Background
The U.S. Forest Service awarded NVCOG a grant to research and catalog priority Open Space parcels across the region. Open Space benefits residents and municipalities by raising property values, increasing access to outdoor recreation, and protecting land for ecosystem services.
The major deliverable of this project will be an updated and improved Open Space viewer with detailed attributes including ownership, acreage, level of legal protection, public access status, and more. An accompanying report will explore regulatory and non-regulatory suggestions to protect committed Open Space, and highlight priority parcels.
The Cross-Boundary Benefits of Open Space
The benefits of Open Space naturally cross municipal boundaries. For example, a Waterbury resident may drive to Middlebury to use the greenway, or an individual in Shelton may commute through Oxford’s farmland on the way to work. A need exists to understand exactly what Open Space exists in the region, the degree to which it is accessible and protected, and to identify areas lacking this important amenity.
Defining and Inventorying Open Space
Creating this inventory is a complex task that goes beyond data aggregation, as defining Open Space presents its own challenge. Some municipalities adhere to a strictest definition, considering only municipally-owned, perpetually-protected land, while others include diverse areas like historic sites, equipped playgrounds, privately owned farms, and more. Collecting and standardizing this data is a substantial endeavor, often surpassing the capabilities of most resource-constrained local governments.
Collaborative Approach to Data Collection
Deliverables
We have completed preliminary research and draft municipal profiles for all nineteen municipalities! Now we are sweeping through the data to standardize and refine it.
Public Involvement Process
- COMING SOON: The public comment period for the draft inventory & report is anticipated in May 2025.
- Stakeholder Kickoff, 12/4/23: press release – flyer – slides – recording
Please send any outreach ideas or requests to Christine O’Neill at coneill@nvcogct.gov.
Stay Updated on Social Media
In addition to this website, NVCOG staff will keep you up-to-date regarding the project’s status and progress on NVCOG’s social media platforms, which include Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Read our two-page project explainer here.
Our Partners
These dedicated partners stand alongside NVCOG in the mission to enhancing accessibility and protection of Open Space in the region.
- U.S. Forest Service (grantors)
- Municipalities, land trusts, and water companies
Related Resources
Explore these valuable resources to gain insights into regional Open Space efforts and initiatives.
Photo Gallery
Staff Contact:
Christine O’Neill
Environmental Planner II
coneill@nvcogct.gov