provided to the Grantor and Grantees. The Conservation Plan may be updated from time to time by mutual agreement of the NRCS and the Grantor. NRCS and the Grantees shall have the right to enter upon the Protected Property, with advance notice to the Grantor, in order to monitor compliance with the Conservation Plan. In the event of noncompliance with the Conservation Plan, the Grantees shall work with the Grantor to explore methods of compliance. Grantor shall be given a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed twelve months, to take corrective action. If the Grantor does not comply with the Conservation Plan,NRCS will inform the Grantees of the Grantor's non-compliance. Following receipt of written notification from NRCS that(a) there is a substantial, ongoing event or circumstance of non-compliance with the Conservation Plan, (b)NRCS has worked with the Grantor to correct such noncompliance, and(c) Grantor has exhausted their appeal rights under applicable NRCS regulations, the Grantees shall take all reasonable steps (including efforts at securing voluntary compliance and, if necessary, appropriate legal action)to secure compliance with the Conservation Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Grantees reasonably believe that there is a substantial, ongoing event or circumstance of non-compliance with the Conservation Plan despite efforts to work with the Grantor to correct such non- compliance, Grantees may proceed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance. Page 8 of 19 15 10. Forest Management Everywhere on the Protected Property, trees may be removed, cut and otherwise managed to control insects and disease, to prevent personal injury and property damage, to remove non- native species, for pasture restoration, for firewood and other non-commercial uses, including construction of permitted improvements and fences on the Protected Property, so long as done in accordance with the Conservation Plan referenced in Paragraph 9 (Conservation Practices) of this Conservation Easement and in accordance with a Forest Management Plan that is prepared by a professional licensed forester, and that is approved by Grantees,which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any other cutting, removal or harvesting of trees, including any commercial harvesting of trees, may be undertaken only if it is in accordance with the Conservation Plan and Forest Management Plan referred to in this Paragraph 10 (Forest Management) and occurs outside of a 200-foot-wide stream buffer along North Fork Little River, which is 100 feet wide on either side of the stream as measured from the center of the stream and perpendicular to the stream, as well as 200-foot-wide stream buffer along the unnamed tributary of North Fork Little River, which is 100 feet wide on either side of the stream as measured from the center of the stream and perpendicular to the stream. The location of both stream buffers are identified and marked on Exhibit A. Exhibit A is a copy of a GIS rendering of the Protected Property, the original of which will be maintained with the Baseline Documentation Report at the office of the Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation and the Eno River Association. The aforementioned 200-foot-wide stream buffer shall be maintained in its natural condition and restricted from any development that would impair or interfere with the Conservation Values of the Protected Property. Trees may be planted, harvested and removed within the future "Farmstead Area," once the location is determined and approved by Grantor and Grantees, all without the advance written permission of the Grantees. 11. Mining There shall be no filling, excavation, dredging, mining or drilling, removal of topsoil, sand, gravel,rock,peat, minerals or other materials; and no change in the topography of the land in any manner except as necessary for the purpose of normal and customary farming operations in accordance with the Conservation Plan or combating erosion or flooding in accordance with the Conservation Plan and as reasonably necessary for any maintenance, construction or reconstruction on the Protected Property permitted herein. Disturbed areas for the purpose of removing soil, gravel, rock,peat, minerals or other materials necessary for permitted customary agricultural uses on the Protected Property will be limited to one acre in total surface area and will be restored as soon as practicable after the disturbance. Under no circumstances is the drilling for or exploration for hydrocarbons permitted in, under, on or to the Protected Property. Page 9 of 19 16 12. Road Construction Construction and maintenance of farm roads that may be reasonably necessary and incidental to carrying out the improvements and uses permitted on the Protected Property by this Conservation Easement are permitted. No roads constructed on the Protected Property shall be paved or otherwise covered with concrete, asphalt, or any other impervious material, without the advance written permission of the Grantees. For purposes of this Conservation Easement gravel roads shall not be considered impervious. Grantees shall not give such permission unless the Grantees determine that the proposed paving, or covering of the soil, or the location of any such road, will not diminish or impair the Conservation Values of the Protected Property. 