Jump to main content.

Land Use Planning, Biological Conservation and Open Space Preservation

Related Information
What's Hot
  • If you are a New York City resident, Million TreesNYC teemed up with local nurseries on a coupon program to encourage residents to plant trees. You can receive a
    $20 discount on trees purchased at participating nurseries. Click here for more information.
  • The Conservation Fund in partnership with Eastman Kodak and the National Geographic Society provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways. Grants can be used to complete, expand, or improve a greenway project. Click here for more information.
  • Be part of the (water bottle) solution -- Take the FilterForGood pledge and receive discounts from Brita on filter systems.

Land use planning is a critical element in developing vibrant and livable communi­ties while ensuring economic vitality.  Develop­ment of compact areas, even in small downtown areas, can reduce travel times, help preserve open space and reduce the commercial pressure to sprawl.

Biological conservation and open space preservation also garner high levels of public support because of the attractiveness of open spaces and their value to local residents both socially (aesthetic appeal and recreation opportunities) and economically.

Learn more in the Land Use Planning Chapter and the Biological Conservation and Open Space Preservation Chapter of Planning for a Sustainable Future - A Guide for Local Governments [PDF 4.9 MB, 58 pp].

What You Can Do

Informed planning and insightful land management are great ways for our communities to benefit socially as well as environmentally. Communities can pass green building ordinances that establish performance standards for public or private construction and solicit citizen input on how community land is managed.

Success Story:
Established in 1978, GreenThumb remains the nation's largest urban gardening program, assisting over 600 gardens and nearly 20,000 garden members throughout New York City. This program fosters civic participation and encourages neighborhood revitalization.

Resources
Playbook of strategies for green buildings and infrastructure
EPA Managing Open Spaces
EPA Region 2 Green Building’s Page
EPA Greenscaping
Community Gardening in New York City
What is Smart Growth?

 

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.