HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-02-2002-8hORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2002
Action Agenda
Item No. ~ `~j
SUBJECT: Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan - FY 2002-2003
DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
Conservation
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Annual Action Plan 2002-2003 David Stancil, 245-2590
Map of Proposed Priority Areas Rich Shaw, 245-2591
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider adoption of the draft Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan for fiscal
year 2002-2003.
BACKGROUND: The Board adopted the Lands Legacy Program in April 2000. Through
this program, Orange County seeks to protect its most critical natural and cultural
resources through a variety of voluntary means. Over the first two years of the program,
the County has protected 794 acres for future use as parkland, nature preserves, farmland
and historic/cultural sites.
The Lands Legacy Program is activated by adoption of an Annual Action Plan, concurrent
with the CIP process. For this fiscal year, the Action Plan was withheld until decisions
about the CIP and bond sales were made, since these directly impact the Action Plan.
The draft Annual Action Plan for 2003-04 will be developed this fall and presented for the
Board's retreat in January 2003.
The Action Plan identifies acquisition priorities for 2002-2003. Given the fact that the fiscal
year is already underway, many of the priorities listed in the plan are already familiar to the
Board. The draft plan was developed with considerable input from four citizen advisory
boards (with their areas of expertise in parentheses): Commission for the Environment
(natural areas and prime forest, riparian buffers), Agricultural Preservation Board
(farmland preservation), Historic Preservation Board (historic and cultural resources) and
the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (parklands).
The draft Action Plan is consistent with the Lands Legacy Long-Term Priorities document
(2002-2010) that was adopted by the Board in April, 2001.
Based on Board discussion at the November 11 work session, the Adams Tract has been
removed for separate consideration and is not a part of the Action Plan as presented here
(staff proposes to add it later if the Board decides to pursue the joint acquisition). Anew
secfion addressing working with UNC and Duke on land issues of mutual interesf has
been added, and language has also been added noting that acquisition of new parklands
will be considered in conjunction with updates planned to the Parks Element of the
Comprehensive Plan:
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to accomplish the priority projects for FY 2002-2003 are
present in the current CIP and other existing and future sources, including appropriations
from the 2001 Parks and Open Space bond, alternative financing for conservation
easements, and the Lands Legacy Fund (pay-as-you go funding). Where known, the
proposed funding source is listed in the attached Action Plan (Table 1). Final decisions on
funding for land acquisitions are considered as purchases are presented for approval in
open session. As in previous acquisitions, in each case separate project budgets with
specific funding streams and amounts will be addressed at that time.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the revised
Annual Action Plan for 2002-2003.
Introduction
The Lands Legacy program, adopted by Orange County in April 2000, is initiated each year
by the creation of an Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan guides Lands Legacy
acquisitions and land protection activities for the specified fiscal year.
The process begins in August of each year, with staff identifying potential projects and
asking for initial guidance. Staff then meets with advisory boards for their input on
development of priorities for the coming year. Using the advisory board recommendations, a
draft Plan is prepared for distribution to the Board of Commissioners at their annual goal-
setting retreat. The Annual Action Plan is then finalized concurrent with the CIP process
each spring. (Note; For this fiscal year, the Annua/Action P/an was withhe/d until decisions
about the CIP and bond sales were made, since these direct/y impact the Action P/and
The past several months have seen a number of projects come to fruition, headed by the
receipt of a $784,155 grant from the USDA Farmland Protection Program in September. The
following is a draft Annual Action Plan for our current fiscal year 2002-2003 (please see note
above). The plan incorporates comments from advisory boards last year, coupled with the
continuation and completion of goals and objectives from the current action plan. The draft
Plan contains goals, a summary of advisory board comments, specific action objectives, and
a priority list of land acquisition and protection projects for the coming year. Also attached is
a list of accomplishments from the first half of the current fiscal year (2001-2002) and a
Performance Report for the first year of the Lands Legacy program (2000-01).
(Note: Plans to continue to pursue grant funding for County projects are implicit.)
1. Upper Eno and Upper New Hope Riparian Buffers: Protect riparian buffers in the
Upper Eno River watershed critical area (including additions to Seven Mile Creek
Preserve) and the Upper New Hope Creek watershed.
2. Faucette Mill Historic Area: Acquire conservation easements to protect properties
with historic structures and archaeological sites in the Faucette Mill area.
