TITLE
Receive a presentation on the Chatham County Conservation Working Group
ABSTRACT
Action Requested:
Receive a presentation on the Chatham County Conservation Working Group.
Introduction & Background:
The 2017 Comprehensive Plan includes extensive environmental goals for Chatham County. Throughout the county government, numerous departments have been working towards these goals through programs and policy development. However, communication and collaboration across these departments has been inconsistent. So, in Summer 2023, the County Manager directed department heads to designate a staff member as their department’s representative on the Conservation Working Group (CWG). The CWG is intended to serve as a collaborative platform where staff representatives from various departments can come together to coordinate on environmental projects, share resources and information, and track progress towards Plan Chatham’s conservation goals. Meeting monthly, the CWG has a representative from each of the following departments: Budget, Cooperative Extension,
Emergency Management, Environmental Health, Environmental Quality, Facilities, Manager’s Office, MIS, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Public Health, Soil and Water Conservation District, Utilities, and Watershed Protection.
Discussion & Analysis:
The Conservation Working Group has been asked by the County Manager to provide an update to the Board of Commissioners. This presentation will serve as an introduction for the Commissioners to the newly formed working group and its goals. With conservation efforts in Chatham County spanning the numerous departments involved, and with the CWG establishing its practices, staff will be seeking input from the Commissioners on their preferences for staying informed moving forward.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
This item is reflected in most aspects of the Natural Resources, Resiliency, and Parks & Recreation sections of Plan Chatham.
Recommendation:
Receive the presentation and provide input on how the Conservation Working Group should update the Board of Commissioners on conservation-related work in the county moving forward.