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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. For example, protecting greenspace like Marino Preserve maintains scenic landscapes, habitat and provides convenient recreational opportunities for residents in the area. It also provides an example to other landowners in the area, fostering a broader conservation ethic and encouraging additional donations. 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.
The property is at the edge of a large wooded area that extends to the west for several miles. Ecosystem infrastructure and habitat size play integral parts in biodiversity of a given area. The larger the contiguous forest area, the greater the biodiversity.
The property also includes several old foundations and unfortunately a lot of household garbage dumped over decades. ALT has a challenge in cleaning up the dumping of years passed as well as creating an overall management plan for the property. ALT is working with the local community and volunteers in meeting this challenge.
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.