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WHEREAS, the City of Denton recognizes that the long-term prosperity and success
the City of Denton depends on an adequate and safe drinking water supply, without it our econo
cannot grow or prosper; and I
WHEREAS, as growth and development continue across the region, population in this
i w. fe-i i NO cxntinue to increase.. race idlip transfo i U from a rural setting to an area
with urban characteristics; d
WHEREAS, communities, including the City of Denton, are knitted together by many
water courses that extend into and through neighborhoods, transporting water to the nearest creek
or lake - - the sources of our drinking water; and
WHEREAS, the vegetated areas along creeks and rivers (also known as greenbelts)
provide a buffer between homes, farms and the neighboring creeks; filtering out harmful
pollutants, such as soil, silt, fertilizers and pesticides before they reach the creeks and rivers,
thereby protecting the quality of water where we live; and
WHEREAS, we believe that protecting and preserving local greenbelts today cost very
little in comparison to restoring them in the future; and
WHEREAS, Denton County, the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and Upper Trinity
Conservation Trust developed the Plan as a coordinated effort to identify priority greenbelt areas
and other related natural assets in need of preservation; and
WHEREAS, the Plan has identified priority greenbelts near the City of Denton, and
provides strategies that can be implemented on a voluntary basis to help protect our water supply
sources; and
WHEREAS, to help champion the Plan, Denton County is creating a Coordinating
Committee, which the City of Denton will be eligible to participate, as a supporter of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, it is advisable to advance the Plan in a cooperative voluntary manner with
neighboring communities, considering appropriate policies and actions that will help preserve and
protect water resources and enhance the quality of life for all Denton County residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF DENTON:
SECTION 1. That all matters stated in the preamble are found to be true and correct and
are hereby incorporated into the body of this resolution as if copied in their entity.
SECTION 2. That the City of Denton does adopt the Denton County Greenbelt Plan to be
a convenient guide in preserving and protecting greenbelts within City of Denton's jurisdiction, to
help protect the watershed, right where we live, knowing that the quality of life for our people
depend on the preservation of these irreplaceable water assets.
SECTION 3. That the City of Denton does direct its staff to review the Plan for timely
recommendations and for incorporation of appropriate items into City of Denton policies, practices
and standards, enacting appropriate ordinances, zoning requirements or other measures that will
protect greenbelts within our local jurisdiction.
SECTION 4. To help achieve the preservation and protection of local greenbelts, City of
Denton hereby expresses its intent to participate on the Coordinating Committee to be formed by
Denton County; and will work with Denton County, Upper Trinity and other stakeholders to
implement strategies and best management practices for the protection of our watershed.
SECTION 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage.
I'llnnottop to ��cova this
�„�c�l�ata��a� �"�a"" i��,athe resolution was passed and seconded lrc ...
...... by
[lie following Vete [_.q 0... =
Mayor Chris Watts:
Gerard Hudspeth, District 1:
Keely G. Briggs, District 2:
Jesse Davis, District 3:
John Ryan, District 4:
Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5:
Paul Meltzer, At Large Place 6:
Aye Nay
1
Abstain Absent
PASSED AND APPROVED this, the, /2,dday of '2019.
pWe^Y�Mh�� dd
CHRIS Wry 1 t , MAYOR .e.....
'Frei ,
ATTEST:
ROSA RIOS, CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
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Denton County Greenbelt Plan Sponsors
Denton County
Denton County, under leadership of the County Judge and Commissioners,
provides planning and other services for the rural and urban areas of the
County; and, coordinates transportation and public works needs among
communities as the population continues to grow - - while keeping
sustainability, environmental protection, and quality of life as priorities.
Upper Trinity Regional Water District
Upper Trinity Regional Water District was created by the Texas Legislature
in 1989 for the benefit of cities and utilities in the Denton County area. Its
mandate is to develop regional plans for water and wastewater services on
a wholesale basis to cities and utilities in the Denton County area. Upper
Trinity is a leader in public education about water conservation and water
quality protection.
Acknowledgements
Upper Trinity Conservation Trust
Created as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) land trust in 2010 by the Upper
Trinity Regional Water District Board of Directors, the Conservation
Trust works with communities, landowners and developers to preserve
natural watershed and riparian assets within the catch basins of the
District's water supply sources. The mission of the Trust is to promote
the conservation and stewardship of land and water resources through
educational activities, coordination with local governments, and the
acquisition of land and conservation easements - - protecting water quality
in our water supply basins for future generations.