13. Dumping and Trash Dumping or storage of soil, trash,refuse, debris, ashes, garbage, waste, abandoned vehicles or parts, appliances, machinery, or hazardous substances, or toxic or hazardous waste, or any placement of underground or above ground storage tanks or other materials is prohibited. Provided, however, that the storage of agricultural products, byproducts (including the composting of biodegradable material for on-farm use) and agricultural equipment used on the Protected Property is allowable, so long as such storage is done outside the stream buffers as described in Paragraph 4 and identified on Exhibit A, and in accordance with all applicable government laws and regulations and in such a manner so as to not impair the Conservation Values of the Protected Property. 14. Water Rights Grantor shall retain and reserve the right, consistent with federal, State and local laws and regulations, to use any appurtenant water rights sufficient to maintain the agricultural productivity of the Protected Property. Grantor shall not transfer, encumber, lease, sell or otherwise separate such water rights from title to the Protected Property itself. 15. Natural Resource Restoration and Enhancement Activities Notwithstanding any terms contained within this Conservation Easement, Grantor may engage or contract others to engage in any activity designed to repair, restore, or otherwise enhance the natural resources found or once present on the Protected Property, that are consistent with the Conservation Values of this Conservation Easement and subject to the written approval of the Grantees and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. 16. Signs No new signs shall be permitted on the Protected Property except interpretive signs describing activities and Conservation Values of the Protected Property, signs identifying the owner of the Protected Property and the holder of the Conservation Easement, and signs giving directions or proscribing rules and regulations for the use of the Protected Property. All signs permitted on the Protected Property shall conform to applicable Orange County zoning, subdivision and building code regulations. Page 10 of 19 17 17. Ongoing Responsibilities of Grantor and Grantees Other than as specified herein, this Conservation Easement is not intended to impose any legal or other responsibility on the Grantees, or in any way to affect any existing obligation of the Grantor as owner of the Protected Property. Among other things, this shall apply to: (a) Taxes—The Grantor shall continue to be solely responsible for payment of all taxes and assessments levied against the Protected Property. If the Grantees are ever required to pay any taxes or assessments on its interest in the Protected Property, the Grantor will reimburse the Grantees for the same. (b) Upkeep and Maintenance—The Grantor retains all responsibilities and shall bear all costs and liability of any kind related to the ownership, operation, and upkeep and maintenance of the Protected Property, including maintenance of all fencing and other structures and facilities necessary to comply with the terms and conditions of this Conservation Easement and the maintenance of adequate comprehensive general liability insurance coverage. Grantees shall have no obligation for the upkeep or maintenance of the Protected Property. Grantor will remain responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and repairs to any impoundments located on the Protected Property. (c) Liability and Indemnification—Grantor agrees to indemnify and hold the Grantees harmless from any and all costs, claims or liability, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from(i) any personal injury, accidents, negligence or damage relating to the Protected Property, or any claim thereof; (ii) any violation of any federal, state or local environmental or land use law or regulation or the use of or presence of hazardous substances, waste or other regulated materials in, on or under the Protected Property; and (iii) Grantees exercise of their rights of entry pursuant to this Conservation Easement; provided, however that if such costs, claims or liability are due in whole or in part to the negligence of the Grantees or their agents, contractors or employees, liability shall be apportioned accordingly. In addition, Grantor agrees to maintain liability insurance covering the Protected Property with minimum coverage as follows: (i) $300,000 per person for personal injury or death, $300,000 per occurrence, and(ii) $300,000 per occurrence for property damage. These policy limits may be amended from time to time by written agreement of the parties to which the parties agree to be bound. Additionally, Grantor warrants that the Grantees are and will remain named insured on Grantor's property insurance policies covering the Protected Property. Grantor shall provide Grantees with a certificate of insurance coverage on the effective date of this Easement and within 10 days of each insurance renewal date. Grantor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Grantees, their employees, agents, and assigns for any and all liabilities, claims, demands, losses, expenses, damages, fines, fees penalties, suits, proceedings, actions, and costs of actions, sanctions asserted by or on behalf of any person or governmental authority, and other liabilities (whether legal or equitable in nature and including, without limitation, court costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees and attorneys' fees on appeal) to which the Grantees may be subject or incur relating to the Protected Property, which may arise from,but are not limited to, Grantor's negligent acts or omissions or Grantor's Page 