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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE 061499 Orange County JJN - Ire Environment and resource Conservation De ment P . O . Box 8181 �. Hillsborough, NC 2 72 78 Phone : (919) 732 - 8181 or 967- 9251 , x2597 4A Fax : (919) 644 - 3002 ."„ Einall : mot o1 Mco . o an Te�c . us Me ZMALSS= Memorandum To : Commission for the Environment From : David Stancil ` . Environment and Resource Conservation Director Date : June 5 , 1999 Re : June 14 Meeting Agenda Please find attached the agenda and materials for the next meeting of the Commission for the Environment , scheduled for : Monday, June 14 , 1999 7 : 30 p . m . Homestead Community Center Homestead Road Please note the change in location ( for this meeting only ) . At the meeting we will welcome new member Mary Jane Baker , and consider the second of two air quality resolutions from May 10 ( the first was approved by the Board of Commissioners on June 1 ) . We will also discuss a possible open - burning policy , review draft criteria from the Biological Resources Committee for reviewing and prioritizing natural areas , and pursue follow - up matters from the May 10 meeting . If you have questions , or will be unable to attend , please contact Carol Crawford at the numbers or e - mail above . I look forward to seeing you on the 14th . - . � � � i ' a ; ' - . � � � ' . � , �. � : fit . . i 1 �' - �... � _� _ _ � I r . . -. +tl ^ • i ■■■ Y AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment Monday, June 14 , 1999 7 : 30 p . m . Homestead Community Center Homestead Road Chapel Hill , NC 7 : 30 I . Call to Order ( Roy Fortmann , Vice - Chair ) 7 : 30 II . Welcome to New Members / Subcommittee Appointment Mary Jane Baker 7 : 40 III . Approval of Minutes ( May 10 ) 7 : 45 IV . Air Quality Resolution As discussed on May 10 , two resolutions were drafted . The first , on acquisition of low - emission vehicles , was adopted by the BOCC on June 1 . A second resolution on alternative - fueled vehicles is attached , with suggested new wording to address the draft Ozone Air Quality plan and a related proposal . 8 : 15 V . Open Burning Policy In response to an item on a recent BOCC agenda , the Board may wish to discuss the need for an open - burning policy by both companies and individuals and the air quality implications or open burning . 8 : 45 VI . Environmental Impact Ordinance Further discussion of this ordinance ( presented on May 10 ) and ways the Commission could be involved in future changes . 9 : 00 VII . Update : Development Activity in Hillsborough Area Continued from May 10 meeting . 9 : 15 VIII . Draft Criteria for Natural Areas The Biological Resources Committee has developed draft criteria for natural areas review and prioritization . 9 : 30 IX . Adjournment ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DRAFT Summary of Meeting May 10 , 1999 Held in Orange County Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill , NC (Prepared by Carol Crawford, Admin . Asst . , Orange County ERC Department) Members Present . . Loraine Kohom , Rosalinda Lidh, Kris Price , Richard Pratt, Annette Jurgelski , Lee Rafalow, Dan Okun, Mark Smith, Cara Crisler, Alice Gordon . Excused Absences : Jane Sharp -Mac Rae , William Glaze, Roy Fortmann, Mary Jane Baker, Guests : Jim Hinkley, Orange County Planning Staff. Staff Present : David Stancil, Director, Department of Environment and Resource Conservations Carol Crawford, ERCD Admin . Assist . I . Call to Order. Chair Kohorn, called the meeting to order at 7 * 40 p . m . II . Welcome to New Members . Chair Kohorn welcomed the new members present and had the group introduce themselves . Dr . Gordon presented volunteer gifts of appreciation to the Commission members , noting that the candles were a symbol of how Orange County volunteers light the way . She added that the Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of the Commission for Environment . III. Approval of March 8 and April 12 , 1999 Minutes . Rafalow made the motion to approve the March 8 , 1999 minutes as submitted . Lidh seconded the motion and, it was approved by consensus . It was noted that the April minutes are a summary of that meeting as there wasn ' t a quorum on April 12 , 1999 . No action was warranted on this summary . IV. County Environmental Impact Ordinance. Chair Kohorn introduced Jim Hinkley , zoning enforcement officer of the Orange County Planning Department staff. Hinkley described his duties in regards to the Environmental Impact Ordinance (included in the agenda packet) . A discussion of the ordinance and how it works concluded with an overall opinion that the ordinance doesn ' t include enough restrictions to protect the environment, only to encourage planning for protection . Dr . Gordon asked for a description of what the ordinance does protect . Hinkley described those areas as being included in the two documents adopted by the BOCC as studies conducted in the late 1980 ' s : "Inventory of sites of Cultural , Historic , Recreational , Biological , and Geological Significance in the Unincorporated Portions of Orange County" and " The Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange County" . The minor and major subdivisions are reviewed weekly for compliance to the policies . Gordon added that there is no certain protection of these areas . Hinkley added that if the areas are designated as a protected parcel , an environmental assessment Last updated 06/02/99 1 is required . The developer is required to reveal what is going to be developed on the land and how it will be protected . The development may continue with the protected area guidelines followed by planning around the natural areas and wildlife habitats . Stancil noted that the exemptions of the policy make it possible only to encourage the design sensitive to the natural areas in accordance with the Flexible Development Standards for preserving rural character program . The watershed restrictions were noted as broad in nature also and, have little protection measures for wetlands . Hinkley added that, as a result of compromise in developing the first of a kind impact ordinance in the state in September 1990 , the ordinance is strong in process but lack strong measures to protect the County ' s environmental issues . Kohorn asked about the percentage of actual protection enforced by the ordinance . Hinkley reported that previous enforcement was usually non- existent, with most developers being unable financially to complete their plans . A question was asked as to what would make the ordinance work more efficiently . The suggestion noted was for interested citizens and boards to compile a list of things that the ordinance could include to be more specific in addressing the protection of the environment . An example was given of an approved subdivision that damaged a wetland area that isn ' t protected by our current ordinance because it was less than two acres . The ordinance only authorizes the county to ensure that the landscaping requirements are met . Another suggestion was to change the ordinance ' s "two acre exemption" to allow the county to require protection of these small wetland areas . Also , Hinkley noted that a development review process involving the Commission for the Environment could better serve the environment protection issues . The intention of the ordinance was for environment protection and it needs revision . Dr . Gordon asked if we have anything similar to Durham ' s criteria of Environmental Affairs Board? Kohorn noted that it is " street tree protection" the requirement of leaving 20 % vegetation including components for protection of vegetation on slopes , protection of vegetation on lots possibly county wide . It would be worth investigating how it is working for them and, then possibly including some of those elements in future development of the ordinance . The Commission also discussed clearcutting . Hinkley noted that the ordinance doesn ' t provide enough regulations to stop desecration of the land unless it involves a stream buffer and then are allowed a year to replant . This issue needs to be addressed also . Dr . Gordon noted that the purpose of having the Environment Resource & Conservation Department and the Commission for the Environment is to heighten the awareness of environmental relation issues and do something about them . One simple idea that has come up is to buy the timber rights . The commission decided to charge the environmental/indicators committee to begin assessing the needed changes to the ordinance . Rafalow suggested that the CFE ' s responsibility would be how to influence the development ordinances so that they have environmental sensibility built in . Another issue to investigate was stated as to the time frame to complete subdivisions and streamline the process time . Last updated 06/02/99 2 Rafalow