AGENDA DATE: 7/5/2018
TITLE:
Title
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Albemarle County
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Endorsement of the BAP and referral to the Planning Commission.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Kamptner, Blair, Graham, Hannah
PRESENTER (S): David Hannah
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Doug Walker
BACKGROUND: Strategy 4a in the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan calls for “an Action Plan for Biodiversity to protect significant areas of biological importance in the County.” The second objective of the Natural Resources Program for the County, endorsed by the Board on May 3, 2017, states: “Work as staff liaison with the Natural Heritage Committee on biodiversity issues. Help complete a Biodiversity Action Plan.” Staff is reporting to the Board on reaching these two goals.
Discussion in the Comprehensive Plan following Strategy 4a (above) states that when completed, the “action plan should be presented to the Board of Supervisors for adoption into the Comprehensive Plan.” Staff is seeking approval to begin a process to amend the Comprehensive Plan to incorporate key aspects of the BAP.
In January 2017, the Natural Resources Manager began working with members of the Natural Heritage Committee (NHC) and other citizen volunteers on the BAP. Staff and the NHC presented an overview of the BAP to the Board on April 4, 2018. Work on the BAP was completed in early June, 2018.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resources Stewardship: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
DISCUSSION: As indicated during the April 4, 2018 presentation to the Board, staff and the NHC are providing the written BAP and related materials to the Board for its endorsement. The BAP was developed by staff in consultation with, under the advisement of, and with the full approval of the NHC. Board endorsement of the BAP should serve as the starting point for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to incorporate salient information and recommendations from the BAP. The BAP’s format of providing goals and recommendations will need to be converted to objectives and strategies when amending the Comprehensive Plan.
BUDGET IMPACT: No budget impact at this time. Future actions and decisions related to goals and recommendations included in the BAP could have budget impacts.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board:
1. Endorse the BAP.
2. Approve staff beginning a process to work with the Planning Commission to amend the Comprehensive Plan. The process includes:
a. Review with the Planning Commission.
b. Develop a Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
c. Public process.
d. Public hearing with the Planning Commission.
e. Return to the Board within one year to complete the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
3. Direct staff to proceed with selected BAP recommendations:
a. ACE and PRFA programs should consider biodiversity values in conservation easement criteria. Use the BAP data and information used in BAP when assessing biodiversity values.
b. Habitat and biodiversity values should be considered in developing strategies for improving water quality and stream buffers, including possible revisions to the Water Protection Ordinance.
4. Endorse NHC efforts to proceed with selected BAP recommendations:
a. Biodiversity education.
b. Outreach to property owners about biodiversity value of high priority Important Sites.
c. Outreach to County staff and officials about biodiversity value of high priority Important Sites that are 1) County-owned or 2) the County may have some influence related to land use or land management.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Biodiversity Action Plan
B - Executive Summary of Biodiversity Action Plan
C - Appendices of Biodiversity Action Plan
D - Maps of Biodiversity Action Plan