Conservation Development
from policy to practice
Emma McHatten Senior Capstone Project California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo CAED – Landscape Architecture
Special thanks to,
Dave Watts [Interim Landscape Architecture Department Chair] CĂŠsar Torres-Bustamante Assistant Professor and Senior Project Professor]
Robert Hill [Natural Resource Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo]
Produced by Emma McHatten as a Senior Capstone Project Presented to the Landscape Architecture Department in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo
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Table of Contents Beginnings with Dalidio
04-07
What is Conservation Development?
08-13
The Benefits of Open Space
14-25
Project Rationale
26-29
The Toolkit for Conservation Development
30-89
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BEGINNINGS WITH DALIDIO For my senior capstone project I began by exploring Dalidio Ranch in San Luis Obispo. Early research of the Dalidio Ranch site showed that by general plan agreement it was meant to be developed with concepts similar to conservation development. The development of the Dalidio Ranch was greatly delayed in part due to misunderstandings and miscommunication of expectations between developers and city planners. Upon further research of conservation development as a land-use planning tool, I found that many of these conservation-based projects were not being well executed at the policy level or the practice level. I compiled further research regarding how successful conservation development could be if performed properly and about how the current system is failing. It was here that I decided that I would develop a Toolkit for Conservation Development and provide an in depth analysis of the benefits of open space and of conservation development as a land-use planning tool.
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The History of Dalidio Ranch DALIDIO’S HISTORY
1868
ch is a part Dalidio Ran n as t know an gr nd la an o la of a Mexic 1868, Ranch Laguna. In ada Rancho la anchos Can R ith w d ite Laguna un guna s and La La de Los Oso
1994
into Rancho is seperated cels including the three agriculture par de 1 acres) the McBri Dalidio Property (13 , and the Madonna Property (26 acres) acres). general plan “gap” Property (31 of each parcel must requires about 50% ion. vat ser be zoned for pre
2000
ted a The applicant submit ted lication that elimina revised project app office buildings and housing and added ry of 2001 the City park uses. In Februa ner proposal so the ow Council dened the k it to the county. and developer too
1999
ased for Final EIR was rele to the plan and new the public. Changes second EIR to be projects required a performed.
2002
o The San Luis Obisp ve relinquish the initiati County decided to nting sole gra on icti sid Jur to the City’s to and plan approval power over zoning the City.
1998
tion Development applica s nexation Project wa for the Dalidio An . submitted in March
2005
plans Voters rejected the ns. sio ses ing vot nt two differe
in
2006
were A new set of plans t lidio Ranch Projec created for the Da o ns to the County wh and sent to the pla the on er pow ed ish had earlier relinqu sent it to ballots site. They however voter Yes on where 65% of voters the plans approval Measure J, voting for .
2008
t Judge Roger Picque roved proposition, app the d rne rtu ove judge ruled that the stating meaning the by tter to be decided initiative was a ma Court, not by the the city’s Superior rate. county or city electo
2007
Lawsuits were filed for roved proposition app the against h claims that wit t, jec Pro ch Ran Dalidio e the rights to citizens do not hav ns through political isio dec al ltur agricu . ves initiati
2010
peal The 2nd Court of Ap rns SLO County rtu ove CA a, tur in Ven , reinstating the Judge Piquet’s ruling J re asu Me of y idit val
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2013
ns to Dalidio makes pla per. The city elo dev a to ty per sell his pro pers to reach an works with develo for the future of the n isio dec ed approv site
2014...
site The Dalidio Ranch p approval to develo ng aiti aw ues tin con tinue to work with con s per elo dev and t project and plans tha the city to create a idents will enjoy and the city and its res approve.
PUBLIC OPINION ON DALIDIO DEVELOPMENT Through the history of Dalidio Ranch and opinions expressed by the public, it is clear to see the controversy that overwhelmed the design and development process of Dalidio Ranch. Because the process of conservation development was so problematic in San Luis Obispo, a town that is especially proud of its open-space, I decided to research more into the subject of conservation development including how it is implemented and its associated benefits.
Public Opinion
KSBY What do you think of plans to develop the Dalidio Ranch property off of Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo?
7 commented that they enjoy seeing the open space
Cindy Coffman Mayr
10 likes 36 dislikes 4 shares 46 comments Jean Hehn-Bradley
7 Likes
The trouble is...you keep filling up those open green spaces your going to end up like Los Angeles suburbs. The city fathers should be careful about over development.
4 Likes 4 said they are worried about increased traffic due to new development
As someone living in the neighborhood next to this development I’m personally not excited about the increase of traffic on Madonna and/or LOVR. No Malls or big box stores please, I do like the open space between his development and the existing neighborhood. Having all this open space being built on (Costco, Home Depot, Old Navy, Target) has really taken away all the specialness that surrounded that neighborhood......and now more building
6 said they would like to see high end stores
Carole Tarr Morrow 7 Likes Ideally, this property should represent SLO and the interests of the residents: agriculture, art, entertainment, academics, outdoor sports!
Sandy Amborn
6 Likes
We already have budget minded shopping. Lets replace the Riley’s and Gottschalks we lost with a nice store.
7 say they would like to see a design that represents public needs and interests
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CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
The Mindset
Conservation alters based development Fundamentally, the practice of development any given is a, “landuse planning toolecological that requires a portion environment including its associated systems, of a residential property be set aside for balance and funtion. Standard development practicestooften conservation purposes” (Reed, Hilty, & Theobald, times view existing features weather they be of social, 2013). Conservation development can also be historical, or environmental value, and ask question, defined as, “athe form of development that relies on “Why save?” They seek proof of the valueassessments of environmental scientific of the ecological importance elements. A conservation based thinker on theassets othertohand of a property’s identify what parts of a may pose the question, “Why destroy?” based propertyConservation should be protected and restored and how thechallenge remainder should be developed developers ask questions to ensure and the value in a manner compatible with the protection of these assets” (Pajchar, Morgan, Caldwell, Palmer, & Daily of their product in the environment, knowing the great effect 2006). For conservationists it ison a tool conserve environmental, cultural, or historical sites. For it will have thetosite while valuable being sensitive towards such city planners and the public it is a tool to conserve viable and valuable ecosystem goods and services while features. It is a simple shift in thinking that hlps developers, promoting positive social and economic growth. It can also be a powerful tool for developers in creating a designers, and planners alike to make more responsible environmentally responsible design for development that will still be financially feasible and reasonable. decisions in what, where, and how we develop.
THE CONSERVATION MINDSET
Fundamentally, the practice of development alters any given environment including its associated systems, ecological balance and function. Standard development practices often times view existing features weather they be of social, historical, or environmental value, and ask the question, “Why save?” They seek proof of the value of environmental elements. A conservation based thinker on the other hand may pose the question, “Why destroy?” Conservation based developers ask questions to ensure and challenge the value of their product in the environment, knowing the great effect it will have on the site while being sensitive towards such features. It is a simple shift in thinking that helps developers, designers, and planners alike to make more responsible decisions in what, where, and how we develop.
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COMPARING DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS Suburban In the largely suburban landscape that most Americans live in we see developers tending to develop the maximum number of sellable lots or homes allowed. They weigh the demand of the local housing market and the physical features of the land. Most frequently this math results in a subdivision packed full of, “evenly spaced lots, each with its own single family home, with allowances only for roads and features deemed unbuildable for physical or regulatory reasons” (Pejchar et al. 2006). Often times in this style of suburban development any natural elements that remain typically play a, “[...] largely aesthetic role and are disconnected from other elements in the broader landscape and region” (Pejchar et al 2006).
Exurban The rural landscape in the United States has been dramatically altered by the “exurban” development trend. In 2003 J.R. Crump claimed in Environment and Behavior that exurban developments was the fastest growing development style. Exurban development is a conversion of rural lands to low-density development. Though exurban development is a low density form of development it is often times not designed with proper conservation goals and ecological assessments. “The conversion of rural land is likely a greater threat to conservation than either urban or suburban development because its environmental impacts– habitat loss and fragmentation, loss of ecosystem services, and the introduction of exotic species occur over relatively large and unaltered areas” (Pejchar et al. 2006).
Conservation Development Conservation development, “[...] relies on scientific assessments of the ecological importance of a property’s assets to identify what parts of a property should be protected and restored and how the remainder should be developed in a manner compatible with the protection of these assets” (Pejchar et al. 2006). Conservation development is an environmentally responsible form of design that can also be rather lucrative for a developer. Many studies have been performed to show how developing in the style of conservation development can add value to a property by utilizing ecological services, reducing construction costs, and improving the value of homes and businesses.
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BENEFITS OF CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT Livability
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Conservation based development can help bridge the gap and reduce conflicts between livability or quality of life through concepts of equity, the economy, and ecology.
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Conservation Development
Ecology
Economy STAKEHOLDERS STAKEHOLDERS VALUE MATRIX
PRODUCTS
ACTORS
BENEFITS
LAND OWNER
Land Housing Commercial/ Retail
‣ Site land owner ‣ Surrounding site owners
Community Environmental Goods + Services
Savings
DEVELOPER
‣Site Developer ‣Land Owner ‣Private Planner / Designer LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
Experience
Economy
‣ City / Private Planners ‣ Elected Officials PUBLIC
‣ Residents ‣ Representative Government LAND TRUST
‣ Nonprofit Groups ‣ Public Service Providers
Value Health Habitat Rehabilitation Air Quality Water Infiltration Connectivity
Development in its nature provides a community with many benefits. Growth and development are good. Conservation development multiplies the benefits of development by compounding the benefits of growth with the benefits of conservation. Conservation development allows for the growth that communities need while also meeting their conservation and resource management goals.
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COMPETITORS OR PARTNERS?