asked what the status is of the evaluation of the Flexible Development ordinance . Dr . Gordon noted that a portion is going to be presented at the public hearing on May 241h . Stancil added that the gist of the current proposal is to do away with the conservation option which allows the open space to be setbacks within the lots and change to a " Cluster Conservation Option" that will require the open- space to be more common open- space . Rafalow asked if this would be mandatory . Dr . Gordon replied that was not a part of the public hearing however, there is a lot of interest of the BOCC to do something much more major and is included as one of the Board ' s goals . Rafalow stated that it is reasonable to update the Environmental Impact ordinance and fold it into the Flexible Development Standards and to streamline the process . Stancil suggested coordinating these ideas with the Planning Department ' s goals adopted by the BOCC . Stancil will meet with Craig Benedict, Planning Director on these issues and report back to the CITE at the June meeting . Dr . Gordon suggested to designate this as a part of the Environmental/Educators/Indicators committee ' s work plan . V. Items Deferred From April 12 . • Resolution on alternative4ueled vehicles . • I &Month Work Plan Stancil explained that the Air Quality Committee recognizes that developing a grant on the alternative fueled vehicles is neither simple nor inexpensive . More time needs to be spent on looking at the cost associated with the grant application and collecting input from county departments such the Public Works motor fleet and Department on Aging Transportation to get them involved with why this is significant . This recommendation asks that the BOCC to direct the County Manager to set up a committee bringing in people from the different agencies to develop research and come up with a plan . The CFE would be involved with the process of evaluating the use of alternative fueled vehicles and other efforts to promote these issues . The idea is to have this done between now and the end of the calendar year to put us in line to have a mobile source grant application ready for January 1 , 2000 . Rafalow suggested that the wording be changed to give more directive nature to the charge to develop the plan rather than to study and evaluate the issue . Price asked if by changing the wording to developing a plan would mean the funds would need to be committed . Stancil clarified that commitment of funds would come at later date . Rafalow indicated that the final developed plan would go through reviews and eventually authorized by the BOCC . Dr . Gordon noted that the timing was an issue as the budget fiscal year begins July 1st ; that matching funds would be needed in December which has not been included in the budget and the BOCC would not be likely to approve a large request at a late date . Stancil explained the possibility of a delay cycle built into the grant process suggests that the match of county funds might not be required until the next fiscal year . The grant application Last updated 06/02/99 3 period is followed by a two or three month reviews then the approval , then the point where the commitment of funds required would be the next fiscal year . This might allow the time necessary to get the request for funds in the next fiscal year process . Rafalow suggested the wording include a statement about developing a preliminary plan that allows for the inclusion of some funds in time for the budget process . Stancil clarified this would be for the budget process for the fiscal year 2000 . Dr . Gordon concluded with that the BOCC could approve a grant application that has a match which needs to be budgeted in the future year . Rafalow volunteered to reword the suggested resolution to target coming up with a preliminary budget proposal in time for the 1999 -2000 budget . Dr . Gordon noted the need for the county departments to realize the importance of this issue . A way to initiate this would be the BOCC directing the departments to improve energy efficiency in vehicles such as purchasing low emission vehicles which could begin July 1st Rafalow suggested separating the issue into two parts : ( 1 ) Low emission vehicles — promote procurement of immediately . To be developed by Fortmann, Smith, and Rafalow via electronic mail with the goal of submitting to June Vt BOCC meeting so staff could be directed to begin action . Stancil recommended that the CFE agree to authorize the group indicated to develop the procurement of low emission vehicles with guidance and input from the CFE . Dr . Gordon added to empower the chair to work with her when it ' s ready to forward to the BOCC . Kohorn questioned how the CFE wanted to proceed with the revisions of the second part and what would be the best approach to the BOCC . Stancil noted that it wouldn ' t get on the BOCC agenda until late August at the earliest, giving the CFE more time to work on the wording . Dr. Gordon added that phrasing and staff input is important . Rafalow volunteered to make changes as discussed in regards to plan for reducing emissions using the expenditure of county funds such as vehicles , and send to all of CFE , collect comments , forward to Chair Kohorn as to the conclusive agreement of the CFE members for BOCC submittal . Rafalow suggested a second part, being Smith and Fortmann to draft another resolution to go to BOCC to make all purchases that are feasible low emission purchases . Dr. Gordon reported the influence of the Triangle J Council of Governments promoting alternative fueled vehicles in the Triangle area in the future . An important issue is that fueling stations locations necessary to make the overall system work . Last updated 06/02/99 4 Kohorn clarified that Rafalow, Smith and Fortmann would re - draft both the resolution as it stands now, circulate to CFE for prompt reply and to the chair as it needs to go to BOCC agenda review on May 24th for the June 1 " meeting . The second part is that Rafalow, Smith and Fortmann will draft a brief recommendation that advises the BOCC to recommend the procurement of low emission vehicles wherever feasible . Rafalow made the motion as described by Chair Kohorn and was seconded by Okun . The vote was unanimous . Chair Kohorn introduced the next item of the CFE 18 month work plan (as included in the agenda) noting that the CFE should make necessary changes , approve them, and develop time lines for action of the work plan . Some of these projects are already in the works in different stages . Stancil noted that the high priority objectives are in the BOCC adopted goals . Price began the discussion with a question on how the CFE should incorporate the recommend changes of the Environmental Impact Ordinance within the Flexible Development Ordinance (FDO) revisions . Stancil stated that the Planning Director should be contacted to see what the plans are for the FDO revisions and what the timetable is for that . Crisler asked about the FDO document. Staff was directed to get these documents to the new members . Rafalow indicated concerns of how to keep the CFE web site current with items that keep the citizens current on items such as the NCR activity , and suggested that the ERCD be responsible for updating . Stancil replied that necessary steps to update the web site are in the works , the GIS staff member will also be the information services internal coordinator of web site information but that it may be several months before training is complete . He also noted that staff could on a limited scale , update the web site through a trained person . Kohorn noted concerns about the number of items that are "under construction" and whether to remove them or change them . The work plan issue of using the web site as educational tool gives the CFE the responsibility to update and move forward on keep it current and exciting to make it work . Rafalow volunteered to help with changes and updates on an interim basis . Kohorn clarified that this objective should be downgraded to a medium priority . Rafalow continued with a suggestion to clear the docket of high priority items for the education committee , and make it into this Indicators & Growth Impacts objective . This would allow for work on the important issues of the education committee . Crisler volunteered to join the education committee . Jurgelski suggested to change the wording to assist with better coordination of updating the web site and move to medium priority . The CFE agreed to the change . Kohorn continued with discussion on the Status Reports to the BOCC objective . Rafalow stated that the status reports are important elements of getting the indicators activity launched, and should remain high priority . Last updated 06/02/99 5 Dr . Gordon noted that the status reports are really goals , important, and need to go to the BOCC in November to be