September 2003 Grant Project Scopes

Grant Project Scopes
2003A Acquisition Requests
To be Considered by the CWMTF Board of Trustees
September 21-22, 2003

Deferred Acquisitions

2002B-002 Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust – Acq./Beech Cr. Bog, Watauga & Avery Counties, Mountain Region

Summary
The Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust requests $57,497 of a total $706,839 (91% match) effort in Watauga and Avery Counties, Mountain Region, to protect Beech Creek Bog in the Watauga River Basin. The 120 acre tract (40 acres wetlands, 80 acres uplands) has been acquired and transferred to State Property, but BRRLT is asking for assistance in retiring the $100,000 loan received from CTNC. The property was valued at $5,682 per acre. BRRLT had received a CWMTF minigrant towards this project. Beech Creek Bog was identified as the highest priority in the CWMTF Riparian Corridor Plan, and was identified as “nationally significant” by the Natural Heritage Program, which has contributed $549,000 via the Natural Heritage Foundation. Additional Partners include Lyndhurst, Hanes and Blue Ridge RC&D. Cost to CWMTF for wetlands and buffers (including minigrant) is $1,447 per acre and $33 per linear foot.

Water Quality Benefits
-Establish 17 acres of riparian buffers along 2,500 linear feet of Beech Cr (C, Tr-S)
-NHP area of significance
-Protect 40 acres of Beech Creek Bog with numerous endangered and protected plant and animal species.

Staff Recommendation 2/16/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $57,497. Revised staff recommendation at Committee meeting to defer until understand all of the issues.

Staff recommendation 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $58,000. Easement funding issues clarified and State Property Office cleared.

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2002B-019 Tar River Land Conservancy – Acq./Allen Tract,
Sandy Creek, Franklin County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Tar River Land Conservancy requests $367,500 of a total $1,245,000 (70% match) effort in Franklin County, Eastern Piedmont Region, to protect Sandy and Richland Creeks in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. The project would purchase a conservation easement on 390 acres, valued at $1,170,000 ($3,000 per acre) with 70 acres (18%) of floodplain, ranging in depth from 40 to 450 feet, for 16,700 linear feet of buffer. The easement would cover the tract, allowing for farming to continue on 320 upland acres outside the floodplain. The tract is a priority in the Riparian Corridor Protection Plan. The applicant anticipates funding from the USDA Farmland Protection Program (FPP) and a 25% easement donation from the landowner. Project costs include $50,000 for transaction and $50,000 (4% estimated easement value). At requested amount, this is a cost to CWMTF of $22 per linear foot of buffer. Applicant is requesting funding for 30% of the tract, with 18% being floodplain.
Partnering with USDA FPP involves allowing agricultural/silvicultural operations to continue within the entire tract enrolled in the program, with a possible 50-foot no-cut zone, and requires a 50% match. This requires that operations would have to be allowed within any easement outside of that no-cut zone.
The project is in a WRP targeted area, a Natural Heritage Program area of significance, and contains rare and endangered species in the floodplain

Water Quality Benefits
-Establish riparian buffers of 70 acres on 16,700 linear feet of Sandy (B, NSW, 303(d) and Richland Creeks (C, NSW)
-Natural Heritage Program area of significance

Scope of Work
- Purchase standard permanent conservation easement on 70 acres
- Monitor in perpetuity

Staff Recommendation 02/16/03
Staff recommends deferring until final understanding can be reached regarding the relationship between USDA FPP and CWMTF programs and objectives, which is also related to the issue of working forest conservation easements.

Staff Recommendation 9/21/03
The Board of Transportation intends to fund this project, but tract configuration and coordination with FPP is being finalized with the State Property Office. Staff recommends deferral until a letter of withdrawal is received

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2002B-020 Tar River Land Conservancy – Acq./Harris Tract,
Jumping Run Creek, Franklin County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Tar River Land Conservancy requests $2,541,250 of a total $9,865,000 (74% match) effort in Franklin County, Eastern Piedmont Region, to protect Jumping Run Creek and tributaries in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. The project would purchase a conservation easement on 2,790 acres of farmland with 115,000 linear feet of buffers. Approximately 977 acres (35%) of the property is within 300 feet of surface waters. The easement value is estimated at $9,765,000 ($3,500 per acre). This is in a WRP targeted area and a Natural Heritage Program area of significance, with a number of rare and endangered species. The project is attempting to utilize NC DOT and USDA Farmland Protection Program (FPP) funds in conjunction with CWMTF funds, and the project may be expanding to 3,100 acres, to include WRP funding. The proposed scenario is for CWMTF to purchase working forest conservation easements on 300-foot corridors outside of a 50 foot no-cut zone funded through WRP/DOT, allowing FPP to mesh with CWMTF. Costs to CWMTF are $2,441,250 for 25% of CE acquisition, $50,000 for transaction and $50,000 for stewardship (0.5% estimated value) and would result in a cost to CWMTF of $22 per linear foot.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish riparian buffers of 977 acres on 115,000 linear feet of Jumping Run Creek (C, NSW)
- Natural Heritage Program area of significance

Scope of Work
- Purchase conservation easement on 698 acres
- Monitor in Perpetuity

Staff Recommendation 02/16/03
Staff recommends the application be deferred until a CWMTF policy on working forest conservation easements has been developed, and final understanding can be reached regarding the relationship between USDA FPP and CWMTF programs and objectives.