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, affluent countries began to argue that economic growth caused environmental decline and could not be sustained limitlessly. Around this time people began to develop a limits to growth model in order to preserve the environment and limit development. This movement In the late 1960s and early 1970s, affluent countries began to argue that economic growth had many social implictions and not very many environmental successes. “The limits to growth model time people began to develop a limits to growth model in order to preserve the environmen [was] replaced with the sustainable development model, and the ‘gloom and doom’ scenario has been many environmental successes. “The limits to growth model [was] replaced with the sustain replaced with ‘win-win’ solutions” (Bedersolutions” 2002). By (Beder integrating economic and environmental decisions, we with ‘win-win’ 2002). By integrating economic and environmental decisio can then approach development and growth with increased ecological literacy and make better growth literacy and make better growth decisions. Sustainable development meant recognizing tha decisions. Sustainable development meant recognizing ‘resources and Thampapillai environmentswrites serve in economic value (Pearce 1989 as cited inthat Beder 2002). D.J. Environmental Econ functions and have positive economic value (Pearce 1989 as cited in Beder 2002). D.J. Thampapillai writes in Environmental Economics, “Clearly, the natural environment is an important component of the economic system, and without the naturalthe environment the economic “Clearly, natural environment is ansystem important would not beof able function.”system, (1991,and p. 5). component thetoeconomic without the natural environment the economic system We need to treat not the environment and its associated would be able to function.” (1991, p. 5).ecological functions, goods, and servic
Competitors or P
We need to treat the environment and its associated ecological functions, goods, and services in the same way we treat labour and capital- as a valuable asset and resource.
Traditional Economic Model Traditional Mofel of an Economic System HOUSEHOLDS
PRODUCT
LABOR AND OTHER IMPUTS
PRODUCTS
FIRMS
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ns, goods, and services in the same way we treay labour and capital- as a valuable asset and resource.
Modified Model of an Economic System Modified Economic Model ENVIRONMENTAL IMPUTS HOUSEHOLDS
WASTES
LABOR AND OTHER IMPUTS
THE ENVIRONMENT
PRODUCTS
FIRMS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPUTS
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THE RATIONALE Currently, 22 percent of all conserved sites in the nation are conserved via conservation development. If trends continue, another 8 million hectares of land will be added to this total by 2045.This method has the potential to be highly successful as a conservation tool., but unfortunately is often times misinterpreted and misused. I developed The Toolkit for Conservation Development as an attempt to improve communication between planners and developers in order to create more successful conservation development projects into the future.
22% of all
conservation sites in the nation are conserved via conservation development.
THE DRAWBACKS:
MISUSE AND MISINTERPRETATION I have outlined three main drawbacks for current day conservation development. These drawbacks include the misinterpretation and misuse of conservation development as a land-use planning tool. The first is “money on the mind” where developers, who are in the business of making money, are worried about the financial feasibility of conservation development and therefore do not wish to partake in it or develop it poorly as a result. The second is “ecological insensitivity” in which case designers and developers do not have the appropriate skill-sets and knowledge to perform conservation design. The third is a general lack of policy that supports conservation development leading to little to no accountability on either the developer or planner’s end.
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MONEY ON THE MIND
Less development often times means less money in the pockets of the developer. If a great portion of the site is devoted to conservation the developers has fewer units to sell.
Areas of Conservation= 0 units sold
Overexploitation of Land
Exurban Development To ensure large profits developers utilize an exurban scheme that involves extremely low density with high value homes. Though a great portion of the site remains undeveloped, it also leads to fragmentation and need for the expansion of public utilites.
Developer’s may also overdevelop limiting the ability of the environment to carry on the functions as purposed by the practice of conservation development.
(Turnstone Group).
Developers invest in development that they know will make them a profit. Conservation development may often times be misinterpreted by developers as a money pit as they are missing out from profiting from a large portion of the site devoted to conservation. In the developer’s perspective, the opportunity cost of not developing is huge. This desire to pull a larger profit often times pushes developers to develop via an exurban development scheme. Exurban development is a practice of developing with extremely low density. These sites often times have high valued homes on high valued land. Though a great portion of the land remains undeveloped with this method, the ecological function is greatly damaged due to fragmentation or the lack of connectivity. Open space becomes less productive in terms of ecological goods and services due to this lack of connectivity. Developers may also overexploit the land by overdeveloping. In this case, developer’s push minimum conservation requirements in order to build and sell more units compromising the goal of conservation.
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ECOLOGICAL INSENSITIVITY Insensitive design and development may lead to fragmentation, deteriorated environmenatl resources, and is not pursuant to the goals of conservation development.
When developing on ecological sensitive sites for the purpose of conservation development it is important to maintain the dual goal of development that meets the communities needs and conservation that answers to resource conservation and the continued success of ecological systems. Development in its very nature devastates the environment. This is why it is especially important to design with sensitivity when developing conservation development projects. Often times developers enter conservation development projects with the mindset that if they are not developing on a sufficient portion of the land that they are performing proper conservation and being ecological sensitive. Conservation and ecological sensitivity go beyond land-use distinction and respond to the design and development of the human-nature interface and management plans for conservation. Often times the misinterpretations of conservation lead to developers causing fragmentation of ecological systems and the deterioration of resources. Developer’s often times create pockets of “conserved land� that are scattered across, unconnected. These pockets of land may or may not be areas of high environmental value and are often chosen haphazardly or based on components that deem areas undevelopable such as steep slopes, contaminants, or other constraints. Developers may also count parks and sports fields as a portion of the land base to meet their minimum conservation requirements even though those functions often times deteriorate all ecological function and environmental goods and services.
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LACK OF POLICY
13%
Require ecological site analysis and mapping of features to be protected
Usually when a community wants to begin practicing conservation development they will implement a conservation development ordinance. This ordinance is often times not sufficient in defining what is expected out of the design and development of conservation 8% room for interpretation and not enough sites allowing for too much guidance. Many ordinances lack basic policy that protect the functionality and duration of conserved landscapes. The majority do not require management plans for protected lands and allow for Recommend consultation withinto multiple parcels and not contiguous. protected lands to be split a biological expert or a Better policy and conservation plan guidelines to guide the on conservation development can help to guide projects into a positive direction for the community. Strong policy design and guidelines also helps to maintain the integrity of projects with goalfocused design and development that has a clear and concise desired outcome.
97%
Allow for protected lands 13% to be configured into multiple parcels instead of being contiguous
Require ecological site analysis and mapping of features to be protected
72% Do not require management plans of protected lands 8%
Recommend consultation with a biological expert or a conservation plan to guide the design
72% Do not require management plans of protected lands
37%
Do not specify a duration for land protection
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A toolkit for
Conservation Development
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Introduction
Appropriate Sites
Development Models
Defining the Boundary
Human Nature Interface
Management Models
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Chapter One: Introduction • • • • •
Organization Background Purpose Intended audience Intended role in the land-use planning, design, and development process
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Organization This toolkit is organized into six chapters. Chapters 2 through 5 contain the toolkit’s design guidelines.
Chapter 2: Appropriate Sites Provides guidance at the regional level in identifying sites that are well suited for conservation development
Chapter 3: Development Models Identifies the variety of design and development decisions that can be made in the conservation development process
Chapter 4: Defining the Boundary Ensures successful identification of conservation needs by drawing the line between conservation and development while maintaining connectivity
Chapter 5: Human Nature Interface
Develops ecological sensitivity elements in order to appropriately mitigate for human impact, especially along areas of conservation
Chapter 6: Management Models Describes how we can implement management plans onto the conserved sites to ensure they are properly controlled, owned, and operated.
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Background
Conservation development is a land-use planning tool with the purpose of conserving land and its associated environmental functions and ecological goods and services, while allowing for compatible development on a portion of the site.
conservation element - Primary Conservation Area - Secondary Conservation Area - Theme Specific
recreation elements - Active Use Trails - Passive Use Trails
environmental sensitivity elements - Environmental Mitigation - Reduces Impact of Development - Provides a Series of Buffers to Protect Conservation Elements
development - Public Utilities and Infrastructure - Community Amenities - Housing, Retail, Business Opportunities
Conservation based development is a, “land-use planning tool that requires a portion of a residential property to be set aside for conservation purposes” (Reed, Hilty, & Theobald, 2013). Conservation development can also be defined as, “a form of development that relies on scientific assessments of the ecological importance of a property’s assets to identify what parts of a property should be protected and restored and how the remainder should be developed in a manner compatible with the protection of these assets” (Pejchar, Morgan, Caldwell, Palmer, & Daily 2006). For simplicity and clarity, conservation development is defined as follows for the purpose of these guidelines: Conservation development is a land-use planning tool with the goal of conserving land and its associated resources and ecological functions while allowing for compatible development on a portion of the land.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
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Conservation development is a single theory of land-use planning. Many other development schemes have been theorized and utilized over time. Over time we have seen the urban fabric of the United States progress into what we call “suburbia”. Suburbia rapidly emerged after World War II as a response to dense urbanization, technological advancements, and the cultural climate. Suburbia has been embraced and now has become a cultural norm as far as how we develop and choose to live leading to suburban sprawl. Suburban sprawl arises from suburbia growing in a rather disorganized and reckless manner (Colin Stief). With suburbia and suburban sprawl encourage an increase in resource consumption, an increase in vehicle usage, a lack of response to culture with the development of “cookie cutter” housing developments, and a devastating environmental impact (Matthew Kahn, 2000). These environmental issues especially are of immediate concern as we become increasingly aware of the threats of depleting resources and the hazards associated with the destruction of environmental goods and services. Regional and community planners are attempting to lessen the impacts of suburbia through the use of other land-use planning tools such as “smart growth” or “green belts”. These development techniques help to lessen environmental impact and protect precious ecosystem goods and resources. Conservation development is one of these land-use planning techniques that can help to diminish the impact of suburbia and enhance the natural environment. Conservation development is a response to many of the environmental and social drawbacks of suburbia. It is a method of embracing valuable, environmental features and ecosystem goods and services through conservation while still allowing communities to grow and evolve their residential, commercial, or business focused needs.
Purpose For conservationists this land-use planning tool is a way to conserve valuable environmental, cultural, or historical sites. For city planners and the public it is a tool to conserve viable and valuable ecosystem goods and services while promoting positive social and economical growth. It can also be a powerful tool for developers in creating a environmentally responsible design for development that will still be financially feasible and reasonable. In theory conservation development is a powerful tool that leads to successful communities that are well integrated into their environmental resources. Often times this theory of conservation development is misinterpreted in policy and practice, and thus does not reach its potential and harness the associated benefits. As a response, I have developed, “A Toolkit for Conservation Development” comprised of five main components to help guide the planning, design, and development process.
