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Alternatives for Coastal Development: One Site, Three Scenarios
Conservation Design: Point Peter PreserveThe conservation design scenario illustrates recent trends in residential development that protect contiguous open space by clustering homes on lots that are slightly smaller than conventional lots. Developed lands, including roads, are sited specifically to avoid sensitive natural resources. This scenario is characterized by distinct neighborhoods of primarily single-family units targeting a range of incomes and surrounded by open space and recreational trails. Amenities include community docks, a public boat lift, two neighborhood commercial areas, an extensive trail network, parks, and forest. Conservation measures go beyond those that are required by law, including vegetated buffers and swale drainages along roads. Follow this link to learn more about conservation design.
References and ResourcesConserveOnline is a one-stop public library of conservation tools, techniques, and experience made available by the Nature Conservancy in partnership with other conservation organizations. The Center for Watershed Protection provides many resources on watershed management, including a codes and ordinances worksheet that compares how the local development rules in your community stack up against model development principles outlined in better site design. The Center is a nonprofit that provides local governments, activists, and watershed organizations around the country with the technical tools for protecting streams, lakes, and rivers. Haines, Anna. 2002. "An Innovative Tool for Managing Rural Residential Development: A Look at Conservation Subdivisions." The Land Use Tracker, Vol 2. Summer 2002. McMahon, Edward T. and Michael Pawluskiwicz. 2003. "The Practice of Conservation Development: Lessons in Success." The Conservation Fund. Urban Land Institute. Scenic America provides resources and tools for conservation and visual assessment free for communities. Scenic America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the scenic character of America's communities and countryside. Note: To print this page, choose the landscape orientation in the printer dialog box. |