Many stakeholders participated and contributed to the development of the Denton County Greenbelt Plan - - some by participating in public meetings
and others through the website or online surveys. The Plan Sponsors would like to express appreciation to all stakeholders who participated. Active
stakeholders included:
- Denton County Residents
- City/ Town Officials and Staff
- University of North Texas — Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
- Greenbelt Alliance
- North Central Texas Council of Governments
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service — Denton County
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas Department of Transportation
- Texas Master Naturalists
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Trust for Public Land
- and more!
Many thanks to the consultant team:
Alan Plummer Associates, Inc.
Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, Inc.
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ENVIRONMENTAL Schrickel Rollins and Associates Inc
ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS
I
As land continues to be developed in Denton County, converting
farms and ranches into communities, it's important to remember the
role and benefits of creeks and waterways - - not only as a source of
water for farm animals and wildlife, but also as a source of drinking
water for our growing communities. Preserving the natural areas
(greenbelts) adjacent to the creeks and other waterways is vital to
having dependable, clean drinking water. As water flows across the
land, these greenbelts help filter out harmful pollutants before the
water enters the creeks and lakes, protecting the quality of water.
The Denton County Greenbelt Plan helps set a common vision for
preserving greenbelts; and, it provides strategies for stakeholders
(municipalities, developers, landowners and residents) to use in
protecting these valuable natural assets. Within the mission of Upper
Trinity Conservation Trust, one strategy for protecting these assets
is through conservation easements. Conservation easements offer a
convenient way to preserve valuable watershed areas and greenbelts
- - also, wildlife habitat and family heritage lands.
Conservation easements are voluntary agreements between a
landowner and a qualified land trust that enables a landowner to retain
possession while protecting a designated area in perpetuity. As a
nonprofit land trust, Upper Trinity Conservation Trust is available to
accept conservation easements from landowners, developers and
municipalities that desire to protect greenbelts and other watershed
lands. Easement donors can enjoy a valuable partnership with the
Trust who can help them carry out their goals that they have for their
land.
The voluntary nature of the Denton County Greenbelt Plan will ensure
that the municipalities, developers and others implementing it are
doing so because of the great economic, environmental and social
benefits for everyone in Denton County. Together, we can preserve
the quality of our environment and life in Denton County and leave a
legacy for future generations.
Trent Lewis
President
Upper Trinity Conservation Trust
Denton County is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. Just
take a look around: a strong local economy, thriving communities, excellent
educational institutions, and a rich history, and beautiful landscapes. Over
the next several years, Denton County's population is expected to surpass
one million people, making the County the fifth fastest growing in the State.
As our County transitions to a more urban setting, we should be mindful of
potential impacts on our quality of life, and to the environment, especially
to protection of water quality in our local lakes - - a key source for our
drinking water.
The County's long-term prosperity and success depends on an adequate
and safe drinking water supply; without it, our economy cannot grow or
prosper. Maintaining precious natural assets, such as greenbelts, is
important to the safety and security of our water supply, and to the quality
of life that residents have come to expect in Denton County. If left in
their natural condition, greenbelts (the vegetated areas along creeks and
streams) offer many benefits and provide a buffer between homes and the
neighboring creeks. Greenbelts also provide recreational and educational
opportunities to residents; and, help filter out harmful pollutants before
reaching the creek.
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Denton County is proud to be a sponsor of the Denton County Greenbelt
Plan - - a voluntary guide to preserving and protecting local greenbelt
areas. The Plan offers a common vision in preserving these natural
assets; and, will help coordinate the roles that municipalities, developers,
landowners and other stakeholders have in protecting greenbelts. Each of
us can have a role in preserving and protecting greenbelts - - now, and for
future generations!
A coordinating committee will help champion and oversee implementation
of the Plan. The mission of the Committee will be to encourage, and work
with, the many stakeholders to pursue the most effective strategies for
preservation of greenbelts throughout the County. The committee will
be diverse and represent the many stakeholders that makes our County
so unique. Together, we can make a difference to ensure our economy
continues to grow, while preserving important greenbelt areas and
protecting our valuable water supply.
Now is the time to protect our natural resource assets for future
generations!
