Open Space Management - Preserve Mgt, Deed Restrictions, Conservation Easements, Long Term Funding Most communities have provisions within their General Plans for improved open space such as neighborhood and regional parks. Natural open space areas are intended to protect natural settings incorporated within the General Plan of a  City or County to protect natural settings and the associated flora and fauna, as well as provide visual relief from urbanization. Some of these areas contain habitats for endangered species or sensitive habitat such as wetlands. As a result, to ensure proper management and care of these open spaces, agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers often require that Open Space Management Plans be developed. The primary goal of an Open Space Management Plan is to preserve the flora and fauna of the open space in perpetuity consistent with permit requirements as set forth by the applicable resource agencies. ECORP's consulting staff is experienced with all aspects of the creation of an Open Space Management Plan, from preserve function monitoring (including hydrologic and erosion monitoring, biological monitoring and fire hazard reduction), to development of funding mechanisms, deed restrictions and conservation easements. In addition, ECORP staff can assist in identifying a Preserve Manager and coordinating the activities that will be necessary to implement the Open Space Management Plan. ECORP staff have worked extensively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local jurisdictions in the development of Open Space Management Plans that meet all the necessary requirements to ensure open space is preserved in its natural state in perpetuity. For more information: Susan Capell, Associate Wildlife Biologist [email protected] ECORP Consulting, Inc. 2260 Douglas Blvd., Suite 160 Roseville, CA 95661 phone: (916) 782-9100 fax: (916) 782-9134 http://www.ecorpconsulting.com/openspace.htm