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Intended Audience
This toolkit is intended to be utilized by community and regional planners, developers, designers, land trusts to better guide the design and implementation of conservation development projects.
City CityGovernment Government
Land LandTrusts Trusts A land trust is a nonprofit organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, or by its stewardship of such land or easements (Land Trust Alliance).
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The city government or local municipality makes decisions for the city including future development. They represent the public and should have the public’s interests in mind as they aim to improve the quality of life.
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Reduces costs for conservation
• • •
Improve economy Reduce conservation costs Natural capital harnessing
• •
More resource conservation More open space land
Developers Developersand and Designers Designers Developers and designers including community builders, architects, landscape architects, private urban planner, etc. They plan, design and develop future communities and projects.
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Reduced construction costs Increase home values Decrease mitigation costs Natural capital harnessing
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Resource conservation Open space amenities
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Improve public image
Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, February February February 18, 18, 2015 2015 18, 2015 Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, February February February 18, 18, 2015 2015 18, 2015
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Allows for more/ greater conservation efforts
sday, February 18, 2015
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Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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• •
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Increases public visibility Increases public participation
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Improve community health and wellness Increase access to open space
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
How Land Trusts Operate: Land trusts have unique and creative means in practicing conservation development. Below are four common ways that land trusts operate when implementing conservation development. Buy, Restrict, Sell – The land trust purchases a property, retains or places a conservation easement over the areas of conservation value and sells some of the remaining land for development to finance the project.
Land Trusts
Partner with Conservation Investors – The land trust collaborates with a group of conservation investors who help finance the project and share in its benefits
Work with a Landowner – A common technique used when a landowner is interested in conserving his or her property but is unwilling or unable to part with its entire economic value.
City Government
Partner with a Developer – The land trust partners with a private developer, who typically acquires the site and leads the permitting and development processes, but the land trust is actively involved in site planning and in identifying the conservation areas. One advantage of this structure is that the developer assumes the financial risk of development.
Intended Role This toolkit is intended to guide professionals in the planning, design, and development industry to better utilize conservation development as a tool to build better communities. Many of its components may be applied in other forms of development and conservation practices. It is meant to supplement a “conservation development ordinance” and provide a clear interpretation of how to implement conservation development at the regional and site level. Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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Development and infrastructure is COMPATIBLE with the goal of conservation
ENVIRONMENTALLY INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES ensure that nature is a part of the human experience
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WILDLIFE CORRIDORS maintain biodiversity and enhance conserved landscape
Harnessing NATURAL CAPITAL through the conservation of ecological goods and services
25.6%
increase in the percentage of people exercising on three or more days per week.
Chapter Two: Appropriate Sites • • • • •
Regional Analysis Site Composition Land-Use Planning Compatability Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
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Regional Analysis Just like any community development project, conservation development projects must, in most cases, work with the city or county in which the property lies within. It is important to ensure that developers and the sites they develop are overseen by local to ensure that the development will appropriately serve the community’s needs and meet their long term goals. If a community wishes to introduce a conservation development ordinance to their municipal code, it is important that the ordinance is appropriately written and paired with a set of design guidelines similar to those shown in this toolkit. The ordinance and guidelines must be thorough and appropriately display the expectations for the design and development of conservation development sites. The first step to successful conservation development, is often for communities to put the appropriate policy in place to hold future development accountable for the design and development decisions. But, how do communities decide which site hold special environmental or cultural resources on a scale in which conservation development may be applicable? The process of identify areas of interest or appropriate sites for conservation development is through regional analysis of the community and its resources. This analysis often times includes a geo-spatial analysis using geographic information systems to identify areas of interest.
(Kyle Xuekun Yang, 2010)
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Land Use Planning Land use planning is performed at the regional and site level. Both levels of land use planning require extensive analysis and should be in line with community social, economic, and environmental goals. The land use planning should take into account special environmental features worth conserving. These features can be identified as areas of interest for conservation development. This sites should be well connected when available and should allow for community open space access if appropriate.
(Mets채hallitus, 2015)
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Compatability
Multi- Family Residencies Mobile Home Parks Downtown
Commercial
Shopping + Entertainment Offices
Industrial Civic Buildings Colleges Public + Institutional
Churches Hospitals Cemeteries Streets + Roadways Railroads
Transportation + Utilities
Transit Stations Airports Utilities
Parks + Conservation
Agriculture
Parks Conserved Open Space Row Crops Livestock
Forestry Rivers + Creeks + Streams Water Bodies
Wetlands Lakes Oceans + Bays + Estuaries
Water Management Trash + Sanitation
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Saturday, November 29, 2014
Trash + Sanitation
Water Management Oceans + Bays + Estuaries
Lakes
Wetlands
Water Bodies
Forestry Rivers + Creeks + Streams
Agriculture Livestock
Row Crops
Parks + Conservation Parks
Conserved Open Space
Utilities
Transportation + Utilities Airports
Railroads
Transit Stations
Cemeteries
Streets + Roadways
Public + Institutional Hospitals
Colleges
Churches
Civic Buildings
Industrial
Commercial Offices
Downtown
Shopping + Entertainment
Mobile Home Parks
Single Family Homes Single Family Homes Residential
Multi- Family Residencies
Recreation
The main goal of conservation development is to conserve valuable environmental and ecological features. Sometimes, development may compete with this goal of conservation. In order to better reach conservation goals, development must be seen as compatible with the environmental features that are being protected. Certain environmental features and ecological systems may be more compatible with certain land uses than others. In order to ensure that the land uses compliments the conservation goals, public agencies should develop a compatibility matrix, such as the one shown, to decide what uses are appropriate near conserved lands.
Site Composition
In general, conservation development involves the conservation of at least 40% of the site area. It is especially important to perform a comprehensive site analysis in order to identify environmental features that should be conserved within conservation areas. The conservation area should be defined through informed analysis and should not be done haphazardly.
Site Analysis
Conservation Theme Issues + Objectives
Buffer Functions
Water Quality Issues + Objectives
Buffer Functions
-Water ReduceQuality erosion and runoff of sediment, - Slow water runoff to enhance filtration Issues + and Objectives Buffer nutrients, other potential pollutants. - TrapFunctions pollutants in surface runoff -Water ReduceQuality erosion and runoff of sediment, Slowpollutants water runoff to enhancerunoff filtration - Trap in subsurface other potential pollutants. pollutants -nutrients, Remove and pollutants from wanter runoff and - Trap Stabilize soil in surface runoff Issues + Objectives Buffer Functions - Reduce erosion and runoff of sediment, Slowpollutants water to enhancerunoff filtration in subsurface wind - Trap Reduce bankrunoff erosions and other potential pollutants. pollutants -nutrients, Remove pollutants from wanter runoff and - Trap Stabilize soil in surface runoff Water Quality Biodiversity pollutants in subsurface runoff wind - Trap Reduce bank erosions -- Reduce erosion and runoff of sediment, Slow water runoff to enhance filtration Remove pollutants from wanter runoff and Stabilize soil -- Increase habitat area Biodiversity nutrients, and other potential pollutants. pollutantserosions in surface runoff --- Trap Reduce -wind Enhance terrestrial habitat Protect bank sensitive habitat - Trap pollutants in subsurface runoff Increase connectivity habitat area - Restore Biodiversity - Remove pollutants from wanter runoff and - Stabilize soil terrestrial habitat Protect sensitive - Enhance aquatic habitat - Increase access tohabitat resources wind - Reduce bank erosions Increase connectivity habitat area Restore - Temperature maintenance (microclimate) terrestrial habitat Protect sensitive - Enhance aquatic habitat - Increase access tohabitat resources Biodiversity Productive Soils Restore connectivity - Temperature maintenance (microclimate) Increase access habitat to area - Enhance aquatic habitat --- Increase resources Reduce water runoff energy Productive Soils habitat - Enhance terrestrial -- Temperature Protect sensitive habitat (microclimate) - Reduce soil erosion - Reduce wind maintenance energy - Restore connectivity Reduce water runoff energy Stabilize soil Soils habitat -Productive Enhance aquatic - Increase access to resources - Reduce soil erosion Reduce wind energy Increase soil productivity Improve soil quality - Temperature maintenance (microclimate) Reduce water runoff energy Stabilize soil pollutants - remove soil Reduce soil erosion Reduce wind energy - Increase soil productivity - Improve soil quality Productive Soils Protection + Safety Stabilize soil soil pollutants - remove -- Reduce runoff energy Increasefrom soil productivity Improvewater soil quality --Protection Protect natural elements (wind, snow, Safety - Reduce soil+erosion -- Reduce energy remove wind soil pollutants flood etc.) Stabilize microclimate soil Manage - Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, Protection + productivity Safety - Reduce energy - Increase soil Improve soil quality Enhancewind habitat for predators of pests etc.)from harmful pollutants -flood Protect Manage microclimate remove flood soil pollutants - Reduce water levels and erosion - Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, Reducehazards wind energy - Enhance habitat for predators of pests -Reduce etc.) Protect harmful pollutants -flood Create afrom safe environment Protection + Safety Manage flood microclimate - Reduce water levels and erosion - Enhancehazards habitat for predators of pests -Reduce + Visual Quality - Create Protect afrom from natural elements Protect harmful pollutants(wind, snow, -Aesthetics safe environment Reduce flood wind energy -- Reduce water levels and erosion flood etc.) Managehazards microclimate -Aesthetics Enhance visual quality --Reduce Enhance visual interest + Visual Quality - Create a safe environment Enhanceundesirable habitat for views predators of pests - Screen - Protect from harmful pollutants Enhance noise visual quality Enhance visualwater interest Reduce flood levels and erosion - Control levels - Scree undesirable noise Aesthetics + Visual Quality Screenairundesirable hazards --Reduce Filter pollutants views and odors - Create a safe environment Enhance air visual quality and odor Enhance visual noise levels Scree undesirable noise - Control pollutants - Separate humaninterest activities Screenairundesirable - Filter pollutants views and odors Aesthetics + Visual Quality Outdoor Recreation noise levels and odor Scree undesirable noise - Control air pollutants - Separate human activities - Enhance visual quality Enhance visual interest --- Filter air natural pollutants and odors Increase areas Outdoor Recreation Screen undesirable views Control air pollutants odor Separatenatural humanareas activities -- Promote naturebasedand recreation -- Protect - Control noise levels - Scree undesirable noise Increase natural areas Protect soil and plant resources Outdoor Recreation - Filter air pollutants and odors Promote based recreation Protect natural areas - Use buffernatureas recreational trails - Provide a corridor for movement - Control air pollutants and odor - Separate human activities Increasesoil natural areasexperience. Protect and plant resources - Enhance recreational Promote naturebased recreation Protect natural areas - Use buffer as recreational trails - Provide a corridor for movement Outdoor Recreation Protect soil and plant experience. resources - Enhance recreational Increaseanatural areas - Use buffer as recreational trails -- Provide corridor for movement - Promote nature- based recreation Protect natural areas experience. -- Enhance recreational - Protect soil and plant resources - Use buffer as recreational trails - Provide a corridor for movement - Enhance recreational experience.