Mary Horn
Denton County Judge
Local communities are knitted together by the many water courses that
extend into and through neighborhoods, transporting water to the nearest
creek or lake - - the sources of our drinking water. Please, an alert! As
our region transforms from a largely rural setting to one with more urban
character, it is urgent that we consider the effect on water quality and our
water supply. At Upper Trinity Regional Water District, a priority goal is to
safeguard our local water resources and the quality of life "right where we
live". To reach the goal, we need your help.
Now is the time to preserve natural waterways and to protect water quality
in local watersheds. Greenbelts and flood plains; streams and waterways;
riparian lands and wetlands - - all are irreplaceable assets. Greenbelts
help protect creeks and lakes by filtering out pollutants, such as sediment,
pesticides and fertilizer. Also, greenbelts are an important buffer during
flood events. These critical functions are the focus of the Denton County
Greenbelt Plan - - helping protect and safeguard these assets for the future.
Good news: it costs very little to protect existing watershed assets - - if we
do it now. In contrast, it would cost a fortune to try to restore greenbelts
later, if the watershed were allowed to become impaired.
-INA- WATER DISTRICT
In some cases, greenbelts can help enhance the quality of life for residents
by enabling hike and bike trails. Typically, greenbelts also help improve
property values for nearby homes. The Greenbelt Plan will serve as a
useful guide for municipalities, landowners and developers for voluntary
implementation of greenbelts areas. The Plan encourages stakeholders to
coordinate the planning and preservation of multi -use greenbelts according
to a common vision.
If you appreciate natural greenbelt areas, we urge you to get involved,
to volunteer to help. Please join in the effort to achieve sustainability of
greenbelt assets in Denton County, and enhance the quality of life for all
residents.
If we each do our part well, just think of the legacy you can leave for
future generations!
Thomas E. Taylor
Executive Director
Upper Trinity Regional Water District
Denton County is growing - FAST. In less than 25 years, the population
of Denton County is projected to be over 1.4 million, or double its current
population. With growth, land uses will change. The rural character of
the County will likely transform to urban and suburban land uses similar
to what is occurring in neighboring Counties. As developable space
becomes a premium, the County's streams, creeks, and other aquatic
resources will be stressed from these impending land -use changes. Now
is the time to initiate cooperative efforts for the protection of Denton
County's water resources, especially its streams, creeks, and the Elm
Fork of the Trinity River — the sources for our drinking water.
To address the foreseeable land use changes, the Upper Trinity
Conservation Trust, Denton County, and Upper Trinity Regional Water
District commissioned a study to inventory and analyze greenbelts
along the County's major streams and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.
The major emphasis for this study was to identify existing greenbelts,
opportunities for developing and expanding greenbelt corridors, and
to categorize and prioritize area streams and watersheds for greenbelt
preservation. This document summarizes those efforts with the
overarching goal "to protect the water quality entering Denton County's
three primary drinking water supply reservoirs — Lewisville Lake, Ray
Roberts Lake, and Grapevine Lake." Of course, once preserved, a
greenbelt offers community benefits far beyond just protection of water
quality. Such drainageways flow through all communities, with many
opportunities to benefit neighborhoods and Denton County as a whole.
The purpose for the Denton County Greenbelt Plan ("the Plan") is to
assist in protecting the greenbelts along and associated with streams that
flow into the local water supply reservoirs. The Plan is not intended to
be a regulatory document; rather, a convenient guide to encourage and
enable closer coordination among stakeholders.
Stakeholders include Denton County's municipalities, developers, citizens,
and land owners. It is important to recognize the importance of our
waterways and associated riparian zones, and to acknowledge the priority
streams identified within the Plan. Implementation strategies are provided
in the Plan to help protect the identified priority greenbelt corridors and
streams for the foreseeable future. The following are highlights of the
Denton County Greenbelt Plan.
Figure ES -1: Priority Streams
E N B E_ SYSTEM -E - H -
- .reams
Within the Plan, approximately 1,225 miles of streams were identified
as "priority streams" (Figure ES -1) both within Denton County and the
adjoining Counties. These priority streams are significant contributors
of water to the local water supply reservoirs. These streams are located
in both urban and urbanizing areas, and in rural areas. Corridors along
some of these streams already contain developments at or near the
streams edge. Therefore, opportunities for greenbelt protection along
these developed stream segments may be limited.
Of special note, the Plan identifies those streams that will help maintain
existing greenbelts and the streams that have an opportunity to restore
connections to the existing greenbelt corridors. A compelling fact: it is
much more cost effective to protect greenbelts and stream corridors
now -- rather than restore greenbelts and stream corridors after they
have been lost to nearby development.
