Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 9.173 - Open space protection(a) Throughout metropolitan areas in the Commonwealth, many local and regional plans have provided recreational open space areas which also perform important natural functions. Some open space plans have recognized the ecologic importance of open space and have provided protection to floodplains, woodlands, steep slopes, and agricultural lands. As development in surrounding areas increases, open space lands are subjected to intense pressures for conversion to more intensive uses.(b) It shall be the environmental policy of the Commonwealth to protect existing ecologically valuable metropolitan open space lands designated in local or regional plans by discouraging the conversion of open space lands to more intensive uses which destroy existing ecologic values.