TERRESTRIAL OPEN SPACE
AQUATIC OPEN SPACE
RURAL + AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
HISTORICAL + CULTURAL RESOURCES
Friday, February 13, 2015 Sunday, February 22, 2015 Sunday, February 22, 2015
(Thorpe, 2008)
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015 Friday, February 13, 2015 Friday, February 13, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
45
Ordinance + Policy Suggestions Site Identification
Site Identification
1. The site should be identified through a regional analysis
Site Identification should be performed at the regional
process. At minimum a site analysis shall be performed
or city level. This would allow for a comprehensive
analyzing the following components on site and within a
analysis of conservation needs. By identifying sites at a
one mile radius of site:
regional scale, communities are able to better design with
a) Population + Demographics
complete environmental systems in mind that are well
b) Ecological Features + Resources
connected and allow for the most ecological success of
c) Historical + Cultural Resources
the conserved areas. A thorough site analysis and site
d) Existing Land-Uses
vicinity analysis within a one mile radius of the site should
e) Identification of Future Projects
also be performed to ensure compatibility and community connection.
Site Size 1. The minimum site size for conservation development
Minimum Size for Conservation Development
projects is 40 acres.
The minimum size of allowed conservation development
2. Sites less than 40 acres may be taken into consideration
sites must be large enough to allow for creative site design
for conservation development if:
and the protection of open space resources. If the
a) The site presents great opportunity for
minimum size is too small, the open space is minimized and
resource connectivity
clusters (see Chapter Three: Development Models) may
b) The development of the site is well
run into each other. The result will be the type of suburban
connected to other development
development conservation developments are designed to
c) The visual impact of the development is
avoid.
mitigated through additional landscaping
The additional requirements placed on sites of smaller
which complements the prevailing landscape.
parcel size should be used to mitigate the visual and
d) Appropriate environmental mitigations are
environmental impacts. A community may choose not
enforced
to even allow smaller sites or may choose to allow smaller sites but maybe not offer incentives such as density bonuses or reduced setbacks (See Chapter Three: Development Models).
46
Conservation Requirement
Conservation + Compatibility
1. Conservation developments shall identify a conservation
The overriding goal of conservation development is to
theme for primary and secondary conservation areas.
appropriately conserve designated resources, special
Conservation themes may include: Terrestrial Open Space,
environmental features, and ecological goods and services.
Aquatic Open Space, Rural + Agricultural Resources, or
In order to satisfy this goal, it is important to ensure that
Historical + Cultural Resources.
the site is appropriately analyzed for conservable elements
2. Within each conservation theme, a more specific goal
and that the elements and associated conservation goals
shall be identified. Goals may include but are not limited to:
are clearly defined. As noted in Section Three (3) of the
forest preservation, water quality preservation, farmland
Conservation Requirement, Fifty Percent (50%) of the total
preservation, or viewshed preservation. The conservation
acreage of the site shall be conserved for the purpose
theme and goals should guide the location and use of the
of the denoted goals. This value is a rough value and is
designated conservation area.
one that can be changed in accordance to conservation
3. Fifty percent (50%) of the total acreage of the site,
and open space goals of the local community adopting a
including developable and undevelopable land, shall be
conservation development ordinance.
designated as open space for natural habitat, active or passive recreation trails, and/or conservation or preservation, including conservation for agricultural and forestry uses. This total does not include parks and sports complexes. Compatibility 1. Development shall be compatible with the surrounding land-uses as decided by the local planning authority as noted in the land-use component of the most recent General Plan. 2. The development within and surrounding the site should be compatible with the conservation theme and associated conservation goals as to reduce human impact on the environment and promote successful conservation in specified areas. Appropriate measures shall be taken to mitigate for such human impact.
47
Allows for a larger CONSERVATION AREA with better suited edges and buffers
29%
increase in the home value when near open space
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT is a zoning strategy that involves grouping houses on smaller lots in one area of a development while preserving the remaining land on the site.
34%
decrease in the construction cost due to less development and lower environmental mitigation costs
48
Open space provides a PUBLIC AMENITY to the community
Chapter Three: Development Models • • • •
Four Development Models Incentives for Development Subdividing Guidelines Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
49
4 Development Models There are a variety of forms that conservation development can take. Below are the four most commonly Table 1. 1. Characteristics Characteristics of of four four different different conservation conservation development development models, models, as as implemented implemented in in the the United United States between Table used models for conservation development. Conservation goals and communities goals should beStates takenbetween Table 1. Characteristics different conservation models, as implemented in the United States between 1968 and and 2008. The The table tableofis isfour based on data data from Milder Milder development and Clark Clark (2011).* (2011).* 1968 2008. based on from and 1968 and 2008. The table is based on data from Milder and Clark (2011).* into account when choosing development model. Each development model results in in the a different levelAggregate of Table 1. Characteristics of four adifferent conservation development models, as implemented United States between Total Aggregate Total Number of of Median % % Number Median Median project Total area area of of all all conserved area %Aggregate protected Total Median project Total conserved area % protected 1968 and 2008. The table is based on data from Milder and Clark (2011).* Conservation development modelmonetary projects protected Number of Median % Conservation model projects protected conservation and development have different resource needs. size (acres) projects (acres) in all all projects projects land in these these Median project Total area of all conserved area % protected size (acres) projects (acres) in land in studied land Conservation development model Conservation development model
Reserved Homesite Projects Reserved homesite projects Reserved homesite projects Reserved homesite projects
projects studied studiedof Number projects studied
size (acres) Median project size (acres)
protected land land % Median protected land
projects (acres) Total area of all projects (acres)
(acres) in all projects Total (acres) (acres)area conserved in all projects (acres)
projects land in these Aggregate projects % projects protected land in these projects
Reserved Homesite Projects are typically on farmland or ranchland. The farm or ranch land may be retired or still in active use. A great 3,132 of these 200 landscape 98.2% 1,776,431 majority features1,804,446 are conserved with limited 98.4% 3,132 200 98.2% 1,804,446 1,776,431 98.4% development such as residencies, marketplaces, trails, and other 3,132 200 98.2% 1,804,446 1,776,431 98.4% facilities.
Limited Project LimitedDevelopment development projects Limited development projects Limited development projects
Conservation subdivisions Conservation Subdivisions Conservation subdivisions Conservation subdivisions
Conservation-oriented Conservation-oriented master-planned communities Conservation-Oriented master-planned communities Conservation-oriented Master Planned Communities master-planned communities
Limited Development Projects maintain a great majority of the landscape for open space and conservation. In these projects, the 219 215 845,619 790,516 93.5% small of the site85.9% are devoted to development to help offset 219portions215 85.9% 845,619 790,516 93.5% the219 costs of conservation. On average only 15% of the site will be 215 85.9% 845,619 790,516 93.5% developed.
Conservation Subdivisions include the maximum number of homes, but those homes would be clustered on small lots so that at least 79 tract remains 52.7% open.85,467 half477 of the entire Conservation48,815 subdivisions 57.1% can 477 79 52.7% 85,467 48,815 57.1% provide between a communities need to grow and 477 a compromise 79 52.7% 85,467 48,815 57.1% their conservation needs.
56 1,601 53.7% Planned 678,171 483,280 71.3% Conservation-Oriented Master Communities are generally 56 1,601 53.7% 678,171 483,280 71.3% larger in size than other conservation development projects. These 56 1,601 53.7% 678,171 483,280 71.3% projects include a vast open space area among a master planned communities including residencies and amenities. 3,884 3,884
Total Total Total
3,416,703 3,416,703
*Milder, J.C. J.C. and and S. S. Clark. Clark. 2011. 2011. Conservation Conservation Development Development Practices, Practices, Extent, Extent, and and Land-Use Land-Use Effects Effects in in the the United United States. States. Conservation Conservation Biology Biology 25: 25: 697-707. 697-707. *Milder, 3,884 3,416,703 *Milder, J.C. and S. Clark. 2011. Total Conservation Development Practices, Extent, and Land-Use Effects in the United States. Conservation Biology 25: 697-707.
