Adopted by Burlington voters in November of 2000, Burlington's Open Space Protection Program Plan was created to protect and preserve natural areas for the benefit of future generations. While the plan's adoption was non-binding, it helped answer the question, "Should Burlington create a fund for open space protection?

With 13,000 of 18,000 answering "yes", it is clear that Burlington residents are concerned about the city's dwindling amount of open space.

Through the plan, portions of approximately 1,000 parcels, totaling almost 2,800 acres, have been identified as possessing value for preservation/conservation.

The open space plan embraces the reality that not all lands can be or even should be protected from development. The three main components of the plan are: A vision - where natural areas, parklands, and greenbelts are physically integrated into the urban fabric of the city; a working inventory of open spaces; and a plan of action - that proposes a comprehensive land conservation program which includes:

• Conservation Education to improve the public's familiarity and appreciation of Burlington's natural areas, to communicate the importance of open space protection, and to encourage public participation in the protection process.
• Proactive Conservation that identifies sites of the highest priority for protection, and offers the mechanisms and resources to set these lands aside as a legacy to future generations.
• Further Planning & Improved Development Review to act as a safety net to protect specific resources and features from the adverse impacts that may be associated with nearby development.

The framework of this plan is designated to be flexible, so that it can evolve with the needs and priorities of the City of Burlington as they change over time.

Cross Sectoral Benefits

Environment: Preserve and protect significant natural areas and open spaces in Burlington.

Economy: Enhancement of Burlington as a regional center for future development and economic growth. Stabilization of property values and taxes.

Governance: Creates new collaboration between the Dept. of parks & Recreation and the Conservation board to acquire and manage sensitive public lands. Collaboration with non-profits, neighboring communities and state and federal agencies.

Social: Maintains and enhances quality of life in Burlington's neighborhoods. Provides opportunities for passive recreation, solitude, and reflection within an urban environment. Provides educational and recreational opportunities for the public.

For more information, contact:

David White, AICP,
Comprehensive Planner
Department of Planning and Zoning
149 Church Street - Burlington, VT 05401
802-865-7188

Burlington Sustainable Strategies in Action

New York Planning Federation

American Planning Association

New York Quality Communities Initiative

NYS Quality Communities Clearinghouse