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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE 101005 I Ile Orange County y�. Commission for the Environment I ell c/ o PO Box 8181 Hillsborough NC 27278 , iell Alwe We.- be W ell V � �� ot ee Memorandum To : Commission for the Environment From : Mark Smith , Chair Date : October 3 , 2005 Re : October 10th Meeting Agenda Please find attached the agenda and materials for the next meeting of the Commission for the Environment , on Monday, October 10, 2005 7: 30 p . m , * * Government Services Center * * 200 South Cameron Street Hillsborough , NC Please note the location . If you have questions , or will be unable to attend , please contact Carol Melton ( 245 - 2590 , cmelton@co . orange . nc . us ) by the Friday before the meeting . , ` _, J y � AGENDA Commission for the Environment October 10 , 2005 7 : 30 . m . Government Services Center 200 S . Cameron Street, Hillsborough , NC Time P� Item Title 7 : 30 I . Call to Order 7 : 30 II . Additions or Changes to Agenda 7 : 30 01 III . Approval of Minutes ( September 12 ) 04 IV . Memo regarding Piedmont Wildlife Center 7 : 45 05 V . Adoption of Environmental Responsibility Goal Final draft provided as Attachment 1 8 : 00 VI . Lands Legacy Action Plan 200 & 08 Discussion of recommendations for Natural Areas component . Adoption of recommendations to come in November . 8 : 15 07 VII . Air Quality Activities 1 . Planning for Local Ozone Strategies report 2 . State 03 Conformity status report I GHG Project status report (Attachment 2 ) 8 : 30 09 VIII . Updates on Other Projects 1 . Land For Tomorrow (Attachment 3 ) 2 . Mountains to Sea Trail 3 . Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan 4 . Natural and Cultural Systems Element 5 . Environmental Education Activities 6 . Water Resources Initiative 8 : 45 IX . Committee Breakout Sessions AQ — Ozone Strategies report; BRC — Lands Legacy Action Plan , EE — Festifall followup, next activities ; WR — OWASA interest in WR Initiative 9 : 30 X . Adjournment ( next meeting November 14th at Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill ) ORANGE COUNTY . COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Draft Meeting Summary Sept 12, 2005 Government Services Center, Hillsborough , NC Members Present : Mark Smith ( Chair ) , Barry Jacobs , Michelle Kempinski , Shirley Lally , Marge Limbert , and Kenneth Meardon Excused Absences : Annette Jurgelski , Hervey McIver , Richard Pratt , Johnny Randall , Mark Ginsberg , Charles Daniel , Heather MacDonald , and Chris Wachholz Guests Present : Alice Gordon Staff Present : David Stancil , Environment & Resource Conservation Directors Rich Shaw , Land Conservation Manager ; Carol Melton , ERCD staff ; Karen Lincoln , Transportation Planner I . Call to Order Smith called the meeting to order at 7 : 45 p . m . In absence of a quorum the meeting proceeded without any formal actions taken . II . Additions or Changes to Agenda III . Approval of Minutes from August 8 , 2005 Consideration of the August meeting summary was deferred until the October meeting . IV . Piedmont Wildlife Center follow - up In August, the CfE heard a presentation by Dr. Bobby Schopler, Piedmont Wildlife Center director. Schopler provided an overview of the Center 's mission and facilities, and asked the CfE to consider supporting the Center 's relocation to a more suitable property in Orange County . Sch opler answered many questions from CfE members . Staff was asked to consult with the County Manager and prepare draft letter of support for further consideration . Shaw reviewed Bobby Schopler 's request that Orange County work with him to explore relocating the Piedmont Wildlife Center to a more suitable location in Orange County , and possibly on a site owned by Orange County . The Center would like a larger wildlife treatment building ( hospital ) and a separate visitor/ educational center ( and interpretive nature trail ) located in conjunction with pre - release and release areas. for rehabilitated wildlife . Potential locations that were discussed include the Seven Mile Creek Preserve McGowan Creek Preserve , Eno River State Park , and the OWASA Mitigation Tract . Shaw presented a draft memorandum for discussion . Members read through the draft and offered comments for making further refinements . The following issues were discussed ■ The services provided by the Center are beneficial to Orange County wildlife ; the educational component would help toward preserving wildlife habitat . Draft September 12 , 2005 Page 1 of 3 14 ■ Possibility of relocating the Center to one of the County 's nature preserves , and whether they would be compatible uses ( e . g . , Seven Mile Creek Preserve ) ■ Possibility of using existing buildings ) at future County park property for environmental education component of the Wildlife Center ■ Potential for a phased approach to using County land for animal pre - release areas or other uses that would not cost anything ■ CfE endorsement of this matter being placed on an upcoming BOCC agenda Staff was instructed to revise the memorandum and circulate by email to CfE members for further consideration and final approval . V . Environmental Responsibility Goal In February 2004, the BOCC asked the CfE and staff to develop a draft goal for Environmental Responsibility in County Government. The Board had asked that a number of specific areas be evaluated, including : Air Quality, Forest Management Practices, Water Quality, Wastewater, Ground Water protection, Food Service provision (foods served at County events, utensil types, etc), Water Fixtures in County Buildings, County Vehicles (AFV), No Net Loss of Woodlands on County Projects, Use of Cleansers in Buildings, Deconstruction of Buildings, Green Building Standards and other issues as identified by the Environmental Responsibility Goal work group (ERGWG) . After receiving ideas Stancil presented a draft goal for Environmental Responsibility in County Government , based on the ideas and comments from county departments , the ERG Work Group and the CfE . The CfE members offered some initial suggestions and revisions . Staff will revise and email to CfE members for further consideration . VI . Lands Legacy Action Plan 200 & 08 Shaw distributed a memo requesting CfE input for the drafting of the Lands Legacy Action Plan for 2006 - 08 timeframe . Staff would like general guidance and ideas for specific projects for including in the plan . Recommendations should be finalized by the November CfE meeting to allow staff to prepare the Action Plan for BOCC consideration . Commissioner Gordon asked for an updated matrix of completed projects from the previous action plans . Members asked questions about current projects , including the proposed Piedmont prairie conservation pilot project efforts to protect historic resources associated with Halls Mill and Faucette Mill . Shaw said he would discuss ideas with the Biological Resources Committee in October and bring their suggestions to the full CfE for consideration in November . VII . Unified Transportation Advisory Board Karen Lincoln , Transportation Planner , explained that the BOCC is recruiting volunteers for the new Unified Transportation Advisory Board . The board 's responsibilities include : 1 . Identifying and prioritizing the County ' s roadway and transit needs ; 2 . Assisting in the development and review of the transportation component of the Comprehensive Plan , 3 . Providing recommendations to the BOCC regarding Federal and State legislation affecting transportation in Orange County ; and 4 . Exploring and making recommendations