Staff Recommendation 9/21/03
The Board of Transportation has funded this project. Staff recommends deferral until a letter of withdrawal is received

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2002B-022 Trust for Public Land-Acq./Regent Tract, Little Sugar Cr

2003A-001 Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust-Acq./ Johnston & Brown Tracts; Cales Cr. & Brussels Br., Wilkes County, Mountain Region

Summary
The Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust requests $304,300 of a $504,300 (40% match) effort to protect Osborn and Cales Creeks and Brussels Branch in the Yadkin River Basin. The project would acquire conservation easements on 2 tracts totaling 326 acres: the 96-acre Johnson Farm tract is a donated easement valued at $200,000 or $2,083 per acre, containing approximately 46 riparian acres (50%). The easement would allow continued sheep pastures, with all BMPs in place and sheep excluded from forested areas and stream banks. No timbering or development rights remaining. CWMTF would fund only the transactional costs of $22,850.
The second tract is the purchase of a conservation easement on the 230 acre Brown Farm with 138 (60%) riparian acres. The easement value is estimated at $235,000 or $1,067 per acre. This tract would have a working forest easement in place, but not in conjunction with other funding matches such as USDA Farmland Protection Program or Forest Legacy. Tracts adjoin the CWMTF 2001A-002 1,145 acre Jenkins tract CE. Total project costs represent $24 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 142 acres of riparian buffer on 21,000 feet of Osborne, Cales, Brussels and Jenkins Creeks (WS II, Tr)

Scope of Work
-Place donated 96 acres under permanent conservation easement to be held by BRRLT
-Purchase working conservation easement on 230 acres

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding $33,000 for transactional costs for the donated easement on the Johnson tract. Note BRRLT’s request to reallocate funds from another project to pay for the Johnson Farm portion of this project in Agenda Item P.

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2003A-002 Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust-Acq./ Ketchum Tract, Piney
Fork Creek, Ashe County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust requests $37,750 of a $357,750 (89% match) effort to protect Piney Fork Creek in the New River Basin. The project is to pay transactional costs associated with a donated conservation easement on 81 acres, 40 acres (50%) of which are riparian. The tract contains headwaters of Gap Creek, which drains to South Fork New River (HQW), is a significant rare and endangered aquatic species habitat and within a local targeted watershed area. The total project cost represents $38 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 40 acres of riparian buffer on 9,500 feet of Piney Creek, headwater tributary to Gap Creek (C, Tr)

Scope of Work
- Transactional costs of donated easement
·-Place 81 acres in a permanent conservation easement to be held by BRRLT

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $38,000. Note BRRLT’s request to reallocate funds from another project to pay for this project in Agenda Item P.

2003A-003 Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust-Acq./ Presnell Tract, Beech Cr., Watauga County, Mountain Region

Summary
The Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust requests $168,950 of a $272,350 (38% match) to protect Beech Creek in the Watauga River Basin. The project would purchase a conservation easement on 103 acres, valued at $150,000 or $1,456 per acre (59% of fair market value), 60 acres (60%) of which is riparian. About 20 acres are in pasture and crop field. The owner wishes to continue farming and timbering operations, along with one homesite maintained on the tract. The resulting working forest easement is not in coordination with other agricultural or silvicultural protection program funding.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 60 acres of working forest riparian buffer on 5,700 feet of Beech Creek (C, Tr) and tributary

Conditions
-CE to be a working forest and agricultural easement
-Ag BMPs to be in place prior to purchase
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends not funding the request at this time

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2003A-004 Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy- Acq./ Linneman Tract, Upper Green River, Henderson County, Mountain
Region

Summary
The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy requests $21,500 of a $271,500 (92% match) effort to protect Rock Creek and tributaries to the Upper Green River in the Broad River Basin. The request is to fund the transactional costs for a donated conservation easement on 69 acres, with 70% riparian area (48 acres). The easement is valued at $25,000 ($3,602 per acre), and is a result. There is a significant threat of development. Landowner wishes to reserve one home site. The applicant has received $214,000 in grants (1 minigrant), both of which are nearly completed.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 48 acres of riparian buffers along 7,930 linear feet of Rock Creek (B, Tr) and tributaries of the Green River (B, Tr)

Scope of Work
-Pay transactional costs for conservation easement
-Place permanent conservation easement on 69.4 acres

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
-Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $22,000. Note: also see Acquisition Committee Agenda Item O.

2003A-005 Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy- Acq./ Multiple Tributaries, Henderson and Transylvania Counties, Mountain Region

Summary
The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy requests $1,005,250 of a $2,479,150 effort to protect the French Broad River and its tributaries. The project would involve conservation easements on
four tracts. 1) The Taproot Dairy would purchase a conservation easement on 59.5 acres of buffers ranging from 50 to 150 feet on 23,550 feet of the French Broad and Cane Creeks, and purchase of development rights on 367 acres of a working diary farm. The tract is valued at $1,500,00 or $3,580 per acre. CWMTF request is $788,100. Matching funds will be applied for from the USDA Farmland Protection Program (FPP) in 2004. Some buffer restoration is needed. 2) The Horseshoe Bend Farm will involve easement purchase of 50 acres of buffer, valued at $60,000 or $1,200 per acre, along 3 miles of the French Broad, ranging in width from 50 to 850 ft., averaging 140 ft. wide. Development rights will be donated on the remaining 293 acres of agricultural land, valued at $250,000 or $853 per acre. CWMTF request is $96,100. 3) The Lewis Creek tract is a fee simple purchase of 10.7 acres with a donated easement on another 10 acres. Most of the 22 acres (96%) is riparian along 3,000 feet of Lewis Creek, valued at $160,500 or $7,500 per acre. CWMTF request is $101,150. 4) The Brown tract is requesting transaction costs for a donated conservation easement on 87 acres, 15% (65.3 acres) is riparian along 9,000 feet of Lyday Creek and tributaries. The tract is valued at $435,000 or $5,000 per acre. CWMTF request is $19,900. A total of 878 acres is protected in some fashion in this application.

Water Quality Benefits
-Establish 197 acres of riparian buffers of various widths on 51,390 feet of the French Broad (B, Tr)

Scope of Work
-Purchase conservation easements on 109.5 acres and place under state conservation easement.
-Purchase development rights on 367 acres (working agriculture)
-293 acre development right donation (working agriculture)
-Purchase fee simple 10.7 acres and place under state permanent conservation easement
- Place donated 97 acres under state permanent conservation easement

Conditions
-Taproot Dairy to receive $750,000 from FPP
-Conservation easements to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easements in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $218,00 for the Horseshoe Bend, Lewis Creek and Brown tracts.

