AGENDA DATE: 2/1/2017
TITLE:Title
Donated Addition to Ivy Creek Natural Area
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consideration of offer to donate additional four acres to existing County/City-owned Ivy Creek Natural Area
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Crickenberger and Mahon
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
BACKGROUND: The Ivy Creek Natural Area (ICNA) is jointly owned by the County of Albemarle and the City of Charlottesville. The volunteer Ivy Creek Foundation assists in the management and care of the area and operates nature programs throughout the year. The ICNA website describes the ICNA as a 215-acre preserve bordering the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir consisting of a mix of upland woods, pines stands, open fields, streams and shoreline. The land has been set aside in perpetuity for free public use as an unspoiled natural area, and contains over six miles of walking trails.
Elizabeth L. Langhorne, owner of neighboring Tax Map Parcel Number 04400-00-00-12000 (TMP 44-120), has offered to donate 4.015 acres of that parcel to the County and City as an addition to the ICNA. See Attachment 1 for the location of the proposed donation. The remaining 1.222 acres of existing TMP 44-120 would remain privately-owned and be combined with Tax Map Parcel Number 04400-00-00-036B0.
Both City and County staff have evaluated the property proposed for donation. Based on a site visit and visual assessment conducted on the subject property, and a review of historical aerial photos, there are no apparent environmental concerns associated with this property. No further environmental investigation appears necessary at this time.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Educational Opportunities: Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all our citizens;
Natural Resources: 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;
Rural Areas: Preserve the character of rural life with thriving farms and forests, traditional crossroad communities and protect scenic areas, historic sites, and biodiversity
DISCUSSION: This proposal is to add 4+ acres to the ICNA. The acquisition of a small stream corridor presents the opportunity for improved buffer establishment and management. The area will retain its current wooded, undeveloped character. No trails or public entrance/access are proposed for the site. Any future development would be limited to primitive trails. Staff supports the acquisition of the property. The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the proposed Deed (Attachment 2) as to form and substance.
BUDGET IMPACT: Staff does not anticipate any significant budget impacts associated with this proposed addition.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment C) to approve the County’s acquisition of the property and to authorize the County Executive to sign all documents necessary for this conveyance once they have been approved as to form and substance by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Property Location Map
Attachment B - Proposed Deed of Gift
Attachment C - Resolution