on innovative techniques and methods to improve the efficiency and capacity of existing and future transportation systems . Draft September 12 , 2005 Page 2 of 3 Lincoln explained that the Orange County Unified Transportation Advisory Board membership will consist of one member from each of the seven townships , one member from the Planning Board , one member from the Economic Development Commission , one member from the Commission for the Environment , one member from the Transportation Services Board , one member/ advocate for bicycle transportation , one member/advocate for pedestrian access and safety , and one member/ advocate for transit . Stancil will email absent members to solicit a volunteer seeing that the present members were over extended . VIII . Outreach Calendar Shaw provided information about and plans for the upcoming FestiFall event in Chapel Hill . This year ' s FestiFall will be held October 2 from 1 - 6pm . Shaw asked for volunteers to work the booth . Members discussed materials and display for the event . IX . Updates on Other Projects Greenhouse Gas Emissions project : The BOCC is expected to approve a contract for the Greenhouse Gas Emissions project in September . The Air Quality Advisory Committee will begin and a volunteer was solicited for this group . Land Use Element : News from the Planning Department on the Land Use Element reveals that a draft text is forthcoming in four to six weeks . Stillhouse Creek Restoration Project : The project was recently approved by the BOCC and is moving forward . Local Ozone Strategies : deferred until next month . Limbert asked to have time on the October meeting agenda to present information about the " Land for Tomorrow " initiative . Smith reminded members that the October meeting would be in Hillsborough at the Government Services Center . X . Adjournment Smith adjourned the meeting at 9 : 30 p . m . Draft September 12, 2005 Page 3 of 3 ORANGE" , COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT MEMORANDUM To . Orange County Board of Commissioners �- From . Commission for the Environment Date : September 28 , 2005 Re : Piedmont Wildlife Center We understand that Dr . Bobby Schopler, Director of the Piedmont Wildlife Center, plans to present his ideas for relocating the Center in Orange County at one of your upcoming Board of Commissioners meetings . The Commission for the Environment ( CfE ) recently heard a presentation by Dr . Schopler . He provided a detailed overview of the Center, including its history, current facilities in Durham County, scope of services as a wildlife rehabilitation and educational facility ( for primarily Orange , Durham , Wake counties ) , staffing and funding sources . Dr . Schopler also discussed the Center 's vision for establishing a new and improved wildlife center in Orange County . He proposes to collaborate with the County on relocating the center to a large , undeveloped tract of land suitable for wildlife education and reintroduction of animals to their native habitat . On the basis of this presentation , the CfE recommends your consideration of Dr . Schopler 's proposal . The consensus of our group is that certain synergies could be achieved in co - location of the Center with a county nature preserve , park and /or an environmental center . Potential locations suggested include the County 's Seven Mile Creek Preserve , McGowan Creek Preserve , and the OWASA Mitigation Tract . The potential expansion of the Center 's services could provide benefits to our wildlife and opportunities for public education . If locating the Center on County property is infeasible , then perhaps an alternate site could be found that would be suitable for the release or pre - release of rehabilitated animals . Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts with you . A copy of the Piedmont Wildlife Center 's mission and vision statements is enclosed . If you have any questions , please contact Mark Smith , CfE Chair at 715 - 7639 or David Stancil , ERCD Director at 245 - 2590 . Attachment cc : David Stancil Bobby Schopler Attachment # 1 Draft 10103105 Draft Goal Environmental Responsibility in County Government Goal Statement: Perform all County governmental functions, both internal and external, with a sensitivity and ethic that promotes environmental responsibility and leadership, and an understanding of the actions of government activities as they affect the natural and cultural resources of the County, region , state , nation and world. Obiectives ( su22ested departmental responsibility) 1 . Develop a Countywide Environmental Leadership Policy , and institute a standing Orange County Environmental Action Committee as an internal mechanism to periodically monitor and assess the County ' s progress toward the meeting the objectives of the environmental responsibility goal . ( ERCD , with representatives from all departments ) ; 2 . Initiate policies and programs that conserve energy , reduce fuel / utility/ resource consumption , increase the use of recycled and renewable energy services , and minimize waste stream impacts on the environment . ( Public Works , all departments ) ; 3 . Continue and expand upon the use of green building standards ; construct new facilities /deconstruct outdated facilities in a way that is eco -friendly , utilizes energy conserving measures , and minimizes impacts on the environment . ( Purchasing , Public Works , Planning , Recreation and Parks , ERCD , among others ) ; 4 . Implement programs that monitor and improve local and regional air quality : by promoting public transportation options and incentives within the County that increase connectivity and decrease dependence on personal vehicles , and by selecting alternative fuel and low emission fuels /vehicles for the County ' s vehicle fleet . ( Purchasing , Public Works , ERCD ) ; 5 . Conduct sustainable and eco - sensitive forestry practices on County- owned lands with a goal of no net loss of woodlands . Promote and encourage eco - sensitive forestry practices on privately- held lands within the County . ( ERCD , Soil & Water ) ; Draft 10103105 6 . Promote the use of environmentally- sensitive chemical and materials , including the use of " Green Seal " chemicals and cleaning products used in daily operation and maintenance of County facilities ; utilize an IPM ( Integrated Pest Management ) Program for County facilities that minimizes use of chemical compounds ; and require that County events and services ( including those involving outside vendors ) use eco -friendly and biodegradable materials wherever possible . ( Purchasing , Public Works ) ; 7 . Continue to aggressively pursue waste reduction and recycling efforts , including the reduction of paper . ( Solid Waste , IT ) ) 8 . Consider innovative new technologies for conserving and protecting ground water , indoor air quality and wastewater , to lessen impacts on the natural environment ; and promote water conservation , collection and reuse in both current and future County facilities . ( Health , ERCD , Engineer) ; 9 . Implement growth management policies and procedures within the County so that development is directed toward areas where it can be accommodated without compromising the County ' s goals for protecting natural and cultural resources . ( Planning , ERCD ) ; and 10 . Develop an Information Services policy that promotes energy conservation through the use of electronic and alternative media of communication . ( IT ) . Possible Action Strategies Each department , advisory board and /or organization should be asked to develop specific action strategies based on the 12 