included in December BOCC goal setting retreat . The CFE needs to outline what the project needs are with regards to resource , staff, funds implications and possibly reword to say goals statements or requests . Jurgelski noted that they are three separate reports . Rafalow noted that item # 3 gets changed into another objective that the new committee should work on . Stancil added that the BOCC sustainability goals indicate that the CFE should be looking at the indicators work what comes from SOCF . Rafalow continued stating that as the indicators activity is likely to start in November, we need to review various input about what is important from the subcommittees from this group , staff research, and come up with real indicators proposals sometime in the year 2000 possible in June . Dr . Gordon clarified the need to set an earlier time frame if funding is required due , to the lengthy budget process . Kohorn clarified that the new committee ' s objective is to be looking at the Environmental Impact Ordinance , working on it; and having overall responsibility for working on the web site in coordination with staff. Then, in November have draft of their ideas to go into the status report . Rafalow noted that the education activities become more the responsibility of all CFE members and volunteered to be the coordinator for the CFE web site . Dr . Gordon suggested including education of the commission as an overall goal of the CFE by each subcommittee having a designated person to have an education role in mind . Kohorn summarized with changing the name of the Environmental Education to Indicators & Growth Impacts subcommittee . Dr . Gordon added changing environmental education to goals . Stancil suggested to re -word as review and investigate development ordinances . Rafalow suggested review, become familiar with and recommend changes to land use policy and related ordinances . Rafalow also asked to have someone else be the chair of the Environmental Indicator & Impact subcommittee . Price volunteered to be the chair . Kohorn reviewed changes as follows : The second part of high priorities change to assist in coordination of environmental efforts of other groups and move to medium priority , under Status Reports , change Education to Indicators & Growth Impacts and reword to say status of goals and change the December to November; change Promote Alternative Vehicles to Promote reduction in vehicle emissions . Also to move the first item under medium priorities to high priority and change wording to Review, become familiar with and recommend changes to land use policy and related ordinances . On the low priority list the last item of working with SOCF adding subtopic of Air Quality and Transportation . Last updated 06/02/99 6 Jurgelski made the motion to approve the work plan including the changes , seconded by Lidh and was unanimously approved . VI . Update — Development Activity in Hillsborough Area. Due to lack of time this item will be on the next agenda. VII. Update — Nuclear Waste Storage Pools at Shearon Harris . Kohorn noted that the May 13 prehearing conference has been moved to the SHSC at 10 : 00am . VIII . Committee Meetings Kohorn noted that Smith has agreed, for now, to work on the Air Quality group and Crisler will work with the Indicators & Growth Impacts group . The subcommittee meetings were waived for the evening and were invited to meet at their convenience to become organized . Kohorn began discussion of a meeting schedule for the summer by asking how many knew what meetings they couldn ' t attend . Due to absences in July , it was suggested to waive the July meeting and to be further discussed at the June meeting . The next meeting to be June 14ffi at the Homestead Center . IX. Adjournment Kohorn adjourned the meeting at 10 : 10 p . m . Last updated 06/02/99 7 Resolution on a Recommendation that Orange County Establish a Plan for Reducing the County ' s Vehicle Fleet Emissions by the Use of Alternative Fueled Vehicles, Improved Fleet Maintenance, and / or Reduction of Vehicle Miles Traveled BACKGROUND - The Triangle region , in which Orange County is located , has elevated levels of ground - level ozone during the summer and may not be able to meet a new national ambient air quality standard ( NAAQS ) for ozone established by the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) . The EPA has also established a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter ( PM2 . 5 ) . A NAAQS also exists for carbon monoxide , a gas emitted by motor vehicles . Gas - fueled and diesel -fueled vehicles emit air contaminants that contribute to the degradation of air quality . Volatile organic compounds emitted from vehicles result in ozone formation . Diesel vehicles emit particles . Orange County maintains a fleet of vehicles in support of County services . The fleet includes administrative vehicles , service vehicles , maintenance vehicles , trucks , and construction equipment . The County' s fleet of vehicles emit air contaminants during routine use . There are a number of technical approaches available to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds , hazardous air pollutants , and criteria pollutants from fleets of vehicles . Source emissions may be reduced by reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled . Improved vehicle maintenance may also reduce emissions . Air quality may be improved by using vehicles that have lower emissions due to either higher mileage efficiency or improved pollution controls . Another approach is to use alternative fuel vehicles . Alternative fuel vehicles currently available include those powered by natural gas or by electricity . In selecting a technical approach for reducing emissions from a fleet of vehicles , the advantages , limitations , costs , and benefits must be evaluated based on the type and age of vehicles in the fleet, the vehicle miles traveled , distances traveled , the usage pattern , and a variety of other factors . The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources awards Mobile Source Emissions Reductions Grants each year to achieve reductions from on - and off- road mobile source related emissions . The County of Orange is eligible to apply for these grants . Applicants for the grants are expected to share the cost for implementation , which can be substantial for efforts such as purchasing alternative fuel vehicles . Resolution WHEREAS , Orange County should attempt to reduce emissions of air contaminants from its fleet of vehicles , and WHEREAS , there are a variety of alternative technical approaches available to reduce fleet emissions , which must be evaluated specifically for the Orange County fleet of vehicles , and WHEREAS , development of an effective plan for reducing vehicle emissions requires participation by a number of agencies and departments within the County, and WHEREAS, the development of such a plan is consistent with the creation of an Ozone Air Quality Action Plan , which the Board agreed to in February, 1999 , and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has recently received a request from a citizen to explore alternative = fueled vehicles ; NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED : that the Commission for the Environment recommends that the Orange County Board of Commissioners request that the County Manager develop a plan for reducing emissions of air contaminants from the County ' s motor vehicle fleet . The Commission for the Environment recommends that the plan include an evaluation of the use of alternative fuel vehicles , improved fleet maintenance , and other proactive or reactive actions that might impact fleet emissions . The Commission for the Environment further recommends that the County examine the feasibility of submitting a Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant during the next application period . This , the 14th day of June , 1999 , Roy Fortmann , Vice - Chair ( for Loraine Kohorn , Chair) Carol Crawford , CFE Assistant 86GC, adoP)r(JVrVo %matasl - , - 9 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE FUTURE PURCHASE OF LOW EMISSION AND FUEL EFFICIENT COUNTY VEHICLES WHEREAS , Orange County is interested in reducing emissions and improving the fuel economy of its vehicle fleet , and WHEREAS , there are vehicles currently on the market in North Carolina that have substantially lower emissions than the average new vehicle , and there are also often significant differences in the emissions and fuel economy of otherwise - comparable vehicles , and WHEREAS , the Orange County Board of Commissioners. in its 1999 - 2000 Goals and Objectives included an objective . related to the Natural Resources goal to " review County government policies and operations to assess environmental soundness " , and WHEREAS , further exploration of low emission vehicles would be consistent with those Commissioner goals , NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby directs that the County Manager instruct all County offices engaged in procurement of County vehicles to investigate options during FY 1999 -2000 and consider the future purchase of low emission and fuel efficient vehicles in the procurement process , when feasible and cost- effective . 