2016 Open Space Conservation Plan

The Open Space Conservation Plan (OSP) is a comprehensive statewide plan that describes current open space conservation goals, actions, tools, resources and programs administered by state and federal agencies and conservation nonprofits. Since 1992, the Open Space Conservation Plan has served as the blueprint for the State's Open Space Program, guiding the investment of land protection funds from the Environmental Protection Fund. As required by law, the Plan is updated periodically, relying heavily on the work of the nine Regional Advisory Committees.

Goals of the 2016 OSP

• Protect water quality
• Provide accessible, quality, outdoor recreation
• Protect wildlife habitats for diversity
• Improve the quality of life and the health of our communities
• Maintain critical natural resource-based industries (ex: agriculture and forest products)
• Address climate change through forest, wetland, and riparian area stewardship, ecosystem protection, urban and community forestry, and community planning
• Provide places for education and research
• Protect and enhance scenic, historic, and cultural resources

Plan Development

The plan was developed with the assistance of nine Regional Advisory Committees composed of representatives of county governments and representatives selected by DEC and State Parks, all knowledgeable in open space conservation.

State agencies involved include:

• Department of Environmental Conservation
• Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
• Department of State
• Department of Agriculture and Markets
• Department of Transportation

Each regional committee was asked to review the existing 2009 plan, including the list of priority open space conservation projects, as well as policy recommendations, to make New York's comprehensive open space conservation program stronger in the future.

2016 Open Space Conservation Plan Documents

• Open Space Plan Summary (PDF)
• Open Space Plan - without e-Appendices (PDF)
• Open Space Plan Generic Environmental Impact Statement (PDF)
• Governor's letter (PDF)

e-Appendices

1. Regional Advisory Committees' Reports (PDF)
2. Legislative Mandates (PDF)
3. Project Eligibility & Evaluation Process (PDF)
4. NYS Coastal & Estuarine Land Conservation Program Plan (PDF)
5. Forest Legacy Expansions (PDF)
6. Assessment of Public Comments (PDF)
7. List of Public Commenters (PDF)