Item:
Title
Approve the acceptance of a donated conservation easement on Herndon Farm II with the County paying transaction costs. Approve Capital Project Amendment No. 20CPA000013 decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project up to $14,000 and Budget Amendment No. 20BCC000033 transferring an equal amount to the General Fund to support the transaction costs related to the donation of an easement on the Herndon Farm.
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: December 9, 2019
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the donation of a conservation easement on a 22-acre addition to the Herndon Farm Conservation Easement and approve Capital Project Amendment No. 20CPA000013 decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project up to $14,000 and Budget Amendment No. 20BCC000033 transferring an equal amount to the General Fund to support the owner's transaction costs related to the donation of an easement. The Herndon family previously conveyed a conservation easement in 2001 on 55 acres of their farm in southern Durham. The Herndon's run Herndon Hills Farm, a popular pick-your-own farm with blueberries, blackberries and grapes on the north side, and cattle on the south side. The family is interested in donating an easement on an additional 22-acre parcel that adjoins the south side of the current easement, as shown on the maps and photos in Attachment 1.
Both the current and proposed easements are located in a rapidly urbanizing portion of southern Durham. While the vast majority of the surrounding area is urban or will become urban, retaining some areas in active farmland provide an opportunity for southern Durham residents to have access to locally convenient farmland. Without a permanent easement in place, it is unlikely there would be any remaining farms in this part of Durham. The Farmland Protection Board reviewed and recommended acceptance of the conservation easement at their meeting on Octo...
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