Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the DeVine Property in Scio Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Appropriate $206,367.00 (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution approves the purchase of a conservation easement on the DeVine, property located in Scio Township. The resolution also approves a participation agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation and appropriates up to $206,367.00 for the purchase from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Fund.
DeVine Forest, Scio Township
The DeVine property is a lush 20-acre forested parcel along Zeeb Road between Jackson and Liberty Roads in Scio Township. The landowner worked with the Greenbelt in 2019 to preserve the adjacent 95-acre farm and woodlands. That 2019 Greenbelt easement contains 40 acres of forest contiguous to the subject property, enhancing its ecological value. Continuing next door to the west is the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission's 157-acre public DeVine Preserve.
The otherwise upland oak-hickory forest covering the property is frequently punctuated by healthy vernal ponds ideal for amphibians. A Floristic Quality Assessment produced an index of 29, which is considered potentially significant at a state level. There is a suspected state listed T/E/S species on the property.
The property scored the 46th percentile of all Greenbelt applications in the scoring system developed and approved by the Greenbelt Advisory Commission. The protection of this property is a priority for the Greenbelt Program due to the field assessed quality, proximity to other protected properties, and wetland resources. The property is also a top priority for protection for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, a committed funding partner.
An appraisal for a conservation easement on the property was completed in November 2022, which determined a fair market value of $300,000.00.
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