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Reuse is encouraged ling through goods exchange and ■ garbage cry Gases in the earth 's atmosphere remanufacture programs . and releas( act like a greenhouse roof, letting RESOURCES : warming c in enough of the sun 's heat to ✓ wastewise , U . S . E . P. A . Helps municipalities reduce , reuse , keep the earth warm for people , and recycle . 1 - 800 - 372 - 9473 ; plants and animals to live . Human www. epa . gov/wastewise / activity over the last hundred years has greatly increased the concen - � Carb the Car tration of these gases , causing the atmosphere to hold in too much Now , Open aone - stop commute shop heat . A " one - stop commute shop " makes it easier for people to get out of their cars, providing information and services on The main gases causing trouble are: alternatives to driving alone . Tampa , Florida , opened its Downtown CARBON DIOXIDE ( CO2 ) - Commuter Center near the main Tampa released when coal oil gasoline, bus artery. The ' g Center sells tran - natural gas ' and other fossil fuels 1 A 4 �-- �-� sit passes and —_ � are burned to produce electricity, gives route assis - heat and cool buildings , and tance to bus power vehicles , riders , provides parking spaces 1� _ ]Vt • ETT-IANE - for vanpoolers released in our �� - ,,communities when waste - - - - and offers facili - ties for bicyclists . decomposes in landfills . The Center is now the transit system 's second busiest ticket sales location . RESOURCES : Rising levels of these gases are ✓ Commuting in the Greenhouse: causing global warming and Automobile Trip Reduction Programs increases in extreme weather for Municipal Employees . ICLEt-- - -J events . (416 ) 392 . 1462 or jwalker@iclei . org tiff 1� Yr hryii Y 1S t } tl Y �Nsal;� �E go it • • s71#� ,' . • . •. . fi3 .. ;`c, ,. ..,_ I Form" �, , all ` 0 + 1l � . ' '_' F)3 'OF p;. / • • • s i et- r' IF r F . • • • - ; • - • - - • - I • • • - • • • - • • • - S1 14 fA , mFI it Fit . • • • • • • I • - • 1 • • - • • • _,' S y. ram. i '� :x -w , ' YK 41 . islit a OF 10 .E �t S1!tt, nVah ♦ ` ` t. , • •.0 7 4' .YL . 12Y LL it . • 11 111 I - I I • • • • I • I _� . 4 : aL:yl.:i • .:ylh ;ii-fit OF� , • - - • - I • • • • • • Iit r. :. t•,,. • - • • • • • Ij WASYhwe , k � .,r'q I'(1 S� i y4 L mtax OWN 24 OF Ott NFL �FlgRl tic 4 to • ♦ • • - • 0 ON _W . F x=st'f5r,te�r*;� Fir &V `0.1 �t"si it i it IF to ON n floor 1wF4 VM •,kid - • I - • • I 1 • • • ` may art? . ;0OF w • - - • I • • I • • • • • • • ' ft F ♦ • • • if OFF tit , k 4me Y. :1yrr., tv up • I • • I • • • 1 • • ♦ 1 •y, µ _ Y, c • : y3r'`yhp S s' • • / • ism11 =t �4. l,{ : . :j.F,','G • ♦ • - • I • • • • • ♦ I • • • ♦ ♦ 1,0K e `ZFt` _%�f5_ nr, ' Mt lot • I -mo � 5 _ _ • I • • • • • I — Iof .;.fit _ e ♦ • • -. ♦ • • OFF - �'� ��� s'. • • • • • - • • • - • — �'� w ice; • • • I tFy .. ♦ • I - • • • • • • • I • ♦ • • ' y to . 10 zu a I - • - • • I � • • - I • - • I • • - ♦ • • • ♦ • • ^ } • • • all • • Alk , Oto _ ; • • • • • - • I • 1; Fit 2j Y - • 1 1 =t y, -op,F • • • • • _e=V stX nS.�'• o _ AL .i 5 t F-,r,c•d ,'"�+ �' :_R a.c1 ]Energy $ 11qart • I C ' L • E • I 90PUS International Council for I&S n Local Environmental Initiatives � Now; Pass building codes for energy efficiency The Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP) is looking for local gov- Roughly 35 % of U . S . CO emissions ; i 9 Y z ernments willing to think globally and act come from residential and commer- locally. A project of the International k t cial building energy use . Building 9 gY g Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, b codes can require measures such as the Campaign helps local governments improved insulation and efficient P implement policies and measures that F ' lighting and appliances to improve reduce global warming pollution , improve `� ' � efficiency. air quality and enhance communities . The City of Berkeley % Cities and counties participating in the �y P P 9 Residential and Commercial Energy Campaign develop action plans to reduce Consery .. . . . � ation Ordinances are codes community-wide emissions . CCP govern - that improve the energy efficiency of ments have found increasing energy 1 . attic insulation existing building stock . The measures efficiency and decreasing fossil fuel 1 , low-flow shower head mandate basic conservation improve - consumption to be cost effective, good 3 . compact fluorescent meets at the point a property sense strategies that tackle a host of bulbs & energy efficient changes ownership . With lower other local problems . appliances energy bills, the upgrades typically ICLEI offers software and other tools to 4 . weather strip doors pay for themselves rapidly. make the tasks easy, along with training & windows RESOURCES : workshops, information , grant funding ✓ Building Code Assistance Project . Free and other assistance , assistance to states and municipalities in Join Toledo, Honolulu , Miami - Dade, adopting energy codes . ( 202 ) 530 - 2200 ; Minneapolis, New Orleans and 55 www. solstice . crest . org / efficiency/ bcap other cities and counties in ICLEI 's Cities ✓ Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Climate Protection Campaign . Network, U . S . D . O . E . 1 - 800 - 363 - 3732 ; (ontact: www. eren . doe . gov ICLEI 15 Shattuck Square 10 Berkeley, CA 94704 510 540= 8843 all Fax 510 5404787 Email . iclei_usa@iclei . org aye 1, (heck Out Cities for Climate Protection State and local governments spend over Campaign WebMe: www.iclehorlAf $ 25 billion a year purchasing energy using products and over $ 10 billion to power those products . Specifying energy efficiency CPA in purchasing policies can cut energy costs by 25 to 50 % . ry107_ a y� The State of Ma % % achz. % ett % l7t• �FJ 'w� �1�L1 purchases PCs , fax machines, P011Z11 * cO copiers , and appliances that meet t � from the E . P. A . 's ENERGY STAR efficiencyy� standards . Portland , 112 Oregon , 50 zil"cev : also requires ENERGY STAR burning fossil fuel purchasing , with energy ■ waste decomposition savings projected at ■ loss of forests and green areas . $ 35 , 000 per year. Reduce this pollution b RESOURCES : renewable sources of oVusing ✓ Energy Star Purchasing Toolkit. ! ng the ener Power increas- E . P. A . & D . O . E . 1 - 888 - 782 - 7937 ; ings. . equip ent, and transport,� °f build- sendin less waste to landfiland www. energystar. gov g increasing trees and greenspace . Printed on 100/ recycled ® paper with say based inks, _ .tee a " �; TM c ;ti� ' L44 s "kI F V. r 40 fai u Vol. 10, No . 4 May /June 1999 State and Local - ®�� } . ;f MRia tives Thrive gram ro Editorial: The Better America Bonds p proposed ri by the Clinton administration aims to raise billions for ® Lawmakers from Maine to Arizona are state and local land conservation efforts , seeking tax breaks and bond sales to save open space and manage growth . Model Project: After a decade of effort, Cape Cod Use of open space as a growth manage- ment tool continues to gain popularity conservationists won support from legislators and voters around the country. for their land bank proposal . Florida: In March, voters in Palm Beach County OK' d a $ 150 million open space Conservation Fund News : A Georgia conservationist bond measure by a 24 margin . The county joins the board, plus new courses on fish farming and the will devote $ 100 million to protect farmland from sprawl in a 20, 923-acre reserve border- preservation of endangered species on non-federal lands . ing the Everglades . The county also will . spend $50 million to acquire up to 38 park and open space sites totaling 12, 784 acres . Small Tracts : Good news from no-take zones in Florida, Meanwhile, the state Senate unani- bad news from the Carolina wetlands and proof that mously approved a $3 billion successor to open space pays its way in New Hampshire , the state's key land acquisition program . The House bill, which earmarks half the money for water resources, needs to be reconciled Corporate Notes : International Paper will open the first with the Senate 's before going to Gov . Jeb mitigation bank for endangered species in the Southeast . Bush, who wants to sign a bill this session, which ends April 30 . Utah : On March 11 , Gov , Michael Leavitt signed the Quality Growth Act, which will pump at least $2 . 88 million into Organization Profile : Montana Land Reliance hopes to the state ' s new land conservation fund . have 600, 000 acres under conservation easement by 2003 . The fund provides loans and grants to state and local governments and nonprofits to Thank you : 358 donors have given $ 18,424 . 