(Jennifer Anderson, 2014)
*Milder, J.C. and2014 S. Clark. 2011. Conservation Development Practices, Extent, and Land-Use Effects in the United States. Conservation Biology 25: 697-707. 26 Summer SAVING land www.landtrustalliance.org
26 26
Summer 2014
SAVING land SAVING land
www.landtrustalliance.org www.landtrustalliance.org
26
Summer 2014
SAVING land
www.landtrustalliance.org
50Summer 2014
3,099,042 3,099,042 3,099,042
Number of Projects Studied
Total Conserved Median Median % Total Area of all Area in all Project Size Protected Land Projects (acres) Projects (acres)
Aggregate % Protected Lands in These Projects
Reserved Homesite Projects
3132
200
98.2%
1,804,446
1,776,431
98.4%
Limited Development Projects
219
215
85.9%
845,619
790,516
93.5%
Conservation Subdivisions
477
79
52.7%
85,467
48,815
57.1%
Conservation-oriented Master-planned Communities
56
1,601
53.7%
678,171
483,280
71.3%
(Milder and Clark, 2011). The above data was recorded by Milder and Clark in 2011. It presents averages for the amount of land protected within each of the conservation models.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
51
Incentives
Incentives may be offered to developers in order to make conservation development more appealing and financially feasible. Of these incentives include density bonuses, setback bonuses, and fast-track revision. Cities and counties may also offer other unique incentives to developers. These incentives shall be developed and operated by the local municipality and awarded to developers on a tiered system based on percentage of site area conserved.
Density Bonus
Cities and counties can grant density bonuses to housing projects that conserve a certain proportion of the site (proportion decided by the local municipality based on development guidelines and conservation goals). A density bonus allows for more housing units per acre of property. The amount of the density bonus is set on a sliding scale, based upon conservation area and other factors.
90% 75%
40%
0%
Proportion Land Conserved
99%
(PlanMaryland, 2014)
Setback Bonus Setback bonuses are granted to development projects by the local government. The setbacks begin at the level accepted in the cities development guidelines. Bonuses may be awarded for the conservation of land. If a certain portion of land (proportion decided by local municipality) is conserved, setback bonuses may be granted to allow for a higher density of buildings. Setback bonuses may reduce front or rear yard setbacks (David Smith, 2014). as well as side yard setbacks.
52
Subdividing Guidelines
When subdividing the property, the granted density bonus and setback bonuses should be taken into account. Subdivision should stay away from an exurban scheme as to decrease fragmentation. Development should be grouped together allowing for greater conservation potential.
Cluster Development Cluster development is a design technique or zoning strategy that involves grouping houses on smaller lots in one area of a development while preserving the remaining land on the site for recreation, common open space, or protection of environmentally sensitive areas (Eureka Township). Cluster development is a great subdividing strategy for conservation developments.
(Nave Newall, 2014).
Small Lots Small lots is a subdividing technique in which a property is subdivided into smaller parcels with higher vertical density. The small lots may be great ways to apply affordable housing or diversified housing to a project. Small lots also allow for more residencies which may be appealing to a developer.
(Building LA, 2014).
53
Provide DIVERSITY in housing options
Grouping residencies REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT of development
SMALL LOTS 54
Properties are titled in FEE SIMPLE meaning they can be bought and sold just like conventional single-family homes
SMALL LOTS are a subdividing technique in which a property is subdivided into smaller parcels with higher vertical density. The small lots may be great ways to apply affordable housing or diversified housing to a project.
MORE RESIDENCIES per square acre, allowing for more housing opportunities and greater sale potential
55
Ordinance + Policy Suggestions Development Models 1. Development models shall be identified during regional analysis via the city or county planners. Developers can then bid on a project based on the development model associated with the site. 2. In cases where a specific development model is not imperative to community conservation or growth goals the developer or project overseer may select a development model which should be approved through the planning commission and through a public process. Incentives 1. Density Bonus (As decided at city or county level) 2. Setback Bonus (As decided at city or county level) 3. Fast-track Revision (As decided at city or county level) * incentives are unique to each community and thus shall be decided and planned for at the community level
56
Development Models The development models are not limited to the models as shown in the guidelines. Unique circumstances may warrant a different model and all of the models are open to creativity as long as the community goals and conservation goals are met. Certain models are better suited for certain conservation themes and that should be taken into account when deciding which model to utilize.
Subdividing Guidelines 1. The subdivision process shall include:
a) A pre-application discussing:
i)The application process
ii) The conservation theme
iii) Management and ownership
designation of open space
b) Submission of a comprehensive Concept Plan
c) A meeting with the communities Planning
Director
d) Submission of a Preliminary Site Plan and
review by the Planning Commission
e) Submission of a Final Site Plan and review by
the Planning Commission and Governing Body
Subdividing The guidelines and ordinance in regards to subdividing shall be created uniquely for each community. Densities, setbacks, and house groupings will be largely dependent on what is allowed within the greater region and will be tiered based on those standards. City planners should work with developers in providing appropriate changes in the design guidelines to make the goal of conservation more financially feasible.
2. Parcels shall be developed in means that are compatible with conservation goals. Of these schemes includes but is not limited to:
a) Cluster Development
i) Clusters must be grouped in high
density to reduce impact on site and
allow for a greater site area to be
conserved.
ii) Exurban design schemes shall not be
utilized
b) Small Lots
i) Small lots may be utilized when
allowed based on the density bonus and
allowance by the Planning Commission.
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The PATCH contains the density portions of ecological goods and resources
The BUFFER protects and enhances the patch for the most successful conservation
The CORRIDOR allows for biological resources to move freely and safely between patches
58
THE MATRIX includes “patches” of high ecological functions will be identified and connected via “corridors”. A “buffer” will protect and enhance the ecological function within these conserved landscapes
Chapter Four: Defining the Boundary • Conservation Themes • The Matrix: Patches, Corridors, and Buffers • Buffer Functions and Design • Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
59
Conservation Themes
By identifying a conservation theme, project overseers ensure that the appropriate land base is being conserved on the site. Themes are identified through site analysis and by analyzing impacts through an Environmental Impact Report, project overseers can get a thorough understanding of site features and active or historical systems. In identifying these features, project overseers better understand how the primary conservation area and secondary conservation should be designed for conservation . The primary conservation area is defined as the area with the most or the most important features for conservation. Often times sites may also have one or more secondary conservation areas. These areas and portions of the site that also areTERRESTRIAL rich in ecological goods and services but may not be the overwhelming concept for OPEN SPACE conservation. TERRESTRIAL OPEN SPACE Applies to projects involving:
‣Ecological Function
Woodlands TERRESTRIAL OPEN SPACE ‣Foreststo+projects Applies involving: ‣Restoration Ecological Function
Meadows Forests + Woodlands ‣‣Applies to projects involving: Terrestrial Habitat ‣‣Meadows Forests + Woodlands ‣ Applies toto projects involving: Applies projects involving: Habitat ‣Terrestrial Meadows ‣Forests + Woodlands ‣
‣
Conservation TERRESTRIAL OPEN SPACE Restoration ‣‣Resource Ecological Function
‣ Air Quality Conservation ‣Resource ‣‣Restoration Air Quality Ecological Function ‣ Conservation ‣Resource Air Quality - Ecological Function ‣‣Restoration
- ‣Forests + Woodlands Terrestrial Habitat AQUATIC RESOURCES Meadows ‣ - Meadows - Restoration ‣Resource Conservation ‣ Air Quality - ‣Terrestrial Resource Conservation Terrestrial Habitat RESOURCES AQUATIC
-Air Quality
Applies to projects involving:
‣Oceans/ Seas AQUATIC RESOURCES
‣Lakes to projects involving: Applies ‣Rivers
‣Wetlands
Lakes ‣Applies ‣Oceans/ Seas Applies projects involving: toto projects involving: AQUATIC RESOURCES
‣ Watershed Health Quality Watershed Health ‣‣Water
Rivers Wetlands ‣‣Streams ‣‣Estuaries Conservation Water Quality ‣‣Resource Lakes Seas ‣Applies ‣Oceans/Seas Health ‣ Watershed to projects involving: - Oceans/ - Lakes Watershed Health Estuaries ‣Streams ‣ Conservation Rivers - Wetlands ‣Wetlands - ‣‣Rivers - Water‣‣Resource Quality Water Quality Lakes ‣Oceans/ Seas Watershed Health ‣ - Estuaries - ‣Streams - Resource Conservation Streams ‣Estuaries Conservation ‣Resource Rivers ‣ ‣Wetlands RURAL + AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ‣Water Quality
‣Streams ‣Estuaries RURAL + AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Applies to projects involving:
Farms Resources Applies projects involving: ‣Prime Agricultural ‣Working Applies toto projects involving: RURAL + AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
‣Working Working Ranches Farms
Plain ‣Flood Prime Agricultural Resources
Ranches ‣Working ‣Working Farms Historic Ranch Land ‣HISTORICAL ‣Working Ranches
Plain ‣Flood ‣Prime Agricultural Resources
‣Applies ‣ to projects involving: -RURAL Working Farms - Prime Agricultural Resources + AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Historic Land WorkingRanch Ranches FloodPlain Plain - ‣‣Working Ranches Flood ‣ Working Farms ‣Applies ‣Prime Agricultural Resources to projects involving: -Historic Ranch Land ‣Historic Ranch Land
+ CULTURAL ‣Flood PlainRESOURCES Applies to projects involving: Historicto Ranch Land ‣HISTORICAL + CULTURAL RESOURCES Applies projects involving: Historical Landscapes of Cultural Significance ‣HISTORICAL ‣Sitesof Applies to projects involving: - Historical Landscapes + CULTURAL RESOURCES - Sites Cultural Significance - Valued Viewsheds Valued View sheds ‣‣Historical Landscapes ‣Sites of Cultural Significance Applies to projects involving: HISTORICAL + CULTURAL RESOURCES - Recreational Opportunity Recreational Opportunity
60
‣‣Valued View sheds Historical Landscapes ‣Applies to projects involving: Opportunity ‣Recreational View sheds ‣Valued Historical Landscapes ‣ Opportunity ‣Recreational ‣Valued View sheds Recreational Opportunity
‣Sites of Cultural Significance ‣Sites of Cultural Significance
‣Resource Conservation
The Matrix:
Patches, Corridors, & Buffers
In order to create successful conservation within conservation development projects, the boundary that separates the conserved lands and the developed lands must be clearly defined and enhanced to better serve the goal of conservation. After a thorough analysis of the site, project overseers should define the primary conservation area in which they plan to focus on. Secondary conservation area(s) may be identified on the project site as well. In order to enhance the ecological systems and environmental function on the site, these “patches” of high ecological functions will be identified and connected via “corridors”. A “buffer” will protect and enhance the ecological function within these conserved landscapes.