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Several of the priority streams are flanked with significant widths
of vegetation typically consisting of a mixture of trees, shrubs, and
herbaceous vegetation. These heavily vegetated streams are the existing
greenbelts identified within the Plan. The graphic in Figure ES -2 shows
the existing greenbelt inventory.
Greenbelts serve a valuable function for all of us; they help filter and
sequester storm water in the riparian zone before it enters the stream
— thus slowing the flow and improving the quality of water entering the
actual stream. Within Denton County, some agencies have set aside
certain existing greenbelts, providing protection for water quality and
riparian assets. Examples include already established linear parks,
federal lands associated with the three major lakes within Denton County,
and areas protected by ordinances, setbacks and dedications in the Cities
of Denton and Lewisville, Town of Flower Mound, and the master -planned
community of Lantana. However, a majority of the existing greenbelt
opportunities lack mechanisms to protect their ecological and water
quality functions.
- _ E A M - W _ G R E E N B Ems_ - A RA - T E R -- _ C -
Figure ES -2: Greenbelt Inventory
A majority of the priority streams identified in the Plan lack diversity of
vegetation to meet the usual qualifications for greenbelt status. The
vegetation surrounding these priority streams has either been greatly
reduced in species composition and width, or completely removed for
agricultural pursuits or for some other land use. However, all is not
lost; they are still worthy of being preserved for their riparian assets and
benefits.
Within the Plan, these stream segments are classified as Greenbelt
Opportunities. These are the areas that need special attention and
preservation to protect the quality of water and to ensure other
benefits for future generations. Figure ES -4 identifies these Greenbelt
Opportunities.
These Greenbelt Opportunity streams may require modifications to
adjacent land uses as well as implementing protection mechanisms.
Example land use modifications include allowing vegetation to reestablish
within the riparian corridor, possibly limiting or exceeding cattle or other
livestock from the stream corridor - - and for the long-term, providing
for preservation of the riparian zone and a potential set -back for future
development from the stream's edge. Design parameters for the
protection of streams are provided in the document.
In summary, to protect the quality of water within local water supply
reservoirs, preserving a 100 -foot wide buffer or set -back from the top of
stream bank is generally recommended, as illustrated in the Figure below.
However, greenbelts of lesser width will yield significant benefits for
water quality protection, for bank stabilization and for trails or other uses.
Existing municipal ordinances in Denton County vary in specified width;
and, some municipalities have different widths depending on the size of
the stream. Each municipality in cooperation with development activity is
encouraged to determine what is feasible for their purposes.
Bank Stabilization 1� t� i uu Tt.
Prairie Wildlife
100 ft. 165 ft.
Water Quality Protection Forest Wildlife
Figure ES -3: Recommended Greenbelt Corridor Width, Courtesy Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service -
Figure ES -4: Greenbelt Opportunities
KE
FIRM-- WATERN-113SANS-R-AMS
In the planning area, forty-one sub-watersheds to the Elm Fork of the
Trinity River contribute flow directly to the three Denton County reservoirs.
Within those 41 sub-watersheds, there are 73 named streams including
the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Each of the named streams, their
tributaries, and their watersheds were ranked based on a high, medium,
or low priority status, which translates to a timeline for implementing the
Plan. The planning horizon associated with the prioritization rankings is:
High —1-10 years
Medium —10-20 years
Low — 20 years and beyond
Of the 41 sub -watersheds, 11 were ranked as high priority; and, of the 73
named streams, 26 were identified as high priority streams. Figure ES -5
shows the priority status associated with the 41 sub -watersheds and the
73 name streams and their tributaries. As shown, the majority of the high
priority watersheds and streams are near the three major reservoirs and
the major urban centers within Denton County.
The existing Greenbelts and Greenbelt Opportunities were then overlaid
onto the prioritized watersheds and streams. This helps to identify the
greenbelts in need of protection and/or preservation. Figure ES -6, on
the following page, shows the highest priority watershed with existing
Greenbelts and Greenbelt Opportunities identified. Each of the 41 sub -
watersheds are identified in the Appendices with the existing Greenbelts
and Greenbelt Opportunities shown.