objectives listed above . The possible action strategies should be collated and compared for consistency and coordination , and then incorporated into the goal . Example of an Action Strategy Objective 4 ( Implement programs to monitor and improve local and regional air quality : by promoting public transportation options and incentives within the County that increase connectivity and decrease dependence on personal vehicles , and selecting alternative fuel and low emission fuels/vehicles for the County' s vehicle fleet ) Action Strategy A : Acquire 3 - 5 alternative -fuel vehicles (AFV's) per year, based on evaluation of proposed vehicle purchases and the `fit " with available AFV options, as funds permit. Attachment # 2 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date : September 20 , 2005 Action Agenda Item No . SUBJECT : Award of Contract and Approval of Memorandum of Agreement — Joint Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Action Plan DEPARTMENT : Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING : (Y/ N ) No Conservation , Purchasing ATTACHMENT INFORMATION CONTACT : David Stancil , 245 - 2598 1 ) Memorandum of Agreement , with attachments 2 ) Proposed Contract with IES , with attachments TELEPHONE NUMBERS : Hillsborough 732 = 8181 Chapel Hill 9684501 Durham 688 =7331 Mebane 336 =227 -2031 PURPOSE : To consider awarding a contract to ICLEI Energy Services of Toronto to conduct a joint greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions inventory and emissions reduction action plan , and to approve an interlocal Memorandum of Agreement between the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and Orange County regarding administration of the project . BACKGROUND : In September 2003 the elected boards from Orange County , Chapel Hill and Carrboro agreed to collaborate together on a proposed project to address greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions . As members of the International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives ( ICLEI ) and the Cities for Climate Protection program , the three local governments have jointly committed to undertaking an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and an action plan to effect reductions in emissions . The Boards agreed to pursue the project with the County ' s Environment and Resource Conservation Department serving as project coordinator , and asked the staffs to develop a scope of work for the project and solicit qualified firms through a Request for Qualifications . This was done in late 2003 and early 2004 by the staffs of each jurisdiction . After meeting to review qualifications , and ask/ receive answers to clarifying questions , the staff work group unanimously agreed to recommend ICLEI Energy Services ( IES ) of Toronto as consultant . Over the last six months , the staff work group has developed a proposed Memorandum of Agreement ( MoA ) between the jurisdictions that outlines the project cost shares and responsibilities , and a draft contract with IES for the work ( both attached ) . In June of this 2 year , the MoA was considered and approved by the Chapel Hill Town Council and the Carrboro Board of Aldermen . As the project administrator , only Orange County must approve the contract . The Board discussed this project at the August 29 worksession . IES would conduct this project over 4 months , beginning in October . The consultant would work with a to - be -formed Air Quality Advisory Committee (AQAC ) and the joint staff work group to accomplish the following tasks : 1 ) Inventory GHG emissions during the selected base year ( 2000 ) ; 2 ) Forecast emissions over a selected planning period , up to the target year of 2025 ; 3 ) Develop an Emissions Reduction Target ; 4 ) Identify actions that local governments , business , industry and the community could take to reduce GHG emissions through 2025 ; and 5 ) Develop a GHG Emissions Reduction Action Plan from the above As shown in the attached scope of work , 4 - 5 meetings of the AQAC would be held at points in the process - to receive the results of the inventory and forecasts , develop a reduction target and create the action plan . The AQAC would include 13 members including one Commissioner , one energy industry appointment and two at- large appointments by the County . One ex- officio representative from the Town of Hillsborough would be invited to participate . Appointments to the AQAC would occur in October as data is being collected . ERCD would serve as the project coordinator from an administrative standpoint . The MoA specifies the financial participation by the parties , as listed above . To start the process , the County would need to approve the MoA and contract and authorize the solicitation of persons to serve in the at- large capacities (the Towns would do likewise for their positions ) . One County Commissioner is requested to be part of the AQAC . FINANCIAL IMPACT : The total cost of the project , as per the proposed contract with IES , is $ 45 , 000 . A grant in the amount of $ 14 , 100 has been awarded for transportation - related costs from the Durham - Chapel HilkCarrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization ( DCHC MPO ) . The cost- share for the remainder of the project is based on proportional population ( 2000 Census ) . The County ' s share of the cost (44 . 6 % ) would be $ 13 , 781 . This funding exists and was included in the FY 2004 - 05 budget for ERCD and has been rolled forward into FY 2005 - 06 . The remaining costs would be ERCD staff time to administer the project . RECOMMENDATION ( S ) : The Manager recommends that the Board 1 . Adopt the Memorandum of Agreement as approved by the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and discussed on August 29 , subject to final review by the County Attorney , 2 . Authorize the County Manager to execute the contract for services with IES of Toronto , subject to final review by the County Attorney , with the project to commence with data gathering on September 26 , 2005 , 3 . Accept the grant in the amount of $ 14 , 100 from the DCHC MPO , and 4 . Solicit appointment of Orange County members to the Air Quality Advisory Committee ( including one County Commissioner) , to be appointed at a subsequent meeting . ! r Attachment # 3 sz. LAND : ` TOMORROW Immediate Release Contact : Kate Dixon June 8 , 2004 Office : 919=403 - 8558 ext . 1009 Mobile : 919- 698 -9024 LAND FOR TOMORROW URGES GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT NORTH CAROLINA' S GOODLIEST LAND State losing 100, 000 acres ofland annually; Group says lawmakers must act now Raleigh, N . C . — Land for Tomorrow, a diverse partnership of businesses , preservationists , farmers , environmental groups , health professionals and community groups , today asked the General Assembly to support a five-year plan designed to preserve and protect areas critical to clean water, farming, forestry, the state ' s historic properties , tourism , jobs and quality of life in the state . The coalition recommended passage of a 2006 bond initiative that would generate $200 million per year for five years to expand preservation of critical lands and historic places , provide jobs , and strengthen communities . "North Carolina is losing 100 ,000 acres of forests , farms , and stream banks per year due to growing development pressures . Once these areas are gone there' s no replacing them, " said Kate Dixon, director of Land for Tomorrow. "If we do not act to protect these areas , it will be devastating to our economy, drinking water quality, communities and the natural beauty that