There are many ways we can preserve open space and protect natural resources. These include:

• Focus new development into existing towns and centers to create stronger local communities and reduce suburban sprawl.
• Support conservation projects, locally funded open space programs, statewide preservation trusts, and municipal natural resource protection plans.
• Integrate greening initiatives at local and regional levels including community and rain gardens; shade and street trees programs; and green roofs.

2035 Land Use Plan Map

Greenspace Network [0.8 MB pdf]

Inter-connected system of naturally vegetated open space spanning urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Conservation Focus Areas [0.8 MB pdf]

Large agricultural, natural, and rural areas worthy of heightened preservation.

DVPRC and its partners are actively pursuing a number of projects that will help us achieve our goal of preserving 500,000 acres of open space.

DVRPC Initiatives

Municipal Environmental Services

Achieving the vision of the Connections Plan Greenspace Network and Conservation Focus Areas relies in large part on municipal actions to identify and protect their resources. Recognizing this connection, DVRPC conducts municipal open space and natural resource planning services for New Jersey communities. To date, over 50 projects including Environmental Resource Inventories, Open Space and Recreation Plans, Farmland Preservation Plans, Conservation Elements of the Master Plan and Conservation Design Ordinances are underway or have been completed.

Green Space Connection to the Economy

For open space needs to be heard in the midst of the current economic downturn, the green space issue must be explicitly connected to economic development and vitality. DVRPC is partnering with the Greenspace Alliance of Southeastern Pennsylvania on conducting a study that will quantify the economic value of the PA counties' protected open spaces. The results of the study are due in the summer of 2010 and will be used to reframe the dialogue about open space as a benefit, not just an expense, and to raise support for more open space preservation.

Local Examples

Peacedale Preserve

A 113-acre property in Franklin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania was recently purchased by the Natural Lands Trust protecting it from future development. Natural Lands Trust will combine the parcel with an adjacent property it already owns to establish the 173-acre Peacedale Preserve that will include approximately 1.5 miles of trails for public use.

Turtle Creek Preserve

Protection of the Mullica River estuary has been bolstered by the preservation of a 259-acre property in Washington Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. The property - Turtle Creek Preserve - was transferred to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation for wetland and wildlife habitat migration. It will be open to the public for hiking and nature observation

The City of Philadelphia's 10,000 acres of parkland provide an annual payback of $1.26 billion in health and direct use benefits, cost savings, and revenue to the City and its residents [ * ]. Similar benefits would be expected in communities across the region.

Additionally, effective growth management and open space preservation will:

• Improve water and air quality, enhance personal health, and contribute to our region's character.
• Enhance our quality of life by providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and exploration.
• Save money by limiting the need for ever-expanding drinking water, wastewater, and transportation infrastructure that is becoming increasingly difficult to finance, build, and maintain.
• Preserve farmland and strengthen the local agricultural industry to improve access to healthier, fresher, and tastier foods.
• Protect scenic, historic, and cultural sites and landscapes that attract visitors and revenue into our region.