Open Space Preservation Forum March 9,2006

Presented By

The Town of LoomisOpen Space Committee

Welcome!

Thanks… for being interested in preserving the open rural character

of Loomis.

What is “open space?”

The General Plan defines “open space land” as:

“any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to open space use for the purpose of:

1) the preservation of natural resources, 2) the managed production of resources,

3) outdoor recreation, or 4) public health and safety”

OSC Background

Initial efforts in 2004 New OSC formed in 2005 10 volunteer members Meet 3rd Thursdays @ 7pm “Advisory” only

OSC Members

Terri Barnato Pat MillerKim Fetke Tom SethJohn Knott Irene SmithGary Liss Roger SmithVic Markey Tara Wells

Task Forces (& Leaders)

1. Education & Publicity (Gary Liss)2. Funding (John Knott)3. Town Policies (Vic Markey)4. Special Properties (Irene Smith)5. Projects In Progress (Vic Markey)

OSC Activities● identify open space and natural areas ● review projects for open space potential● develop educational materials● identiify funding sources ● recommend policies that the Planning Commission and Town Council can consider for inclusion in Town’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code

Philosophy…

The OSC will be a resource for willing property owners who voluntarily wish to preserve all or part of their land as open space

Acknowledgements

OSC MembersTown CouncilPerry Beck - Town ManagerKathy Kerdus - Town PlannerRyan Wunsch - Planning TechnicianLaura Beck - General Support

Why Preserve Open Space?

Scenic beauty Agricultural production Native flora & fauna Recreation & solitude Natural & cultural resources Flood control / erosion control Air quality benefits from greenscape Financial benefits (e.g. tax savings)

Open Space Preservation Methods

● By donation or sale of land (e.g. to a land trust or to the Town)

● By creation of conservation easements

● By creation of covenents, and other deed restrictions (e.g. CC&R’s)

Our Speakers

Ernie Riley - Retired Biology Professor, Sierra College

Jeff Darlington - Executive Director, Placer Land Trust

Jim Leet, Atty. - McDonough, Holland & Allen

Let’s Get Started!

Please save questions for the Q&A session to follow the speakers