1: Walnut Branch -Isle du Bois Creek
15'. Running Branch -Lewisville Lake
29: Indian Creek -Elm Fork Trinity River
2: Pond Creel; Elm Fork Trinity River
1G. Hcudw Dtcru Hickory Crock
30. Crapomi-c Crock -Elm Fork Trinity Rivcr
3: Culp Branch -Elm Fork Trinity River
17'. South H ickory Creek
31: North Pecan Creek -Denton Creek
Blucker Creek
10. Upper Hicku ry Creek
32: Morris Branch-Dentor Creek
5: Whites Creek -Clear Creek
19Middle Hickory Creek
33: Hog Branch -Denton Creek
6: Flat Creek
20'. Lower H icko ry Creek
34: 01 fiver Creek
7: Buck CreekClearCreek
21. Harmony Ranch -Lewisville Lake
35: Headwaters Elizabeth Creek
8: Little Duck Creek -Duck Creek
22'. Pecan Creek -Lewisville Lake
36: Henrietta Creek
9: Moores Branch Clear Creek
23'. Doe Branch Lewisville Lake
37. Elizabcth Crock-Dcnton Crock
10: Milano Creek -Clear Creek
24. Panther Creek -Lewisville Lake
38: Denton Creek -Grapevine Lake
11' Headwaters Little Elm Creek
25. Cul.Lunwuud Brdricli-Lewisville Lake
39. MdrShdll Brdncli-Grdpevine Lake
12: Mustang Creek
26'. Stewart Creek -Lewisville Lake
40: Dove CreekGrapevineLake
13: Town of Celina -Lewisville Lake
27. Prairie Creek -Elm Fork Trinity River
41: Cottonwood Branch -Denton Creek
14: Pecan Creek
28'. Timber Creek
Figure ES -5 Watershed Priority Status
PRESERVED STREAM CORRIDORS
IM PROTECTED BY ORDINANCE OR OTHER
GREENBELT PRESERVATION OPPORTUNITY -
:I PRIMARY OPPORTUNITY
SECONDARY OPPORTUNITY
LIMITED OPPORTUNITY
Stewart
Stream Priority Watershed Priority
LOW Low
MEDIUM Medium
HIGH EM High I
I Creek -Lewisville Lake Watershed (HUC 120301030902)
n Segment and Watershed Priority Scores
n County Greenbelt Plan
22 of 41
Stream Name, Miles, Priority Score I '.' "-
- Cantrell Slough, 6, 86 - Cooper Creek, 5, 90 - Pecan Creek Wes[T, 6, 90 - Pecan Creek Wes[, ], 92 w ^ 2
- Cooper Creek, 4, 86 - Lewisville Lake T1, 3, 89 - Pecan Creek Wes[, 6, 87 C/V�yJ�
Watershed Name, Priority Score 8,500 4,250 0 8,500 Feet
Pecan Creek -Lewisville Lake, 88.15
Figure ES -6: Highest Priority Watershed
Figure ES -7: City of Denton Greenbelt Opportunity
To assist municipalities, the existing Greenbelts and Greenbelt Opportunities were superimposed onto their corporate limits and extra -territorial
jurisdiction. As an example, Figure ES -7 shows the existing Greenbelts, Greenbelt Opportunities, and Developed Stream Corridors within the City of
Denton.
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The Denton County Greenbelt Plan is not intended to be a regulatory
document; rather, the goal for the Plan is to be a convenient guide
to encourage and enable closer coordination among stakeholders.
Therefore, successful implementation of the Plan, on a voluntary basis,
will require strong leadership at all levels: support from County officials,
and active support from local municipalities and dedicated citizens. A
successful fulfillment of the Plan will depend on informed and supportive
citizens and landowners, the stewardship of the County's critical natural
assets - private landowners own a majority of the greenbelt corridors in
Denton County. The overall, long-term vision is to grow the economy of
Denton County, conserving and preserving existing natural assets, while
saving and connecting greenbelts.
_mp_emen3_ng She Man
Greenbelt preservation will require a concerted effort from all
stakeholders, each of which may have a different role. Denton County,
as well as the local municipalities have a distinct role in implementing
the Plan - these entities can enact ordinances, zoning requirements
or other measures that will protect greenbelt corridors within their
respective jurisdictions. In addition, they can provide funding for
greenbelt preservation by issuing bonds or obtaining grants. Non-profit
organizations, such as the Upper Trinity Conservation Trust, and other
natural resource agencies can also obtain grant funding for projects that
would especially benefit landowners and other citizens through public
outreach efforts.
