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Resolution Endorsing Concept of Conservation Easement to The Nature 0 Conservancy for Stream Restoration Project WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville is committed to protecting stream health and water quality, as evidenced by its adoption of stream buffer protections in the City Code, its adoption of the Comprehensive Plan which contains the goal to promote, protect, and restore riparian and stream ecosystems, and the goals established in the City Council's Vision Statement; and WHEREAS, numerous regional and local studies have identified the value of the Rivanna watershed and have linked the conditions of local streams within the watershed to the health of the Rivanna River; and WHEREAS, several studies, including stream assessments conducted by the City of Charlottesville, have indicated that streambank erosion is the most significant source of sedimentation in Meadow Creek and the Rivanna watershed and have identified the need for restoration and enhancement of the creek and its riparian buffer; and WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville collaborated with The Nature Conservancy to develop a series of Meadow Creek stream restoration project proposals for funding consideration through the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (VARTF); and • WHEREAS, proposals have been approved by VARTF and $3.7 million dollars has been designated to complete these restoration projects along the Meadow Creek in Greenbrier Park and surrounding lands; and WHEREAS, one of the requirements for expenditure of these funds is the establishment of a permanent conservation easement covering the area of the restoration project; and WHEREAS, permanent conservation of natural areas is an effective mechanism to ensure protection and appropriate management of natural resources in a community; and WHEREAS, natural resources management and stewardship is consistent with goals and commitments made by the City of Charlottesville; and WHEREAS, the formal decision associated with granting the conservation easement is forthcoming and will include a public hearing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Charlottesville endorses the concept of establishing a permanent conservation easement across the City -owned lands surrounding Meadow Creek, primarily Greenbrier Park, which lands will be restored by The Nature Conservancy to improve stream health using VARTF funds. Approved by Council • November 16, 2009 C e c of City Council