DEVELOMPENT METHODS
“Conservation and rural-life policies are really two sides of the same policy; and down at bottom this policy rests upon the fundamental law that neither man nor nation can prosper unless, in dealing with the present, thought is steadily taken for the future."
Theodore Roosevelt
WHAT IS A CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION?
A conservation subdivision is “GREEN” development strategies that can help communities preserve, restore or create beautiful open (green) space areas in residential housing developments. By reformulating the approach to conventional subdivision design (cookie-cutter division, creating as many lots as possible) a conservation subdivision strategically concentrates home construction and site alteration to a more limited area of the development site. This proactive approach permanently preserves valuable open/green space for the community to enjoy forever without concern for future development.
Conservation Development, LLC, works with both local and county agencies to create conservation subdivisions which are sensitive to the current and future needs of the community in which they are constructed. Together, we are able to address growing housing demands while preserving the “country feel” that make the unique communities [in which we build] so special.
Conservation Development, LLC uses the following methods, individually or collectively, to preserve, create or restore the beautiful open spaces associated to our conservation subdivisions:
- We may reduce the size of the home-sites. For example, instead of building on 1 acre lots, each home-sites may be reduced to a ½ acre or ¼ acre lot while simultaneously creating an undivided interest of ownership in the out lot for each home-site/lot owner. The large, shared out lot, (green - open space) is thereby created through the combination of the lot size reductions. Our “Sharon Green” project in Sharon, WI is a perfect example of this.
- We may reduce the total number of lots within the subdivision. For example, although land zoning may allow for the creation of 41 new home sites we may only create 36 new lots. We may also enlarge the size of those lots from a 1/4 acre to something larger while thereby enhancing the size of the open-green space.
- Open/green spaces are restored with prairie grasses, trees and other native, self supporting vegetation. Further, these spaces typically include walking paths, picnic and park areas for the subdivision community to enjoy.
OPEN/GREEN SPACES PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
- Noise buffers
- Recreational areas
- Walking paths/trails
- Reduced demand for publicly funded green spaces
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Protected wildlife habitat
- Protected water quality
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Means for expanding public trail systems and greenways
IS THE OPEN/GREEN SPACE PROTECTED?
- ABSOLUTELY!
- A key purpose of Open/Green space is permanent preservation so it may not be developed in the future.
- Its very existence and preservation will forever enhance the neighborhood and the community.
HOW IS THE OPEN/GREEN SPACE CARED FOR?
- Through the creation of a “Land Stewardship Plan”
- The Land Stewardship Plan is like an owner’s manual; it identifies:
- Specific uses and non uses of the land
- Specific care requirements which must be performed to the land:
- Mowing or Controlled burns
- Weed control during development
- Path Maintenance
- Specific ongoing improvements which must be performed to the land, for example:
- Vegetation enhancements (adding of trees, shrubs, flowers, etc)
- Planned use improvements (play, recreation and picnic areas)
- The Land Stewardship Plan is typically funded by the developments Owners Association.
- The Land Stewardship Plan is typically managed by:
- The developments Owners Association
- A Land Conservancy Organization (in the case of a conservation easement donation).
- Occasionally, both the Owners Association and a Land Conservancy Organization work jointly to insure proper execution of the Plan.
