The Benefits of Open Land
A Natural Climate Solution
Open lands, including forests, meadows, streams and rivers, agricultural lands, and wetland systems are critical to the long-term health of our community and to our survival in the face of the threat of climate change. Conserving land is a natural climate solution for carbon sequestration, and the scientific community agrees that we must conserve 30% of the Earth’s land by 2030 to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
It Makes Financial Sense
For every dollar invested in land conservation the city earns $4 to $11 in natural resources services. Just 20 parcels in South Burlington bring the city as much as $16 million dollars per year and that value lasts indefinitely. Over twenty years those South Burlington will earn as much as $240 million dollars from those parcels alone.
Quality of Life
Open lands and a diverse landscape are central aspects of the quality of life in our community, and are a fundamental reason we live here. They provide important benefits for South Burlington residents including recreation, mental health benefits and neighborhood livability.