55 to the buy easements and fee title for open space COMMON GROUND Research Fund this year . and farmland preservation. The law also created a commission to administer the program and develop new growth manage- ment legislation . I Databank : American Forests tracks tree loss in the Arizona: On March 24, Phoenix Mayor Chesapeake Bay watershed using satellite photos taken Skip Rimsza proposed a $200 million plan to over 25 years . 8 buy and protect 20, 000 acres of state and pri- vate land from development . The proposal, Continued on page 7 COMMON GROUND VOL, 10 NO. 4 MAY /JUNE 1999 ,,qq\ D�: :<J ` ' � .T'" t - - :Y 7 _51� �..{,�� Y���t ' �.-1 '2[ry iH+4 :fi t l -�y,{ L '.Y. '• :4.! 'th. © '. 1 • eA F�'f ..1 '�i .'.. H i:to �f `Hl Sr1S . "F41' :^,,)"' , :IF"+ .r ^� S_ .S ry 1"•"+ 7�1 - ' .` M'�n'r`w '•'. 6, .us } ,�'. - c sy' `�r {X X . Ki ' _ "5 ) '.-<'- - .' L.,- �f ._ ,�;n- �� .. , 3l-;z�. , Y� • .+.-.�-.:... ,,,� ,''ti.r- ` •+ p . ' `Pj 'Tl;� ,-� - a�u ' :i R�. ,jwi.�y,�� r BetterThe Better America Bonds program identified a lack of capital as the leading proposed by the Clinton administration barrier to the reuse of brownfields . Better communities with a new tool to America Bonds will supplement existing America provides preserve open space, protect water and revi- brownfields cleanup funding with bond pro- Bondstalize blighted urban areas . ceeds . Development of brownfields will take The program will enable state, tribal and pressure off green space at a time when we local governments to issue $9 . 5 billion in are losing 700 acres per day of open space bonds without paying imterest , Instead, and farmland to sprawl . investors who buy the 15-year bonds will re- State, tribal and local governments ceive tax credits equal to the interest, a total can work alone or with nonprofits to acquire of $700 million. Communities also can wait title or conservation easements for park cre- 15 years before paying back the principal . ation, preservation of suburban green space The program is a critical element of the and protection of farms and wetlands . administration' s " Livability Agenda, " which ® Rivers ; lakes; coastal waters, stream- observes two key principles : side zones and wetlands can be restored or ® Communities know best . Better protected . Land also can be acquired to America Bonds is not a "big government" reduce * polluted runoff or protect drinking program that micromanages local decisions . water sources . = 10 Local officials will make land use decisions . The administration has proposed Better The federal government will not add a America Bonds to help reinvigorate the past L square inch of land to its inventory . —a past when vibrant cities and towns kept is published bimonthly as a service to the conservation ® The federal government should commerce and culture efficiently centralized community by inform, not dictate, patterns of growth . rather than hurtling ever outward . The Conservation Fund Government can supply resources to help If our towns and cities are to thrive in Patrick F.Chairman Noonan citizens envision different land use strate- the 21st century, we need to make them John F. Turner gies . Government can provide incentives for more livable . We need to create communi- President communities to cooperate in addressing ties that are good for our families, our envi- Mike McQueen challenges of growth and development . ronment and our businesses . Better America Editor The bonds may be used in three ways : Bonds will help achieve these goals . Jack Lynn ® Communities will have a new source —Carol M . Browner Editorial Consultants of flexible funding to finance brownfields The author is Administrator of the U. S . Envi- Meg West cleanup . The U . S . Conference of Mayors ronmental Protection Agency Art Director For address corrections and information, contact: Sally Biggs Circulation Manager The Conservation Fund 1800 N. Kent St., Suite 1120 Arlington, VA 22209 703 /525-6300 sbiggs®conservationfund . org COMMON GROUND routinely � r grants permission for reprints. Address editorial correspondence l �� and reprint queries to: ' '( r ` I ' COMMON GROUND 940 Stillwater Lane Earlysville, VA 22936 804/ 973=7324 coground®aol.com LL J COMMON GROUND is available J i on the World Wide Web at httpo //www.conservationfund. org Printed on recycled paper. 40 � r WI77I `SAVE � � v THE WOLF ' AND WERE SOLI CITING PONA77ONS OF SMALL pOht 6ST/C AN/MACS. . ." o , 4+ COMMON GROUND VOL, 10 N0. 4 MAY /JUNE 1999 MIX ix �r � s =.. - i �T ix 3r � §ry �€ `.r 'yew r 1 +"ir . ""�` c n Y 4 ' v ,rt ' •-'3 - IL'+ ".•n '��'vyz.,; -Mry t .2'�'-l. �. [,� '�' ��'a'�ic C "rTy: {''s^T'` 'yEA•' t,- _ ,'i:` Y' LA'a . Land Banks on Cape Cod Take Shape p RI . Voters in 15 towns on Cape Cod, Mass . , convinces a legislator to back a land bank OK'd a 3 % property tax hike last fall to raise better than a broad-based coalition of sup - $ 114 million over 20 years to save open space . port—from business, sportsmen and conser- vationists . When it came to convincing The November vote came just 10 voters, the " sky is falling" approach didn't months after residents rejected a similar work, she said . Instead, a more positive and proposal funded by real estate transfer realistic approach did . "We 're all in this taxes . " Only 2% of the population would be together, " Nickerson said . "We need money paying for what was good for all of us, " said to preserve the land and a property tax hike James Trainor, a real estate agent with Bay is the most realistic way to get the money. " Village Realty. Trainor went on to co-chair Their perseverance is bearing fruit. The ited for a Cape Cod Land Bank, town of Barnstable recently bought a 25-acre People Un which convinced voters in November to tract along a tidal river for $975,000, a support the new effort. purchase that was probably out of reach i he environment The property tax hike, approved by 58 % financially without the land bank money, is our economy of voters, will cost homeowners an average said Kathy Sferra of the Cape Cod Commis- of $55 . 55 per year for the 20-year life of the sion, the regional planning agency. here . You have to land bank . Even though the land bank will The town of Sandwich plans to spend take responsibility take much developable land permanently $ 11 million to preserve 500 acres in part to for it . // off the market, the local real estate industry protect its water supply . Half the land is a backed the new proposal . "The environment private golf course, which the town will buy James Trainor is our economy here, " Trainor said . "You with non-land bank money. The remainder have to take responsibility for it. " will be paid with land bank funds, which Susan Rohrbach, who coordinated the amounts to $ 726,320 this year for the town. November campaign for People United, said Like many coastal tourist destinations, the path to victory was a learning experi- the Cape is growing fast. With a winter ence . " Be willing to work with people that population of 206,000 and a summer influx you consider your ' enemies, ' " she said . that swells to 600, 000, Cape Codders have "People who didn't speak to each other are watched as 37. 7% of their sandy peninsula talking now . It should breed new opportu- has been developed . Local, state and federal pities for collaboration . " Two other tips : efforts have protected 27. 6 % of the Cape, Persevere and spend money wisely on a leaving the remaining 34 . 7% up for grabs . professional campaign, she said . But even with an additional $ 15 million in Susan Nickerson, the executive director grants that the state will divide among the of the Association for the Preservation of Cape 's land banks, the funding won' t save Cape Cod who co- chaired the People United half the remaining undeveloped land, a goal campaign with Trainor, found that nothing of the Cape Cod Commission . - a .; �� , . ► r . IF, ' s EM The Fish and Wildlife Service and The chemistry, and computer and business skills Conservation Fund are offering a course on as they learn about fish farming. Educators the conservation of endangered species on may obtain lesson plans from the Center for non-federal lands . The course, to be held Entrepreneurial Studies and Development Sept. 13-17, will give landowners, land (www . readiskills . com, 877 / 228-2283 ) . For managers and agency representatives an more information on the Aquaculture opportunity to compare new approaches for Education Program, contact Marten Jenkins protection of endangered species on non- (mjenkins@freshwaterinstitute . org, 304 / 876- federal lands . Contact the National Conser- 2815 ) or visit www . conservationfund . org . vation Training Center (304 / 876 .7447, Sonja jahrsdoerfer@fws . gov) for details . The Conservation Fund has added a new member to its board of directors . J. Ruther- EM The Conservation Fund 's Freshwater ford Seydel II, a partner with Lawson, Davis, Institute has developed an aquaculture cur- Pickren & Seydel, a law firm in Atlanta, was riculum currently in use at public schools in elected to the board at its March 23 meeting . Alabama and West Virginia . The coursework He is co-founder and chairman of the Upper teaches students to integrate math, biology, Chattahoochee RiverKeeper Fund . COMMON GROUND VOL, 10 NO. 4 M;.SAY /JUNE 1999 i?