11 of 19 18 breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreements contained in this Conservation Easement Deed, or violations of any Federal, State, or local laws, including all Environmental Laws. 18. Enforcement With reasonable advance notice to the Grantor or with the Grantor's prior verbal consent, Grantees shall have the right to enter the Protected Property for the purpose of inspecting for compliance with the terms of this Conservation Easement. Grantees shall have the right to prevent violations and remedy violations of the terms of this Conservation Easement through judicial action, which shall include, without limitation, the right to bring proceedings in law or in equity against any party or parties attempting to violate the terms of this Conservation Easement. Except when an ongoing or imminent violation could irreversibly diminish or impair the Conservation Values of the Protected Property, Grantees shall give the Grantor written notice of the violation and thirty(30) days to cure the violation,before commencing any legal proceedings. Grantees may obtain an injunction to stop a violation or a threatened violation, temporarily or permanently. The parties agree that a court may issue an injunction or order requiring Grantor to restore the Protected Property to its condition prior to the violation, as restoration of the property may be the only appropriate remedy. In any case where a court finds that a violation has occurred, Grantor shall reimburse Grantees for all its expenses incurred in stopping and correcting the violation, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees. The failure of the Grantees to discover a violation or to take immediate legal action shall not bar it from doing so at a later time for that violation or any subsequent violations. In any case where the court finds that there was a complete absence of a justiciable issue of either law or fact raised by the losing party, the court may award a reasonable attorney's fee to the prevailing party as provided by applicable law. 19. Transfer of Conservation Easement The Grantees shall have the right to transfer, assign, convey, or otherwise to co-hold the Conservation Easement created by this Deed to any public agency or private nonprofit organization that, at the time of transfer, is a qualified organization under Section 170(h) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as amended and under NCGS 121-34 et seq.,provided the agency or organization expressly agrees to assume the responsibility imposed on the Grantees by this Deed. If Grantees ever cease to exist or no longer qualify under Section 170(h) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or applicable state law, a court with jurisdiction shall transfer this Conservation Easement to another qualified organization having similar purposes that agrees to assume the responsibility imposed by this Conservation Easement. 20. Transfer of Property The Grantor agrees to incorporate by reference the terms of this Conservation Easement in any deed or other legal instrument by which they transfer or divest themselves of any interests, including leasehold interests, in all or a portion of the Protected Property. Grantor shall notify the Grantees in writing at least thirty(30) days before conveying the Protected Property, or any part thereof or interest therein. Failure of Grantor to incorporate by reference the terms of this Conservation Easement in an instrument of transfer or conveyance or to notify the Grantees of a Page 12 of 19 19 transfer or conveyance shall not impair the validity of this Conservation Easement or limit its enforceability in any way. 21. Amendment of Conservation Easement This Conservation Easement may be amended only with the written consent of the Grantees and Grantor. Any such amendment shall be consistent with the Statement of Purposes of this Conservation Easement and with the Grantees Conservation Easement amendment policies, and shall comply with Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code or any regulations promulgated in accordance with that section. Any such amendment shall be duly recorded. 22. Procedure in the Event of Termination of Conservation Easement If it determines that conditions on or surrounding the Protected Property change so much that it becomes impossible to fulfill the conservation purposes of this Conservation Easement, a court with jurisdiction may, at the joint request of both the Grantor and Grantees, terminate or modify the Conservation Easement created by this Deed in accordance with applicable law. If the Conservation Easement is terminated and the Protected Property is sold, then as required by Section 1.1 70A-14(g)(6) of the IRS regulations, the Grantees shall be entitled a percentage of gross sale proceeds or condemnation award (minus any amount attributed to new improvements made after the date of the conveyance, which amount shall be reserved to Grantor), equal to the ratio of the appraised value of this Conservation Easement to the unrestricted fair market value of the Protected Property, as these values are determined on the date of this Conservation Easement), subject to any applicable law which expressly provides for a different disposition of the proceeds. All termination related expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the Grantor and the Grantees shall be paid out of any recovered proceeds prior to distribution of the net proceeds as described herein. 