|
Project
Criteria
In order to make the best use of our resources, each conservation project that comes to the Bayfield Regional Conservancy must be reviewed against the criteria listed below. These criteria helps us identify significant projects and justify why we work on some projects and not others. These criteria are intended to offer guidance to the land projects committee, not a ranking or score. Local wisdom is valued in subjective review of each potential project. Type of Land
Guiding Principles Community support is important for Conservancy projects. Support may include encouragement by community members for a project, financial support, or support for projects identified in local park and open space plans or land use plans. Projects with high value for education about private land conservation or other creative conservation methods will be a priority as "showcase" projects. Conservancy goals may be accomplished not only through Conservancy sponsored projects, but also by providing technical assistance to local governments and agencies to help them accomplish their conservation goals. Desirable
features for preservation Scenic quality and open space that make our region beautiful and are the reason we live here. Wetlands that provide important wildlife and plant habitat, filter water and help to recharge the water table for drinking water. Waterfront land that is undeveloped on Lake Superior, inland lakes and rivers that provides important habitat and the aesthetic beauty of the northwoods. Farmland and commercial woodlots that provide food and fiber and a rural landscape that contributes to a sustainable economy. This includes farms that are situated where soils, aspect and elevation create a microclimate that is superior for growing Steep slopes
that need protection from inappropriate building or grading that cause irreversible
erosion and sedimentation of rivers and lakes. Adjacent land use - the surrounding land use affects the success of a protection project. Is the project adjacent to other protected lands? Does it "buffer" critical habitat? Or is it an isolated greenspace with little conservation value? Cost - land projects which require the purchase of land must meet additional criteria such as reasonable price, the potential for support from neighbors and the local community, and the ability of BRC to set-aside an endowment to cover stewardship costs (monitoring, management, legal enforcement if necessary, etc.). Project restrictions and reserved rights - the remaining rights of the landowner must not interfere with the conservation purposes of the project. Land management - the BRC must have the capacity to adequately monitor properties upon which it holds conservation easements. If the BRC holds management rights or fee title to a property, the BRC must have the capacity to do this well. Limited development
projects - the Bayfield Regional Conservancy is interested in a balance
of development and land protection. A limited development may sometimes be
appropriate in a project. A limited development must have significant conservation
values, it cannot be just a marketing scheme by the developer. A minimum of
60% of the land must be dedicated for open space protection. The BRC board
must be kept fully informed as to any related permits, variances, or legal
approvals of development. |
||||