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Regional Open Space Inventory

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Background

The U.S. Forest Service awarded NVCOG a grant to research and catalog all open space parcels across the region. This resource helps municipalities, land trusts, and the public understand what land is protected, the uses of that land, and where gaps remain.

Buttermilk Falls TD 1
Buttermilk Falls, Plymouth

Drafts Available - Public Comment Period Closed

Draft materials were released in May 2025. The public comment period closed on June 13, 2025. The final publication will be shared in July 2025. 

Interactive Map (DRAFT)
Report (DRAFT)

Timeline

Initial Research Ends
Staff completed 18 months of research which included reviewing land records, planning documents, and GIS data.
Drafts Released
A draft interactive map and report will be available for public comment for one month.
Final Publication
Following the comment period, staff will finalize the interactive map and report.
March 2025
May 2025
July 2025

What counts as open space?

There is no single definition of open space, as different agencies use different criteria. For this project, NVCOG's goal was to create a useful resource without favoring one definition over another. Land included in the inventory serves at least one of the following purposes: agriculture, cemetery, conservation, flood control, forestry, golf course, park, historic preservation, preservation, recreation, or drinking water protection.

Bristol Barnes CO 8

Why does open space matter?

Open space helps create healthier, greener, and more resilient communities. Natural land supports clean air, water, and soil, creating ecosystems where people and wildlife can thrive. In urban settings, open space can balance dense development, improve public health, and provide places for people to gather, exercise, and enjoy community events.

About the Project

Click the tabs below for detailed information.

Building the Inventory

NVCOG worked closely with municipal staff, Conservation Commissions, and land trusts to ensure the inventory reflected the priorities of each community. This effort ensured the final product was comprehensive and community-informed.

NVCOG collaborated with local partners to identify and verify open space parcels. The 18-month research process involved carefully reviewing municipal land records, planning documents, and GIS data to document easements, access, and legal protections. 

Deliverables

Upon completion, NVCOG will provide the following resources:

Maps & Data

  • An updated interactive map for public and municipal use
  • GIS shapefiles and attribute data to support local planning

Report & Guide

  • A final regional report with strategies for open space protection
  • Detailed municipal profiles that highlight priority parcels for preservation

Public Comment Period

  • The public comment period closed on June 13, 2025. Thank you to all community members, local partners, and stakeholders who took their time to review the draft materials and share feedback. The final publication will be shared in July 2025.

Past Events

Stay Updated on Social Media

In addition to this project page, NVCOG staff will keep you updated regarding the project’s status and progress on NVCOG’s social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. 

Our Partners

These dedicated partners stand alongside NVCOG in the mission to enhancing accessibility and protection of open space in the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region.

Related Resources

Explore these valuable resources to gain insights into open space efforts and initiatives.

Photo Gallery

Throughout this project, NVCOG staff took photos of open space across all 19 communities. The photos are organized by municipality, click any name below to view its corresponding gallery on Flickr.

Staff Contact:

Christine O’Neill, AICP
Senior Environmental Planner
coneill@nvcogct.gov

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