}cY.`^.Cti.' .�'`3' .�. ..-4A y'E. �` . •:�- �,` ^y�'"`�. '' 4}4 tti. . . SFf��; ' `I:n$r . 3�$� r r : r;: ,_ ,c,>',•2� _ � 3 � - " _ 'j =•v � • -2' t `•`�y _:r T�aRc .177t ,5.': _ k ' ar`•- > '�`�+ � ' - -,< f c, � �;..-fy ^ c .: . ±T .f-, � � . ...•t , S M A L L The Conservation Fund Foundation giving soared in 1998 : Spurred Open space economics , New Hampshire ' s Vital Statistics by huge stock market gains in 1997, 142 of open space generates $8 . 2 billion in eco- the nation' s largest foundations gave $ 7. 7 nomic activity each year, representing 25 % Land protected by TCF and billion in grants last year . Giving jumped by of the state ' s economy . Forestry contributes partners, year-to-date : 28 % among the 122 foundations that pro- $3 . 9 billion and 16, 600 jobs, followed by Acres protected: 17,898 vided The Chronicle of Philanthropy with data tourism and recreation ($3 billion, 64,000 Est. value : $21 ,863,715 for both years . But don't look for a repeat jobs) , second homes used for vacation and Cumulative land protected, this year, as the foundations ' endowments recreation ($ 817 million, 15 , 000 jobs) and 1986 to present, by TCF jumped by only 5 % in 1998, to $ 154 . 4 bil- agriculture ($377 million, 5,400 jobs ) . State and partners , lion. The survey listed 34 foundations that and local governments collected more than Acres protected: 1,709,678 award environmental grants . The David one-third ($891 million) of their revenue Est. value: $814,347,281 and Lucile Packard Foundation, flush with from these activities in 1996 / 97. The state ' s TCF's three-year average a $ 6 . 2 billion infusion of Hewlett-Packard 5 . 3 million acres of open space (89 % of the fund-raising cost: stock in mid- 1998 , gave one of the biggest state) generates $ 1 ,500 per acre in state in- 2% of total income grants of the year ($34 million) to the come, according to "The Economic Impact of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute . Open Space in New Hampshire " (603 / 224- The Conservation Fund is 9945, www . spnhf. org) by the Society for the a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Go organic : A pesticide study of 27,000 Protection of New Hampshire Forests . The organization established to samples of food found that peaches, apples, study followed the release in January of a advance land and water grapes, spinach, pears and U . S . -grown report (nhlchc . conknet . com) that asked conservation in America.The Fund is a member of green beans and winter squash ranked the lawmakers to create a $ 12 million matching Earth Share and participates highest in toxicity. A toxicity index, com- grant program for land conservation and in the Combined Federal puted by Consumer Reports for its report, historic preservation. Campaign as #0930 . "Do You Know What You're Eating? " (www . consunion . org) , is based on the Profiles of state funding for parks and open O. Earth Share frequency, amount and relative toxicity of space . The Web site of the Trust for Public the pesticides found during tests by the Land (www . tpl. org) has posted summaries Agriculture Department between 1994 and of land preservation programs in seven Conservation Leadership 1997. A few pesticides, including methyl states—Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Minne- Courses parathion, accounted for most of the toxic- sota, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylva- "Land Conservation ity in the samples . The high scores for U . S . nia . The profiles include histories, funding, Transactions: Planning, winter squash were due mostly to residues grants and results of each state ' s programs— Negotiating, Financing and of dieldrin, a carcinogenic insecticide for open space, farmland and parks, Closing Deals," June 13-16, banned 25 years ago that still persists in greenways, trails and rivers . Profiles of the Marshall, Calif. some soils . Two surprises : U . S . crops were remaining 43 states will follow . "Conserving Agricultural more contaminated than imports, and pro- Lands," Aug. 14, cessed food was cleaner than fresh food . Mark your calendars : The 7th Congress for Shepherdstown, W.Va. The report recommends buying organic the New Urbanism, cosponsored by The "GIS Overview for Commu- food or washing or peeling fresh fruit and Conservation Fund, will be held June 3-6 in nity-Based Natural Resource vegetables, particularly the " dirty seven . " Milwaukee, Wisc . Call 415 / 495 -2255 or visit Conservation, Aug. 6-8, www . cnu. org for details . The " Keep Shepherdstown, W.Va. Assessing greenways : Florida' s Office of America Growing " conference, which will Scholarships available. For Greenways and Trails has published a address how to preserve working lands— more information, contact: guide that summarizes the economic, farm, ranch and forest lands—will be held Andrea Freeman ecological and human / cultural costs and June 6-9 in Philadelphia . Visit aeee an@lt . benefits of greenways and trails . " Thinking www . farmland . org / kag.html or e-mail afreeman@lta. org, www.lta. org) . Green" (free, 850 / 488~3701 ) includes a delaney@together .net for more information. 2-page worksheet to help planners and The 10th anniversary conference of the greenway activists assess costs and benefits National Corridors Initiative, which seeks to of greenway and trail projects . The 24-page rebuild intercity passenger rail service, guide is based on a longer study, " Assess- convenes July 7-8 in Washington, D . C . Call ing Community Impact from Greenways : 617 / 269-5478 or visit www , lpt . com / aboard / Recommendations for Identifying, Measur- nci / nci . htm for details . The National Land ing, and Estimating the Benefits and Costs Trust Rally ' 99 will be held Oct . 14-17 in y" of Corridors, " written by the Center for Snowmass , Colo . Call 202 / 6384725 or e-mail International Public Management. afreeman@lta . org to get on the mailing list . COMMON GROUND VOL. 10 N0 . 4 MAY /JUNE 1999 TRACTS D itch ' em and drain 'em: Last June, a federal Biologists have been surprised by how appellate court overturned the "Tulloch quickly spiny lobster have rebounded in no- rule governing wetlands and set off a take fishing zones in the Florida Keys . The frenzy of wetland ditching and draining by 23 no -take zones were established in July developers in southeast North Carolina . 1997 as part of the Florida Keys National "Anybody who didn' t ditch like hell is Marine Sanctuary . In the 1998 "Zone Perfor- crazy, " developer Dallas Harris told the mance Review, " (free, 305 / 743-2437, ext. 25 ) , Wilmington Morning Star in mid-March, days researchers reported that 1998 was " the first after the state implemented a wetland drain- time that large numbers of spiny lobster ing policy that halted the damage . State were observed on reefs during the day and officials estimate 15, 000 acres were lost, during the spiny lobster fishing season . " meaning the state lost more wetlands in nine Yellowtail snapper, grouper and hogfish months than is permitted nationwide each also were more plentiful, said Benjamin Researchers are year by the federal government. The drain- Haskell, the sanctuary' s science coordinator . monitoring the ing continues elsewhere . Virginia has lost at Researchers are monitoring the no-take least 1 , 700 acres . While federal officials zones to determine how effectively they n0 - take Zones t0 See debate whether to rewrite the Tulloch rule, regenerate marine life in the coral reef eco - how effectively they state officials could use existing powers un- system . The sanctuary and Dry Tortugas regenerate marine der their water quality statutes to halt such National Park are considering the creation of draining, said Derb Carter of the Southern a new no-take zone * in the Tortugas area life in the corm reef Environmental Law Center . west of the keys . ecosystem . Maine easement to be largest ever: The Farms scarcer, more expensive : The U. S . lost New England Forestry Foundation (978 / 448- 13,441 farms and 13 . 7 million acres of farm- 8380, wwwoneforestry . org) announced plans land between 1992 and 1997, according to in March to pay $28 million to buy develop- Agriculture Department estimates . The value ment rights and a conservation easement on of farmland (including buildings) jumped 754, 673 acres of timber land in northern 28 % during the same period, to $933 per Maine . The easement will allow the Pingree acre, according to the " 1997 Census of Agri- family, which has owned the land since the culture " (800 / 999- 6779, www . usda . gov / 1840s, to lengthen harvest rotation beyond nass ), which was released in February. 