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2003A-006 Catawba County- Acq./ Stewart Tract, Balls Creek, Mountain Region

Summary
The Catawba County Historical Association requests$206,112 of a $378,612 (46% match) effort to protect Balls Creek (Murray’s Mill Lake) in the Catawba River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple approximately 10 acres with 8.27 riparian acres (82.3%). The 0.65 acre Sharpe tract will have only 50 ft. buffers, and the 9.4 acre Bowman tract will have 300-ft. buffers. These will adjoin an existing 24.11 acre DOT property, 74% (18 acres) of which is riparian. This results in about 5,400 linear feet of buffers. The purchased (non-DOT) property is valued at an average of $23,682 per acre (9.4 acre Bowman tract at $25,000 per acre). The project will tie into the area’s greenway effort, and will protect an historic site. The Bowman & Sharpe tracts are under options. Total project cost is $70 per foot of buffer

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 26.27 acres of riparian buffer along 5,400 linear feet of Balls Creek (WS IV)

Scope of Work
- Purchase 10.05 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- Transfer 24.11 acres to state permanent conservation easement

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff does not recommend funding the request at this time

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2003A-007 Catawba Lands Conservancy- Acq./ Rankin Tract, Stanley
Creek, Gaston County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Catawba Lands Conservancy requests $2,940,195 of a $3,188,095 (8% match) effort to protect Stanley and South Stanley Creeks and tributaries to Dutchman’s Creek in the Catawba River Basin. The project will purchase fee simple 506 acres, 50% (254 acres) is riparian. The property will add to the existing 309 acres of Stanley Corridor protection effort, which includes State significant Natural Heritage Program Areas. CLC has agreed to attempt to purchase the property in two phases, with the first 318 acres as phase I by March 2004, & the southern 188 acres as phase II by January 2005. The property is valued at $2,993,095 ($5,915 per acre). The threat of development is very high. Total project represents a cost of $85 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
·-Establish 254 acres of riparian buffers along 37,608 feet of Stanley and South Stanley Creeks (WS IV) and tributaries.

Scope of Work
·-Purchase 506 acres and place under permanent state conservation easement

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferring, as the tract is being considered for funding under the EEP program.

2003A-008 Catawba Lands Conservancy- Acq./ Rollins & Banker Tracts, South Fork Catawba River, Lincoln & Gaston Counties, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Catawba Lands Conservancy requests $359,975 of a $451,975 (20% match) effort to protect the South Fork Catawba River in the Catawba River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 75 acres (2 tracts with value of $313,200 at an average of $4,176 per acre), matched with a donated conservation easement to CLC of 40 acres (valued at $88,000 at $2,200 per acre). CWMTF is asked to fund acquisition of the 75 acres plus transactional costs for entire 115 acres. Approximately 76% (87 acres) is within the floodplain. The properties tie in with protected areas along corridor: 1998B-002 (284 acres, adjacent) and 2000B-001 (130 acres). The total project represents a cost of $64 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 87 acres of riparian area along 7,101 feet of South Fork Catawba River (WS IV)

Scope of Work
·-Purchase 75 acres and place under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
-Place 115 acres under state permanent conservation easement
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $360,000

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2003A-009 Charlotte Whitewater Park, Inc.- Acq./ US National Whitwater Center

Summary
It has been determined that the project sponsor is not a qualified applicant

2003A-010 Conservation Fund- Acq./ Goshen Swamp & Grove Cr., Duplin County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The Conservation Fund requests a revised amount of $98,400 of a $188,900 (48% match) to protect Grove Creek in the Cape Fear Watershed. The project would involve purchase of a conservation easement on approximately the 30-acre James tract surrounding a pond draining to Grove Creek. The property is valued at 55,000 or $1,833 per acre. The project also will fund $85,500 towards the planning and design of affordable housing development in the surrounding area to incorporate conservation and stormwater management through a community planning process.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 36 acres on 3,200 feet of pond of Grove Creek (C, Sw) and surrounding farm field ditches.

Scope of Work
-Purchase permanent conservation easement on 46 acres
- Conduct planning and design of stormwater management for development

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
-Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $99,000

2003A-011 Fayetteville, City of- Acq./ Cross Creek Corridor, Riparian Buffers, Cumberland County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The City of Fayetteville requests $485,000 to protect Cross Creek in the Cape Fear River Basin. The project would acquire 3.45 acres in downtown Fayetteville for a 50-foot easement on both sides of Cross Creek, with a total of 9 acres of buffer (including that already owned by the City). The property is valued at $199,000 per acre (fee simple value), with an easement value of $99,600. The total easement value of the 3.4 acres is estimated at $344,080, leaving approximately $141,000 for services. The buffer will be used to establish a greenway for the Cross Creek Linear Park, which is planned to ultimately extend from Murchison Rd. to the Cape Fear River. Landowners have not been contacted.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 3.45 acres of 50-ft. buffer along 3,008 feet of Cross Creek (303(d))

Scope of Work
-Acquire conservation easement on 3.45 acres
- Place 9.16 acres under a permanent conservation easement

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff does not recommend funding the project at this time, but urges Fayetteville to develop a comprehensive plan to protect and restore Cross Creek. Applicant is encouraged to contact landowners, obtain options and reapply to CWMTF for assistance in tract acquisition.

2003A-012 Foothills Conservancy of NC-Acq./ Blue Ridge Parkway,
Linville River, Burke County, Mountain Region

Summary
In an application revision, the Foothills Conservancy of NC requests $327,800 of a $428,800 (24% match) effort to protect the Linville River in the Catawba River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 40.5 acres, 74% (30 acres) of which is riparian. The property fronts on 3,250 feet of Linville River and 3,400 feet of an unnamed tributary. The project includes significant endangered aquatic species habitat, abuts the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is near the Pisgah National Forest and a previous 411-acre acquisition (2001A-007). The property is upstream of Linville Falls and the Linville Falls Significant Natural Heritage Area and the Linville River Wild and Scenic River. The value is estimated, from an appraisal of the entire property, at $395,000 ($9,753 per acre.) with CWMTF funding the riparian 30 acres, transactional costs and stewardship for 2 years until the property becomes a part of the National Park Service, which will accept the CWMTF standard easement conditions.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 34 acres of riparian buffer along 6,650 feet of Linville River (B, Tr) and tributary

Scope of Work
- Purchase fee simple 40.5 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- Transfer property to NPS for long term management within 2 years

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $318,000.