makes North Carolina such a special place to live and work . " Saving the Goodliest Land, A Five-Year Plan for Investing In North Carolina 's Land, Dater, History and Future recommends that the state spend an additional $ 200 million annually for five years on protecting nine different categories of land . Based on recent history, the partnership estimates that state funding at this level will generate an additional $ 400 million in federal, local and private funds per year. Five-year goals of the plan include protection of: ■ Rivers , Wetlands , Floodplains and Coastal Waters o 6 , 000 miles of stream banks and flood plains ■ Working Farms o 50 ,000 acres of prime farmland ■ Legacy Forests o 25 ,000 acres ■ Local Parks and Trails o 35 , 000 acres of trail, recreation and park facilities ■ State Parks o 60 ,000 acres ■ Game Lands and Other Natural Areas o 150 , 000 acres , including land bordering military bases ■ Historic Places o Restore 350 historic landmarks for public use ■ Land Visible from Scenic Highways o 50 , 000 acres along the Blue Ridge Parkway and other scenic highways -MORE- .i., Page 2 / Land for Tomorrow Launch . . . The plan ' s recommendations are based on nearly two years of research and assistance from more than 100 experts in various fields , according to Kate Dixon, the primary author of the plan. "Through public education, Land for Tomorrow wants to help the state reach its goal of conserving a million acres , and ensure that the goodliest land will be there to provide clean air and drinking water, strengthen our communities , promote job growth and enhance the quality of life for generations to come, " said Dixon. The funds initially will be administered by conservation trust funds already established by the General Assembly, including the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Natural Heritage Trust Fund, and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund . Those trusts will then distribute most of the funds through local land trusts , local governments and other organizations for purchase of land or lasting conservation agreements on land. These state conservation trust funds are seriously under funded, according to Land for Tomorrow. For example, this year the Clean Water Management Trust had more than $ 300 million in applications but only $ 62 million available . The General Assembly has not funded the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for two years in a row. Land for Tomorrow is working to increase public awareness for the need to protect additional land and historic places that are critical to the economic well being and quality of life in North Carolina. Land for Tomorrow is recruiting Ambassadors to help take the message for conservation to the public . Twenty four state leaders , including three former governors and many business leaders , have agreed to serve. Land for Tomorrow has also had fifty- seven organizations sign on already to be Land for Tomorrow Partners . For additional information and a complete list of Land for Tomorrow Ambassadors and Partner Organizations visit vww. landfortomorrow. org. LAND TOMORROW Saving the Goodliest Land A Five -Year Plan for Investing in North Carolina' s Land, Water , History and Future Saving the Goodliest Land was developed by Land for Tomorrow, a commitment to preserve and protect North Carolina' s critical land and historic places . Backed by a diverse partnership of businesses , preservationists , farmers , environmental groups , health professionals and community groups , Land for Tomorrow is North Carolina' s best chance to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the benefits of the goodliest land . The Plan : • Identifies how changes in land use and ownership and rapid population growth are creating economic, public health , ecological and quality of life challenges in urban and rural areas . • Recommends how the state can address these challenges by increasing funds for land conservation and historic preservation . • Identifies priorities for the protection of nine types of land and historic places . • Recommends five-year protection goals for these nine property types . • Presents preliminary estimates for the cost of protecting these properties . Five -,Year goals • Rivers , Wetlands , Floodplains and Coastal Waters o 6 , 000 miles of stream banks and flood plains • Working Farms o 50 , 000 acres of prime farmland • Legacy Forests o 25 ,000 acres • Local Parks and Trails o 35 , 000 acres of trail , recreation and park facilities • State Parks and Trails o 60 ,000 acres • Game Lands and Other Natural Areas o 150 , 000 acres , including land bordering military bases • Historic Places o Restore 350 historic landmarks for public use , • Land Visible from Scenic Highways o 50 , 000 acres along the Blue Ridge Parkway and other scenic highways Proposed New Additional State Funding The plan proposes total new funding of $ 200 million annually for five years , including $ 54 million for clean water and air ; $ 62 . 5 million for natural and cultural heritage ; $ 20 million for parks and recreation; and $ 30 million for working farm and forest lands . 4`,} ANN rr; •. LA jAn } TMF " Q &A What is Land for Tomorrow? Land for Tomorrow is a commitment to preserve and protect North Carolina' s critical land and historic places . Backed by a diverse partnership of businesses , preservationists , farmers , environmental groups , health professionals and community groups , Land for Tomorrow is North Carolina' s best chance to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the benefits of the goodliest land. Who created Land for Tomorrow? The founding nonprofit partners of the organization are American Farmland Trust, The Conservation Fund, Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Land Loss Prevention Project, North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, NC Community Development Initiative , NC Public Interest Group , NC Recreation and Park Association, Preservation NC and The Trust for Public Land . Land for Tomorrow continues to add organizations to its growing list of partners . For an up -to - date list, visit www. landfortomorrow. org. Who funds Land for Tomorrow? Funders include Z . Smith Reynolds Foundation, Blumenthal Foundation, Cemala Foundation, Marion Stedman Covington Foundation, Crosland Inc . , Educational Foundation of America, Hillsdale Fund and individual donors . What is the goal for Land for Tomorrow? The goal is to increase public awareness for the need to protect additional land and historic places that are critical to the economic well being and quality of life in North Carolina. Through public education, Land for Tomorrow wants to help the state reach its goal of conserving a million acres , and ensure that the goodliest land will be there to provide clean air and drinking water, strengthen our communities , promote job growth and enhance the quality of life for generations to come . Why a million acres and why now;, The North Carolina General Assembly has said it wants to preserve a million acres of the 9oodliest land . North Carolina has one of the fastest growing populations in the country. It is projected to be more populated than Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey within the next 25 years . That population growth is putting pressure on these important natural and economic resources . Each year North Carolina loses 100 ,000 acres to population pressures . Timber companies are selling large tracts of land . The break-up of the tobacco industry is forcing many farmers to make tough choices about farming or selling their land . For the