Why is it important to preserve open space?

Il est important de préserver les espaces ouverts car ils maintiennent l'eau, le sol et l'air sains et favorisent la résilience au changement climatique. Les espaces ouverts nécessitent peu des services municipaux qui augmentent les impôts. Les espaces ouverts sont liés à 25% de l'économie du New Hampshire grâce aux revenus et aux emplois générés par le tourisme, les loisirs, l'agriculture et la foresterie, ainsi que par la qualité de vie. Les espaces ouverts encouragent les activités de plein air saines et offrent des salles de classe en plein air pour les études de la nature et de l'environnement. Les espaces ouverts préservent les terres agricoles et les structures d'importance historique. Les espaces ouverts peuvent absorber l'eau excédentaire et aider à réduire les inondations, tandis que les routes et les maisons imperméables contribuent à des inondations plus graves. Les espaces ouverts favorisent l'adaptation au changement climatique. Les espaces ouverts permettent de protéger la diversité des plantes et des animaux, quelle que soit la condition climatique, en préservant des espaces qui prendront en charge une variété de plantes et d'animaux.

Open space lands include forests and grasslands, farms and ranches, streams and rivers, and parks. They provide ecosystem services, support agricultural and forest production, and offer opportunities for recreation. This loss is significant, as open spaces provide many benefits and ecosystem services. From clean water and natural flood control to wildlife habitat and biodiversity to recreation opportunities, there are many diverse benefits derived from open space that we must consider and manage sustainably. Open space is being lost to other land uses at an alarming rate.

Every acre we save cleans and cools the air we breathe, soaks up floodwaters, provides wildlife with habitat, filters the water we drink, and brings humans improved health and joy. When we lose these landscapes, we also lose the valuable qualities and natural services they offer. Open space helps us withstand the impacts of a changing climate and helps us bounce back after dramatic weather events. Rich natural areas serve as critical reservoirs for carbon storage. Clean, safe water is essential to all life. By preserving the land around our streams and rivers, and by planting thousands of trees to serve as a natural filter, we can help ensure clean water. Fresh air to breathe, clean water to drink, unspoiled places to explore, trails to walk—all are essential to human health. Time in nature is also proven to enhance mood and relieve stress. A study found $1.3 billion in avoided health costs in southeastern Pennsylvania due to recreation on protected open spaces.

Planning for open space and conservation helps communities protect their environment, improve quality of life and preserve critical elements of local heritage, culture and economy. Conservation programs that are created with community input and are well-managed can help protect a community's natural assets, provide places for recreation, preserve important environmental and ecological functions and enhance quality of life. Many regions, cities and small towns utilize smart growth principles to better manage growth and holistically plan for the conservation of farmlands, forests, open spaces, wildlife habitats and waterways. An important part of this planning process is to meaningfully engage local partners and residents, to help ensure equitable access to the natural assets and the outdoor recreation opportunities they may offer. EPA works with national, regional and local partners and provides tools and resources to plan for equitable access to natural assets. EPA also helps communities identify critical areas for preservation, to help them become more proactive in conservation planning.