Item:
Title
Approve Acquisition of Conservation Easement (19.37 acres, REID 188371 at 505 Mason Road) as Permanently Protected Open Space for $245,500
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: June 9, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the County's purchase of a conservation easement from Robin Davis at 505 Mason Road, REID 188371, to use existing open space capital project funds to support 50% of the easement's cost, and to authorize the Manager to execute agreement documents related to this project. Ms. Davis's farm includes 11 acres of gently rolling open land, historic farm structures, and her home where she has lived for over 30 years. The protection of this property supports wildlife habitat, scenic values, soil conservation, and protection of one of the City of Durham's downstream drinking water sources, Little River Reservoir. Durham's Farmland Protection Advisory Board supported the protection of this property in March 2025.
In May 2025, Durham County was awarded funding from the City of Durham's Water Supply Protection Program to support 50%, or $117,500, of the easement value. The County's estimated cost for this easement (including 50% of the easement value, survey, appraisal, and closing costs) should not exceed $128,000. The County's open space and farmland capital project account has sufficient funds to pay the County's portion, so no additional funding is needed for this conservation easement project. A final budget will be brought to the Board for approval prior to closing.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The acquisition of conservation easements for permanent open space aligns with Strategic Plan Focus Area: Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, Objective SI 3: Preserve and restore the natural and built environment, and SI 3d: Protect and restore natural resources, land, recreational, historical, and rural spaces.
Resource Persons: Celeste Burns, Open Space & Real Estate Manager; Peri Manns, Deputy Dire...
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