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Authorize a $100,000 Contribution To the NC Botanical Garden Foundation's Purchase of Property for Stillhouse Bottom Nature Preserve.
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Staff:
Department:
Phil Fleischmann, Parks and Recreation Director
Parks and Recreation
Overview: On January 27, 2021, the NC Botanical Garden Foundation, Inc. ("Foundation") and the NC Botanical Garden ("Garden") asked the Town for a pledge of $100,000 to support property acquisition for its Stillhouse Bottom Nature Preserve ("Preserve") located near southern Chapel Hill. Since then, the Foundation has adjusted the request so that it can acquire an approximately 25-acre parcel of undeveloped land which adjoins the current Preserve (Orange County GIS PIN 9787650461). Garden and Foundation representatives attended the Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission meeting on October 19, 2021 to request that the Town contribute $100,000 for acquisition of this approximately 25 acre parcel. The Commission voted to revise its previous recommendation to Council to support a contribution towards the Foundation's current need.
The Foundation's acquisition of this property means that it will remain undeveloped. The Preserve currently consists of 23 acres. Once fully assembled, the Preserve will span 100 acres. It is a State Dedicated Nature Preserve and is part of the larger Morgan Creek Bluffs Significant Natural Heritage Area.
Recommendation(s):
That the Council adopt a resolution to authorize a $100,000 contribution to the NC Botanical Garden Foundation to support property acquisition for the Preserve.
Decision Points:
* Does the Council wish to support the NC Botanical Garden Foundation's acquisition of this property by providing a $100,000 contribution?
Key Issues:
* This action is consistent with strategies outlined in the Town's Climate Action Plan, specifically the protection of water quality, natural, and environmental resources; preservation of the area's tree canopy; and enhancement of green infrastructure th...
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