AGENDA DATE: 1/4/2017
TITLE:
Title
Priorities for Natural Resources Program
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Discussion to establish priorities for natural resources program
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Kamptner, Blair, Graham, Hannah
PRESENTER (S): David Hannah
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: In December 2015, a Natural Resources Manager was hired by the County. The manager's responsibilities include developing priorities and recommendations for a natural resources program; which is outlined in the FY15-17 Strategic Plan. Specifically, the direction has been to "establish and begin implementation of priorities for a natural resource program." This work session seeks Board direction on those natural resource priorities. Following the Board's input, staff will then finalize a 3-year work plan, identify what can be accomplished with existing resources and what will require additional resources, and develop an implementation schedule. This finalized work plan will then be brought to the Board for approval and, if additional resources are needed for some strategies, a request for additional funding. Implementation of the work program will begin before June 2017.
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: During the summer of 2016, the Natural Resources Manager (Manager) convened a stakeholder group to assess the County's natural resources and develop ideas for effectively managing them. See Attachment B for a summary of the Advisory Work Group (AWG) details.
Based on feedback from the AWG and discussions with County staff and community members, the Manager has developed a set of priorities and recommendations for the Board to consider which are provided as Attach...
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