The Local Open Space Planning Guide, a comprehensive handbook containing information to help communities across New York state protect open space and natural resources, is now available on-line at www.dos.state.ny.us

"The protection of open space is essential to preserving the character and quality of local communities," New York Governor George Pataki said. "The Local Open Space Planning Guide will provide information that local officials, groups and individuals can use to develop and implement effective conservation programs. It will serve as a quick and easy reference guide with ideas on how to protect important resources such as farmland, forested lands, wetlands and natural areas that are the foundation of a strong, quality community."

The Local Open Space Planning Guide was developed by the Department of State and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in collaboration with the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Open space conservation is considered essential to ensuring clean air and water, protecting wildlife habitats and food supplies, and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. The guide implements a recommendation of the Quality Communities Interagency Task Force, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue, that state government encourage the development of local open space plans. The ongoing Quality Communities Initiative additionally recommended more than a dozen strategies for maintaining New York's leadership in open space conservation and encouraging greater farmland protection.

"Our efforts to build quality communities rely heavily on partnerships between New York state, local communities and interested groups and individuals," Lieutenant Governor Donohue said. "This guide addresses a need we identified through our statewide task force meetings and offers a variety of ideas and information that can assist in local planning and help facilitate beneficial partnerships. We strongly encourage local officials and residents to take a look at the guide and reference it whenever necessary to facilitate planning efforts."

The Local Open Space Planning Guide recognizes the role of local governments and organizations in promoting land conservation. Local governments have the authority to control growth and development, as well as acquire open space resources, while land trusts and private, not-for-profit organizations may assume a variety of roles in conservation efforts, such as serving as the intermediary in land purchases, raising private funds for acquisitions or managing open space areas or historic sites.

The ideas and strategies presented in the guide are voluntary, with recommendations designed to assist in the development or refinement of a local open space plan. The guide includes examples of specific community projects that have been successful in conserving, managing and utilizing open space.