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2003A-013 Gastonia, City of - Acq/ Mt Island Lake, Gaston County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The City of Gastonia requests $1,540,000 for an effort to protect Mt. Island Lake. The project would purchase fee simple a 102.3 acre tract from Duke Power. Approximately 34% (34.8 acres) is riparian, and is within 1,000 ft. of the water intakes of Mt. Holly and Gastonia. The tract extends protection provided by the adjacent 453 acre CWMTF 1999B-005 Waters Edge project, and is outside of the 100-ft. required buffer. The property is valued at $1,500,000 ($14,663 per acre), and the project represents a total cost of $308 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
·-Establish 34.8 acres of riparian buffer along 5,000 feet of Mt. Island Lake (WS IV, B, CA)

Scope of Work
·-Purchase 102.3 acres and place under permanent conservation easement.

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding $550,000 for the riparian area and all transactional costs. Staff will try to determine Duke Power’s proposed impact mitigation measures planned for its Catawba River hydroelectric dams to acquire its FERC license.

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2003A-014 Green Trust Alliance - Acq/ Flat Swamp Cr., Craven, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The Green Trust Alliance requests $1,036,500 of a $2,286,250 (55% match) effort to protect and restore wetlands of Flat Swamp Creek in the Neuse River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 365 acres of ditched prior-converted wetland farmland. 120 acres (33%) is within 300 ft. of the creek, but the entire tract is prior converted wetlands. The matching funds are for wetland and stream restoration of the property. The acquisition cost of the property is $1,022,000 (a recent appraisal values it at $1,200,000), at $2,800 per acre. The tract is adjacent to the 3,700 acre Dover Bay Pocosin Natural Heritage Area (with 236 acre CE) and upstream of the NCCLT Core Creek tract (1999B-009). The applicant has received nearly $500,000 from Attorney General’s Smithfield Foods Settlement Fund for the restoration portion.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 120 acres riparian buffers on 10,000 feet of Flat Swamp Creek (C, Sw, NSW)
- Protect 47 acres of non-riverine wetland

Scope of Work
- Purchase 365 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- Restore 5,000 linear feet of stream, restoring entire site to pre-drained conditions.

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferral of the project until an appraisal is received and reviewed by State Property Office.

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2003A-015 High Country Conservancy- Acq./ Valle Crucis, Craborchard Creek, Watauga County, Mountain Region

Summary
The High Country Conservancy requests $705,740 of a $1,213,990 (42% match) to protect Craborchard Creek in the Watauga River Basin. The project will purchase a conservation easement on 227 acres, 34% (77 acres) of which is riparian. Two properties are involved: 200 acres of Valle Crucis Conference Center (FMV of $2,000,000 or $10,000 per acre), and 27 acres on the Caudill tract, across Craborchard Creek from the Center (FMV of $270,000 or $10,000 per acre). The easements will cost $2,500 per acre for the Center tract, and $5,000 per acre for the Caudill tract. The project is downstream of the Hanging Mt. Natural Heritage Area, and contains mature forests. The site is listed as a medium priority in the Watauga River Corridor Conservation Design. Total project cost represents $61.50 per foot of buffer

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 77 acres of riparian buffer on 11,468 feet of Craborchard Creek (C, Tr), Pigeonroost Creek (B) and Dutch Creek (B, Tr).

Scope of Work
- Purchase 227 acres and place under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
-Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $706,000

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2003A-016 National Committee for the New River- Acq./ New River Heights Tract, South Fork, Ashe County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The National Committee for the New River requests $395,850 of a $714,050 (45% match) effort to protect the South Fork of the New River. The project will purchase 125 acres, 81 acres (65%) of which is riparian. The property will be sold at a bargain sale of $369,300 or $2,954 per acre. The match is in the form of a bargain sale difference of $318,200, as the tract is appraised at $687,500 or $5,500 per acre. The property is adjacent to a 50-acre portion of the New River State Park (acquired by NCNR) and an extensive protected corridor achieved by efforts of NCNR. The site is on ORW and National Scenic River waters. The total project cost represents $48 per foot of buffer

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 81 acres of riparian buffer along 14,900 feet of South Fork New River (B, ORW) and tributaries

Scope of Work
- Purchase 125 acres and place under permanent state conservation easement

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
-Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferring, as the tract is being considered for funding under the EEP program.

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2003A-017 National Committee for the New River- Acq./ Wagner Tract, Todd South Fork Greenway, Watauga County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The National Committee for the New River requests $81,050 of a $87,050 (7% match) effort to protect the New River, adding to an extensive protection effort along the corridor. This project would purchase conservation easements on 25.3 riparian acres on a 45.7 acre tract. The property value is estimated at $64,000, or $2,530 per acre (50% of FMV). Stewardship costs are 6% of total project. The applicant has successfully completed $333,474 worth of contracts, and has $885,000 in open or new contracts.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 25.3 acres of riparian buffer along 2,753 feet of the New River (ORW) and tributary.

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $82,000.

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2003A-018 Nature Conservancy- Acq./ Bald Mt. Trust Tract, Long Hope Creek

Staff Recommendation 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferral until a letter of withdrawal is received

2003A-019 Nature Conservancy- Acq./ Corbett Tract, NE Cape Fear River, Pender County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The Nature Conservancy requests $670,177 for an effort to protect the Northeast Cape Fear River in the Cape Fear River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 970 acres along the NE Cape Fear and Prince George Creek. The entire tract is within the floodplain, would be transferred to the WRC as Gamelands, and is across the river from the Cape Fear Wetlands Gameland (CWMTF 1998A-005). The entire tract is within a Significant Natural Heritage Area, and is identified in the riparian corridor plan. The value is estimated at $582,000 or $600 per acre. The threat to the property is from timbering. The total project cost represents $14 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 970 acres of riparian area on 48,030 feet of the NE Cape Fear River (C, Sw) and Prince George Creek (C, Sw)

Scope of Work
-Purchase 970 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
-WRC will seek to dedicate the tract as a NC Nature Preserve, Designating qualifying portions as Primary Areas of Conservation
- WRC will manage the property as Gamelands

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to 671,000.