23. Procedure in the Event of Condemnation or Eminent Domain Grantor and Grantees recognize that the partial sale of this Conservation Easement gives rise to a property right, immediately vested in the Grantees, with a fair market value equal to the proportionate value that the Conservation Easement bears to the value of the Protected Property prior to the restrictions imposed by the Conservation Easement. Accordingly, if any condemnation or eminent domain action shall be taken, on all or part of the Protected Property, by any authorized public authority, said authority shall be liable to the Grantees for the value of the property right vested in the Grantees at the time of the signing of this Conservation Easement. If condemnation or a taking by eminent domain of a part of the Protected Property or the entire Property by a public authority renders it impossible to fulfill any of the conservation purposes of this Conservation Easement on all or part of the Protected Property, this Conservation Easement may be terminated or modified accordingly through condemnation proceedings. Grantor and Grantees agree that the Conservation Easement is a currently vested Page 13 of 19 20 real property right with a value equal to the proportionate value the Conservation Easement to the unencumbered value of the fee, as of the date of this grant. If the Conservation Easement is terminated or modified and any or all of the Protected Property is sold or taken for public use, then, as required by Section 1.170A-14(g)(6) of the IRS regulations, Grantees shall be entitled to the percentage of gross sale proceeds or condemnation award(minus any amount attributed to new improvements made after the date of the conveyance, which amount shall be reserved to Grantor), equal to the ratio of the appraised value of this Conservation Easement to the unrestricted fair market value of the Protected Property, as these values are determined on the date of this Conservation Easement, subject to any applicable law which expressly requires for a different disposition of the proceeds. If, however, after the condemnation or eminent domain proceedings, a court of jurisdiction does not include in the just compensation awarded as a result of the taking, the amount of the Conservation Easement value, then the Grantor shall not be responsible to share any proceeds awarded. All condemnation-related expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the Grantor and Grantees shall be paid out of any recovered proceeds prior to distribution of the net proceeds as described herein. 24. Interpretation This Conservation Easement shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of North Carolina and the laws of the United States,resolving any ambiguities and questions of the validity of specific provisions so as to give maximum effect to its conservation purposes. 25. Perpetual Duration; Severability The Conservation Easement created by this Deed shall be a servitude running with the land in perpetuity. Every provision of this Deed that applies to the Grantor or Grantees shall also apply to their respective agents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and all other successors as their interests may appear. Invalidity of any of the covenants, terms or conditions of this Conservation Easement, or any part thereof, by court order or judgment shall in no way affect the validity of any of the other provisions hereof which shall remain in full force and effect. 26. Merger The Parties agree that the terms of this Conservation Easement shall survive any merger of the fee and easement interests in the Protected Property. 27. Notices Any notices required by this Deed shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered or sent by first class mail to the Grantor and Grantees respectively at the following addresses, unless a party has been notified in writing by the other of a change of address: Page 14 of 19 21 To the Grantor: To the Grantees: Norman C. Walker Orange County Dept. of Environment, 5317 Normans Road Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Rougemont,NC 27572 PO Box 8181 Hillsborough,NC 27278 Eno River Association 4404 Guess Road Durham,NC 27712 28. Grantor's Title Warranty The Grantor warrants that they hold fee simple title to the Protected Property, free from all encumbrances and exceptions to title, except for those exceptions deemed by the Grantees as acceptable and set further in Exhibit B to this Conservation Easement, and hereby promises to defend the same against all claims that may be made against it. 29. Subsequent Liens on the Property No provisions of this Conservation Easement should be construed as impairing the ability of Grantor to use the Protected Property as collateral for subsequent borrowing. Any such liens shall be and remain subordinate to this Conservation Easement. 30. Subsequent Easements/Restrictions on the Property The grant of any easements or use restrictions that might diminish or impair the agricultural viability or productivity of the Protected Property or otherwise diminish or impair the Conservation Values of the Protected Property is prohibited. Any such easements or restrictions shall be subordinated to this Conservation Easement. 