PATCHES: Location of high ecological function that is protected and enhanced by buffers CORRIDORS: Connect two patches together allowing flow of features such as plant and animal populations. BUFFERS: Protect and enhance the ecological function within patches
61
Patches + Corridors Design Guidelines Stepping Stone Patches
Critical Gap
Corridor zone providing Corridor providingand secondary conservation areas The following general guidelines should be followed in designing primary habitat and ecological structural connectivity connectivity (patches) and connecting corridors. Edge habitat Interior habitat
1 acre 100% edge 0% interior
Edge width based on 150 ft.
The interior habitat of a patch experiences higher ecological success than the edge habitat. The larger the patch the more ecological success and better conservation design. Edge design should be varied unlike the perfect squares expressed in the graphic. 10 acres 68% edge 32% interior
100 acre 27% edge 73% interior
Lower Connectivity
Higher Connectivity
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
When possible, multiple corridor options should be provided to allow plants and animals to spread freely and safely. Providing a diverse range of opportunities for movement between patches enhances survival and biodiversity.
Multiple Corridor Options Multiple Corridor Options
Multiple Corridor Options
Corridor providing structural connectivity
When possible, corridors should not only provide structural connectivity but also provide habitat and ecological connectivity. Corridor zone providing
Stepping Stone Stepping Patches Stone Patches
habitat and ecological connectivity
Stepping Stone Patches
Edge habitat Interior habitat Edge habitat Interior habitat
Corridors should be continuous and not exhibit gaps. Stepping stone techniques may Critical Gap be utilized but critical Critical Gap gaps should be avoided.
Corrido structu Corridor structura
Edge width based on 150 ft. Edge width based on 150 ft.
Critical Gap 1 acre 100% edge 1 acre 0% interior 100% edge 0% interior
Corridor zone providing habitat and ecological connectivity
Lower Connectivity
62
Higher Connectivity Edge width based on 150 ft.
Edge habitat Interior habitat
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
10 acres Corridor providing 100 acre 68% edge 27% edge 10 acres structural connectivity 100 acre 32% interior 73% interior 68% edge 27% edge 32% interior 73% interior
Corridor z habitat and connectivit
Lower Lower
Buffer Design Guidelines Buffers not only protect important environmental functions and features but they also help to enhance those features. In order for a buffer to reach its highest serving potential, it should meet these general design guidelines. Buffers should travel along the contours instead of against the contours. This helps to reduce erosion. Buffers should also be as close as possible to disturbances in order to reduce the impact of those disturbances as early as possible. Buffers should attempt to fulfill more than one purposes. By making a buffer multifunctional you reduce the amount of space needed to have the same or similar effect. Finally, buffers should maintain a varied edge in order to meet runoff or disturbances at an even rate proportionate to their intensity.
X
√
X
√ Buffers should travel along the contours, not against
X
Buffers should be as close to disturbances as possible to minimize effects
√
Buffers should maintain a varied edge
63
Buffer Functions Issues + Objectives
Buffer Functions
Water Quality - Reduce erosion and runoff of sediment, nutrients, and other potential pollutants. - Remove pollutants from wanter runoff and wind
- Slow water runoff to enhance filtration - Trap pollutants in surface runoff - Trap pollutants in subsurface runoff - Stabilize soil - Reduce bank erosions
Biodiversity - Enhance terrestrial habitat - Enhance aquatic habitat
- Increase habitat area - Protect sensitive habitat - Restore connectivity - Increase access to resources - Temperature maintenance (microclimate)
Productive Soils - Reduce soil erosion - Increase soil productivity
- Reduce water runoff energy - Reduce wind energy - Stabilize soil - Improve soil quality - remove soil pollutants
Protection + Safety - Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, flood etc.) - Protect from harmful pollutants - Create a safe environment
- Reduce wind energy - Manage microclimate - Enhance habitat for predators of pests - Reduce flood water levels and erosion -Reduce hazards
Aesthetics + Visual Quality - Enhance visual quality - Control noise levels - Control air pollutants and odor
- Enhance visual interest - Screen undesirable views - Scree undesirable noise - Filter air pollutants and odors - Separate human activities
Outdoor Recreation - Promote nature- based recreation - Use buffer as recreational trails
64
- Increase natural areas - Protect natural areas - Protect soil and plant resources - Provide a corridor for movement - Enhance recreational experience.
The size of the buffer is dependent on the sensitivity of the features being protected. A biologist or the equivalent should be consulted in deciding what the minimum buffer width should be.
Issues + Objectives
Buffer Functions
Water Quality - Reduce erosion and runoff of sediment,
- Slow water runoff to enhance filt - Trap pollutants in surface runoff Habitat for key species is provided for within Buffer protects and enhances the habitat - Trap pollutants in subsurface runo the conserved lands. By providing habitat and ecological functions within the pollutants from wanter runoff and - Remove - Stabilize soil one allows for higher functioning ecosystems. conserved lands by providing winda visual - Reduce bank erosions buffer. The buffer also acts in broadening Biodiversity the available habitat and maintaining microclimate. - Increase habitat area - Enhance terrestrial habitat - Protect sensitive habitat - Restore connectivity - Enhance aquatic habitat - Increase access to resources - Temperature maintenance (micro
Habitat Protects and Enhances nutrients, and other potential pollutants.
Productive Soils - Reduce soil erosion - Increase soil productivity
- Reduce water runoff energy - Reduce wind energy - Stabilize soil - Improve soil quality - remove soil pollutants
Protection + Safety - Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, flood etc.) - Protect from harmful pollutants - Create a safe environment
- Reduce wind energy - Manage microclimate - Enhance habitat for predators of - Reduce flood water levels and er -Reduce hazards 65
Aesthetics + Visual Quality - Enhance visual quality
- Enhance visual interest
Issues + Objectives
Buffer Functions
Water Quality - Reduce erosion and runoff of sediment, nutrients, and other potential pollutants. - Remove pollutants from wanter runoff and wind
- Slow water runoff to enhance filt - Trap pollutants in surface runoff - Trap pollutants in subsurface runo - Stabilize soil - Reduce bank erosions
Biodiversity
- Increase habitat area - Protect sensitive habitat Slows runoff Provides Habitat - Restore connectivity Vegetation and rocks slow- water runoff Enhance aquatic habitat Vegetation provides habitat - Increase accesswho to resources for animals reducing erosion and allowing water to Temperature maintenance (micro use the water bodies as a resource. These percolate into the ground water table. animal species may be vital to the health of Productive Soils the water bodies. - Reduce water runoff energy + Objectives Manage Microclimate Buffer Functions Filters pollutants -Issues Reduce soil erosion - Reduce wind energy Vegetation helps to cool- water bodies Certain plants can filter dangerous Water Quality Stabilize soil reducing the “heat island- effect” pollutants from runoff water before soil productivity - Increase Improveand soil quality of sediment, - Slowforwater runoff to enhance filt maintaining a healthy habitat aquatic it enters into water bodies- Reduce erosion and runoff - remove soil pollutants nutrients, and other potential pollutants. Trap pollutants in surface runoff animals - Trap pollutants in subsurface runo Protection + Safety - Remove pollutants from wanter runoff and - Stabilize soil -wind Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, Reduce wind bank erosions -- Reduce energy flood etc.) - Manage microclimate Biodiversity - Enhance habitat for predators of - Protect from harmful pollutants - Reduce water Increaseflood habitat arealevels and er -Reduce - Enhance terrestrial habitat - Protecthazards sensitive habitat - Create a safe environment - Restore connectivity - Enhance aquatic habitat - Increase access to resources Aesthetics + Visual Quality - Temperature maintenance (micro - Enhance visual quality - Enhance visual interest Productive Soils - Screen undesirable views - Control noise levels - Scree undesirable noise - Reduce water runoff energy - Filter air pollutants and odors - Reduce soil erosion - Reduce wind energy - Control air pollutants and odor - Separate human activities - Stabilize soil - Increase soil productivity - Improve soil quality Outdoor Recreation - remove soil pollutants - Increase natural areas + Safety -Protection Promote naturebased recreation - Protect natural areas - Protect soil and plant resources Provides Habitat Slows runoff - Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, Use buffer as recreational trails - Provide a corridor Reduce wind energyfor movemen Buffers near agriculture help to etc.) slow flood Buffers provide habitat for predators Enhance recreational experience Manage microclimate runoff allowing more time for harmful of pests that may disrupt agricultural - Enhance habitat for predators of pollutants to be filtered. - Protect from harmful pollutants practices. A fence may be-needed Reducetoflood water levels and er protect crops from pests.-Reduce hazards Filters pollutants - Create a safe environment Manage Microclimate Farming and agricultural practices Vegetation reduces wind energy, Aesthetics + Visual Quality often use pesticides and other harmful protecting crops. Enhance visual quality - Enhance visual interest pollutants. Buffers should -prevent these - Screen undesirable views pollutants from entering into the natural - Control - Scree undesirable noise environment by filtering runoff with noise levels - Filter air pollutants and odors vegetation - Control air pollutants and odor - Separate human activities - Enhance terrestrial habitat
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Outdoor Recreation - Promote nature- based recreation
- Increase natural areas - Protect natural areas - Protect soil and plant resources
- Temperature maintenance (microc
Productive Soils - Reduce soil erosion - Increase soil productivity
- Reduce water runoff energy - Reduce wind energy - Stabilize soil - Improve soil quality - remove soil pollutants
Protection + Safety - Protect from natural elements (wind, snow, ood etc.) - Protect from harmful pollutants - Create a safe environment
- Reduce wind energy - Manage microclimate - Enhance habitat for predators of p - Reduce ood water levels and ero -Reduce hazards
Aesthetics + Visual Quality - Enhance visual quality
- Enhance visual interest - Screen undesirable views - Control noise levels - Scree undesirable noise Primary Buffer Secondary Buffer - Filterand air pollutants and odors Enhances the recreational Protects and enhances resources Control air pollutants and odor Separate human activities experience by extending the buffer natural features and surrounding the user with Outdoor Recreation vegetation - Increase natural areas Split Buffer - Promote nature- based recreation Reduce Visual Impact- Protect natural areas Allows for sensitive nature-based Primary buffer reduces the -visual Protect soil and plant resources recreation while still extending the impacttrails of the disturbance to- Provide the natural - Use buffer as recreational a corridor for movement buffer and enhancing opportunities for environment enhancing the -recreational Enhance recreational experience. healthy ecosystems experience
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Development in its nature is DAMAGING to the environment.