first time since the 1930s , forest acreage is down, and according to the latest survey, North Carolina is losing more prime farmland than any other state except Texas and Ohio . Once those acres are lost, they are gone forever. There are no second chances . There is some funding in place , but nowhere near the amount we need to keep up . Every year it becomes harder and more expensive to protect the state' s special places . We must act now. How much money would be needed ? Saving the Goodliest Land recommends that the state spend an additional $200 million annually for five years on conservation projects . How would that money be spent? The money would be spent to protect nine different land types . These include : o Stream banks and floodplains o Working farms o Working and urban forests o Local parks and recreation o State parks o Game lands o Historic places o Land visible from scenic highways For farmland and forests , the money would primarily be spent on conservation agreements . The landowners agree to continue their existing use of the property rather than develop it and they are paid for the value of agreeing to those restrictions . For parks and game lands , the money would be used to purchase property. For stream banks and natural areas , the money may be used for a combination of agreements and purchases . Why is protecting and preserving critical land important? Protecting and preserving critical land provides for the following: o Protecting drinking water quality o Farming and forests o Hunting and fishing o Exercise and enjoyment o Health and safety o Historic, ecological and economic value o Preserving our heritage o Strengthening our communities o Jobs and a healthy environment Doesn' t the state already have programs underway to protect these properties ? In the 1980s and `90s the state created the Clean Water Management Trust Fund , Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Natural Heritage Trust Fund and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to conserve these types of properties . There have been significant successes in every county in North Carolina. But the funding has been insufficient . Last fiscal year, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund had $ 350 million in applications for the $ 62 million available . The Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has not been funded for two years in a row. Funds available for protecting working forests ate minimal. It is imperative that the state invest in protecting and preserving our critical land . It is one of the most important investments North Carolina can make . Will this help the economy? Land for Tomorrow is not only about land conservation . It is also about job conservation . North Carolina' s economy is dependent upon clean drinking water . Jobs in rural areas are increasingly dependent upon tourism generated by scenic beauty, historic places and quality outdoor recreational opportunities . Land conservation will help families to continue working in forestry and farming. Experience shows the types of properties to be protected are important for attracting and keeping knowledge workers . What does losing more than 100 , 000 acres each year mean for North Carolinians ? Our state is losing its goodliest land — the special places that are the heritage and foundation of our great state . We are losing working farms and forests . Land that could become greenways and parks . Land that protects our drinking water. Historic places . Land that strengthens our communities and our economy. We need land for our growing population, but critical places must be protected for all of us . Why is preserving and protecting the goodliest land a good investment for North Carolina' s future ? Land for Tomorrow is about investing in land now, for future generations . It' s about protecting land and drinking water from damage that will harm our health and our quality of life . It' s about a North Carolina that will continue to create jobs by being a healthy and attractive place for business . It' s about preserving historic places and the land that borders our state' s major military bases . It' s about fulfilling the true promise of the goodliest land . G LAND Ar To M0 RVW R �i "BAS SAD O RS As of June 8 , 2005 The Honorable Jim Holshouser The Honorable Jim Hunt The Honorable Jim Martin The Honorable Bob Jordan Becky Anderson , Hand Made in America, Asheville Steve Blount , Rowan County Commissioner Sue Cole , US Trust Company, Greensboro John Cram, Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, Asheville Graham Denton , Charlotte NC Citizens for Business and Industry Barry Eveland, Chair Emeritus , William Friday, President Emeritus , University of North Carolina John Herrera, Cooperativa Communitaria Latina de Credito , Carrboro Jim Leutze, Chancellor UNC -Wilmington (retired) Pastor Sidney Locks , Cornerstone Baptist Church , Greenville Todd Mansfield, Crosland Inc . , Charlotte John McArthur, Progress Energy, Raleigh Charles Meeker, Mayor, Raleigh Tift Merritt, Grammy nominee in country music , Carolina Beach Hugh Morton , Grandfather Mountain Lisa Renstrom, President , Sierra Club National Board of Directors , Charlotte Tom Ross , Z . Smith Reynolds Foundation, Winston- Salem Tom and Becca Valone , Great Outdoor Provision Company, Raleigh Jerome and Linwood Vick, Vick Family Farms , Wilson David Womack, Womack Electric Company, Greenville Organizations listed for identification purposes only Wr � LAND TOMORROW PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS As of June 7 , 2005 Alexander County Voluntary Neuse River Foundation Agricultural Board Open Space Protection Collaborative American Farmland Trust Pacolet Area Conservancy American Planning Association, Pamlico-Tar River Foundation NC Chapter Piedmont Land Conservancy Audubon NC Preservation NC Bald Head Island Conservancy Quail Unlimited Be Active NC Riverlink Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust Roanoke River Partners Cape Fear Riverwatch, Inc . Rural Advancement Foundation Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy International - USA Catawba Lands Conservancy Sandhills Area Land Trust Conservation Council of NC Southern Environmental Law Center The Conservation Fund Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservation Trust for NC Conservancy Dan River Basin Association Sustainable Farming Program Environmental Defense Tar River Land Conservancy Foothills Conservancy of NC Triangle Greenways Council Friends of the Rocky River Triangle Land Conservancy Friends of State Parks Trout Unlimited-NC Region High Country Conservancy The Trust for Public Land The Highlands Cashiers Land Trust The Umstead Coalition Land Loss Prevention Project Land Trust Alliance , SE Region Land Trust for Central North Carolina Land Trust for the Little Tennessee The Lumber River Conservancy National Committee for the New River The Nature Conservancy, NC Chapter NC Coastal Land Trust NC Community Development Initiative NC Conservation Network NC Farm Transition Network NC Herpetological Society NC Public Interest Research Group NC Rails -Trails NC Recreation and Park Association The NC State Grange NC Wildlife Federation House Bill 1687 -First Edition Page 1 of 1 .All GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2005 H 1 HOUSE BILL 1687 Short Title : Infrastructure Foundation for 21 st Century NC . (Public) Sponsors : Representatives L . Allen, Hackney , Wainwright, McComas (Primary Sponsors) ; Alexander, B . Allen , Bordsen , Brown , Carney , Church, Coates , Culpepper, Dickson , Faison , Farmer-Butterfield, Gibson , Glazier, Goodwin, Haire , Harrison , Insko , Jeffus3 Jones , Lucas , Luebke , Martin , McGee , Preston , Rapp , Ross , Sherrill , Underhill , Weiss , and Womble . Referred to : Finance . May 12 , 2005 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS BY THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR A STATEWIDE " LAND FOR TOMORROW " PROGRAM TO ACQUIRE , PROTECT , AND MANAGE CRITICAL OPEN SPACES , HISTORIC PROPERTIES , AND RECREATIONAL AREAS . The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts : SECTION 1 . Subject to a favorable vote of a majority of the qualified voters of the State who vote on the question of issuing land conservation and historic preservation general obligation bonds in the election held as provided by law, the State Treasurer may , by and with the consent of the Council of State , issue and sell , at one time or from time to time , land conservation and historic preservation general obligation bonds of the State to be designated ' State of North Carolina Land Conservation and Historic Preservation General Obligation Bonds ' , with any additional designations as may be determined to indicate the issuance of bonds from time to time, or notes of the State . Except as otherwise provided by this act, the aggregate amount of bonds and notes issued pursuant to this act shall not exceed one billion dollars ( $ 1 , 000 , 000 , 000 ) . SECTION 2 . This act is effective when it becomes law . http : //www . ncga, state . nc . us/Sessions/2005 /Bills/House/HTML/H1687vI . html 6/ 13 /2005 House Bill 1309 -First Edition Page 1 of 2 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2005 H 1 HOUSE BILL 1309 Short Title : Refusal Rights -Forced Public Partition Sales . (Public) Sponsors : Representatives Michaux ; L . Allen and Faison . Referred to : Judiciary II . April 20 , 2005 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO OFFER COTENANTS THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL PRIOR TO A FORCED PUBLIC PARTITION SALE . The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts : SECTION 1 . Chapter 46 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read . 146 -22 . 1 . Sale of cotenant ' s interest in lieu of sale by partition . Oa Upon the filing of a petition for -partition of real property owned by ioint tenants or tenants in common , the court shall provide for the purchase of the interests of the Joint tenants or tenants in common seeking the sale of the property described in the petition pursuant to G S 46 - 22 to the nonpetitioning joint tenants or tenants in common . Provided that the nonpetitioning joint tenants or tenants in common interested in purchasing such interests shall notify the court of that interest not later than 10 days prior to the date set for trial of the case and shall be allowed to purchase whether default has been entered against them or not . In the circumstances described in subsection ( a) of this section , and in the event the parties cannot reach agreement as to the price , the value of the interest or interests to be sold shall be determined by one or more competent real estate appraisers or commissioners , as the court shall approve , appointed for that purpose by the court . The appraisers or commissioners appointed under this section shall make their report in writing to the court within 30 days after their appointment . 0 After the filing of the appraisers ' or commissioners ' report with the court , the nonpetitioning�joint tenants or tenants in common seeking to purchase the interests of those filing the petition shall have 45 days to pay into the court the price set as the value of those interests to be purchased Upon the payment and apptoval of it by the court, the clerk shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered the proper instruments transferring title to the purchasers . O Should the nonpetitionina joint tenants or tenants in common fail to pay the purchase price as provided in subsection ( c) of this section the court shall proceed accordingto o its traditional practices in partition sales as described in G . S . 46 - 22 . O Should the petitionin4i oint tenants or tenants in common object to the value of the http : //www . ncga. state . ne . us/Sessions/2005Bills /House/HTML/Hl309vl . html 6/ 13 /2005 House Bill 1309 -First Edition Page 2 of 2 interests as recommended by the appraisers or commissioners , those Joint tenants or tenants in common shall have 10 days from the date of filing of the report to file written notice of objection to the report and request a hearing before the clerk of superior court on the value . An evidentiary hearing limited to the proposed valuation of the interests of the petitioning joint tenants or tenants in common shall be conducted , and an order as to the valuation of the petitioning joint tenants ' or tenants in common' s interests shall be issued . (f The costs of the appraisers or commissioners pursuant to this section shall be taxed as a part of the cost of court to those seeking purchase to or purchasing the interests of the ' of int tenants or tenants in common petitioning to sell their interest in the property described in the k petition . " SECTION 2 . This act is effective when it becomes law . http : //www . ncga . state . nc . us/Sessions/2005 /Bills/House/HTML/Hl 309vl . html 6 / 13 /2005 v 240 Falls Lake Initiative : Protecting Drinking Water through Land Conservation What- is the intiative ? The Falls Lake Initiative is a partnership effort to prioritize and protect through voluntary actions those lands most critical for the long-term safety and health of all water supplies for communities in the Upper Neuse River Basin . The project will prioritize lands that meet both water supply protection goals and local land conservation goals , such as recreation and natural lands protection . The Initiative is comprised of three major components : comprehensive conservation planning; expanded outreach to landowners , local governments , and the public ; and voluntary acquisition, through purchase or donation, of land or conservation easements on properties identified in the plan as high priorities . Why was it created ? Although many communities in the basin have their own water supply intake , and in many cases their own reservoir, it is clear that water throughout the basin is a shared and interconnected resource that requires a unified approach to protection . Regulations alone , although critical to protection , will not be sufficient to protect water supplies in the future . We who benefit from the resource must make a concerted effort to protect the forests , wetlands and other natural lands that naturally retain and filter polluted stormwater , ensuring clean drinking water for current and future generations . Land conservation provides a voluntary, non-regulatory option for protecting water supplies and is a cost- effective tool over the long term. While protection of drinking water for all water supplies in the basin is the primary focus of the Falls Lake Initiative , associated land conservation will yield many additional benefits . These include stormwater retention, recreation , habitat protection, and preservation of community character and quality of life . Who is involved ? The Initiative Partners include the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, the Ellerbee Creek Watershed Association, the Eno River Association, the Tar River Land Conservancy, the Triangle Greenways Council , the Triangle J Council of Governments , the Triangle Land Conservancy, the Trust for Public Land , and the Upper Neuse River Basin Association , among others . What do we need from you ? You have been invited to participate in this initiative because of the important role you and your organization play in protecting public drinking water sources and the land that drains to those sources . The Falls Lake Initiative partners will conduct a three phase conservation planning process over the next nine months . We are asking key stakeholders to participate in one basin-wide meeting during each of the three phases of the planning project . At each meeting your input will be critical to guiding the initiative from planning to on-the - ground land and water quality protection, and ensuring that the needs of your community or organization guide the project ' s goals . 