Burlington Conservation Legacy Program

1. Land Stewardship

   To ensure the responsible long-term stewardship and management of significant natural areas and conservation lands owned by the City of Burlington.

2. Acquisition Planning

   To facilitate the acquisition of significant natural areas and important conservation lands for permanent protection within the City of Burlington in partnership with area land trusts, non-profit organizations, and local, state and federal government agencies.

3. Conservation Education

   To improve the public’s familiarity and appreciation of Burlington’s natural areas, to communicate the importance of open space protection, and to encourage public participation in the protection and planning process.

Administration & Oversight

The Burlington Conservation Legacy Program is administered and Managed by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront. The Burlington Conservation Board also advises the Department.

City Urban Wilds

Establish a new category of public lands within the City Parks System to be called “Urban Wilds.” Urban Wilds will be defined as those lands that provide habitat for rare and endangered plant and animal communities, wetlands and other riparian systems, flood plain, unique geological and hydrological features, important wildlife habitat and travel corridors, areas important for scientific research and education, scenic vistas, trails, passive recreation, sustainable forest communities, and cultural features.

All lands within the City Parks System currently referred to as “District Parks” and managed largely for conservation purposes will be evaluated for placement in this new category. Portions of other parks within the city possessing sensitive natural features may also be considered “Urban Wilds” for management purposes. All future acquisitions of significant natural areas and important open space for conservation and passive recreational purposes will be placed into this category.