2006-09-00-CPC-rpt (Needs Assessment Report)

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Town of Lexington Community Preservation Plan Open Space ________________________________________________ Background : Open space is one of the defining characteristics of Lexington, which is now a mature suburb. It enhances the historical aura of the town, affords opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and offers a measure of population control. Lexington currently has 2236 acres of conservation land, and approximately 400 acres reserved for recreation including parkland. Town fiscal demands and restraints associated with prop 2 ½ have been accompanied by constant pressure of development resulting in an absence of land acquisition by the town during the past twenty years. The CPA encourages the acquisition and protection of open space by providing funds for the outright purchase of land or for its protection through the purchase of permanent conservation or agricultural easements or restrictions. Goals : The goals for open space include, but are not limited to the following: A. Protection through acquisition or conservation easements parcels of highest scenic and historic character. Parcels are considered significant if they preserve one or more of the following: ??Historic landscapes and the visual relationships between historic buildings and their setting ??The visual character of the town, particularly those designated as scenic ??Open fields and meadows visible from the road B. Protection through acquisition or conservation easements parcels of highest environmental value. Parcels are considered significant if they preserve one or more of the following: ??Wetlands and water resources ??Agricultural land ??Greenway connections and wildlife corridors ??Wildlife habitat 13