3. Farmland Conservation Easements: Work with willing sellers (and partner entities)
to acquire farmland conservation easements in priority watersheds, in conjunction with
federal Farmland Protection Program and NC Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.
4. New Park Sites: Identify locations for potential land acquisition to establish
community parks in the White Cross and North-Central Orange areas-- the two
remaining parks identified in the 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Plan. Reassess
park needs for the North-Central region given the current park development plans for
Cedar Grove Park and Little River Regional Park.
For the~neriodlu/y 1, 2002 -lone 30, 2003
Draft 1126 02
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action P/an 2002-03
5. Town Greenways: Partner with the towns and other entities in acquiring land for
establishing or expanding greenways identified in town plans.
6. Natural Areas and Prime Forests: Protect the highest priority natural areas and
prime forests identified in 1988 Inventory of Natural Areas and Wi/d/ife Habitat and
1999 Landscape with Wi/d/ife report. Work with Duke University and University of
North Carolina on formalizing protection of natural areas on university properly.
7. Complete Stewardship Plans: Develop stewardship plans for each County-owned
nature preserve and County-held conservation easement property.
8. Heritage/Scenic Corridor Pilot Easement: Acquire a "pilot project" conservation
easement along ahigh-priority viewshed of the historic St. Mary's Road corridor (a
portion of the Great Indian Trading Path).
A. Commission for the Environment (CfE)
Continue efforts to protect Seven Mile Creek (Natural Areas N02/N03),
Southern Shagbark Hickory Forest (M16), and Pickard's Mountain (M01).
Work with partners to protect Upper Eno River watershed critical areas, lands
adjacent to Eno River State Park, and Upper New Hope Creek headwater.
Protect all higher priority Natural Area sites and consider all opportunities to
protect riparian habitats and associated natural areas throughout the
County-especially within the Little River and Morgan Creek corridors.
B. Agricultural Preservation Board (APB)
Continue purchasing farmland conservation easements from willing sellers.
Focus on farms within the Cane Creek, University Lake, Back Creek and
Upper Eno watersheds, and use new Agricultural Priority Area formula to
evaluate potential easement farms. Attempt to build a critical mass of
contiguous farm easements in those watersheds. Augment County funds by
pursuing state grants (e.g., FPTF, CWMTF) and partnering with others (e.g.,
OWASA, Soil and Water District, Eno River Assoc.). Conduct more outreach
to farm community. Consider co-locating a new agricultural center on land
acquired for other purposes.
C. Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (RPAC)
Collaborate with OWASA on establishing county park(s) on OWASA lands
located outside Cane Creek watershed critical area. Pursue land acquisition
for establishing community parks at the two remaining areas recommended
in Master Recreation and Parks Plan: White Cross and North-Central Orange.
D. Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
Work with the owners of the Faucette Mill, Chatwood, Halls Mill House, and
Smith-Cole House to protect the combination of historic and natural features
on those properties. Consider the protection of other important historic and
2
5
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action P/an 2002-03
Draft 11/26/01
archaeological sites (e.g., Murphey School) whenever possible. Protect
"heritage corridors" and other areas of scenic value (e.g., St. Mary's Road).
Involve HPC in matters concerning historic structures on County-acquired
lands. Allocate funds to protect historic structures on County property.
The following are more specific acquisition objectives developed from existing plans,
discussions with conservation groups and other land conservation partners, in some
cases expanding upon or refining advisory board recommendations.
A. Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat
• Protect (through acquisition or other means) the higher priority Natural Areas
identified in cooperation with the Commission for the Environment
• Protect the highest priority prime forest areas identified as the 1999 Triangle
Land Conservancy report, entitled A Landscape With Wi/d/ife(Wiley et al.)
• Continue working with Eno River Association and others to protect (through
acquisition and other means) critical land for the Seven Mile Creek Preserve
• Work with the Eno River Association and others to protect (through acquisition
and other means) other priority riparian lands and upland habitats in the Upper
Eno River watershed critical area and lands adjacent to Eno River State Park
• Work with Triangle Land Conservancy and others to protect (through acquisition
and other means) priority riparian lands and central county prime forest lands
located in the Upper New Hope Creek watershed
• Consider partnering with Carrboro on the acquisition of the "Adams Tract"
located adjacent to Bolin Creek (includes portion of identified natural area)
B. Farmland Preservation
• Work with the Soil and Water District and/or OWASA to identify and prioritize
willing seller(s) or donor(s) of conservation easements in Cane Creek, Upper Eno
River, University Lake and Back Creek watersheds. (Where possible, build a
critical mass of contiguous farm easements in these watersheds.)
