photo by: Journal-World

The Douglas County Commission will hold their Wednesday meeting at the Douglas County Public Works building, 3755 E 25th St.

Douglas County commissioners at their weekly meeting will hear from open space leaders who want to not only tell but show area residents how easy it can be to put legal protections on land so that it won’t be developed in the future.

On Wednesday, commissioners will hear about a partnership between Douglas County and the Kansas Land Trust. The partnership proposes to create in Douglas County two new conservation easement projects that would serve as an example of what can be done with the legal tool. A conservation easement is a legal document that landowners can voluntarily use to place restrictions on how their property will be used or developed in the future. The easements can create restrictions that last even after a property has sold to a new owner.

The Kansas Land Trust is proposing to spend about $225,000 to work with property owners to create two conservation easement projects that provide a public benefit and exemplify the vision and criteria outlined in Douglas County’s Open Space Plan, according to a memo provided to commissioners.

The partnership also proposes to spend about $25,000 on communication and outreach efforts with county residents who may be interested in such conservation programs.

The project summary provided to commissioners states that Douglas County views its partnership with the Kansas Land Trust as a chance to ensure that future generations remain connected to conserved areas and benefit from the mutually rewarding relationship with the land.

The project — which county commissioners are receiving an update on but not being asked to vote on during Wednesday’s meeting — is part of a larger county effort to protect open spaces. In 2022, commissioners designated $2.78 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to support initiatives related to the Open Space Plan, which prioritizes three key areas: enhancing current parks, supporting private land conservation programs, and preserving the Wakarusa River Corridor.

Because the pilot project is proposed to use ARPA money, the county and the Kansas Land Trust must have all work completed by Dec. 31, 2026 in order to comply with federal regulations. Open space leaders also are working on other projects. As the Journal-World reported, in July, the team presented an update on efforts that were underway to advance improvements at county parks, with a primary focus on Lone Star Lake Park.

In other business, commissioners will:

* Consider authorizing the county administrator to sign an extension of the cooperation agreement that makes Douglas County a partner in funding the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical department. The department is jointly funded by the city of Lawrence and Douglas County. The department provides fire service inside the city limits of Lawrence, but provides EMS and ambulance service across the entire county. The joint agreement expires at the end of 2024. According to a memo provided to commissioners, a new agreement is needed for both parties to conduct significant planning for the future, regarding issues such as expansion of fire and medical stations and the financial sustainability of the department.

The proposal county commissioners will consider would extend the current agreement until the end of 2025. The memo to commissioners said more time is needed to meet with city of Lawrence staff in order to craft an entirely new, multi-year agreement.

The meeting will also have an executive session for the purpose of “consultation with County Counselor on matters, which would be deemed, privileged under the attorney-client relationship.”

The County Commission’s business meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Douglas County Public Works training room at 3755 E. 25th St. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.