Opportunities for leadership exist - champions for greenbelt
preservation. As part of the implementation, it is recommended that
a Coordinating Committee be established. To keep all stakeholders
informed and connected, the Committee will have an important role
- The coordinating committee would be charged with keeping all
stakeholders informed and connected. The committee will have an
important role in the plan's implementations as well as facilitating
momentum.
To address the goal for protecting valuable watershed assets, the Plan
outlines various strategies to consider in preserving greenbelts.
-Tools to facilitate preservation of Greenbelts within municipal
and County jurisdictions,
-Tools for landowners to consider for greenbelt preservation
efforts, and
• Funding and acquisition opportunities to help save and connect
Greenbelts.
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Potential benefits afforded to Denton County and its communities
from the preservation of Greenbelts are numerous and
quantifiable:
• Conserve the quality of water entering Denton County's water
supply reservoirs, the sources of our drinking water, as the County
is rapidly urbanizing,
-Increase the quality of life for Denton County residents - - by
providing nature -based recreational and educational opportunities,
• Rather than barriers, greenbelts enable increased connections
for both people and wildlife,
-Add zest to neighborhoods and enhance property values,
• Healthy tree roots and other vegetative material help protect
homes and property by stabilizing and protecting stream banks
from erosion potential,
-Increase appreciation for environmental matters through nature -
based educational opportunities,
• Preserve the cultural, historical and natural landscapes of
Denton County, and
-Safeguard habitat for native plants, animals and aquatic species.
3_ __g Deman for �reenab
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Education and outreach programs about greenbelts and the importance
of conserving greenbelt corridors will be imperative for the success of
preserving these critical resources. Within the Plan, numerous strategies
are identified to provide education and outreach. The principal purpose for
these efforts are to generate demand and citizen interest for greenbelts.
These strategies include:
Green -be _3Protect-on-------__-----res
Protection measures need to be implemented to preserve the identified
greenbelt corridors into the foreseeable future. Numerous regulations are
in place on the federal and state level that protects aspects of streams;
however, those regulations do not provide protections to the vegetation
associated with greenbelts per se. Certain municipalities within Denton
County have enacted ordinances specifically to offer protections to
greenbelts. Examples include the Cities of Denton and Lewisville, and the
Town of Flower Mound have ordinances in place to provide protections
to Greenbelt corridors. Ordinances, in conjunction with State and Federal
regulations, are excellent vehicles for protecting Greenbelts.
The Plan offers other preservation measures to consider that are not
necessarily regulatory in nature. These include the establishment of
Greenbelt Districts, Purchase of Development Rights, Conservation
Easements, Mitigation Banking Opportunities, In -Lieu Fee Programs,
and Property Tax Exemptions. Non-profit organizations, such as the
Upper Trinity Conservation Trust, specialize in these types of protection
measures and can partner with the various stakeholders in Denton County
to implement these needed protection measures. Specifics about these
voluntary programs are outlined in the Plan.
reene_3 PreservaHon for-nowners
The majority of the land occupied with existing greenbelts and Greenbelt
Opportunities in Denton County is in private ownership. These
landowners are key to protecting existing greenbelts on their property, as
well as enable connection of Greenbelt Opportunity corridors. The Plan
offers several land management suggestions for landowners to protect
water quality entering the receiving streams. Management suggestions
include:
• Grazing Management
• Cropland Management
• Riparian Corridor Restoration
• Invasive Species Management
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Numerous funding opportunities are available to assist in the preservation
of Greenbelts, including bonds, grants, and donations. Specific funding
opportunities outlined in the Plan include:
• General Obligation Bonds
• Community Development Block Grants
• Development Dedications
• Recreation Grants
• Highway Grants
• 319 Grants
• Public Private Partnerships
• Donations
Other opportunities may be available that are not included in the Plan, any
funding opportunity that can be applied for greenbelt protection purposes
should not be discounted.
__ MUM
Finding a balance between growth and conservation in Denton County
will be a challenge. The Denton County Greenbelt Plan is a step in the
direction toward finding that balance. With the existing and priority
Greenbelt Corridors identified, municipal and County leaders have the
tools needed to know what assets are available for protection. Also,
with the Greenbelt Corridors identified, Developers have the locations of
the priority Greenbelts to consider in their development plans. Finally,
the landowners who have priority Greenbelt corridors located on their
property have tools and mechanisms available to improve water quality
and stream function within their property.
Denton County is at a point of great opportunity. Now is the time to
preserve its natural assets while sustaining economic growth for the next
generations to come.
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