Randall Arendt 

Protecting Natural and Historic Resources through Conservation DesignUsing Aerial Photos in Site Design

complete document at:    http://www.greenerprospects.com/PDFs/Protecting-Nat-Hist-Res-thr-Cons-Des.pdf

EXCERPTS

         Aerial photos can be extremely useful in helping to locate site features.  This is a simple and effective technique which is not as widely used as it should be.

         On open farmland, the wettest soils can easily be spotted as dark areas on aerial photos.  Engineers and developers today continue to rearrange nature... I was not entirely surprised to see a number of new houselots for sale with extensive ponding on the ground surface.

         Conserving Ephemeral Wetlands – Vernal Pools: Vernal pools occur on land that ponds during the late winter and spring, drying up by midsummer. The fact that these ponds do not remain wet year-round makes them environmentally very special, because they do not support fish populations which would otherwise devour the egg masses (pictured here, with tadpoles emerging) that have been deposited in vernal pools by woodland amphibians such as salamanders, frogs, and some toads. It is important to protect not only these sanctuary pools, but also the surrounding woodlands constituting the terrestrial habitat of such species which begin their life cycles in these shallow waters.

          Conserving Historic and Cultural Features... can add significant interest value to the neighborhood, improving marketing possibilities and enhancing the quality of life of residents in the development and the surrounding community.  (Quoting Daniel Webster: “The man who feels no sentiment or veneration for the memory of his forefathers is himself unworthy of kindred regard or remembrance.”) 

          Conserving Orchards: The entire orchard operation shown here was designed around and conserved as “noncommon” open space in this conservation subdivision in Kennett Twp., Chester County PA.

           Conserving Meadows and Restoring Prairies: Although the former farmland in this Pennsylvania development was too small and fragmented to remain in production, its conversion to meadow use has improved wildlife habitat and offers residents attractive views that change with the season. In addition, this open space provides ideal areas for off-lot septic drainfields and also for community wells. This technique is worthwhile proposing even if health officials are unfamiliar with it, because they frequently agree, after careful consideration, that it is an acceptable – if not superior – alternative. This is because conservation design enables drainfields to be sited on the best soils available on the entire property, rather than having to be spaced at regular intervals within the confines of individual lots, some of which might consist of mediocre soils at best... Restored grasslands are managed professionally through annual “controlled burns” that maintain their ecological integrity.

          Conserving Cropland: During the first five years after adopting its new ordinance, more than 500 acres of prime farmland were preserved in Lower Makefield Township in Bucks County PA by applying conservation design principles to new subdivisions such as Farmview, pictured here. This farmland has been deeded to a local land trust which leases the fields to local farmers under long-term arrangements.  As of 2009, as many as 200 residential developments have incorporated active cropland into their plans, according to the Urban Land Institute... Developers are learning that the lot premiums usually associated with golf course developments can be achieved with farmland views instead... and at a fraction of the expense.

          Creating Vineyards, Almond Groves, and Edible Landscaping: One of the most remarkable conservation subdivisions ever built is Village Homes in Davis, CA. Designers Michael and Judy Corbett view open space as serving four key functions. First, it must be beautiful so that (secondly) it will encourage residents to use it frequently, thereby increasing social interaction. Third, it should handle all the stormwater gracefully through infiltration and recharge. And, finally, it should be planted with edible landscaping.

          Creating Community Gardens, Community-Supported Agriculture, and Foraging Opportunities: Another healthy aspect of conservation neighborhoods is the opportunity to provide community gardens where residents may plant specific plots or ”allotments” with fruits, herbs, and vegetables of their choice. 

          When one considers that half the milk, two-thirds the vegetables, and four-fifths of the fruit produced in our country come from “metro-farms” located in counties near our largest cities -- exactly where development pressures are greatest – the advantage of creating CSAs within new conservation subdivisions becomes apparent.

          Conserving Woodland Habitat: Homes abutting the woodland preserve in this development sold faster and at premium prices because buyers recognized the value added by proximity to protected lands. Installing the trail system before sales began, and making it a special marketing feature (with trail maps given to all prospective purchasers), enhanced the development’s financial success.

          Conserving Public Viewsheds and Scenic Character: In some communities, protecting rural character is one of the principal planning objectives. Conservation subdivision design can be used very effectively for this purpose as well, whether it is applied generally throughout rural zoning districts, or whether it is the principal tool for implementing viewshed protection policies along officially designated “scenic roads”, as is done in New Castle County DE. Locating new homes away from public viewsheds is often very easy to accomplish using conservation subdivision design principles, as illustrated in this pair of sketches.

          Creating Footpaths, Bikeways, and Greenways: Increasing interest in walking and cycling can easily be accommodated by providing trails and bikepaths in the abundant open space that is part of every good conservation subdivision. 

          Restoring Wetlands and Fisheries: Beyond conservation lies the realm of restoration, and restoring lost resources is often even more impressive than saving existing one.