2012 cuyahoga county natural resources assistance council applicant workshop
DESCRIPTION
Cuyahoga County Natural Resources Assistance Council http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/nrac/TRANSCRIPT
CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION APPLICANT WORKSHOPROUND 7September 18th, 2012 Canalway Visitor Center
CUYAHOGA COUNTY NATURAL RESOURCES ASSISTANCE COUNCIL
AGENDA
1. Overview of the Clean Conservation Ohio Program Statewide and District 1 Purpose Program Requirements
2. The Cuyahoga County Conservation Program Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) Applications Evaluation Methodology Round 7 Application Requirements
3. Q.&A.
CLEAN OHIO
The Clean Ohio Fund restores, protects, and connects Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, developing state-wide recreational trails, and cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities.
The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program helps to fund preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and stream corridors.
CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION -Statewide
708 Projects were funded$228.5 million have been
awardedArea protected:
58,000 acres of natural areas and greenspace
From 2000-2009:
CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION – OPWC Policies for Round 7 Clean Ohio Conservation Program application
has been revised Projects not scheduled for acquisition within 12
months from the date of the Project Agreement will be rejected by the Commission.
Program Year 7 applications will be required to have a certified appraisal performed by an Ohio Department of Transportation Prequalified Appraiser
All post acquisition activities must be concluded within a two-year period from the date of acquisition unless a formal extension has been approved by OPWC.
CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION – OPWC Policies for Round 7OPWC POLICY REGARDING MINERAL RIGHTS: Existing oil and gas leases, at the time the
Natural Resources Assistance Council approves the project, will be treated as pre-existing easements which the applicant has no or little control over. Thus, these applications will be approved as submitted.
Requests to engage in oil and gas leasing on Clean Ohio Properties that have been acquired along with the mineral rights will be denied.
CLEAN OHIO CONSERVATION- Cuyahoga County
72 Projects were submitted 37 Projects have been funded $21 million have been awardedArea Protected:
744 acres of natural areas and greenspace
12,000 lineal feet of riparian corridors
From 2000- Present:
PURPOSE
Preserve Open Space. Protect Riparian Corridors. Protect Rare, Threatened or Endangered
Species. Support Open Space Planning. Preserve Wetlands and Other Scarce
Natural Resources. Preserve Streamside Forests, Natural
Stream Channels and Floodplains.
A Unique Opportunity to Advance Conservation
Forested Bank on the Chagrin River
Mill Creek Area Vistas
TYPES OF PROJECTS
OPEN SPACE Acquisition of open space Acquisition of land or rights in
land for parks, forests, wetlands, natural areas that protect an endangered plant or animal population.
Construction or enhancement of facilities to make the acquired open space accessible and useable by the general public.
Acquisition of land to connect natural area corridors.
Fee simple acquisitionof lands to provideaccess to riparian corridors or watersheds.
Acquisition of easements for the purpose of protecting and enhancing riparian corridors or watersheds.
Reforestation of land or the planting of vegetation for filtration purposes.
Riparian Trail –Chagrin River Reservation
Category 3 Forested Wetland
RIPARIAN CORRIDORS
TYPES OF PROJECTS
Acquisition Expenses Fee simple purchases Easement purchases
Planning and Implementation Appraisal Closing costs Title search Environmental assessments Design
Construction or Enhancement of Facilities i.e. internal low-impact trails, boardwalks,
lookouts, benches, small parking areas for access
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIESMill Creek Conservation Project
Before Cleanup
Mill Creek Conservation Project Today
Acquisition of land for activities other than preservation and conservation.
Water management activities Flood control projects (dams,
dredging, etc.). Projects that accelerate untreated
water runoff. Stormwater management is the
primary purpose. Plan preparation. See OPWC Application
Instructions for more on Eligible vs. Ineligible project components.
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Local SubdivisionsCountiesCitiesVillagesTownship
Special DistrictsConservancy DistrictsSoil and Water
Conservation DistrictsJoint Recreation DistrictsPark District/Authority
Non-Profit CorporationsExempt from federal income taxation.Has conservation activities as a primary part of its mission.
