A toolkit for
Conservation Development
Emma McHatten Senior Capstone Project California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo CAED – Landscape Architecture
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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 Introduction
04-11
Appropriate Sites
12-19
Development Models
20-27
Defining the Boundary
28-39
Human Nature Interface
40-47
Management Models
48-55
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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.
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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).
$
•
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.
$
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.
$
• • • •
Reduced construction costs Increase home values Decrease mitigation costs Natural capital harnessing
• •
Resource conservation Open space amenities
•
Improve public image
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$
•
$
Allows for more/ greater conservation efforts
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Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
• •
$
Increases public visibility Increases public participation
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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• •
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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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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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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
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(Thorpe, 2008)
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015 Friday, February 13, 2015 Friday, February 13, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
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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).
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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.
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Chapter Three: Development Models • • • •
Four Development Models Incentives for Development Subdividing Guidelines Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
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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 a different levelAggregate of Total Aggregate Table 1. Characteristics of four adifferent conservation development models, States between Total Number of of Median % %as implemented in the United Number Median Median project project Total area area of of all all conserved area %Aggregate protected Total Median Total conserved area % protected Conservation development modelon projects protected Number of Median % 1968 and 2008.and Thedevelopment tabledifferent is based data from Milder and Clark (2011).* Conservation model projects protected conservation have monetary 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 (acres) Total (acres)area conserved in all projects (acres)
projects land in these projects Aggregate % 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 master-planned communities Conservation-Oriented 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 a compromise between a communities need to grow and 477 79 52.7% 85,467 48,815 57.1% their conservation needs.
56
1,601
53.7%
678,171
483,280
3,416,703 3,416,703
3,099,042 3,099,042
3,884 3,884
Total Total Total
*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, *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. 3,884 3,416,703
(Jennifer Anderson, 2014)
26 SAVING land *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 Summer 2014 SAVING land www.landtrustalliance.org www.landtrustalliance.org 26 Summer 2014 SAVING land www.landtrustalliance.org
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Summer 2014
SAVING land
71.3%
Conservation-Oriented Master Communities are generally 56 1,601 53.7% Planned 678,171 483,280 71.3% larger development483,280 projects. These 56 in size than 1,601other conservation 53.7% 678,171 71.3% projects include a vast open space area among a master planned communities including residencies and amenities.
www.landtrustalliance.org
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
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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.
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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).
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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
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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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Chapter Four: Defining the Boundary • Conservation Themes • The Matrix: Patches, Corridors, and Buffers • Buffer Functions and Design • Ordinance + Policy Suggestions
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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 Historicto Ranch Land ‣HISTORICAL + CULTURAL RESOURCES Applies projects involving: Applies to projects involving: Landscapes ‣Historical Applies to projects involving:
‣Sites of Cultural Significance
Historical Landscapes ‣Applies to projects involving: Opportunity ‣Recreational View sheds ‣Valued Historical Landscapes ‣ Opportunity ‣Recreational ‣Valued View sheds
‣Sites of Cultural Significance
HISTORICAL + CULTURAL RESOURCES - Historical Landscapes - Sites of Cultural Significance Valued View sheds ‣ Historical Landscapes Sites of Cultural Significance ‣ ‣ - Valued Viewsheds Applies to projects involving: HISTORICAL + CULTURAL RESOURCES - Recreational Opportunity Recreational Opportunity ‣‣Valued View sheds 30
Recreational Opportunity
‣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
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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
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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
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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
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- 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
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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 - Enhance terrestrial habitat
ebruary 13, 2015
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Manage Microclimate
Farming and agricultural practices Aesthetics + Visual Quality Vegetation reduces wind energy, 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 noise levels - Scree undesirable noise environment by filtering runoff with - Filter air pollutants and odors vegetation - Control air pollutants and odor - Separate human activities
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
ebruary 13, 2015
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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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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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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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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
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