100 years to produce mature hardwoods for Texas, which leads the states with 131 mil- a new mill that will manufacture furniture lion acres of farmland, bucked the trend by and other value- added products . All the gaining 421 , 678 acres . Nebraska gained 1 . 1 land has been certified as well managed un- million acres . The gains may be distorted by der the Forest Stewardship Council program. changes in the accounting of acreage in the It includes 2,000 miles of rivers and streams Conservation Reserve Program . Among the and 85 lakes whose shorelines will be pro- losers : California ( 1 . 3 million acres) , New tected . Habitat for more than 67 rare and Mexico ( 1 . 1 million acres) , and Montana (1 endangered plants, as well as bald eagle and million acres) . The congressionally man- peregrine falcon nesting areas will be dated census, completed every five years, in- preserved . Traditional recreation uses— cludes data for national, state and county hunting, fishing, canoeing, cross-country levels . Land in farms includes acreage for skiing and snowmobiling—will continue . crops, pasture or grazing. �bt, ® ty ¢ ra.,i fi n a� . e'-,3{:. a➢�' 1464 &L+2 ,4G. . ix�'3 y �, ,;,5. f. . _ �.. . �• fv _ �•d;' �: .�.�lr 'r M A study by Boston University researchers ® International Paper (IP) will open the first found no evidence that environmental private mitigation bank for endangered in Los Angeles decreased labor secies i regulation p n the Southeast at its Southlands demand . The study, "Environmental Regu- Experiment Forest (912 / 246-3642, ext. 270 ) lation and Labor Demand : Evidence from in Bainbridge, Ga . The 5,300- acre bank will the South Coast Air Basin, " (econ.bu . edu / become home for up to 30 clusters of red- ell) concluded that the regulation actually cockaded woodpeckers . The Environmental may have increased employment slightly Defense Fund helped IP create the bank as because of the need for pollution abatement , part of a habitat conservation plan . COMMON GROUND VOL. 10 NO. 4 MAY /JUKE 1999 gplF� �a! �. � , �,, �Y. , ® 4?r • - ® � . >Fra�e c•7t' +',G" y-j�..C, ��cy: �_', i. "p°T,` -.Y._ •- i%:s - Big Achievements in Big Sky Country ® The Montana Land Reliance holds 324 state 's land trusts, its Fish, Wildlife and conservation easements over 319,899 acres , Parks Department and federal agencies, more than any local land trust in the nation . Ringling said . Montana ' s success in protect- ing land against an onslaught of ranchette Rock Ringling, one of three managing development stands in contrast to many directors at the Montana Land Reliance other Rocky Mountain states facing similar (406 / 443 -7027) , said the groups success with development pressure , conservation easements is based on a simple Founded in 1978, the reliance employs formula : "We 're a business . We have one 13 staff in offices in Helena, Big Fork and product. That product is private land Billings and has an operating budget of " We 're a business . conservation . We aggressively market it. $594,000 . Three people monitor the ease- We have one That' s all we do . " ments over 319 , 899 acres, including 131 ,764 product . That The formula has worked . The reliance acres in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem signed 56 easements last year alone . All 324 and 3,484 acres in the Northern Continental product is private the group holds have been donated . The Divide ecosystem . More than 116, 118 acres of land conservation , reliance 's goal : to have 600,000 acres under elk habitat, 5 ,000 acres of wetlands and 619 —Rock Ringling easement by 2003 . There ' s no scarcity of miles of stream frontage are protected . prospects . Two-thirds of Montana ' s 90 mil- The reliance has sharpened its competi- lion acres are privately owned . About 23, 000 tive edge thanks to the Harvard Business ranchers and farm owners, whose median School, which selected the nonprofit as a case age is 60, hold most of the land, said Jack study in the early 1990s . "They ask questions Wright, whose book, "Montana Ghost about why we do things the way we do, " Dance : Essays on Land and Life, " describes said Ringling. "We have to defend ourselves the state " s land conservation efforts . Wright and our business model . " Instead of one predicts that one-third of the land may go executive director, three managing directors through estate proceedings within 20 years . run the organization . The reliance prides Statewide, perhaps three-quarters of a itself on its organization, akin to a law firm million acres are held under easement by the and much less stressful, Ringling said . The Conservation Fund would like to thank the following recent contributors to the COMMON GROUND Research Fund: David Ackerman Day Breitag Charles Deknatel Kiku & Johnnie Hanes Tom Kovalicky Mr & Mrs. George O'Neill Harriet Allen Thomas Brendler Ogden Doremus Beverly Hannon Loren Kreck Robert Olshansky Mr. & Mrs. Roger Anderson Bill & Peg Briney Frederick Dorrell Clifford Harrison Jr George Lamb W. Kent Olson Byron Anderson Don & Tina Bronkema Leo Dre Anonymous x 3 David Brower Phoebe Y Marjorie Hart Susan Lammert George Overton Joy Archer La Bruce Driscoll Christopher Harte Bob Langsenkamp Mr & Mrs . Hugh Pallister Jr. Larry & Louis Bruce Steve D Doty Dumke George & Helen Hartzog Jr. Phil & Pat Leavenworth Marjorie Palmer David Armstrong James Pat Bacon urrant Anne & John Heissenbuttel Hugh Lewis Daryl Parker �' Peter Brussard William Elder Rusty & Nancy Heymann Frederick Lippitt Eva Patten Thomas Bailey Meade Cadot William Elliott J Henry Baker Jr. Andrew & Lindsey Cadot Marl Kenneth Hill Mrs. James Lipscomb Gary Patton William Baker Y & Gene Elsbree William & Julia Hobart Peter Looram Jeff Payne Leslie Barclay Madi Calcagni Helen Engle Alix Hopkins Orie & Elinor Loucks Russell Peterson John Oarlock Esther Ernst Kathy Bruce Hornsby Richard Ludington Dudley Porter Henry Barkhausen Christine Carlson & Mr, Y Y g Y M.L. Barley & Mrs• Joseph Fehrer Robert Houck Russell Lukas Randy & Dorothy Poulsen Y Steven Durrant Elizabeth Folwell Joe Howard Jim MacFarland Katherine Pratt Carole Bell David Carrington Henrietta Forcanser Charlie Hoyer George Maentz Virginia Pritchett Matthew Bender Mr. & Mrs. Jarvis Cecil Barbara & Tate Betz John Franklin Robert Huckins Marilyn Magid John Pritzlaff Jr. James Chaffin Jr. Gary Frazer Rhett Bickley Roy Chapin Jr. Marie Brewster Hadlai Hull Donald Mansius Richard Pritzlaff Stephen Blackmer wtter Frost Lynne Hull Shelley Mastran Allan Puplis family William Blair r, Paul Christiansen Robert Furney Elizabeth Hurst-Waitz J. Matthew & Amy Davidson Thomas Pytel J Anne Clark Vickie Gabin Laurine Blankenau James Clarke Liz Garst Sally Jacobs John McBride Elizabeth Queener Peter Bloom Victor & Phyllis Clausen James Gillil Kathy & Dan Jacobson Judith McCandless Joyce Kennedy Raymes and Jim Blose Sarah James Paul McCracken Ala Reid Y M ron Blumenfeld J. Edwin Clement Marcy Golde Thomas Jervis Lorna McEwen Kenny Ribbeck Anne Close Adelaide Park Gomer Karen Jescavage Bernard Ed McMahon G.A. Robinson III Anne Todd Bockarie Russ Cohen John & K Eleanor Bookwalter Karen Goodwin Philip Jones Peggy McNeill Godfrey Rockefeller Bob & Lib Conner Richard Goodwin Doug McVey Nelson Rockefeller Jr. Frank Bracken Hilda Jones Wend Brand J. Chris Conrad Steve & Penny Govedich Dr. & Mrs . Henry Jordan John & Withrow Meeker Steven & Barbara Rockefeller Y Walter Cook Jr Henry Gray Beth Kaeding Meg & Jim Meiklejohn Janel Avery Rogers Denise Cormier Virginia Grossman Karl Kappe Diana Mendes R. Thomas Ross Alan Crawford Jr. Arlene Grubbs Mr. & Mrs . Michael Keathley Carlton Midyette Jon Roush Charles Creighton Otto & Debra Gutenson Harold Keelen Jr. Robert Mitchell Michael Russell e - Leslie Cronin Scott Hacker C.E. Kennedy Geary Mizuno Susan Rust David Crumpacker Guy Hager Rane Curl Cynthia Ha James Kennedy Jr. Jack Murphy Catherine Sandell gleY William Kerr Mrs . John Murphy Darla & Tom Sather Patrick Daigle Gerald Halpin ` Robert Daly Steven Har Dr. & Mrs . Barry Kohl Mark Myers Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Sauer Barbara Dean Doreen lto Josephine Kohn Darby Nelson Kim Schaninger n Sandra Kokemoot Carl Newport Paul Schauer COMMON GROUND VOL, 10 NO. 4 MAY /DUNE 1999 State (continued from page 1 ) the state.. King asked state legislators to use funded by a 0 . 1 cent hike in the sales tax for the state budget surplus to pay for the deal . 