Conservation Legacy Program Board Members (left to right): David White, Harris Roen, Bob Whalen, Matt Moore, Lisa Coven, Will Flender, Heather Fitzgerald, Jeff Severson

1.   Intent

To implement a principle recommendation of the 2000 Burlington Open Space Protection Plan adopted by the Burlington City Council on 30 October 2000.

2.   Purpose and Responsibilities

Establish a program to manage and coordinate the protection and enhancement of significant natural areas, and other important conservation lands within the City of Burlington. The Burlington Conservation Legacy Program is to be comprised of three programmatic elements:

•       Land Stewardship

To ensure the responsible long-term stewardship and management of significant natural areas and conservation lands owned by the City of Burlington.

•       Acquisition Planning

To facilitate the acquisition of significant natural areas and important conservation lands for permanent protection within the City of Burlington in partnership with area land trusts, non-profit organizations, and local, state and federal government agencies.

•       Conservation Education

To improve the public's familiarity and appreciation of Burlington's natural areas, to communicate the importance of open space protection, and to encourage public participation in the protection and planning process.

3.   Administration and Oversight

The Burlington Conservation Legacy Program will be administered by the Department of Parks & Recreation. The Burlington Conservation Board will advise the Dept. of Parks & Recreation in the creation and implementation of such a program with specific attention to be paid to:

1.                  The creation of regulations and ordinances governing the designation, management, and preservation of natural areas and other sensitive conservation lands under city ownership (The City Council will have final approval on any proposed regulations and ordinances);

2.                  Developing priorities for future acquisition and protection of natural areas and other sensitive conservation lands by the City and other conservation partners (Any recommendations for proposed land acquision by the City will be made to the Mayor and City Council for final approval); and,

3.                  The development of city conservation education programs.

4.   City Urban Wilds

Establish a new category of public lands within the City Parks System to be called "Urban Wilds." Urban Wilds will be defined as those lands that provide habitat for rare and endangered plant and animal communities, wetlands and other riparian systems, flood plain, unique geological and hydrological features, important wildlife habitat and travel corridors, areas important for scientific research and education, scenic vistas, trails, passive recreation, sustainable forest communities, and cultural features.

All lands within the City Parks System currently referred to as "District Parks" and managed largely for conservation purposes will be evaluated for placement in this new category. Portions of other parks within the city possessing sensitive natural features may also be considered "Urban Wilds" for management purposes. All future acquisitions of significant natural areas and important open space for conservation and passive recreational purposes will be placed into this category.

5.   Support and Funding

Staffing for the purposes of implementing and administering the Burlington Conservation Legacy Program will be provided by the Department of Parks & Recreation. Additional staff support may come from the Dept. of Planning & Zoning, seasonal internships from UVM and other institutions, Americorps*VISTA volunteers, and other sources as funding and workloads allow.

The activities of the Burlington Conservation Legacy Program will be funded via multiple financing mechanisms including but not limited to:

•       Annual city budget allocations to the Department of Parks & Recreation;

•       Grants from state and federal agencies; and,

•       Private donations.