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one document that may be modified over time. <br />2. To provide a uniform process for land acquisition and management that will be utilized throughout <br />the county. <br />3. To provide the public, county staff, and parties involved in the acquisition process with a document <br />that outlines this process in a format that is readily available and clear in its presentation. <br />The ELP Guide serves as a reference for the ELAP throughout the planning process. Three main principles <br />contained in the ELP Guide are: <br />Acquisition of lands consistent with the resource/conservation goals, <br />objectives, and policies set forth by the County; <br />2. Acquisition of lands when other means of protection (e.g., land use <br />regulation) are not effective; and <br />Acquisition, when possible, through the use and assistance of state and <br />federal funds. <br />The primary objective of the ELP Guide is to outline procedures for the acquisition of environmentally <br />significant lands. Such lands are unique and irreplaceable, and contain excellent examples of natural <br />communities including, but not limited to: forest resources; plants; animals; coastal and wetland resources; <br />and surface and groundwater resources. <br />A secondary objective of the ELP Guide is to outline procedures for management of acquired lands so that <br />these lands are restored and/or managed to maximize their ecological value, and developed for passive <br />recreational uses such as hiking and nature trails, educational nature centers, and elevated boardwalks. The <br />acquisition process will consider the cost associated with these public access improvements, as well as the <br />cost associated with habitat management and restoration. <br />The BOCC has the final authority to establish land acquisition policies, procedures, priorities, standards <br />and criteria. The BOCC also approves specific proposals for acquisition, based on the recommendations <br />from the ELAP. In making its recommendations, the ELAP follows the procedures set forth in the ELP <br />Guide, and is advised by county staff. County staff are also responsible for: ensuring that the proposals are <br />properly reviewed by the ELAP, coordinating comments, conducting intergovernmental coordination <br />activities, preparing approval/recommendation memoranda, and negotiating for purchases. <br />4 <br />Revised: December 2023 <br />225 <br />