Land-of-Sky Region Working Lands and Open Space Planning - A Conceptual Approach 

(August 2004)* 

The four counties of the Land-of-Sky Region are home to spectacular scenery and an economy that has long been based upon a connection to the land.  Native Americans managed the land sustainably for generations. Early settlers of European heritage relied on the land to support a subsistence livelihood.  In the early twentieth century agriculture, logging, furniture, mining and tourism all grew into pillars of the regional economy.  All these enterprises continue, but agriculture and tourism, in particular, depend upon the presence of well-managed working lands, scenic vistas, and recreational open space.  

That connection between open space and other community goals is becoming more and more apparent.  Sense of Place occupies a prominent place in our regional strategic plan, Regional Vision 2010, as does an initiative entitled Protecting our Natural and Cultural Wealth.  Asset-based economic development is increasingly the focus of state and local economic development efforts.  Richard Florida’s popular book The Rise of the Creative Class points out the importance of maintaining communities in a way that will attract “cultural creatives”, the people that generate new ideas and enterprises.  Open space and unique community identity are likely to increasingly win out over strip development and homogenized local culture in the minds of businesspeople and other residents.  Open space and working lands are key components of our sense of place.

 This document proposes a conceptual approach to open space planning in Region B.  It is a work in progress and is intended to elicit discussion and comment about the status of working lands and open space, recent trends, and actions that our communities should consider to manage these resources.

Step 1 – Assess the Current Status of Open Space

This step was largely accomplished through a One NC Naturally contract in 2004.  Other work during this period with Landcare Australia and on the agriculture chapter of the Henderson County Comprehensive Plan led to a realization that pubic interest in open space covers a wide range of personal perspectives.  It runs from preservation for areas such as national parks and wilderness areas, to interest in active recreation opportunities, to protection of working lands that are regularly plowed or logged.  An effective open space plan for the region will address all these interests and will require information on opportunities in all these areas.

Step 2 – Examine Historic Land Uses and Project Future Trends

• Locate and assemble historic information on land use and the changes in land use over time.
• Inventory current land use plans and regulations as they affect working lands and open space.
• Include and plans and priorities of local organizations interested in working lands and open space.
• Use geographic, demographic, and economic information to project future trends.
• Solicit comments and revise projections accordingly.

Step 3 – Propose Actions to Protect Working Lands and Open Space

• Assemble a collection of techniques and case studies that have proven successful here and elsewhere to protect working lands and open space.
• Based on feasibility and likely impact, pick the highest priority tools for each of the types of open space needing protection (working lands, active recreation, stream corridors, viewsheds, farmland, core habitat areas, etc.).
• Recommend actions by all partners involved in protecting open space over the short term and long term and solicit their comments.
• Propose a draft plan for open space protection over the next 20 years, including plans to obtain the needed resources.

Step 4 – Gather Comments and Suggestions

• Brief the Land-of-Sky Regional Council Board on the proposed open space plan.
• Post the plan on the Council website and solicit comment
• Hold four county-level meetings on the plan
• Revise the plan
• Seek adoption by LOSRC and member governments

Step 5 – Publish and Publicize the Plan

• Post the plan on the web.
• Produce printed and CD copies
• Produce a simplified brochure with plan highlights
• Distribute to member governments and open space partners

Step 6 – Implement and Update the Plan

• Assemble a working group of implementers and others to oversee implementation
• Pursue LOSRC assignments in the plan
• Report progress regularly to member governments and other organizations
• Publish a progress report every two years
• Update and amend the plan every five years

* This document is a staff proposal that has not yet undergone review by the LOSRC Board.