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...
Click here for full text