Title
Approval of Purchase of a Conservation Easement over Real Estate Owned by the Olympia Coalition of Ecosystem Preservation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement over Real Estate Owned by the Olympia Coalition of Ecosystem Preservation
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement over Real Estate Owned by the Olympia Coalition for Ecosystem Preservation
Staff Contact:
Jonathon Turlove, Associate Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8068
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Coalition for Ecosystem Preservation (OCEP) owns and manages two adjacent forested parcels totaling approximately 4.5 acres above West Bay Drive in West Olympia. There is an active Pacific Great Blue Heron rookery on one of the parcels.
In order to provide an increased buffer to the rookery and to provide a potential future trail connection from the neighborhood down to West Bay Drive, the City has recently purchased two adjacent parcels as Open Space.
The ensure to preservation of the OCEP parcels in perpetuity, staff recommends the purchase of a conservation easement over the OCEP parcels. This conservation easement will enhance and protect the property which is part of a larger conservation area and wildlife corridor which has been an established nesting grounds for the Pacific Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias fannini). This conservation easement will ensure that the conservation property will be retained forever predominantly in its natural condition, and to prevent any use of the conservation property that will impair or interfere with conservation values.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There has been substantial public support voiced during the past several years to protect this heron rookery.
Options:
1. Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easeme...
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