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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE Agenda 11132023 AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment November 13t", 2023 7:00 p.m., Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agriculture Center Time Item Title 7:00 I. Call to Order 7:01 II. Additions or Changes to Agenda 7:03 III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary — Oct. 9t", 2023 The CFE will consider approval of meeting summary from the last meeting.Action Needed (Attachment 1) 7:05 IV. Chair and Vice Chair Nominations and CFE Recruitment The CFE will nominate and vote on a new Chair and Vice Chair.The CFE will discuss current membership, returning members, and any new opportunities for recruitment. Action Needed 7:15 V. CFE Annual Report and Work Plan- Discussion C. Hirni will present the template for this year's BOCC Report and Work Plan.The CFE will discuss and provide recommendations for next year's goals. (Attachments 2A and 2B) 8:00 VI. Lands Legacy Action Plan 2024-2027- Discussion Chris Hirni will lead the CFE in a discussion and ask the group to make recommendations for focus points for inclusion in the next 3 years.Attached is the previous memo outlining previous recommendations and potential subject matters for consideration. (Attachment 3) 8:35 VII. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: • Climate Action Plan • Solarize the Triangle • Intergovernmental Parks Work Group • Nature of Orange Photo Contest • December Meeting Celebration-Bring a Treat! Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:00 VIII. Adjournment *Next Meeting Date: December ll t,2023;Bonnie B Davis Environment and Agriculture Center Attachment 1 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary October 9t'', 2023; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Present: Veronica Penn Beattie (via Zoom), Kristie Mather, Mark Randall, Regina Baratta, Jessie Birckhead, Kim Livingston(via Zoom), Ian Morse, Jane Harris (via Zoom), Wilson Greene, Kim Piracci, Reade Oakley, Andrea Zimmerman Absent: David N. Mcnelis Staff: Chris Himi, Wesley Poole (via Zoom), Amy Eckberg, Kalani Allen I. Call to Order Veronica Penn Beattie called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. II. Additions or Changes to Agenda None. III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary—September l lte, 2023 Motion to approve by Jessie Birckhead; seconded by Kristie Mather; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. IV. CFE Recruitment Veronica Penn Beattie notified the CFE that there are five members whose term will expire on 12/31/23. They are Ian Morse, Kim Piracci, Kristie Mather, Kim Livingston, and Veronica Penn Beattie. Kristie Mather stated that she would like to return. This will be the completion of Kim Piracci's 2nd term so she will not be eligible for re-appointment and Kim Livingston stated that she does not plan to return. There are now two open seats in the CFE, one in air quality and one in water resources, and at least two more seats will be opening after the December expirations. There are currently six applicants for the CFE but the group would like more to choose from, so they brainstormed ideas for recruitment. Veronica Penn Beattie asked everyone to let the CFE know their intentions of staying on/getting off the board ASAP. Jessie Birckhead stated that the CFE will have to vote in a new Chair/Vice Chair at the November meeting and neither her nor Veronica Penn Beattie plan to keep those roles, so be thinking about who would like to step up. Page 1 of 3 Attachment 1 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary October 9t'', 2023; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting V. Committee Breakouts The CFE broke out into committee assignments and discussed goals/projects for the year. Afterwards, subcommittees came back together and reported information discussed to the overall CFE (see below). Sub-Committee Breakout Meetinz Summaries Air& Energy Resources Subcommittee: Present: Kristie Mather, Veronica Penn Beattie (via Zoom), Ian Morse Absent: David Mcnelis Staff: Amy Eckberg • NO SUMMARY SUBMITTED. Water Resources Subcommittee: Present: Mark Randall, Kim Piracci, Andrea Zimmerman Absent: None Staff Wesley Poole • The CFE water subcommittee talked about the Hydrilla Program in Orange County. We discussed possible ways the subcommittee could help resolve this issue. We may be able to encourage people with ponds to have them checked and if they have hydrilla, have them treated. More discussion is needed. Land Resources Subcommittee: Present: Jessie Birckhead, Regina Baratta, Jane Harris (via Zoom), Kim Livingston (via Zoom), Wilson Greene, Reade Oakley Absent: None Page 2 of 3 Attachment 1 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary October 9t'', 2023; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Staff: Chris Hirni • The Land Resources subcommittee reviewed comments on the draft no net loss of canopy policy and discussed additional needed edits. VI. Updates and Information Items • Amy Eckberg gave the CFE an update on the Climate Action Plan. They received great feedback from the recent survey, and they are moving forward with edits to the DRAFT. They are currently on target to meet their one-year deadline. • Amy Eckberg gave the CFE an update on Solarize the Triangle program that wrapped up on September 30th. They reached Tier 8 pricing and have 948.1 kilowatt hours of solar that is going to be installed and 473 kilowatt hours of battery storage that people signed up for. They don't have another Solarize the Triangle program scheduled for the coming year, and instead they are going to focus on an Electrify the Triangle program. • Amy Eckberg notified the CFE that Solid Waste was having their annual Shred-a- thon event coming up on October 2 1" and 28th and they are looking for volunteers. VII. Adjournment Mark Randall motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm; seconded by Ian Morse; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. Page 3 of 3 Attachment 2a NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION Report Period January 2022-December 2022 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various advisory boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Commission for the Environment Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Veronica Penn-Beattie Primary County Staff Contact: Christian Hirni, Wesley Poole, David Stancil- Director, DEAPR How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? The board meets once per month (2"d Monday). No meeting is held during the month of July. Committees meet as needed during regular meetings. Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. Purpose: to advise the BOCC on matters affecting the environment, with particular emphasis on environmental protection and enhancement. Other duties include: • Perform special studies/projects on environmental issues as requested by BOCC • Recommend environmental initiatives to the BOCC, especially of local importance • Study changes in environmental science and environmental regulations in the pursuit of the CFE's duties Attachment 2a • Educate the public and local officials on environmental issues What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? • Re-assigned subcommittee for County Right of Way Task force, with two CFE volunteers to serve and promote the new committee (2022) • By request of the BOCC through a citizen concern, conducted research of local electric utilities allocation/distribution of "solar credits, and provided a letter to the BOCC describing differences between utilities, and the need to continue support of expanding solar in the County (2022) • Participated and provided several booths/educational activities for both the Carrboro Earth Day and Hillsborough Earth Evening celebrations (2022) • Reviewed and submitted recommendation for Piedmont Wildlife Center Outside Agency Funding Request Application (2022) • Reviewed and submitted recommendations for the 2021-2022 Climate Action Tax Grant application for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools (2022) • As directed by the BOCC, provided comments and recommendations regarding a large development proposal in Efland (Efland Station 2021) • Provided ranking and comments to the BOCC for three cycles of the Climate Action Fund program (2020, 2021, and 2022) • Signed Resolution of Support for the Eno New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan (2021) • Submitted priority recommendations for Lands Legacy Actions Plan 2021-2024 • Ranked and submitted preferences of first recipients for the first distribution of Climate Action Tax Funds FY2019-20. Ranking Funds for FY 2020-21 will proceed through December 2020/January 2021. • Planning the 2019 State of the Environment report and 12/4/19 Environmental Summit (2018, 2019) • Prepared resolutions for BOCC consideration concerning: Anti-Idling Campaign, Support for Carbon Fee and Dividend legislation, Request for NC to Divest from Fossil Fuel Corporations, Roadside Wildflower Conservation (2018) • Developed recommendations for the County's Climate Change Program scoring system (2019) • Requested the BOCC consider joining the Global Covenant of Mayors and Chairs organization concerned with global climate change (2018) • Wrote a series of climate change articles (2017) • Developed and posted a Facebook page (2017) • Edited and recommended a renewable energy resolution to the BOCC (2017) • Recruited UNC capstone students to assist with the 2019 State of the Environment report (2017) • Provided input on updates to the Lands Legacy Action Plan (2017) • Made recommendations to BOCC on UDO amendment to flexible subdivisions (2016) Attachment 2a • Initiated a series of newspaper articles on environmental issues featured previously in the Orange County State of the Environment report (2015-16) • Made recommendations to BOCC on 2016 bond package, the use of pesticides at County facilities, and incentives for energy efficient construction (2015) • Commented to Planning Bd. on proposed changes to impervious surface rules (2015) • Provided ideas for Public Services Announcements for County radio spots (2015) • Collaborated with others on energy conservation and mgmt. projects (2015-16) • Published the 2014 Orange County State of the Environment report (reports were previously completed in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2009) • Convened Orange County Environmental Summit (2005, 2009, 2014, 2019) • Made recommendations to BOCC on food waste and solid waste tax district (2014) • Worked with Orange County Schools to introduce local environmental indicators into middle and high school science curricula (2004, 2009, 2014) • Hosted a Solid Waste Forum with the Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee (2013) • Co-sponsored The Nature of Orange photography contest (2012 - 2021) • Advocated for '/z cent sales tax referendum for Triangle Region public transit (2012) • Compiled annotated bibliography of the effects of forestry on water quality (2012) • Developed sustainable landscaping and forest management policies for the administration of County-owned facilities (2010) List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. • Co-sponsor "Nature of Orange" Photography Contest • Liaison to Intergovernmental Parks Work Group • Review and comment on environmental issues (e.g., anti-idling efforts, fracking, biosolids application, water pollution, air quality, forest mgmt.) and other issues assigned by the BOCC • Identify priorities for the Lands Legacy Action Plan (natural areas and wildlife habitat) • Conduct special studies pertaining to Orange County environment (e.g., energy efficiency/sustainability, forestry effects on water quality, herbicides and native flora) • Conduct environmental education outreach events (e.g., Earth Evening) Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. BOCC Goal Five: Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean water, clean air, wildlife, important natural lands and Attachment 2a sustainable energy for present and future generations. • Presented findings and recommendations to BOCC on selected environmental issues: 1) roadside wildflower preservation; 2) effects of forest mgmt. on water quality; 3) effects of herbicides on roadside native plant habitat; 4) potential effects of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") in Orange County; 5) need for 100% renewable energy in Orange County (BOCC Priorities #1 and #12) Stayed abreast of ongoing and developing env. issues of importance to the County, such as Falls & Jordan Lake nutrient mgmt. rules, reducing commercial food waste in solid waste stream, and permitting of biosolids on farmland (Priorities #12 and #16) Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? As needed. Members of this commission are also on the Planning Board and the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. If your board/commission played the role of an Element Lead Advisory Board involved in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan preparation process, please indicate your board's activities/accomplishments as they may relate to the Comprehensive Plan's goals or objectives. (The Element Lead Advisory Boards include: Planning Board, EDC, OUTBoard, Commission for the Environment, Historic Preservation Commission, Agriculture Preservation Board, Affordable Housing Board, Recreation and Parks Advisory Council) The CFE provided extensive input into DEAPR staff development of the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the Comprehensive Plan— specifically the chapters on Air and Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat. Objective AE-1: Assess and implement the current countywide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and action plan target reductions. • The CFE helped to initiate a countywide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions (2005), and continues to advise on ways to reduce the County's "carbon footprint." Objective AE-15: Foster participation in green energy programs such as installation incentives for solar hot water/solar generation/solar tempering in residential or commercial construction. The County should develop programs that will link citizens and businesses with options for alternative and sustainable energy sources. Attachment 2a • The CFE's Energy Resources Committee has developed proposals that address energy efficiency and renewable power issues, and will pursue further in collaboration with other advisory boards and stakeholders. Objective NA-3: Develop a more detailed and consistent methodology for monitoring changes in forest cover throughout the County, and specifically the extent of mature hardwood forest. • The CFE's State of the Environment report documented significant reductions in mature hardwood forest that occurred from 2003-2008 and since 1988. Objective NA-1 1: Develop a comprehensive conservation plan for achieving a network of protected open space throughout Orange County, which addresses 1) threats to important natural areas; 2) connectivity between protected areas; 3) coordination with neighboring counties; and 4) sustainable management of critical natural resources. • The CFE's Land Resources Committee is participating in a County effort to identify and preserve important landscape corridors that connect significant natural areas. Objective NA-16: Create a system of public and private open space and conservation areas, including parks, nature preserves, and scenic vistas representative of Orange County landscape. • The CFE advises County's Lands Legacy program in its efforts to protect the most important natural and cultural resource lands through a variety of means. • The CFE's Land Resources Committee is participating in a County effort to identify and preserve important landscape corridors that connect significant natural areas. Objective WR-5: Promote and participate in regional efforts to plan for use of water supplies in the region in an equitable manner, including contingency planning for water supplies during droughts. [Also Objectives WR-9, WR-10, and WR-15] • CFE advocates for full implementation of the Water Resources Initiative to ensure planning for an adequate water supply for current and anticipated future needs Objective WRA 1: Provide incentives and educational information to landowners to increase protection of watersheds and ground water supplies and their inter-relationships. • The CFE distributes groundwater and surface water educational materials at Earth Evening and as part of its State of the Environment reports NOTE: The Orange County State of the Environment 2019 identifies specific recommendations on ways to help maintain and improve Orange County's environmental quality, many of which address objectives stated in the Orange Attachment 2a County Comprehensive Plan. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2023 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). - The CFE will review and rank grant applications for the fourth cycle of the County Climate Action Grant - Climate Action Plan involvement - Re-initiating the Right of Way Task Force - Land Resources Committee- Tree Canopy Policy - Promotion of the Eno New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan - The CFE will work with staff to develop a Greene Tract "Headwaters Preserve" planning and development program. We would like to form a joint subcommittee with the Parks and Recreation Council. - The CFE will begin to discuss and make plans to develop the 2024 State of the Environment Report. - The CFE will review and advise the County plan to tackle water quality issues in the Falls Lake Watershed, with the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA), using the Interim Alternative Implementation Approach (IAIA). What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? - Provide recommendations to the distribution of school funds for Climate Action Grant Funds - Evaluate for potential opportunities for the Inflation Reduction Act - The CFE would like to review and comment on County rezoning requests, as soon as the information is available to DEAPR staff. - The CFE plans to address Equity (DEIJ) across all aspects of our environmental recommendations. We look forward to seeing the Racial Equity Plan and using the implementation tools therein. Attachment 2b NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION Report Period January 2023-December 2023 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Primary County Staff Contact: How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? Attachment 2b List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2024 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? Attachment 