BC 2007 01 22 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 22, 2007 (Regular Meeting) Page 235 report. The NC Natural Heritage Program and the Land Trust for Central NC also urge adoption of the inventory. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner White and unanimously carried, the Board adopted the Cabarrus County Natural Heritage Report and its recommendations: During the course of the natural heritage survey, a number of significant sites were identified and documented.- New sites will continue to be surveyed as they are identified. Of all the sites visited, during the initial survey, thirteen sites were determined to be of regional or state significance and another twelve were classified as important at the county level. Sites should be monitored annually and their conservation rankings reviewed. The Natural Heritage Advisory Committee served not only to oversee the countywide inventory; this group also provided guidance for the written report and assisted with protection efforts. The Land Trust for Central North Carolina was organized in 1997 as the Cabarrus County natural heritage field survey was getting underway. This land trust was instrumental in purchasing a portion of the Clarke Creek wetlands and continues in its efforts to protect these wetlands in a rapidly-urbanizing area. The Land Trust also had been involved in the effort to secure -conservation easements along the Rocky River corridor between Interstate 85 and US Highway 29. This segment is the site of two regionally-significant wetlands. The Catawba Land Conservancy, in partnership with the Land Trust for Central North Carolina, is assisting landowners on the Cabarrus County side of the Rocky River south of the Iredell County line. These and other riparian corridors offer some of the best remaining opportunities to conserve the Cabarrus County's natural heritage. Two of the regionally-significant sites are on state property. Conservation planning involving the staff of Reed Gold Mine State Historical Site and Stonewall Jackson Youth Academy will have to occur to be sure that natural heritage areas on these public lands are not adversely impacted due to lack of knowledge. The Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site is located at the southern end of a prominent ridge that begins in the vicinity of Gold Hill in neighboring Rowan County. A window of opportunity exists to ensure the future of this ridge as an important wildlife corridor. The compatibility of natural heritage protection and passive recreation at the Reed Gold Mine State Historical Site can serve as a model for the protection of other natural heritage areas by incorporating them into local park systems in Cabarrus County. A number of natural heritage sites in neighboring Mecklenburg County have been protec`.ed in this manner. The location maps for each of the twenty-five natural heritage sites of countywide or regional significance were digitized to provide timely, though restricted, access to planners, researchers, land trust staff members and other natural resource management professionals. The- availability of site-specific information in this format will facilitate timely conservation efforts. (F-5) Cabarrus County Schools - Budget Amendment (New Northwest Area High School) UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner White and unanimously carried, the Board adopted the following budget amendment: BUDGET REVISION/AMENDMENT REQUEST DEPARTMENT OF Finance AMOUNT: $200,000.00 TYPE OF ADJUSTMENT: Supplemental Request PURPOSE OF REQUEST: To continue the new northwest area high school capital construction project by appropriating funds from the Capital Reserve Fund for additional architectural services.