1 . The first meeting will be the kick-off on October 26th at 10 : 00 am. 2 . The second meeting will be in February, when we will need your input on the results of the computer model that prioritizes the most important lands in the basin, to ensure that it reflects the needs of your community . 3 . The third will be in May, when we will work together to identify next steps to begin implementing the plan . 6,a r�r Overview of Drinking Water in Upper Neuse River Basin The Upper Neuse River Basin is located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. The Upper Neuse River Basin Association defines the Upper Neuse River Basin as the 770 - square-mile area draining to the Falls Lake Reservoir, Raleigh' s major water source . The basin is comprised of three major tributaries ; the Flat River, the Little River, and the Eno River . The Upper Neuse is home to about 190 , 000 people and contains nine public drinking water supply reservoirs that together serve over 500 , 000 people . These water supplies are . Falls Lake (Raleigh) • Lake Michie (Durham) • Little River Reservoir (Durham) Lake Holt (Butner/Granville County) Lake Orange (Orange County) • New Hillsborough Lake (Hillsborough) • Corporation Lake Lake Ben Johnston (Hillsborough) Lake Rogers (Creedmoor) The major land cover types of the basin are forest (61 %) and agriculture ( 16 %) . Most of this open space is in the headwaters of the Flat, Little, and Eno Rivers . Seventeen percent ( 17 % ) of the basin is urban or suburban . Signs of water quality degradation are increasing due to the impacts of development resulting from population growth . It ' s projected there will be a 50 % increase in population in the Falls Lake Basin by 2025 . This growth will likely lead to the development of an additional 50 , 000 acres of land and is expected to consume 76 % of the remaining undeveloped land in the basin . According to a new report released by Triangle GreenPrint Project (a joint initiative of the Triangle J Council of Governments , the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources , and the Triangle Land Conservancy) , the current rate of land protection in the region will have to basically double to increase protected land from 8 % to the regionwide goal of 15 % within 25 years . After that, many of the best opportunities will be lost and properties that remain undeveloped could be prohibitively expensive . While growth brings jobs and other benefits , it also comes with a price and must be carefully planned . The natural beauty, recreation opportunities , clean water and healthy environment are often what attract people to this area . Strategic land conservation can protect these amenities by balancing growth and protection . We applaud the leadership of the City of Raleigh and Wake County for recognizing the benefits of land conservation in the Falls Lake Basin and the long-term cost savings associated with prevention of polluted drinking water . Strong partnerships among stakeholders throughout the Falls Lake and Upper Neuse River area will be the key to success . We look forward to working with local and county governments , citizen groups and state agencies in the upper Neuse River Basin to make this effort a success . Additional Information Items AO 40 OAO Commission for the Environment Ag enda 11 MEMORANDUM TO : County Commissioners FROM : Paul Thames , PE , County Engineer DATE : September 20 , 2005 SUBJECT : Orange County Water Supply Reservoir Water Levels As per the request of the BOCC , the following information related to the levels of the County ' s water supply reservoirs is provided . The data on water levels ranges from 12 hours old ( OWASA ) to 5 hours old ( Lake Orange ) . Lake Orange ® Water level 'is 4 ' — 10 " below full ( dropping at a rate of approximately 1 " per day ) Water storage capacity remaining is approximately 56 . 5 % ( 268 million gallons ) ® Approximately 94 days of water supply remaining ( at Capacity Use specified release rate ) West Fork Reservoir ® Water level is 1 ' - 6 " below full ® Water storage capacity remaining is approximately 94 . 6 % ® Approximately 311 days of water supply remaining ( assuming all Town demand is met by West Fork Reservoir only ) OWASA Reservoir e Water level at Cane Creek Reservoir is 4 ' - 10 " below full ® Water level at University Lake is 4 ' . 1 " below full ® Total remaining water storage capacity is approximately 73 . 0 % ® In excess of 200 days of water supply remaining I WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBERI4 , 2005 THE HERALD -SUN , DURHAM , N .C . rta ment reserves and foreign iftoge plies, there is no such backstop for natural gas . GAS "We don't have an internation- of atura al market" that the country could rely on for additional supplies as FROM PAGE Cl pp . it does with oil, Norton said, as . causes per production beyond then. Last week, the Energy Infor- Bodman and Norton visited mation Administration estimated one of the government's Strate- that natural gas prices would go Petroleum Reserve facilities, soar this winter because of the erns where the gove coner rnent is provid- hurricane, including i m ncreases as ing several refineries with oil to much as 71 percent in parts of make up for supply losses . They the Midwest. Energy officials then went to an ExxonMobil Bodman and Norton met with refinery near Baton Rouge, La. , senior executives from two worry prices will I which has needed government dozen energy companies Mon- I oil to continue production. Houston. The Soar in the winter . Bruce March, the refinery's day evening in manager, said that about 20 per- executives said they needed gov- BY H . JOSEF HEREBY cent of its crude is coming from ernment help in arranging for Associated Press the government stockpile . The housing for thousands of employ. BATON ROUGE, La. -- It may refinery, the second largest in ees as they struggled to return take months to resume fully nat- the country, scaled back produc- roduction after Hurri- after the hurricane the Gulf 's oil and gas system to ural gas p tion briefly ro_ full operation he said. cane Katrina, top Bush admims_ hit, but it now is again in full p ' tration ' officials said Tuesday while expressing worries about shortages this winter. . duction, March said . Unlike with heating oil and Norton said that 58 percent of gasoline, there's little ability to Gulf oil production remains shut make up the difference with down, as does 38 percent of the importsm region's natural gas production. "There are concerns about the No backup supply of natural gas," Energy Both Cabinet members Secretary Samuel Bodman said expressed concern about upcom- Tuesday, a week after an agency ing supplies of natural gas . About in his department predicted that one-third of the Gulf 's natural natural gas prices in some parts as p roduction has been disrupt, of the country will be 71 percent ed. higher than last winter. Bodman said