2003A-020 Nature Conservancy- Acq./ IP Tract, Juniper Creek, Columbus & Brunswick Counties, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The Nature Conservancy requests $19,848,538 to protect Juniper Creek in the Lumber River Basin through fee simple purchase of 19,812 acres most of which is floodplain/wetlands. The International Paper tract is valued at $18,155,894 or $916 per acre. It is within the nationally significant aquatic habitat Waccamaw Natural Heritage Area, and adjoins the 35,550-acres TNC Green Swamp Preserve. There are 15-yr timber holdings that require some ditch maintenance. The ditches would be dammed when the contracts are terminated. The total project cost represents $32.60 per foot of buffer. The Ecosystem Enhancement Program will likely purchase the Brunswick County portion, which entails 14,807 acres (75%), leaving CWMTF to fund the remaining 4,770 acres (25%). This is the applicant’s #1 of 2 projects, and is a high priority in the Waccamaw River Riparian Corridor Plan.

Water Quality Benefits
·-Establish 15,142 acres of riparian buffers and non-riverine wetlands on 610,00 feet of Juniper Creek (C, Sw) and tributaries

Scope of Work
·-Purchase 19,812 acres and place under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
- EEP to purchase Brunswick County portion of tract
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $4,963,000

Staff Recommendation 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferral until a letter of withdrawal is received

2003A-023 NC Coastal Land Trust- Acq./ Humphrey Tract, Shaken Creek, Pender County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The NC Coastal Land Trust requests $365,445 of a $650,050 (44% match) effort to protect Shaken Creek in the Cape Fear River Basin. The project would purchase a conservation easement on 303 (35%) riparian acres, matched with a donated NCCLT conservation easement on 862 acres, for a total protection of 1,165 acres. CWMTF would fund the riparian easement purchase ($328,325) plus all transactional costs (stewardship @ 1.5%). The total easement value is estimated to be $612,925 at $526 per acre. The property is adjacent to the Angola Bay/Bear Gardens tracts, and completes the protection of the creek corridor from the headwaters to the mouth at Shelter Creek. It is also identified as a priority tract in the riparian corridor plan. The total project cost represents $31.50 per foot of buffer. Applicant ranks this project in the top 2 of 4 projects.

Water Quality Benefits
-Establish 303 acres of riparian buffers on 20,650 feet of Shaken Creek (C, Sw)

Scope of Work
- Purchase 303 acres and place under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
- Place 1,165 acres under permanent state conservation easement
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
-Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $366,000.

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2003A-024 NC Coastal Land Trust- Acq./ McKeithan Tract, NE Cape Fear, Pender County, Coastal Plain

Summary
The NC Coastal Land Trust requests $991,820 of a $2,105,820 (52% match) effort to protect the NE Cape Fear River in the Cape Fear River Basin. The project is to purchase a conservation easement on 868.8 acres, with the proposal for CWMTF to fund 90% of the riparian 93.8 acres (11% of the total tract) and the transactional costs, with the match as donated upland easement and a 10% reduction in the riparian value. The easement value of the entire tract is $2,057,000, or $2,367 per acre. The riparian portion alone is valued at $11,173 per acre. Much of the riparian land is high bluffs, well suited for development. This tract is identified in the riparian corridor plan, is in a WRP targeted watershed and is near the WRC Angola Bay/BearGarden Gamelands. The total project cost represents $150 per foot of buffer. The applicant ranks the project as #3 of 4 applications.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 93.8 acres of riparian buffer on 14,010 feet of the NE Cape Fear River (C, Sw), DeRo Creek and tributaries.

Conditions
- Place 868.8 acres under permanent state conservation easement
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding requested amount up to $992,000.

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2003A-025 NC Coastal Land Trust- Acq./ Somerset Farms, Yeopim
River, Chowan County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The NC Coastal Land Trust requests $273,800 of a $460,990 (41% match) effort to protect Yeopim Creek in the Pasquotank River Basin. The project involves 102 acres in coordination with the USDA Farmland Protection Program (FPP), which will preserve farming practices on the upland 60 acres, with CWMTF funding a working forest easement on the riparian 42 acres (41%). The easement value is estimated at $430,000 or $4,216 per acre. The tract is adjacent to the Drummons Point Natural Heritage Area, is within a local targeted watershed and is upstream of a 79 acre CWMTF 1997B-017. The landowner wishes to conduct restrictive draft horse and directional cable logging in the existing forested riparian area with a 100 ft. no-cut zone adjacent to surface waters. The total project cost represents $184 per foot of buffer. The applicant ranks the project as #4 of 4 applications.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 42 acres of riparian buffer on 2,500 feet of Yeopim Creek (SC) and Darby Creek

Scope of Work
-Purchase conservation easement on 42 riparian acres, allowing restricted timber management outside of 100 streamside feet.
- Place farmland protection easement on 60 acres

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $274,000 pending adoption of a working forest easement policy by the CWMTF Board.

2003A-026 NC Coastal Land Trust- Acq./ Weyerhaeuser Tract, Nevil's
Creek, Beaufort County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The NC Coastal Land Trust requests $1,066,700 of a $1,226,700 (11% match) to protect Nevil’s Creek in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 402 acres: 126 acres (31%) of a Weyerhaeuser tract and the 226 acre Godfrey tract already under a NCCLT conservation easement. The tracts are approximately 35% riparian (140 acres). The Weyerhaeuser tract is valued at $458,000, or $3,635 per acre. The Godfrey tract is valued at $609,000, or $2,206 per acre. The NCCLT wishes to purchase the Godfrey tract to eliminate the existing possibility of 8 homesites on the 226 acres allowed under the current easement. 6,630 feet of buffer exist on the Weyerhaeuser tract, with 11,851 feet on the Godfrey tract. A greenway is likely to be established, and the tracts lie within the Nevils Creek Natural heritage Area. The total project cost represents $66.50 per foot of buffer. Applicant ranks this project in the top 2 of 4 projects.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establishes approximately 140 acres of riparian acres on 18,431 feet of Nevil’s Creek (SC, NSW), Jack’s Creek, Cool Springs Branch and a UT.