• Preserve farmland that also contains riparian buffers to help meet multiple
conservation objectives
• Work with Soil and Water District/Natural Resource Conservation Service to
secure Farm Bill funds for acquiring conservation easements
• Apply for a grant from the NC Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for assistance in
acquiring conservation easements
C. Parklands and Open Space
• Using existing plans and the comprehensive resource database, identify potential
locations for future acquisition of park sites in the following areas:
• White Cross Community Park
• North-Central Orange Community park (need tofirstre-assessparkneeds
for this particu/ar site, previous/y tit/ed "Cedar Grove-Litt/e River Park
3
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action P/an ZOOZ-03
Oran 11/26/02
Acquire key ~~missing link" properties for proposed New Hope Rustic Woodland
Trail (linking Chapel Hill/Carrboro/County parks with Duke Forest and ERSP)
In all acquisitions, be cognizant of potential school site co-location and the
potential for meeting other objectives for protection of riparian buffers, natural
areas/wildlife habitat and historic/archaeological sites
D. Cultural and Archaeological Sites
• Work with landowners in the Faucette Mill/Chatwood area to protect the
combination of historic and natural features in that historic area
• Work with the HPC and others to accomplish preservation of cultural and
archaeological sites associated with parkland acquisitions
• Protect some key initial priority location(s) along ~~heritage corridors" and areas
of scenic value (e.g., St. Mary's Road)
• Conduct research on known (or potential) historic and archaeological sites that
may be candidates for protection (e.g., Murphey School)
E. Riparian Buffers
• Work with the Eno River Association and others to protect riparian corridors in
the Upper Eno River protected watershed
• Follow-up as needed on the June 1, 2002 grant application to NC Clean Water
Management Trust Fund for protecting buffer lands in the Upper Eno watershed
• Continue to work with Triangle Land Conservancy and Eno River Association to
identify and protect priority areas in the New Hope Creek and Little River
corridors
• Work with the Morgan Creek Valley Alliance and others to identify priority areas
for protection in the Morgan Creek corridor
• Work with the Friends of Bolin Creek and others to identify priority areas for
protection in the Bolin Creek corridor
• Attempt to accomplish preservation of buffers in other water supply watersheds
through parkland and farmland acquisitions
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Lands LegacyAnnua/Action P/an 2002-03
In addition to specific acquisition
objectives, other actions may be
needed to facilitate long-term land
conservation. For the coming year,
strategies include the following:
1. Work with the Commission for
the Environment to complete the
Natural Areas Element to the
Orange County Comprehensive
Plan, incorporating the results of
the forthcoming update to the
Inventory of Natural Areas and
Wildlife Habitat.
2. Continue meeting with members
of the Orange County Land
Conservation Alliance twice a
year to discuss potential
opportunities for collaboration on
conservation projects.
Draft 11/26/02
The following actions were
accomplished from the previous
Annual Action Plan (2001-2002).
• Purchased the historic Blackwood
Farm (152 acres) for a future park
located near New Hope Elementary
and Stanback Middle School.
• Received a conservation easement
donation on 45 acres owned by Carl
and Eve Shy (Bingham Township).
The easement will help protect
natural area/wildlife habitat and
prime farmland within the Cane
Creek watershed critical area.
Collaborated with the Triangle Land
Conservancy on purchase of 35-acre
tract from Stanley and Carolyn
Peele (bargain sale) to protect
portion of identified Natural Area site
as an addition to TLC's Steep Bottom
Branch Nature Preserve.
3. Work with Duke University
and the University of North
Carolina on formalizing the
protection of natural areas
located on university property.
4. Conduct outreach with civic
organizations, neighborhood
groups, and others to discuss
Lands Legacy program and
conservation options.
5. Compile land acquisition inquiries
and opportunities from
landowners and other potential
partners, and present to the
Board's for direction on whether
to pursue acquisition.
Helped establish the Morgan Creek
Valley Alliance, a new partnership
in land conservation among entities
interested in protecting natural and
cultural heritage in the Morgan
Creek watershed.
Applied for $1 million from the NC
Clean Water Management Trust
Fund for acquisition of riparian
buffers in the Upper Eno Watershed.