10 years, also expands the city park system. Lawmakers also held hearings on pro - The state sells trust land to support educa- posals to issue up to $ 110 million in bonds to tion. If approved by the city council in June, reactivate the state ' s land acquisition pro - the proposal will go to voters in September . gram . Another proposal dedicates 45 % of the Separately, a coalition of 17 groups real estate transfer tax for 10 years to raise ( 602 / 254-8581 ) has resurrected an effort to $50 million for acquisitions . The legislature place a Citizens Growth Management Initia- will decide by June which approach to take . tive on the ballot. If enough signatures are New Jersey: The Senate is debating a gathered and voters approve it in November constitutional amendment that gives a tax New jersey 2000, the measure would require all cities break to farmers who place conservation legislators are and counties in the state to develop growth easements on their land . The amendment, management plans that include urban which passed the Assembly, lets farmers deciding how to growth boundaries . Voters would approve skip property tax payments until they re- implement the $ 1 . 5 the plans and any major amendments . coup 25 % of the lost value of their land . The Developers would be required to pay billion open space impact amendment also requires voter approval , fees for roads, schools and other public facih- Legislators are deciding how to imple- plan approved by ties that their projects require . The initiative ment the $ 1 . 5 billion open space plan voters in November. also gives cities and counties more authority approved by voters in November . One bill to regulate so-called " wildcat subdivisions " allots $60 million for historic preservation being built in unincorporated areas . and directs 60 % of the remainder to the state Maine : On March 25, Gov . Angus King Green Acres program for state and local announced a $5 .26 million agreement to parks . State and local agencies and protect 65 miles of shoreline on Moosehead nonprofits will get 40 % to preserve farmland . Lake—the state ' s largest—and other water- Wisconsin : Gov . Tommy Thompson ways . Plum Creek Timber Co . , which proposed spending $345 million over 10 acquired nearly 1 million acres of Maine tim- years for a state stewardship program that berland last fall, will receive 15 , 000 acres of acquires land for habitat protection, water land with conservation easements as partial quality improvement and local parks . The payment . Additionally, the Trust for Appala- state money would leverage $ 170 million Chian Trail Lands will buy 4, 000 acres on Mt . available from the federal Conservation Abraham from the company and donate it to Reserve Enhancement Program , Owen Schmidt Rosemary Weber American Land Conservancy Indiana Dept. of Natural Res. Sanctuary Forest April & John Scholtz Bill Webster Audubon Society of R.I. Iowa Natural Heritage Fdn. Sempervirens Fund Henry & Peggy Sharpe John Weeden Ausbon Sargent Land Jackson Hole Cons . Alliance Society for the Protectiop of N. H. Forests Kimball Simpson Georgia Welles Preservation Trust Johnson & Johnson Society for the Pres'n of N .E. Antiquities Bruce & Barbara Sims Dewey Wells Baldwin County Trailblazers Kentucky Down Under Sonoma Land Trust William Sizemore Gary Werner Bonnyvale Env. Educ. Center Land Trust Alliance Sonoran Institute Edith & Bruce Smart Mr & Mrs. David West Bowdoin Col. Env. Studies Pg. Land Trust for Santa Barbara County S.C. Coastal Conservation League Gretel Smith Otto Wetzel Catskill Center for Conserva- Leelanau Conservancy S.C. Parks, Recreation & Tourism John L. Smith J.C. Whetzel tion and Development Louisville & Jefferson County Metro. Stetson Hardwoods Peg Smith Barbara & David White Chattooga R. Watershed Coal. Soil District Tall Timbers Research Station Sandra Sparks Bob Whitney Chesapeake Bay Foundation Margaret W. Reed Foundation Terrene Institute James St. Pierre Lynn Weigand Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage Margo Cutler Ltd . Real Estate The Nature Conservancy x 2 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Steffens Andrew & Stephanie Wilbur City of Lakewood, Colo. Marin Agricultural Land Trust Trust for Public Land John Strickler Elsa Williams Civil War Trust McGrath, Basciani & Assoc. Tudor Farms Kenneth Svitko Alex & Jerelyn Wilson Columbia Land Conservancy Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Vermont Land Trust John Syverud Marillyn Wilson Delaware Greenways Mont. Dept, of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wenk Associates James Taylor Fran & Arlene Wolff Delta Waterfowl Foundation Montgomery County Lands Trust Western Images Elizabeth Tilbury C. Wortz Dorsey & Kirschner Mundy & Associates Wildlife Management Institute Clinton Townsend John Wright Ducks Unlimited National Committee for the New River William Smith Properties Jeanne & Raymond Turner Gene Wunderlich Eastern Shore Land Conserv. National Park Service Williams College Center for Env. Studies John Vickery Stephen Yarabek The Ed & Marianne Pollak National Waterways Conf. Winslow Management Co. Edward Voss Philip Zalesky Fund of the Ayco Char. Fdn. N.H. Assn. of Cons. Commissions Woodlot Alternatives Richard Watkins Robert Ziegenfus Equestrian Land Cons. Res . N.J. Conservation Foundation The Yosemite Fund William Watson The Adirondack Council U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service N.J. St. Fed. of Sportsmen's Clubs Jean Watt American Hiking Society Gallatin Writers N.Y.-N.J. Trail Conference A lead grant from Elizabeth Wattles American Forest & Paper Assn. Garden Club of America N.Y. Parks & Conservation Assn. Philip Morris Companies The Garden Conservancy Northland Forest Products helped finance this issue. Grand Canyon Trust Oak Foundation If you have not made your gift to the Greenbelt Land Trust The Orton Family Foundation COMMON GROUND Research Fund, Group for the South Fork Ozark Regional Land Trust Hamilton County, Ia . Pa. Fish and Boat Commission please don't delay. We need your help . Henry A. Wallace Institute for Pheasants Forever Send your check to 940 Stillwater Lane, Alternative Agriculture RMI Associates Historic South Dakota Fdn . St. Dennis Development. Inc . Earlysville, VA 22936 . Holland & Hart St. John River Water Man. District Indian Creek Nature Center San Juan Preservation Trust COMMON GROUND VOL , 10 NO . 4 MAY /DUNE 1999 ® + ` °aa"• ' s � ih ). "y" �'.aQic++, '+t.7 • ..5 '• �..t ' '-j�'� :W - ,�. E�"r _ r�'+'. i �`-��.. .F�i _ ',`tiiy' _ R• . +r'� _ }:' . _ 7 • T � AssessingSatellite images show that since 1973 the Using its CITYgreen® software ($ 700) , lower Chesapeake Bay watershed has been American Forests calculated that tree loss in Treeconverted from a predominantly forested the urban corridor resulted in a 19 % increase ecosystem to an area dominated by cities in runoff from major storms, an estimated Coverand rural areas sparsely covered with trees . 540 million cubic feet of water . Replacing the More than 1 . 9 million acres ( 17% of the 11 . 4 lost stormwater retention capacity would illion-acre region) were cleared of heavy cost $ 1 . 08 billion . The lost trees also would Loss m forest between 1973 and 1997, according to have removed 9 .3 million pounds of air pol- the " Chesapeake Bay Regional Ecosystem lutants annually, at a value of $24 million. Analysis " conducted by American Forests The report recommends a 40% tree cover (202 / 9554500, www . amerieanforests . org) . for urban areas, ranging from 15 % in down- The survey found no difference in the loss of towns to 50 % in suburbs . Rural areas should tree cover in the Baltimore-Washington cor- strive for 50 % tree coverage, the report said , ridor compared to outlying areas . American Forests developed its software The study used satellite imagery from to help communities analyze the value of 1973, 1985 and 1997 to analyze tree loss in trees and vegetation and incorporate the the southeast section of the watershed in findings uito land use plans . The group has Delaware, Maryland and Virginia . The conducted similar studies in Atlanta, Austin, group conducted a more detailed exarp ina- Fort Lauderdale and Milwaukee . It offers tion of the urban corridor from Baltimore to regional training workshops and technical Washington, D . C . support for the software . % of lower Chesapeake Bay watershed with high vegetation and tree canopy coverage of 50% or greater in 1973e 550 % in 1997e 38 . to Loss : 1 ,911 ,376 acres . • % of region with little tree cover (less than 20% tree cover) in 1973 : 35 . • % in 1997: 500 • Increase : 1 ,793, 098 acres . • Lbs . of air pollutants removed by tree cover in the Baltimore-Washington corridor in 1973a 43 million. • Lbs . of air pollutants removed by tree cover in the Baltimore-Washington corridor in 1997e 34 million. • Avoided costs of pollutant removal by trees in 1997: $ 88 million. • Value of stormwater retention capacity of forest cover in the Baltimore-Washington corridor in 1973 : $5 . 7 billion . • . Value in 1997: $4 . 62 billion . • Loss : $ 1 . 08 billion. 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