PRIMARY BUFFERS provide a visual and barrier buffer to create the trail experience and enhance resources
SECONDARY BUFFERS act as a barrier for human contact and further protect and enhance the resources
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT features break down pollutants before they reach and damage ecological resources
CONSERVATION BUFFERS 68
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Ordinance + Policy Suggestions Conservation Requirement 1. At least fifty percent (50%) of the total acreage of the
A community may decide to include undevelopable land as
site, including developable and undevelopable land, shall
otherwise dismissed in Conservation Requirement Section
be designated as open space for natural habitat, active
5 in the gross area calculation for the conservation area
or passive recreation trails, and/or conservation or
to meet the minimum land area requirements. The result,
preservation, including conservation for agricultural and
however, may result in the loss of important resource that
forestry uses. This total does not include parks and sports
support the undevelopable landscapes such as wetlands or
complexes.
floodplains.
2. The conservation area (minimum fifty percent (50%) of
If a community chooses to exclude undevelopable land
the site) must be composed exclusively of the following
from the gross area calculation, the local ordinances that
prohibit development in certain areas
a) primary conservation area
a) patch, corridors, and buffers
b) secondary conservation area
a) patch, corridors, and buffers
c) active and passive use trails
should be cited in a section of the conservation development ordinance. The minimum conservation acreage, here cited as fifty percent (50%) is open for change. Typically, conservation
3. Where possible, designated open space conservation
developments by definition suggest at least forty percent
shall be contiguous with open space and conservation uses
(40%) remain as open space or conservation. This
on adjacent parcels in order to provide large expanses of
proportion can go up to ninety-nine percent (99%) . The
open space
gross area calculation should be evaluated at the regional
4. Access should be provided to designated active or
level and sometimes even at the site level, dependent on
passive recreation areas or open space or natural
the conservation need. If this total differs between site to
areas from one or more access points. Access only
site, it shall be denoted in the conservation development
permitted if compatible with conservation goals.
ordinance as such.
5. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the designated open space shall be wetlands, floodplains, or other undevelopable land.
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Open Space Requirements
Conservation Design Guidelines 1. Patches shall be identified based on the primary and secondary conservation areas and the associated goals. 2. The largest possible patch shall be designed and planned for.
Conservation Design Guidelines It is important to have a conservation biologist, ecologist, natural scientist, or the equivalent on staff to consult with over design and development decisions to better protect and enhance the conservation elements. Conservation
3. Patches shall be well-connected to adjacent site conservation elements and conservation patches on the site.
elements should follow the guidelines as noted within this section. Design decisions are theme and site specific and offer room for creative expression while maintaining the
5. Patches and corridors shall maintain a diverse edge
main goal of conservation.
6. Buffers should enhance and protect the associated patches and corridors. They should:
a) Travel along contours
b) Be as near as possible to disturbances to
mitigate for impacts
c) Be multifunctional
d) Maintain a varied edge
7. Matrix design and development shall be conservation theme specific 8. A conservation biologist, ecologist, natural scientist or the equivalent shall be assigned to the site to ensure proper design, development, and protection.
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Commercial development can INTERFACE with the natural environment creating a unique experience
People care more for the environments they interface with regularly and therefore care develop greater ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
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Increased opportunity to CONNECT COMMUNITY to OUTDOOR SPACE
Studies show cyclist and pedestrians SPEND MORE than car drivers. Trails are good for business
Chapter Five: Human Nature Interface • Human Impact Mitigation • Ecological Senstivity Elements • Low Impact Development • Senstive Trail Design • Materials Decisions • Green Roofs • And other strategies.... • Educational Opportunities • Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
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Human Impact Mitigation Conservation development is unique in that is allows people the opportunity to interact and interface with their environment in a rather intimate way. Within conservation developments, people become a part of their natural and cultural landscapes. As we design these conservation elements we design how people will interface with the environments around them as well as how the environments may react to the human disturbance. It is important to design this interface in a manner that is sensitive to the unique ecological functions and features within the site, allowing people to interact with these valuable features when it is fit. Conservation design is about limiting environmental impacts and the impacts of human disturbance while allowing people to experience the natural and cultural value of these special sites. By developing the human-nature interface in a sensitive and thoughtful manner, environmental features can be conserved and remain in a high-functioning state while allowing for the improvement of ecological literacy and ecological stewardship among the people that interface with these environments on a daily basis.
CONSERVATION ELEMENTS -Primary Area -Secondary Area -Theme SpeciďŹ c
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
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SENSITIVITY ELEMENTS
HUMAN IMPACT
-Buffers -LID -Sensitive Trail Design etc.
-Community Amenities -Residential -Retail/ Commercial -Business/ OfďŹ ce
Ecological Sensitivity Elements Low Impact Development
BUILDINGS
-green roofs -green walls -building orientation -building design
(Pario Plan, 2011).
LANDSCAPE -bioretention -green streets -rain gardens
green infrastructure
Sensitive Trail Design -pervious pavements - perforated pipe and overow inlets
HARDSCAPE
(American Trails, 2007).
Limited Access
-low impact development -gray water harvesting -passive irrigation
WATER
Green infrastructure can help to manage and reduce human impact due to development and proximity to conservation elements. There are many creative design solutions to utilize when attempting to manage and reduce human impact. Landscape architects, planners, and scientists should be involved on these projects to ensure that the elements are appropriately designed and meet mitigation requirements.
(LCRA).
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Educational Opportunities Human impact especially through development is extremely damaging to the environment. Conservation development aims to reduce these impacts. These impacts can be reduced not only through green infrastructure, but also with public programs. By utilizing the community as a resource, communities can further their conservation efforts. The residencies adjacent to the conservation areas can contribute to the continued conservation area by promoting ecological literacy and environmental stewardship.
Ecological Literacy is a way of thinking about the world in terms of independent natural and human systems, including a consideration of the consequences of human actions and interactions within the natural context (Manitoba Ecological Literacy).
Environmental Stewardship is the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose actions affect the environment
Interpretive Signage Interpretive signage can utilized along trails, by significant viewsheds, and next to special environmental processes. Interpretive signage can help to improve knowledge, or ecological literacy, of the conservation areas and create a unique interactive experience for site users.
(Bradford Woods, 2012)
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Interactive Experiences Interactive trail experiences, such as the one featured to the left, provide memorable experiences for site users. In this example, site users are identifying rocks they find along the trail. There are many creative opportunities for interactive experiences along open space conservation areas. These experiences connect users to the open space. The users then have a desire to take care of these special spaces promoting environmental stewardship.
(Get on the Beaten Path, 2013)
Community Involvement
By getting the community involved in restoration or continued support of the conservation area, community members improve their environmental stewardship. Community involvement improves user-ship and inspires the community to further the conservation effort. Community involvement may include trail work, restoration efforts, or other volunteer events.
(Cottonwoods Canyon, 2014)
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Interpretive signs provide EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, improving ECOLOGICAL LITERACY
SENSITIVE TRAIL DESIGN maintains environmental integrity and ecological systems
Active use of open space by the community promotes ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
NATURE-BASED RECREATION 78
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE techniques can be utilized to reduce impact of buildings in a matter that is compatible with the goal of conservation
Enhancing BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN TRANSPORTATION improves air quality, community health, and requires fewer resources.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE helps to reduce human impact of development in proximity to conservation elements.
BIOSWALES clean and filter pollutants, especially from cars, from entering the groundwater table
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 79
Ordinance + Policy Suggestions Human Impact Mitigation 1. Human impacts shall be identified through an environmental impact report or similar approach. 2. Appropriate mitigation efforts shall be made according to CEQA in California or similar apprach for other states. 3. Low Impact Development is required on all conservation development projects. Low Impact Development specialist or certified hydrologist shall be utilized. 4. Educational opportunities where suitable shall be developed into the design of conservation areas. 5. Public engagement is encouraged. public shall be appropriately informed of conservation efforts and be offered opportunities to engage with the conservation effort and development planning.
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Human Impact Mitigation This section is to o broad for the purposes of these details to go into detail. Communities shall create separate guidelines for green infrastructure and public educational opportunities. These other sets of guidelines may be referenced. Professionals in green infrastructure should also be referenced throughout the design process to ensure proper utilization of these techniques.
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OWNED AND MANAGED by the city or by a land trust
MANAGEMENT PLAN should be developed and implemented through owner. Developed portion overseen by property owner and CITY PLANNING AUTHORITY
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Chapter Six:
Mangement Models • • • •
Management Plan Development Management Models Management Resources Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
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Management Plan Development A management plan must be developed by during a conservation development project. The following ten (10) steps must be taken in developing and implementing the management plan.
1
Establish Responsibility
2
Inventory + Map
3
Develop a hypothesis
4
Develop Goals
5
Develop an Implementation Plan
6
Design a Monitoring Program
7
Implement the Restoration Program
8
Prepare Reports
9
Evaluate
10
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for the management of the conserved lands
the ecological resources, and describe their current condition. Research the historical nature of the site and map where possible.
on how the system works based on site character, regional character, and historical character for each management unit by assessing the potential of that unit for a specific desired future condition.
in order to accomplish the goals. Identify and schedule tasks, specify management models. estimate material costs and labor for each management unit.
to evaluate the success of the management plan
by executing the previous steps to completion
describing the project and the results of the management plan over time
the program periodically through the monitoring program and possibly incorporate new information and ideas into the plan. This is an opportunity to revise goals and modify tasks and scheduling.
