Often, an NRI and open areas prioritization are folded into the process of developing an open space plan. How do municipalities determine their conservation priorities? While not a requirement, the development of an NRI is recommended as the basis for the open areas inventory. "Once the CAC’s open area inventory and map becomes the official index of these assets, it becomes an expression of the community’s commitment to the responsible management and protection of open space." A Local Leader’s Guide to Open Space Preservation (Pace University Land Use Law Center 2003) open space index: the conservation open areas inventory and conservation open areas map after acceptance and approval by the local legislative body. Open area: any area characterized by natural scenic beauty or, whose existing openness, natural condition, or present state of use, if preserved, would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding development or would establish a desirable pattern of development or would offer substantial conformance with the planning objectives of the municipality or would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources.Ĭonservation open areas inventory: an inventory of open areas within the municipality with each such area identified, described, and listed according to the priority of acquisition or preservation.Ĭonservation open areas map: a map or maps identifying open areas within the municipality which are earmarked for preservation, including, but not limited to, open areas that are required to be set aside out of subdivision plats, publicly owned open areas, open areas preserved by nonpublic organizations, and open areas having conservation, historical, or scenic significance. The CAC can then become a conservation board and more formally participate in land use reviews affecting areas in the index.ĭefinitions from NYS General Municipal Law Section 239-y Once the inventory and map are approved by the local legislative body, they become the municipality's open space index. Different terms are sometimes used by municipalities, but the purpose of an open areas inventory is the same-to identify open spaces with conservation, historical, or scenic significance, and list them in priority order for acquisition or preservation. Terminology used in local open space planning in New York originates from NYS General Municipal Law Sections 239-x and 239-y, which direct Conservation Advisory Councils (CACs) to create an open areas inventory and map. Open space serves many purposes, whether publicly or privately owned, and can include parks, recreational sites, scenery, trails, forests and woodlands, wetland and stream corridors, rare or important habitats, farms, and historic properties. The term open space refers to land that is not intensively developed for residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional use. With a natural resources inventory (NRI) in hand, communities are well-positioned to develop strategies to conserve their priority natural areas and the many benefits that come with a healthy environment. Combined with analysis and community input, the NRI provides a foundation for developing an open space inventory and plan. Community input is a critical part of local open space planning.
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