ROUND 7 FUNDING
Funds Available. Round 7 Allocation - $3,206,116 Available balance - $ 606,210 Total $3,812,326
Awards – grants only. Maximum grant award – 75% of
Total Project Cost. 25% Local Match Required. No limit to the amount requested.
Can be: funds Contributions of money by any
person, local political subdivision or the federal government.
Contributions in-kind through the purchase or donation of equipment, land, easements, interest in land, labor and materials necessary to complete the project.
Market value of property.
LOCAL MATCH
OPWC
CONSERVATION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
• Oversees “Issue 1” and Clean Ohio Conservation Program.• Approves methodologies of NRACs• Gives final approval of
recommended projects.• Oversees implementation of projects.
• Appoints NRAC members.
DOPWIC
NRAC• Implements Clean Ohio
Conservation Program in Cuyahoga County.
• Develops project selection and evaluation methodology.
• Selects projects for funding and makes recommendations to OPWC.
OPWCOPWC
DOPWIC
DOPWIC
DOPWIC
Hemlock Ravine Slopes
at Beecher’s Brook
Solomon’s Seal wildflower at
Beecher’s Brook
CUYAHOGA COUNTY CONSERVATION PROGRAM
NATURAL RESOURCES ASSISTANCE COUNCIL (NRAC)
Eleven members appointed by DOPWIC.1 member from DOPWIC1 member from Cuyahoga County Soil and Water Conservation District
9 members to represent 5 categories: 2 - Government 3 - Environment 2 - Park Systems 1 - Agricultural 1- Business, Realtors or Planning
CUYAHOGA COUNTY NRAC MEMBERSHIP
Member Representing
DAVID BEACHDirector, GreenCityBlueLake Institute
Environment
KYLE DREYFUSS WELLS, SECRETARYEnvironmental Manager, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Environment
CARRIE HANSENManager, Research and Planning City of Cleveland, Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects
Park System
DOROTHY HAZELBoard Member, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District
Soil and Water Conservation District
HONORABLE SUSAN RENDA, CHAIRMayor, Village of Moreland Hills
District One Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC)
NATALIE RONAYNE, VICE CHAIRExecutive Director, Cleveland Botanical Garden
Environment
JENNIFER SCOFIELD Cuyahoga County Stat Coordinator, Office of County Executive Edward FitzGerald
Government
CAROL THALERRepresentative, Western Reserve Resource, Conservation & Development District
Agriculture
CHRISTOPHER URBANManager of Physical Development, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Business, Realtors, Planning
HONORABLE RANDALL WESTFALLMayor, Village of Valley View
Government
BRIAN ZIMMERMANExecutive Director, Cleveland Metroparks
Park System
Largest and most urbanized of Ohio’s counties. 90% of land is developed and only 10% is
designated open space. Existing open space areas.
Fragmented Not always accessible
to the public Some are degraded/
destroyed by pollutionand mismanagement
Others abandoned due to poorplanning and outmigration
OPEN SPACE IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY
Existing Open Spaces
DISTRICT ONE NRAC PRINCIPLES
To ensure that projects are visible, accessible and instructional, the NRAC has 5 guiding principles:
1. Preserve natural areas or open space.
2. Restore landscapes that have been degraded or destroyed.
3. Enhance the quality of natural areas or open space.
4. Link natural areas to each other or to county cultural and civic heritage areas.
5. Provide public access to natural areas and/or county cultural and civic heritage areas.
RESTORATION ACTIVITIES
Restoration MUST be accompanied by acquisition of land for protection
Restoration activities MUST be included in the project budget to be eligible for restoration points.
Examples of restoration components: Returning the open space to a natural state; Ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the
species (flora/fauna) are both native and resilient; Integrate the community’s cultural heritage; and Provide opportunities for cultural and ecological
relationships.
PROJECT APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
1. OPWC Clean Ohio Conservation Application OPWC website:
http://www.pwc.state.oh.us/GSCApplication.html2. NRAC Application Supplement
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission website: http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/nrac/
Available as a PDF and Word document3. Attachments: Maps, pictures, applicable pages or
sections of master plans or other reports, any other backup documentation.
