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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 12-02-2002-8oORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 2, 2002 Action Agenda Item No. $ - ~ SUBJECT: Pro osed Environmental Summit and Conservation Award DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proposed Summit Agenda David Stancil, ext. 2590 Proposed Nomination Form with Criteria Rich Shaw, ext. 2591 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 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 (with proposed criteria attached). 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. The CfE is working on the second State of the Environment Report (2002) for presentation to the Board in January 2003. To help publicize the report and create an event organized around environmental issues, the CfE has developed a proposal to hold an "Environmental Summit" on March 29, 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 (jurisdictions, private sector, general public) to monitor and improve the quality of the environment. An agenda for the March 29 initial summit is attached (the proposed summit would be held on Saturday morning). The Board has been polled on the date for the Summit. 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 forwarded 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. When this item was discussed by the Board on October 1, interest in having criteria for the Conservation Award was expressed. The Commission for the Environment has since developed criteria (attached) which would be used by the CFE to recommend individuals for the Board's consideration (and could also be used by the Board for awards). 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 29, 2003, and to authorize staff and the CfE to solicit nominations for a new Orange County Conservation Award (in December). 3 Draft 5 - 11-26-02 1St Orange County Environmental Summit Every two years on the last Saturday In March 10.•00 a. m, to 12 moon March 29, 2003 Location: Southern Human Services Center (tentative). Meeting room and lawn (weather permitting). Draft Agenda. for March 29, 2003 1. 10:00 Breakfast /Welcome and Introductions 2. 10:10 Dignitaries/Other Brief Speakers/Orange County Achievements 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 Draft 5 - 11-26-02 Actions Needed /Timeline Note: Work on the SOE report would co ntinue throughout the timeline below September-October 2002 Present Summit and Conservation Award concept to BOCC for approval. Begin solicitation for Orange County Conservation Awards (OCCA's). Make sure exhibitors/partner groups available for Summit. Complete draft a enda/ ro am. October-November 2002 Solicit ke notes Baker January 2003 Make recommendations to BOCC on OCCA Awards. Finalize program and details (b 1/31). February, 2003 BOCC reviews/approves OCCA awards. Publicize event /invite media (includin UNC ublicity). Saturday March 29, 2003 Hold event (ask attendees for feedback). Survey participants on event for future lannin . 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? 2003 Orange County Conservation Award Nomination Form - 2003 The Orange County Conservation Award (OCCA) 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 would be a person who has achieved significant results toward the conservation of natural and cultural resources in the Orange County, and must be a resident of Orange County. The following criteria will be used to evaluate candidates: - Did the nominee(s) demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the area of natural and cultural resource conservation? - What was the significance and effect of the nominee(s) action -was it broad and extensive or localized in nature? - What was the impact of the nominee(s) action on the conservation of the resources in question? - Did the nominee(s) action increase public awareness of conservation issues within the County? Nominee(s) for the OCCA awards will be compiled by the Orange County Commission for the Environment, with recommendation(s) forwarded to the Orange County Board of Commissioners for approval. To nominate an individual for this award, please fill out the form below and return by email, fax, or mail to: Commission for the Environment C/o Orange County ERCD 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 29, 2003. Deadline for Nomination Submittals: Friday, January 17, 2003 PART 1. Nominee and Submitter Information Nominee NAME: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: DAYTIME PHONE: E-MAIL: Submitted By: NAME: ORGANIZATION: ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: DAYTIME PHONE: E-MAIL: Part 2 Abstract /Narrative of Accomplishment Please submit a brief abstract or narrative (500 words or less) that clearly explains how the individual nominated is an exemplary conservationist and why he/she should receive the Conservation Award. (please attachment separate sheets as needed)