that "there is less Bodman and Interior Secretary known,, about the extent of dam- Gale Norton took a helicopter age to underwater natural gas tour of the Gulf to observe the pipelines and it's uncertain when damage to oil platforms and flew those facilities will be up in full over the Louisiana Offshore Oil operation. He said it could be Port, the terminal where huge oil several months before the tankers drop off their cargo in region 9s natural gas system deep waters miles offshore. recovers . Evidence that the recovery of While the loss of oil production the regions oil production facili is being made up from govern- ties is incomplete, at least half a dozen tankers were anchored near the port waiting to drop off their cargo . The facility, known as the LOOP, returned to full opera- tion last weekend. Norton said that 90 percent of the Gulf oil platforms will be capable of production by the end of the month. But she emphasized that there is widespread damage to onshore facilities that will hani- see GAS I page C2 ITT Tic FF TTFFFF r i- fe' . < lFll: FFig If I rH FJo FF T_ '•j}fi r .Y i FitWt ol IF Fl ZI . Fl il IF �p ?1 ill lc L 3 _ eFFIF dl -jf Ft, rya : x. F, StFF z La ® THE DUKE FOREST Happier rails Volunteers Give Forest Paths a Helping Hand AIDED BY private donations and assistance from volunteers , foot trails across the , ; y� s j I yl Forest are undergoing some much - needed `I ` �1 '4 ' 4; ' If g g y, i �. t t . tIF maintenance , These wooded paths provide I g ► ,� _a Y 'f researchers and educators with access routes IF , � - • �` JFFFf into the forest interior while also providing j; Y _ � , {, � M , .� , 7 enhanced hiking and nature viewing - ; , xi opportunities to recreational users . `' � '� ITIF ' FJ Members from the Carolina Godiva Track s Club and other members of the community recently upgraded a section of trail in the lwll > } Ff E FF Durham Division . The volunteer crew spent 11T. -A If , _ { J. FIT part of a Saturday morning installing a footbridgeAll A �Y IT over a swampy trail section , removing debris 'x ITT— x . . W - 44 R s FrrtIF Fill � =" from around waterbars , and spreading finelyFF IT Ff � ushed rock along eroding paths . _ If you would like to volunteer for future activities or to donate to the Duke Forest ' " FF Improvement Fund, visit our Web site (www. dukeforest . duke . edu ) or call Bobbie Reeves, Duke Forest Volunteer Coordinator, at ( 919 ) 613vFFlFF DUKE FOREST STAFF : Save the Date mm NewForest is Born 2005 Annual Gathering, November 1 Oth Timber Harvests Serve Many Purposes PLEASE MAKE PLANS to join us on Thursday, EACH YEAR approximately 40 acres of Duke Forest November 10th at 6 PM for the 2005 Duke Forest are sustainably harvested . These harvests help FF Annual Gathering . We will highlight some of to create and support research opportunities, CONTACT INFORMATION : the research projects, teaching activities and enhance wildlife diversity by providing habitat forest management work that have occurred variation , promote healthy forest stands and on the Forest over the past year and provide an provide demonstration areas for class exercises . opportunity for questions from the community. Timber sales from the harvests also provide the PHONE : Clear skies permitting , there will also be the majority of the Forest 's yearly operating revenue . FAX : opportunity for astronomy viewing at the Harvests are administered by the Duke Forest E = MAIL : Duke University Teaching Observatory at the staff and are carried out by private contractors . Couch Farm . Duke Forest management has been green - WEB SITE : The Annual Gathering will take place at the certified by the Forest Stewardship Council , New Hope Improvement Association building, http : //www.fscus . org , which is located off of Whitfield Road in Areas recently harvested along Mount Sinai FF TO SUBSCRIBE : ` range County. For more details or to confirm Road in the Korstian Division have used a forest your plans to attend , visit us on the Web at regeneration method known as the seed tree www. dukeforest . duke . edu or call the Office system . With this regeneration technique, specially of the Duke Forest at ( 919 ) 613 - 80139 selected trees are left to serve as a natural seed source for the new forest . Research Spotlight >_: s ` y air. K ' ;� `s; , graduate student in elevated and ambient plots, which include and soil nutrient spatial distribution on the in Duke's Department of Civil and fertilized and non -fertilized treatments . structure and function of plant assemblages Environmental Engineering, is using a httpo//face .env. duke .edu , in a model grassland . tethersonde platform (a meteorological device attached to a tethered balloon ) K ; m ' }' , graduate student at the ,) p � � N ' , Research Associate at the _ to collect Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Nicholas School of the Environment and atmospheric Sciences, is creating Earth Sciences, has completed a butterfly profiles in the spatiotemporal species survey Blackwood maps of the Duke - on the Duke Division . Forest 's seral state Forest . Jeff has Measurements over the past 20 UL a developed N of temperature, years to study the Tti �,z � - � a brochure humidity and CO2 ecological drivers ' ` } and Web site concentrations of succession in " detailing st will be used Piedmont forests . k - ~ the Forest 's to constrain Joe is usingGPS - :��. � � - species, estimates of land - enabled mobile GIs €r their flight to-atmosphere to locate preselected forest vegetation plots ; c - At times and ji exchange at in the Durham and Korstian Divisions and abundance, r � regional scales . to record data directly into GIs data files . along with general information on butterfly These data will be used to calibrate and habitat and identification tips . ;uzLJI 9 �` � � �,3}� iii validate remote sensing models that allow http ://www. duke .edu /web/butterflies/ Chris Oishi , graduate } , r } 1» i ;IM: _ sera ) states to be retrieved from a 20-year student at the fl ' 1. 1 archive of satellite imagery. �t� A `IO A '! EL0104VIA R51"' , graduate Nicholas School " rr http ://www. duke . edu /"Jos2 /triUrban . htm student in Duke's Biology Department, of the Environment ' ' is studying outplantings of horse nettle Pam. .L .\ _ lam ,y ; : -5 PL > _> > a, � y ` . . g and Earth Sciences, ,� - � � ; i: 3y3 � .�. �� � �..� �.,� � �� �� .� �: a � z7 visitin scholar (Solanum carolinense) in the Durham Division . is studying x L. in Duke's Department of Biology, is using His research is examining the selection >* transpiration in a soil and organic matter collected from the pressures acting on the proportion of two mature hardwood � .. ' " Durham Division to conduct an experiment in floral morphs, and the male and female stand to assess t�1'j_ the Duke University Phytotron . Fernando has fitness components for the species , interannual variability 5{� been studying in the water budget the interactive and how different species respond to varying = Tom; 1 effects of degrees of water stress . ;y ;- ' atmospheric CO Z At the nearby FACTS - 1 Research site, Chris iY d concentrations, is also using equipment developed by then . soil nutrient —T .......... ._ ' �JS.1: �7A::ll £Q ':I l :i j nRTS U . S . Forest Service to compare soil CO2 efflux , . availability _ d a cl34, �r�,� .. .. ,. Nonprofit Standard U .S . Postage DUKE FOREST PAID Permit No. 60 T aching &r Research Laboratory ESTABLISHED 1931 Durham, N .C. Ace of the Duke Forest • Duke University • Box 90332 • Durham, NC 27708-0332 David Stanch, Director Orange County Dept of Env & Res Conser P. O. Box 8181 Hillsborough NC 27278