Conserve Open Space

Conserve open space through land acquisition while maintaining and enhancing the total area of protected land.

Conserving open space is vital for maintaining the health of ecosystems and the quality of life for communities. By preserving natural, undeveloped areas, ecosystems are sustained, wildlife habitats are protected, water quality is improved, and spaces for recreation are provided. Open space also plays a role in enhancing habitat connectivity, which supports biodiversity and helps ecosystems adapt to environmental changes.

Since 2006, the Partnership has successfully protected more than 8,100 acres of land, primarily through land acquisitions. Moving forward, the goal is to conserve an additional 5,000 acres of open space within the coastal boundary of Long Island Sound. This includes a focus on areas where conservation projects have not historically reached, ensuring that more communities benefit from these vital spaces.

The Partnership will continue to protect these areas through land acquisition and explore opportunities to increase protected space through easements. In addition to acquiring new land, it is essential to maintain and enhance the health of already-protected spaces by managing invasive species and improving habitats. This will help ensure that these spaces continue to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for years to come.

The Partnership will work to protect high-priority coastal habitats from development, support sustainable use of these properties, and create a comprehensive registry of protected areas across Connecticut and New York.

Actions

• Protect high-priority coastal habitat from development through implementation of land conservation plans that identify priorities for conservation, management, and investment.
• Increase access and enhance sustainable stewardship of conserved lands particularly for distressed communities.

Programs