Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-01-2002 - 8h t 1 . ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 1, 2002 Action Agenda Item No. g— h SUBJECT: Proposed Environmental Summit and Conservation Award DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft Summit Agenda David Stencil, ext 2590 Draft Nomination Form Rich Shaw, ext 2591 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 9684501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider the Commission for the Environment's proposal to hold an Environmental Summit, in March of alternating years, to bring together members of environmental organizations and present the State of Environment Report and a proposed new Orange County Conservation Award. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Commission for the Environment (CfE), created by the Board of Commissioners in 1997, advises the Board on matters related to the County's natural environment. The CfE produced the County's first State of the Environment report in February 2000. The report, to be produced every two years consistent with BOCC goals, examines key issues and trends that affect the quality of the environment. T he CfE is working on the second State of the Environment Report (2002) for presentation to the Board in December 2002. To help publicize the report and create an event organized around environmental issues, the CfE has developed a proposal to hold an "Environmental Summit" in March 2003 to bring together the many different groups and organizations involved in environmental protection. The Summit would also help publicize the findings and recommendations in the bi-annual State of the Environment report, and generate further discussion of how the County can work with other entities Qurisdictions, private sector, general public)to monitor and improve the quality of the environment. A proposed draft agenda for an initial summit in March 2003 is attached. The proposed summit would be held on a Saturday morning, with March 15, March 22 and March 29 identified as potential dates. The CfE also proposes that Orange County recognize individuals that have shown a sustained and outstanding commitment to resource conservation in Orange County. The CfE recommends recognizing those individuals with an "Orange County Conservation Award". Under the proposal, nominations would be solicited in the fall of alternate years with recommendations from the CfE, and award confirmation by the Board of Commissioners. The awards would be announced at the proposed Environmental Summit. A draft nomination form is attached. 2 1 FINANCIAL IMPACT: To help defray costs for the Summit, the Commission for the Environment proposes to ask local restaurants and markets to contribute breakfast. The Summit would be held at a public facility, such as the Southern Human Services Center. The anticipated cost of the summit is less than $1,000. Other donations will be solicited to cover the costs of the event. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the BOCC approve the Commission for the Environment's proposal and authorize the CfE and ERCD to plan and organize an Orange County Environmental Summit for March 2003, and to solicit nominations for a new Orange County Conservation Award. The Board may also wish to make recommendations on a preferred date for March 2003 from among the three dates listed (March 15, March 22 and March 29). s Draft 3 — 10-01-02 3 Orange County Environmental Summit To beheld every two years on the Saturday m March 10-00a.m. to 12aooa March 15, March 22, or March 29, 2003 Location: Southern Human Services Center. Meeting room and lawn (weather permitting). Draft Agenda for March xx, 2003 1. 10:00 Breakfast / Welcome and Introductions 2. 10:10 Dignitaries/Other Brief Speakers 3. 10:25 State of the Environment presentation (public audience) 4. 10:45 Keynote Speaker 5. 11:15 First Annual Orange County Conservation Award(s) 6. 11:30 Free-time, Exhibits (all land trusts and conservation groups invited to have displays) 7. 12:00 Adjourn (Nature Hike/Field trip - optional) Invitees ➢ General Public ➢ Members of all area conservation and environmental groups ➢ All land trusts ➢ Interested citizens, students (collegiate and high school) ➢ Elected Officials ➢ Advisory Board members ➢ State officials (DENR, others) ➢ Media I i Draft 3 -- 10-01-02 4 Actions Needed / Timeline Note: Work on the SOE report would continue throughout the timeline below Time Activity September-October 2002 Present Summit and Conservation Award concept to BOCC for approval. Begin solicitation for Conservation Heroes award. Make sure exhibitors/partner groups available for Summit. Complete draft agendalprogram. October 2002 Solicit keynote s esker November 2002 Make recommendations to BOCC on Conservation Heroes January- February, 2003 BOCC reviewslapproves Conservation Heroes Finalize program and details (by 1/31). Publicize event/invite media (including UNC publicity) in February. March 15, 2003 Hold event (ask attendees for feedback). Survey participants on event. Other Notes ➢ Ask local restaurants and markets to contribute food for the breakfast/snacks ➢ Conduct a survey at close of event to gauge attendees reaction to SOE, priorities and their reaction ➢ Obtain canopy for outside activities Offer a framed print with plaque as the Orange County Conservation Award ➢ Ask NCDENR Secretary Bill Ross to be keynote speaker at initial summit f. 5 Orange County Conservation Award 2002-03 Nomination Form The Conservation Award is an bi-annual award that recognizes individuals and organizations that have shown a sustained and outstanding commitment to conservation of natural and cultural resources in Orange County. The recipient can be a landowner,concerned citizen,member of a private organization(business or non-profit),or any other person who has worked towards natural or cultural area conservation. To nominate an individual for this award,please fill out the form below and return by email,fax,or mail to: Environment and Resource Conservation Department PO Box 8181 Hillsborough,NC 27278 Phone: 919/245-2590 Fax: 919/644-3351 Email: cmelton @co.orange.nc.us Supplemental materials,such as photos of a preserved property or public relations materials the individual produced that generated a lot of positive feedback,may be included.The award will be presented at the Orange County Environmental Summit on March_ 2003. Deadline for Submitting Nominations is Nominee NAME: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: DAYTIME PHONE: E-MAIL: Submitted By: NAME: ORGANIZATION: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: DAYTIME PHONE: E-MAIL: Please submit a brief narrative(600 words or less)clearly explaining how the individual nominated is an exemplary conservationist and why he/she should receive the Conservation Award.