• Applied for $788,900 from USDA
Farmland Protection Program
to purchase conservation
easements on three active farms.
7
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action P/an 2001-03
The following priority projects were
identified in the first ~'interim'~
Action Plan adopted for the Lands
Legacy program covering the period
from May 3, 2000 -June 30, 2001.
1. Purchase land (100-200 acres) for
establishing adistrict/regional park
between Chapel Hill/Carrboro and
Hillsborough.
Result -Purchased 193 acres owned by
the Hunter (44 acres) and Cate families
(149 acres with historic farmstead) for
the proposed Chapel Hill Township
District Park and Educational
Campus (May/June 2001).
2. Purchase additional 25-60 acres at
Northern Human Services Center to
help convert from community park
to Cedar Grove District Park.
Result -Developed pre-concept plans
for future Cedar Grove Park. Unable
to negotiate purchase of adjacent lands
in 2000-01, but negotiations continuing
on other adjacent lands
3. Purchase or protect lands in the
Seven Mile Creek area, especially
portions of identified natural areas.
Result - Acquired 134 acres from
Mayes' Hill, Ltd., including portion of
Natural Area site E02, for the Seven
Mile Creek Preserve (June 2001).
4. Map and acquire lands in pilot
project trail linking Town parks,
Duke Forest, future County park and
Eno River State Park.
Oran 11/16/01
Result -Mapped potential alignment of
rustic woodland trail in consultation with
Duke Forest Manager. Identified
~~missing link" properties, but took no
action on acquisition/easements,
pending further consultation with BOCC.
5. Secure or acquire 25-74 acres in
Bingham Township for community
park, working to locate park on
OWASA-owned lands if possible.
Result -Worked with OWASA staff on
identifying three potential park sites.
Report developed on 'Mitigation Lands
Tract." Further evaluation needed for
consideration by BOCC and OWASA.
6. Acquire land in Eno Township or
Schley area for community park if no
other parks are otherwise identified
by December 2000.
Result -Evaluated potential 200-acre
park site donation for the proposed
"Preserve" subdivision (February 2001).
Subdivision proposal was withdrawn.
Began negotiations for the potential
acquisition of Blackwood Farm.
7. Work with willing seller and OWASA
or Soil & Water District to acquire a
pilot project farmland conservation
easement, targeting the Cane Creek
watershed.
Result - Prepared conservation
easement to protect farmland owned by
Victor and Lucille Walters (Cedar
Grove Township) using $107,000 grant
(50% of cost) from NC Farmland
Preservation Trust Fund. (Closed in July
2001.)
8. Consider other objectives as
opportunities arise.
8
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action P/an 2002-03 Draft 11/26/02
Results:
Purchased the Orange County
portion (136 acres) of the proposed
391-acre Little River Regional
Park and Natural Area (November
7, 2000) to be owned and managed
jointly with Durham County
[Durham completed the purchase of
its 255-acre portion in July 2001]
Received a grant of $262,000 from
the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund for development
of the Little River Regional Park
and Natural Area (October 2000)
Began work on proposed
conservation easement donation by
Carl and Eve Shy (45 acres in
Bingham Township). Closed in
October 2002.
Commenced an update of Orange
County's Inventory of Natural
Areas and Wildlife Habitat using
$5,000 grant from the NC Natural
Heritage Program (to be completed
in 2003)
Held initial meetings of the Orange
County Land Conservation
Alliance (October 2000 and April
2001), bringing together staff from
partner entities in land conservation
to share information for potential
collaboration on resource protection
projects
The FY 2002-03 Annual Action Plan
would continue to build on the
acquisition projects of previous
years, with potential projects in each
of the Lands Legacy priority areas
(natural areas, parkland, cultural
resources, farmland easements and
watershed buffers.
At the same time, a renewed
emphasis is proposed on public
outreach about the program, and
stewardship plans for lands in the
program.
The first two years of the program
saw tremendous strides in
acquisitions of priority resource
lands, with 794 acres currently
acquired and several more projects
in the works. This has in large part
enabled the County to essentially
preserve one acre for every acre of
land that has been developed.
This Action Plan and the FY 2003-04
Action Plan to be presented in
January will begin to propose
acquisition targets and resource
protection opportunities for the new
bond funds approved by voters in
November 2001.
9
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