Communicate with and Educate interested and affected parties to provide basic information about the confidence of the management process. This helps to improve ecological literacy and environmental stewardship
Management Models
Depending on the current state and intended future state of a conservation landscape, different management models may need to be implemented. More than one model may be utilized within a site on primary and secondary conservation areas.
y 18, 2015
y 18, 2015
y 18, 2015
high PERFORMANCE
high
PERFORMANCE
high low
PERFORMANCE
CONSERVE low
Site is currently in a high functioning state and management plan involves the continued CONSERVE high growth and preservation of resources. Limited access may be permitted. low
CONSERVE high high low
RESTORE low RESTORE low high Environmental function has been damaged. Restoration efforts must be taken into effect RESTORE by introducing keystone species and limiting access. Upon successful restoration access high be permitted. may high low
PROMOTE low
PROMOTE low PROMOTE Environmental function has been completely damaged sometimes with no ability to return to historic state. A similar or new function may be promoted upon the site to foster new growth. No access will be permitted during management efforts. After successful growth is maintain access may be permitted.
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Management Resources: Ownership There are two distinct groups that can own and operate conserved land through conservation development. These groups, as described earlier are land trusts (private, non-profit groups) or the governing body (city owned/ public owned).
Land Trusts
Trusts
2015 15
City Government
A land trust is a nonprofit organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, or byCity itsGovernment stewardship of such landand or easements. Developers Designers
The city government or local municipality makes decisions for the city including future development. They represent the public and should have the public’s interests in mind as Developers and they aim to improve the quality of life. Designers
Easements: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Conservation Easements Conservation easements are the most traditional tool for conserving private land. “A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a land owner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values�(Land Trust Alliance) When owners donate their land for a conservation easement they often times earn some benefits through tax deductions. Land trusts and governing bodies can ensure conservation development in future sites by preparing a conservation easement to specially desired sites. They can also obtain land adjacent to new conservation developments to compliment the conservation area.
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(Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, 2014)
Trail Easements Trail easements allow for the public to use privately owned property as trail access. This may be a good tool when designing and developing trails that may be impacted by property boundaries. Trail easements help to manage connectivity and can guide trails away from special resource, maintaining their conservation.
(University of New Hampshire).
Williamson Act The Williamson Act, “enables local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners for the purpose of restricting specific parcels of land to agricultural or related open space use. In return, landowners receive property tax assessments which are much lower than normal because they are based upon farming and open space uses as opposed to full market value� (CA Department of Conservation). The Williamson Act could be especially valuable when the conservation theme for the project is agricultural or cultural resources.
(Sarah Moffit).
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Ordinance + Policy Suggestions Open Space Ownership and Management All lands and improvements in designated open space shall be established, managed and maintained in accordance with the following guidelines: 1. Designated open space shall be surveyed and subdivided as a separate parcel or parcels. 2. Designated open space must be restricted from further development by a permanent conservation easement running with the land. a) The permanent conservation easement may be held by the following entities, but in no case may the holder of the conservation easement be the same as the owner of the underlying fee: I. City owned or other governmental agency ii. A private, nonprofit organization such as a land trust a) The permanent conservation easement must specify: I. What entity will maintain the designated open space ii. The purpose of the conservation easement and the conservation values of the property iii. The legal description of the land under the easement iv. The restrictions on the use of the land v. The restrictions from future development of the land vi. To what standards the open space will be maintained. vii. Who will have access to the open space.
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Open Space Ownership + Management The designated open space parcels set aside for conservation requires a management plan that should be developed by the parcel owners. The designated open space shall be owned by either the public through the local government agency or by a private, nonprofit organization such as a land trust. When creating a management plan, owners should take into account current and historical conditions. The management plan should maintain longevity and success of environmental resources.
Management Plan The following ten steps should be taken when developing a conservation management plan. The conservation management plan is the responsibility of the owner of the open space parcel. 1. Establish responsibility of the conserved lands 2. Inventory and map the ecological resources and describe their current condition. Research the historical nature of the site and map where possible.
Management Plan When creating a management plan, parcel owners and project overseers should follow the ten step process. Local municipalities may prepare a document directing parcel owners, overseeing conserved landscapes, on how to produce a management plan. The management plan should be approved by city government officials and the public.
3. Develop a hypothesis on how the system works based on the site character, regional character, and historical character 4. Develop goals for each management unit by assessing the potential of that unit for a specific desired future condition 5. Develop an implementation plan in order to accomplish goals. Identify and schedule tasks, specify management models, estimate material costs and labor for each management unit. 6. Design a monitoring program to evaluate the success of the management plan 7. Implement the restoration program by executing the previous steps to completion. 8. Prepare reports describing the project and the results of the management plan over time 9. Evaluate the program periodically through the monitoring program and possibly incorporate new information and ideas into the plan. This is an opportunity to revise goals and modify tasks and scheduling 10. Communicate with and educate interested and affected parties to provide basic information about the confidence of the management process. This helps to improve ecological literacy and environmental stewardship.
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Works Cited Bentrup, G. (2008, September 1). Conservation Buffers. USDA. Bradford Woods, (2012, May 7). Wetlands get Interpretive Sign from https://www.bradwoods.org/wetlands-get-interpretive-signage/
MILDER, J. C. and CLARK, S. (2011), Conservation Development Practices, Extent, and Land-Use Effects in the United States. Conservation Biology, 25: 697–707. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01688.x Natural resource conservation and management. (2014, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.lcra.org/community-services/land-conservation/pages/default.aspx
Building Los Angeles: Small Lot Subdivision Proposed in Hollywood. (2014, October 23). Retrieved February 26, 2015, from http://buildinglosangeles.blogspot.com/2014/10/ On the Beaten Path (2013). from http://getonthebeatenpath. small-lot-subdivision-proposed-in.html blogspot.com/2013/07/micro-extremely-small-in-scopeand.html Coleman & Ross. 2008, from http://www.crplanning.com/_ ordinances/conservation.pdf Nave Newall. (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2014, from http:// www.navenewell.com/single_family_residential.htm Conservation Easements. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.landtrustalliance.org/conservation/ Pario Plan. (n.d.). Low Impact Development Design Crilandowners/conservation-easements teria. Retrieved from http://www.parioplan.com/projects/ sustainable/page2.php Conservation Easements. (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2014, from http://www.landconserve.org/content/conservaPEJCHAR, L., MORGAN, P. M., CALDWELL, M. R., tion-easements PALMER, C. and DAILY, G. C. (2007), Evaluating the Potential for Conservation Development: Biophysical, EcoConservation Subdivisions - An Alternative to Western nomic, and Institutional Perspectives. Conservation Biology, Ranchettes. (2013, July 3). Retrieved October 1, 2014, from 21: 69–78. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00572.x http://www.extension.org/pages/61508/conservation-subdivisions-an-alternative-to-western-ranchettes#.VNV_5C- Photo Contribution: Science Library cwRSQ Plan Maryland. (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2014, from Ecological Literacy. (2011, August 1). Retrieved November http://plan.maryland.gov/home.shtml 7, 2014. Protecting Land Through Conservation Development: Interesting Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, Lessons from Land Trust Experience. (2014, January 1). from http://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/media_ Retrieved November 28, 2014, from http://www.landtrustkit/interesting_statistics alliance.org/about/saving-land/summer-2014/conservation-development Maximizing Density Through Affordability. (2012, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.kmtg.com/sites/default/files/ REED, S. E., HILTY, J. A. and THEOBALD, D. M. (2014), publications/density_bonus_law_2012.pdf Guidelines and Incentives for Conservation Development in Local Land-Use Regulations. Conservation Biology, McIntyre, Kate. (2010, January 20). SLO City Council 28: 258–268. doi: 10.1111/cobi.12136 unanimously approves noise ordinance modifications from http://mustangdaily.net/city-council/#sthash.l7nDShSM. Sharon Beder, ‘Economy and environment: competitors or dpuf partners?’, Pacific Ecologist 3, Spring 2002, pp. 50-56. Mesahallitus, (Planning Methods.) 2015 from http://www. Smith, D. (2014, August 5). Vertically Obsolete: Part 2, High metsa.fi/sivustot/metsa/en/naturalresources/Planningmeth- implicit subsidies? Retrieved February 26, 2015, from http:// ods/Sivut/PlanningMethods.aspx affordablehousinginstitute.org/blogs/us/2014/08/vertically-obsolete-part-2-high-implicit-subsidies.html
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Spear, T. (2007, September 1). Boardwalk and Structure for Trails. Staff, H. (2013, March 6). CSU study finds link between open space, home prices. Retrieved October 1, 2014, from http://www.reporterherald.com/ci_22731327/csu-studyfinds-link-between-open-space-home Thorpe, R. (2008, January 1). Use a site analysis to value rural conservation lands. Retrieved February 26, 2015, from http://www.djc.com/news/en/11199808.html Cottonwoods Canyon, (n.d.), Trails Restoration from http:// cottonwoodcanyons.org/stewardship/trails-restoration/ University of New Hampshire. (n.d.). Resources for Land Owners. Retrieved from http://extension.unh.edu/ Land-Water-Conservation/Resources-Landowners Wetzel W, Lacher I, Swezey D, Moffitt S, Manning D. 2012. Analysis reveals potential rangeland impacts if Williamson Act eliminated. Calif Agr 66(4):131-136. DOI: 10.3733/ ca.v066n04p131 Williamson Act Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/lca/Pages/Index.aspx What is Conservation Development? (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2014, from http://cd.colostate.edu/conservation-development-overview What is natural capital? (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2014, from http://www.naturalcapitalforum.com/what-is-natural-capital Why Homes With Open Space Command Big Bucks. (2013, May 3). Retrieved October 1, 2014, from http://www.wsj. com/articles/SB100014241278873233354045784469319366 03350 Williamson Act Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/lca/Pages/Index.aspx Wortman-Wunder, E. (2012, June 6). Do subdivisions designed for conservation actually help wildlife? Retrieved October 1, 2014, from http://www.hcn.org/issues/44.9/do-subdivisions-designed-for-conservation-actually-help-wildlife Kyle Xuekun Yang, 2010. http://www.asla.org/2010studentawards/071.html
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