Open Space Program

Description

The City’s Open Space Program is intended to conserve, activate, and manage open space and urban forest lands consistent with City policies and regulations. The City has segregated Open Space into two categories: Active and Passive. Active areas are those that are developed for and dedicated to community access and recreation. Passive open space properties comprise approximately 488 acres of City-owned forests, wetlands, streams, and habitat areas. Passive open space parcels will be managed and maintained in a manner that, in addition to other benefits, increases the stormwater benefit for public good through increased vegetation diversity, tree canopy cover, and overall absorption. The active management of these areas also results in the reduction of invasive vegetation, increase in tree health, and reduction of trash and pollution. The primary goal for passive open space properties is that they have a native species dominated, sustainable, and functioning forest.