3 ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE, PARKS AND RECREATION MEMORANDUM To: Commission for the Environment From: Christian Hirni, Land Conservation Manager Date: November 13, 2023 Subject: Lands Legacy Action Plan for FY 2024-27 Every three years DEAPR develops a new"Action Plan"to guide the County's protection of land through the Lands Legacy Program. The next plan will be for Fiscal Years 2024-2027. DEAPR staff works with advisory boards to identify project areas to include in the plan, such as the Commission for the Environment (CfE) for environment and natural resources. Input from the CfE can be in the form of specific projects, general guidance or both. In 2017, the CfE recommended the following for the 2018-20 Action Plan: - Lands Legacy Action Plan should recognize, protect, and interpret sites representative of the rich geological history of Orange County. Also, wildlife corridors, stream and creek health, erosion and stormwater runoff should be major considerations in the future land parcels purchased by the county. - Also, we encourage the county to complete the priority List for July 2014-June 2017 as well as move forward with the considerations laid out for 2017-2020, especially with regard to protecting wildlife habitats, ensuring water safety, preventing erosion and establishing natural heritage protection areas for the land near local waterways like Jordan Lake, all local streams and creeks (Seven Mile, New Hope, Bolin, etc.) as well as for the Eno River. For example, the connector between Morgan Creek and the upper areas of Jordan Lake we hope to see completed in the near future under the new Lands Legacy Action Plan. - The CFE encourages the county to consider farmland easements to tell the geologic history of Orange County. We also encourage that the county work with farmers to encourage sustainable and greenhouse gas conserving policies in negotiating farmland easements. - Also, we hope the county will continue to develop and maintain parks and recreation facilities, including the planned Mountains-to-Sea Trail, in ways that avoid sensitive natural areas and use environmentally friendly and sustainable methods.". Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245-2510 Attachment 3 In 2020, the CfE recommended the following for the 2020-2023 plan: The Orange County Commission for the Environment recommends that the Lands Legacy Action Plan (LLAP) take actions to recognize, protect, and interpret sites vital to the County for preservation of our natural environment, wildlife corridors, stream and creek health, climate resiliency, and prevention of erosion and stormwater run-off. In particular, we propose the following major considerations for determining the future land parcels protection by the County. Commission for the Environment Land Legacy Action Plan Recommended Focus Points •Focus on natural area connectivity, connections between protected areas, parks, easements, etc. As a guideline, we recommend that County staff should work to protect wildlife corridors, specifically those outlined in Eno New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan and work to compare those corridors with those outlined in the County's comprehensive plan. •Continue efforts to protect Natural Areas identified by the NC Natural Heritage Program, specifically those under private ownership. Riparian forests in the County should be considered of the utmost importance for protection. •Seek projects which will benefit climate resiliency, both in terms of carbon storage and watershed safety due to increased storm strength and drought protection due to likely overall reduction of precipitation over time. •Aim to preserve Orange County's rural character and cultural heritage through farmland, historically designated areas, and scenic viewsheds. •Continue efforts to connect the Mountains to Sea Trail through Orange County. Initial considerations for FY 2021-23: ➢ To date, Lands Legacy has helped landowners protect 2,846 acres on 43 projects with conservation easements on both farms and natural areas. Lands Legacy has purchased outright 1,125 acres on 23 projects for parks and preserves. ➢ In FY 15-16 the County allocated $125,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $125,000 in additional funding from outside sources. In FY 16-17 the County allocated $250,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $250,000 in additional funding from outside sources. In FY 17-18 the County allocated $0. In FY 18-19 the County allocated $500,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $500,000 in additional funding from outside sources In FY 20-21 the County allocated $250,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $250,000 in additional funding from outside sources In FY 21-22 the County allocated $1,000,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $500,000 in additional funding from outside sources In FY 22-23 the County allocated $250,000 to purchase conservation easements with an expectation of leveraging at least $250,000 in additional funding from outside sources ➢ The County intends to apply for state and federal matching funds to complete additional conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions between 2023-2027. ➢ There is a collaborative focused on the creation of landscape corridors that connect a network of critical wildlife habitats within Jordan Lake watershed and across the eland Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245-2510 Attachment 3 bridge" between New Hope Creek (Cape Fear River Basin) and the Eno River (Neuse River Basin). A large portion of this area falls within Orange County. The County intends to pursue trail easements and land acquisitions for the Orange County section of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The County intends to pursue land acquisitions and conservation easements in the Upper Eno Preserve (Sevenmile Creek), the Jordan Lake Headwaters Preserve, and other environmentally significant areas within the County. y The County intends on joining a regional initiative to update the Natural Heritage Area inventory Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation PO Box 8181/306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245-2510