Scope of Work
- Purchase 402 acres and place under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $489,000 for the purchase of the 126 acre Weyerhaeuser tract: $458,000 for acquisition and $30,920 in transactional and stewardship costs. Staff does not recommend funding the buy-out of the remaining 8-site development rights on the Godfrey tract.

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2003A-027 NC Forest Resources- Acq./ Clemmons Forest, Strickland's Creek, Wake County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The NC Division of Forest Resources requests a revised amount of $1,771,285 of a total $3,542,570 (50% match) effort to protect an unnamed tributary (known locally as Strickland Creek) in the Neuse River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 355 acres on two tracts: Moore tract of 102 acres for $900,000 (bargain sale from estimated value of $1,063,098) at $8,824 per acre, and the Watson tract of 253 acres for $2,600,000 at $10,177 per acre. The tracts are 78% (276 acres) within 300 linear feet of surface water, and would establish 47,361 linear feet of buffer. The area is under threat of development. The property would become part of the Clemmons Educational State Forest, which is active in its pursuit of public educational opportunities and projects. Wake County Environmental Services will provide the 50% matching funds. The total project costs represents $75 per foot of buffer.
NCDFR has successfully completed a $12,015,455 project, has $225,000 in open contracts, and has received $600,000 in new grant awards.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 276 acres of riparian buffer on 47,361 feet of Strickland and Beddingford Creeks (NSW)

Conditions
- DFR to manage the property in perpetuity for water quality protection

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $1,772,000.

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2003A-028 NC Parks & Recreation- Acq./ Eno R. State Park, Part II

2003A-029 NC Parks & Recreation- Acq./ Pettigrew State Park, Scuppernong R., Washington & Tyrrell Counties, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The NC Division of Parks & Recreation requests a revised amount of $889,500 of a $1,224,000 (27% match) to protect the Scuppernong River in the Pasquotank River Basin. Matching $335,000 is provided by the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and will add fee simple 1,864 acres to Pettigrew State Park, 1,700 acres (91%) of which is wetlands, and 15% of which is within 300 feet of the river. The tracts are a tremendous addition to protection tracts in the corridor from The Nature Conservancy, USFWS and WRC. Approximately 550 acres of TNC property will be donated to DP&R to complement this application, but is not included in application information or calculations. The tracts are included in the Scuppernong River Natural Heritage Area. The total project cost represents $34 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 1,700 acres of wetlands and riparian areas on 35,830 feet of the Scuppernong River (C, Sw)

Conditions
- Dedicate tract to the State Nature and Historic Preserve System.

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $890,000. Sellers or buyers to compensate Tyrrell County for ten years’ worth of lost property tax revenues, consistent with CWMTF Board policy

2003A-030 NC Wildlife Resources Commission-Acq/ Bolin Knob Tract,
Silver Creek, Burke & McDowell Counties, Mountain Region

Summary
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission requests $235,422 of a $948,022 (75% match) effort to protect Silver and Cane Creeks in the Broad River Basin and Magazine Branch in the Catawba River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 468 acres, 117 (25%) of which is riparian, valued at $1,926 per acre. The tract is adjacent to South Mountain Gamelands and the Rollins Mt. Natural Heritage Area. Applicant will apply to Natural Heritage Trust Fund and Ecosystem Enhancement Program for upland portion ($712,600) of match. The total project cost represents $60 per foot of buffer. The applicant ranks the project as #2 of 4.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 117 acres of riparian buffers on 15,758 feet of Cane Creek (C, Tr) and tributaries to the Cane and Magazine Branch (C).

Scope of Work
- Purchase 468 acres and place under permanent easement
- WRC will manage the property as Gamelands in perpetuity

Conditions
-WRC will seek to dedicate the tract as a NC Nature Preserve, Designating qualifying portions as Primary Areas of Conservation
-Matching funds to be secured within 1 year of contract implementation date

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $236,000.

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2003A-031 NC Wildlife Resources Commission-Acq/ Davis Tract, Alligator R., Tyrrell County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission requests $373,500 for an effort to protect the Alligator River in the Pasquotank River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple the 340 acre Davis tract, all of which is riparian, wetland, or prior-converted wetland. The property contains areas of ditched cropland, which will be restored when the tract becomes part of the adjoining 300,000 acre Alligator River Gamelands, and is valued at $1,036 per acre. This tract also adjoins the 5,300 acre 2000B-013 WRC Circle Property tract to the south.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establishment of 340 acres of riparian area and wetlands on 1,874,927 feet of drainage ditches, draining to the Little Alligator River (SC, Sw0 and the Alligator River (ORW)

Scope of Work
-Purchase 340 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- WRC will manage the property as Gamelands in perpetuity

Conditions
- WRC will seek to dedicate the tract as a NC Nature Preserve, Designating qualifying portions as Primary Areas of Conservation

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $374,000.