4. Resolution(s) of Support: A project will need a resolution of support from the appropriate political subdivision(s) (Cuyahoga County, municipalities, townships) as determined by the Ohio Revised Code, section 164.23
A Glossary of Terms is also available.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Must submit 1 original (single-sided) and 11 copies. Copies to be submitted: 10 Hard copies – double sided; 11 point. 1 Digitally on compact disc.
A certified appraisal Property Valuation as determined by
Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officehttp://fiscalofficer.cuyahogacounty.us/
en-US/REPI.aspx Materials must be typed using at least
an 11 font. All copies should be bound on the left-
hand side.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL to NRAC
A certified appraisal must be included. Appraisals must be done by an Ohio
Department of Transportation Prequalified Appraiser, who is credentialed in value analysis.http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/E
ngineering/RealEstate/Pages/LPA.aspxhttp://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/E
ngineering/Consultant/Consultant/prequal-row.pdf
The project will not be evaluated if the appraisal is not attached.
APPRAISAL REQUIREMENTS
PROJECT EVALUATION AND SCORING
Financial Information – Page 2 Financial Resources – Page 2 Project Description – Page 4 Project Schedule – Page 5 Project Officials – Page 5 Attachments – Page 6
APPLICATION SPECIFICS OPWC APPLICATION – Important points.
NRAC APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT
Relates directly to the NRAC Evaluation Methodology.
Used along with the OPWC Application to review projects.
Applicant responsible in making sure all documents are complete and accurate.
APPLICATION SPECIFICS
PROJECT EVALUATION
The Evaluation Process is divided into three major components:
Phase 1: Preliminary Project Evaluation
Phase 2: Preliminary Project Scoring (includes Applicant Interviews) and Public Meeting
Phase 3: Final Project Scoring and Recommendations to OPWC
PROJECT EVALUATION
The NRAC Application Supplement has six major sections that are scored:
Section One: Project Emphasis Section Two: Project Description Section Three: County Principles Section Four: Project Benefits Section Five: Needs Of The District Section Six: Other Relevant Factors
Section 1. PROJECT EMPHASIS
Page 2: Based on the factors stated in
authorizing legislation Indicate each factor that will be
achieved by the project Check as many as apply in one category
EXAMPLE: Open space project will acquire property identified in the city’s open space plan and will preserve a high quality wetland that will be used by the city’s school district as a hands-on science laboratory.NO POINTS AWARDED
Section 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Page 3: Project Name Type of Project
Acquisition of land Acquisition of land/facilities for accessibility Riparian Corridor restoration
Appraisal or Conservation Value Provide no more than a three-page
project description that includes a map showing the project location(s) and the local setting. NO POINTS AWARDED
Types of Acquisition: Project site must be secured in perpetuity. Land Securement Tools -
Fee simple: Absolute title to the land, free of any conditions, easements, limitations, encumbrances, or other claims against the title such that a property owner can sell the property or leave it to another by will or inheritance.
Conservation Easement: a right or interest in land that is held for the public purpose of retaining land, water, or wetland areas predominantly in their natural, scenic, open, or wooded condition. Recorded as a deed restriction.
Section 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (cont).
Map Example: Abram Creek Wetland Protection Area
Identify: Project site
Property lines
Community boundaries
Surrounding areas
Local roads, major buildings or institutions
Section 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (cont).
Page 4: Foundation of the NRAC
methodology.
Identify the principle(s) that will be advanced by the project.
Describe how the project will achieve the identified principles.
Section 3. COUNTY PRINCIPLES
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10 POINTS PER PRINCIPLE
•Preserve
•Enhance
•Provide
•Restore
•Link
Page 5: ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Explain the economic benefits that apply: Improving a community’s image Increasing the value of surrounding property Adding amenities that retain and attract
businesses and property owners Reducing blighted images Decreasing the cost of municipal services
Section 4. PROJECT BENEFITS
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
Page 5: SOCIAL BENEFITS
Explain the individual and community benefits that apply:
Protecting and improving human health Creating educational opportunities Providing for communal activities and social
interaction Creating exercise opportunities Enhancing the cultural and civic assets of an
area Maintaining the history and heritage of an
area Providing psychological benefits
Section 4. PROJECT BENEFITS (cont.)
