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Conservation Benefits
Land conservation can play an important role in land use planning. Allegheny County continues to lose population while more greenspace is developed causing a series of fiscal, social and environmental concerns. Until a regional planning effort is implemented to curb land consuming sprawl, a community-based land conservation effort can offset this alarming trend. Protecting greenspace like Lowries Run Slopes maintains scenic landscapes, habitat and provides convenient recreational opportunities for residents in the area. From an environmental perspective, protecting the hillsides in a natural condition maintains their capacity to absorb rainwater, stabilize steep slopes, buffer noise, and act as a carbon sink purifying our air.
Lowries Run Slopes is in the process of reclamation from previous man made disturbances. Protecting this property from development ensures that these 16 acres will remain an integral part of the Lowries Run Slopes Biological Diversity Area. As Allegheny County faces development constant development pressures, it is important to maintain biodiverse areas. What values are there in our culture to protect spaces like this from the development land grab?
The benefits of land conservation are plentiful…
- Greenspace doesn’t require much in municipal services.
- Studies indicate that property adjacent to dedicated greenspace has a higher market value.
- Protected local natural areas provide habitat and opportunities for outdoor education and passive recreation close to home.