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2003A-032 NC Wildlife Resources Commission-Acq/ GMS Tract, Alligator R., Tyrrell County, Coastal Plain

Summary
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission requests $6,252,904 of a $10,806,160 (42% match) effort to protect the Alligator River in the Pasquotank River Basin. The project will purchase fee simple 8,476 acres, with 4,860 (57%) riparian and wetland acres. Most of the 4,860 acres is heavily ditched prior-converted wetland. The entire tract is valued at $10,000,000 or $1,180 per acre. This property will complete WRC management of the entire shoreline of Second Creek, protecting all of the south shore, with the 5,303 acre 2000B-013 tract on the north shore, and affects the drainage to the Little Alligator and Alligator River. The applicant ranks this project as #3 of 4.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 4,860 acres of riparian and wetland acres on Second Creek (ORW), Little Alligator River (SC, Sw) and Alligator River (ORW)

Scope of Work
- Purchase 8, 476 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- WRC will manage the property as Gamelands in perpetuity

Conditions
- WRC will seek to dedicate the tract as a NC Nature Preserve, Designating qualifying portions as Primary Areas of Conservation

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $6,253,000. Staff will confirm proposed source of matching funds

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends not funding the project, but encourages the applicant to reapply with current budget and conditions. An alternative would be to defer until evaluation is accomplished

2003A-034 NC Wildlife Resources Commission-Acq/ Lone Mt. Tract, Little First Broad

Staff Recommendation 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferral until a letter of withdrawal is received

2003A-035 Wildlife Resources Commission – Mingo Tribal Tribal Tract, Joes Cr., Caldwell County, Western Piedmont Region

Summary
The Wildlife Resources requests$13,401,300 of a $22,000,000 (39% match) effort to protect 5,621 acres through fee simple purchase. The riparian portion of the tract is 1,057 acres (19%). The property has had three appraisals, and the sale value is from the lowest one, estimated at $3,808 per acre. The property will be managed as a WRC Gameland, and is an important addition to Piedmont protected lands. Funding partners include Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) and Natural Heritage. While the property does not have Significant Natural Heritage Areas, it does contain 4 identified sites of Acidic Cove and Chestnut Oak Forest natural communities in fair condition. The site borders a previous CWMTF acquisition project (1998B-014 – WRC Patterson Tract). The total project cost represents $148 per foot of buffer. The applicant ranks the project as #1 of 4.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 1,057 acres of riparian buffer on 145,840 feet of Laytown and Buffalo Creeks, Green Rock Branch, and tributaries (C, Tr) in the Yadkin River Basin

Scope of Work
- Purchase fee simple 5,621 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- WRC will seek to dedicate the tract as a NC Nature Preserve, Designating qualifying portions as Primary Areas of Conservation
- WRC will manage the property as Gamelands

Budget Summary
COSTS:
- $21,500,000 5,621 acres of land (subject to survey)
-$500,000 transaction & administrative costs
-$22,000,000 total

FUNDING COORDINATION
-$12,000,000 CWMTF (Board meets 9/21-22/03.)
-$7,500,000 DOT/DENR EEP (DOT Board meets 10/8-9/03.)
-$1,500,000 NHTF (Board meets 9/25/03.)
-$1,000,000 WRC (WRC authorized up to $1 million for the project in 8/03.)
-$22,000,000 Total

Conditions
CWMTF and DOT/DENR’s Ecosystem Enhancement Project will split the wetland and stream preservation credits based upon relative contributions to the project. WRC estimates that 1057 acres of the tract are riparian buffers. CWMTF’s proposed contribution is $12.0 million; DOT/DENR EEP’s proposed contribution is $7.5 million. Therefore, CWMTF would receive 61.54% of the credits, and EEP, 38.46%.

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff would prefer that CWTMF and DOT/DENR’s EEP each contribute $9.75 million to the project. However, EEP currently has a policy that caps their contribution for each project at $7.5 million; CWMTF does not have a similar policy.

Staff recommends funding the project up to $12,000,000 -- $8,000,000 in fiscal year 2003-04 and $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2004-05, subject to: 1) timely allotments to CWMTF from Office of State Budget & Management (OSBM), 2) reimbursement from other agencies by October 31, 2003 for at least $8,000,000 of the $12,000,000 transferred from CWMTF in August 2003 to pay for the DuPont State Forest settlement, 3) OSBM not invoking section 6.23(a) of HB 387, Session Law 2003-284, Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2003 which enables OSBM to transfer up to 20% of the balance of CWMTF, and 4) additional appropriations from the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.

Staff understands that the property owner, Mr. Jesse Horton desires to sell all of the property to The Conservation Fund and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission by the end of the calendar year.

The Office of State Budget & Management (OSBM) allots CWMTF about $5 million per month. The Board committed and prioritized $31.7 million of CWMTF’s $62 million appropriation (cut by 2% by OSBM to $60.7 million) in July 2003. OSBM transferred $12 million from CWMTF without Board approval to pay for the DuPont State Forest settlement in August 2003. Staff projects that CWMTF will not have received enough funds to cover an $8 million contribution to this project until April 2004 (if CWMTF is not reimbursed at least $8 million for the DuPont settlement) or until February 2004 (if CWMTF is reimbursed at least $8 million for the DuPont settlement).

Staff further recommends that the Board direct staff to work with the Wildlife Resources Commission, The Conservation Fund, the DOT/DENR Ecosystem Enhancement Program, State Property Office, the Office of State Budget & Management, and other appropriate agencies to determine how to finance the acquisition of all or part of the property this calendar year and to report back to the Board at its October 19-20, 2003 meeting. EEP may be able to provide $19.5 for the project this calendar year; CWMTF could reimburse EEP when funds become available next year.

2003A-036 People for Parks- Acq./ Lake Johnson Park. Walnut Creek, Wake County, Piedmont Region

Summary
People for Parks requests $600,000 of a $1,954,850 (69% match) to protect Lake Johnson, which drains to Walnut Creek in the Neuse River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple from the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) 12.55 acres adjacent to Lake Johnson, adjoining Lake Johnson Municipal Park. There is approximately a 100-foot buffer of Park between the parcel and the lake, but 42% (5.3 acres) is ruiparian. The tract was under intense threat of development (zoned for 6 & 10 residential units per acre), which was forestalled when TPL acquired the property, after which a Lease to Purchase Agreement was executed by the City of Raleigh, which must be completed before permanent conservation is realized. Wake County has committed $350,000 (plus $350,000 interest-free loan), the City of Raleigh at $600,000 (plus a $600,000 loan. Habitat for Humanity has donated two lots (totaling 5 acres) along Walnut Creek, to be transferred to CWMTF as a match, valued at $40,000. A number of private contributors have donated $31,000 toward the project. The tract is valued at $1,940,000 or $154,582 per acre