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
Page 5: ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Explain the ecological benefits of acquiring, conserving or restoring the project:
Improving biodiversity and protecting plants and animals
Creating wildlife habitatsRemoving invasive speciesConserving energy and reducing “heat island”
effectsCleaning urban water, land and airReducing stormwater runoff and improving
water infiltration and sequestration
Section 4. PROJECT BENEFITS (cont.)
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
Will the Project… Advance a Concept from an Adopted Plan? Be of Regional or County Significance? Retain Parts of the County’s Natural Heritage? Provide Openspace to Areas that Lack Access? Provide Openspace to Low-Income Minority
Neighborhoods?
Section 5. NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
Page 6:
Page 7:Other Project Funding:
Each project requires a minimum 25% local match
Points awarded based on percentage of local match – the higher the local match the higher the points.
Section 6. OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
Level of Coordination:Project is coordinated with another NRAC
project.Another community, federal/state agency,
community or conservation organization, or a business group.
Page 7:Readiness to Proceed:
Project will be ready-to-go within 6 months or 1 year.
10 BONUS POINTS
MAXIMUM POINTS - 10
Immediacy:Project requires immediate action or the
conservation opportunity will be lost.
Section 6. OTHER PROJECT FACTORS
Page 7:Property Rights: Mineral rights are emerging as a major influence on property values. Explain what property rights will be conveyed by the terms of purchase of land or conservation easement, specifically in regards to mineral and extraction rights.
NO POINTS -
Section 6. OTHER PROJECT FACTORS
New for Round 7:
Application Format Appraisals
ODOT Pre-approved County Auditor’s Valuation
Restoration Points Property Rights Disclosure Scoring Review Meeting
NRAC EVALUATION POINTS
CRITERIA MAXIMUM POINTS
WEIGHT FACTOR
MAXIMUM WEIGHTED
POINTS %
County Principles Preserves 10 3 30 12.0
Restores 10 2 20 8.0
Enhances 10 2 20 8.0
Links Areas 10 3 30 12.0
Provides Access 10 2 20 8.0
Principles Subtotal 50 120 48.0
NRAC EVALUATION POINTS
CRITERIA MAXIMUM POINTS
WEIGHT FACTOR
MAXIMUM WEIGHTED
POINTS %
Benefits
Economic 10 1 10 4.0
Social 10 2 20 8.0
Environmental 10 3 30 12.0
Benefits Subtotal 30 60 24.0
Needs of the District
10 3 30 12.0
NRAC EVALUATION POINTS
CRITERIAMAXIMU
M POINTS
WEIGHT FACTOR
MAXIMUM WEIGHTED
POINTS %
Other Relevant Factors Other Project Funding 10 1 10 4.0
Level of Coordination 10 1 10 4.0
Readiness to Proceed 10 1 10 4.0
Immediacy (bonus) 10 1 10 4.0
Property Rights 0 0 0 0
Other Subtotal 40 40 16.0
TOTAL* 130 250 100
*PROJECTS MUST RECEIVE A SCORE OF AT LEAST 60% or 150 WEIGHTED POINTS OF THE TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING.
ROUND 7APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTSAPPLICATION DUE DATE:
To be considered for financial assistance,application must be received by:
4:30 P.M. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 at at the
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission323 Lakeside Avenue, Suite 400
Cleveland, OH 44113(216) 443-3700
(216) 443-3737 (FAX)
ROUND 7 SCHEDULE
ACTIVITY DATE
Applicant Workshop Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Applications Due to NRAC Friday, October 26, 2012
Project Evaluation October 29 – December 12, 2012
NRAC Applicant Interviews Thursday, November 15, 2012
NRAC Scoring Meeting Wednesday, December 5, 2012
NRAC Project Selection Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Proposal Submitted to OPWC Wednesday, December 20, 2012
OPWC Approval of Projects December 2012
DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Clean Ohio Conservation Program contact:Lou Mascari, Program Representative
Ohio Public Works Commission(614) 752-8117
Cuyahoga County Natural Resources Assistance Council contact:
Alison Ball or Meghan ChaneyCuyahoga County Planning Commission
(216) [email protected]
CONTACT INFORMATION
QUESTIONSAND
ANSWERS