31. Grantor's Environmental Warranty Grantor warrants that Grantor is in compliance with, and shall remain in compliance with, all applicable Environmental Laws. Grantor warrants that there are no notices by any governmental authority of any violation or alleged violation of, non-compliance or alleged non- compliance with or any liability under any Environmental Law relating to the operations or conditions of the Protected Property. Grantor further warrants that Grantor has no actual knowledge of a release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials, as such substances and wastes are defined by applicable federal and state law. Moreover, Grantor hereby promises to hold harmless and indemnify the Grantees against all litigation, claims, demands,penalties and damages, including reasonable attorney fees, arising from or connected with the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials on, at, beneath or from the Protected Property, or arising from or connected with a violation of any Environmental Laws by Grantor or any other prior owner of the Protected Property. Grantor's indemnification obligation shall not be affected by any authorizations provided by the Grantees to Grantor with respect to the Protected Property or any restoration activities carried out by the Page 15 of 19 22 Grantees at the Protected Property; provided, however, that the Grantees shall be responsible for any Hazardous Materials contributed by the Grantees to the Protected Property after the date of this Deed of Conservation Easement. "Environmental Law" or"Environmental Laws"means any and all Federal, state, local or municipal laws, rules, orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, guidelines, policies or requirements of any governmental authority regulating or imposing standards of liability or standards of conduct(including common law) concerning air, water, solid waste, hazardous materials, worker and community right-to-know, hazard communication, noise, radioactive material, resource protection, subdivision, inland wetlands and watercourses, health protection and similar environmental health, safety, building and land use as may now or at any time hereafter be in effect. "Hazardous Materials"means any petroleum, petroleum products, fuel oil,waste oils, explosives, reactive materials, ignitable materials, corrosive materials,hazardous chemicals, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, extremely hazardous substances, toxic substances, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, infectious materials and any other element, compound, mixture, solution or substance which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment. 32. Entire Agreement This instrument sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Conservation Easement and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, and understandings or agreements relating to the said easement. 33. Recording Clause Grantees shall record this instrument and any amendment hereto in timely fashion with the Office of the Register of Deeds of Orange County,North Carolina, and may re-record it at any time as may be required to preserve its rights under this Conservation Easement. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD this Deed of Conservation Easement unto Grantees, their successors and assigns, forever. [The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.] Page 16 of 19 23 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantor and Grantees, intending to legally bind themselves, have set their hands on the date first written above. GRANTOR: (SEAL) Norman C. Walker ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GRANTORS: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ORANGE I, , a Notary Public for said County and State do hereby certify that personally appeared before me and acknowledged the due execution of the foregoing instrument. Witness my hand and official stamp or seal this the day of , 2018. Notary Public My commission expires: Accepted: GRANTEE: Orange County,North Carolina By: Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: By: Donna S. Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Page 17 of 19 24 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ORANGE I, , a Notary Public of Orange County,North Carolina do hereby certify that Donna S. Baker personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged that she is Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for Orange County,North Carolina and that by authority duly given and as the act of Orange County,North Carolina the foregoing instrument was signed in its name by the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, and attested by her as Clerk to said Board of Commissioners. Witness my hand and official stamp or seal this the day of , 2018. (stamp) Notary Public My commission expires: GRANTEE: Association for the Preservation of the Eno River Valley, Inc. By: Alanna Howard, President ATTEST: By: Bercedis Peterson, Secretary STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ORANGE I, , a Notary Public of Orange County,North Carolina do hereby certify that Bercedis Peterson personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged that she is Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for Orange County,North Carolina and that by authority duly given and as the act of Orange County,North Carolina the foregoing instrument was signed in its name by the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, and attested by her as Clerk to said Board of Commissioners. Witness my hand and official stamp or seal this the day of , 2018. (stamp) Notary Public Page 18 of 19 25 Exhibit A VIP i** I f f ep i = y I r ' I = r` � r j - ! i o 4. In Walker Farm ` Conservation Easement �. Exhibit A N Walker Farm CE i� 100'wide stream Buffer i Building — —••• Streams DEAPR {++ 300'wide Stream Buffer 0 Parcels Streets 1 inch=417feet Qa.te_11120120 1$ Page 19 of 19