Water Quality Benefits
- Remove 12.55 acres from development within close proximity to Lake Johnson and Walnut Creek (303(d), NSW)

Scope of Work
-Purchase 12.55 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- Place additional 5-acre donation under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $600,000

2003A-037 Piedmont Land Conservancy- Acq./ Glencoe Village, Haw River, Alamance County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Piedmont Land Conservancy requests $574,925 of a $641,925 (10% match) to protect the Haw River and tributary in the Cape Fear River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple 61.7 acres, 29% (17.7 acres) of which is riparian. The goal is to convert the area to historic protection of the dam and Glencoe Mill Village, establish a low-impact community park, construct a recreational center on the uplands with parking lot and associated support structures (not to exceed 6 acres or 10%impervious surface), and re-establish the historic baseball field. DOT has a right of way for a bike path within the riparian area, and there are electric and gas utility easements on the property. The tract is valued at $610,000 or $9,887 per acre. Stewardship costs are at 3%. The total project costs represent $107 per foot of buffer (including the island).

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 17.7 acres of riparian buffers on 2,380 feet of the Haw River (303(d)) and tributary, with 3,600 feet of island shoreline

Scope of Work
- Purchase 61.7 acres and place under permanent conservation easement.

Conditions
- Staff supports either the repair or removal of the dam within 5 years
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement, with exceptions as noted in summary
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $195,000 for acquisition of the riparian area ($175,000), which includes dam site, and associated transactional and stewardship ($19,925) costs. Concerns regarding actual dam ownership and liability need to be addressed prior to finalizing contract.

2003A-038 Sandyfield, Town of- Acq./ Beaverdam Creek Wetlands, Columbus County, Coastal Plain Region

Summary
The Town of Sandyfield requests $308,500 to protect Beaverdam Creek wetlands in the Cape Fear River Basin. The project would purchase 43.14 acres of the wetland area, including a 9.88 acre homesite with outbuildings. The Town would establish an educational operation on the home property, including repairs, equipment and supplies. The appraisal valued the entire property at $205,000, with land-only value of $3,600 per acre.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 43 acres of protection for Beaverdam Creek (WS IV, Sw) from impacts from further development

Scope of Work
- Purchase 43.14 acres and place under permanent conservation easement
- Establish educational center with associated equipment, supplies, building repair and maintenance, and operating expenses

Conditions
-Easement to exclude 9.88 acre homesite
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $161,000, to include $119,700 for the 33.25 acres outside of the homesite, $30,000 (10%) for stewardship, and $11,250 for transactional costs. Staff encourages Sandyfield to seek additional funds from Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and other sources. There may be some restoration potential at this site

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2003A-039 Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy- Acq./ Flat Creek Watershed, Buncombe County, Mountain Region

Summary
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy requests $3,927,800 of a $7,737,800 (49% match) effort to protect Flat Creek and tributaries in the French Broad River Basin. The project would acquire a conservation easement on 2,463 acres, 873 acres (35%) of which is riparian, $3,810,000 (at $1,547 per acre: 50% of the fair market value of $3,094/ac.). The match is in the form of the bargain sale value of this Montreat Retreat Association property, with CWMTF funding the actual purchase and transactional costs). The tract contains 15.2 miles of HQW streams, with rare and endangered aquatic species and a Significant Natural Heritage Area, is adjacent to an 18,700 acre CTNC conservation tract and the Pisgah National Forest. A major portion is within Montreat city limits and is under intense development pressure. Stewardship is less than 1% of actual cost. The total project cost represents $48 per foot of buffer ($24 per foot actual cost).

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 873 acres of riparian buffer on 160,512 feet of Flat Creek (C, HQW, Tr), Slaty, Little Slaty, Big Piney and Little Piney Branches (C, HQW, Tr)

Conditions
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $3,928,000. Phased funding is possible for this tract (i.e. approximately $2,000,000 per year)

2003A-040 Triangle Land Conservancy- Acq./ Regional Park, Marks Creek, Wake and Johnston Counties, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Triangle Land Conservancy requests a revised amount of $1,775,335 of a $3,550,670 (50% match) effort to protect Marks Creek in the Neuse River Basin. The project would purchase fee simple three tracts totaling 358 acres, 50% (180 acres) of which is riparian or floodplain. The tracts are appraised at $3,180,000 or $866 per acre. CWMTF would fund 50% of all costs, with the match provided through Wake County Open Space Bond funding. The tracts are priorities in the riparian corridor plan and as a greenway corridor in the Wake County Land Use Plan. Ultimately a greenway system will be implemented on the site. The total project cost represents $97 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 180 acres of riparian buffers and floodplain on 36,726 feet of Marks Creek (C, NSW) and tributaries

Scope of Work
- Purchase 358 acres and place under permanent conservation easement

Conditions
-Greenway plans developed must be approved by CWMTF prior to implementation
-CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends funding the requested amount up to $1,776,000

2003A-041 Troy, Town of-Acq./ Densons Creek Phase V, Montgomery
County, Piedmont Region

Summary
The Town of Troy requests $286,500 of a $301,500 (5% match) to protect the Little River in the Yadkin River Basin, as part of the ongoing protection process commonly known as Densons Creek Phases. The project will purchase fee simple 55.2 acres, 80% (44.2 acres) of which is riparian and involves 5 tracts. These tracts begin where Little River ceases to be classified as HQW, but where the applicant if attempting to achieve HQW status. There are several rare and endangered aquatic species and habitat in this stretch. This project will add to the south end of an existing corridor of about 640 acres along more than 5 miles of stream, with much funding by CWMTF. The tracts are valued at $239,000 or $4,330 per acre. The Town is contributing $15,000. The total project costs represent $40.50 per foot of buffer.

Water Quality Benefits
- Establish 44.2 acres on 7,450 feet of Little River, Smitherman and Cedar Creeks (C)

Scope of Work
- Purchase 55.2 acres and place under state permanent conservation easement

Conditions
- CE to conform to CWMTF standard easement
- Monitor easement in perpetuity

Staff Recommendations 9/21/03
Staff recommends deferring until Ecosystem Enhancement Program funding is confirmed.