Title
Vote to Approve the FY 2026-27 Cooperative Forestry Agreement with the N.C. Forest Service
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Chatham County partners with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, N.C. Forest Service, to provide forestry services within the County. The annual agreement provides for the staffing and operation of the County forestry program, including forest management, wildfire prevention and suppression, and protection and improvement of forest lands. For FY 2026-27, the total cooperative forestry budget is $417,135, with the State providing $250,281 (60%) and Chatham County providing $166,854 (40%).
Discussion & Analysis: The agreement continues the County’s partnership with the N.C. Forest Service for forestry services from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The County’s share of the program funds personnel and associated operating expenses necessary to provide forestry services within Chatham County.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This agreement supports Plan Chatham Goal 2, “Preserve, protect, and enable agriculture and forestry,” and Goal 8, “Become more resilient by mitigating, responding and adapting to emerging threats,” through forest management, wildfire prevention and suppression, and protection of forest lands.
Budgetary Impact: Chatham County’s FY 2026-27 share of the agreement is $166,854. Funding for this agreement was included and approved as part of the adopted FY 2026-27 budget; therefore, no additional appropriation is required
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve the FY 2026-27 Agreement for the Protection, Development and Improvement of Forest Lands in Chatham County with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, N.C. Forest Service, and authorize the appropriate County officials to execute the agreement.