Embedded Files
Wake County Consolidated Open Space Plan
Wake County Consolidated Open Space Plan
Summary of Conservation Objectives
Summary of Conservation Objectives
Wake County’s vision is to be a great place to live, learn, work and play! The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division play a key role in this fulfilling this vision, through their mission to provide outdoor recreation and educational opportunities while promoting environmental and cultural stewardship through a managed system of parks and open spaces.
Wake County’s vision is to be a great place to live, learn, work and play! The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division play a key role in this fulfilling this vision, through their mission to provide outdoor recreation and educational opportunities while promoting environmental and cultural stewardship through a managed system of parks and open spaces.
The Open Space program, which strives to protect water quality through targeted land acquisition, has protected over 6,300 acres of land across Wake County. The program focuses land acquisition along watersheds with other values in mind: known high-quality habitats and communities, connectivity, and our sense of place. The program has partnered with local municipalities, the state and local land trusts toward our goal of conserving 30 percent of the County’s total land area.
The Open Space program, which strives to protect water quality through targeted land acquisition, has protected over 6,300 acres of land across Wake County. The program focuses land acquisition along watersheds with other values in mind: known high-quality habitats and communities, connectivity, and our sense of place. The program has partnered with local municipalities, the state and local land trusts toward our goal of conserving 30 percent of the County’s total land area.
Driver(s) of Conservation Efforts
Driver(s) of Conservation Efforts
The short answer of drivers would be 1) a combination of citizens and government as the drivers and 2) the creation of an Open Space plan and 3) the funding for implementing this plan. Another key point in plan was that it would be all voluntary, given that the social political climate would not be favorable to any regulatory requirements.
The short answer of drivers would be 1) a combination of citizens and government as the drivers and 2) the creation of an Open Space plan and 3) the funding for implementing this plan. Another key point in plan was that it would be all voluntary, given that the social political climate would not be favorable to any regulatory requirements.
In 1992, Wake County formed an advisory board of citizen groups and professional organizations representing farming, development, recreation and environmental interests. At that time, there was concern from citizens and government about the amount of change in the landscape from fast growth in the area. In the 90s, 97 people were born or moved to the area each day.
In 1992, Wake County formed an advisory board of citizen groups and professional organizations representing farming, development, recreation and environmental interests. At that time, there was concern from citizens and government about the amount of change in the landscape from fast growth in the area. In the 90s, 97 people were born or moved to the area each day.
The first 1996 Open Space Plan served to identify key areas for conservation and promote a bond referendum to the voters. This early advisory group, Wake County staff, and supportive elected officials were key to the success of three bond referenda totaling $91 mil passing with strong citizen support in 2000, 2004, and 2007. Part of the first open space bond money was used to create the Consolidated Open Space Plan. The COSP plan brought together all twelve municipalities in the area and funded each municipality’s individual plan, which was then included in the county-wide plan. The plan was last updated in 2006 and continues to be a driver for conservation in the area.
The first 1996 Open Space Plan served to identify key areas for conservation and promote a bond referendum to the voters. This early advisory group, Wake County staff, and supportive elected officials were key to the success of three bond referenda totaling $91 mil passing with strong citizen support in 2000, 2004, and 2007. Part of the first open space bond money was used to create the Consolidated Open Space Plan. The COSP plan brought together all twelve municipalities in the area and funded each municipality’s individual plan, which was then included in the county-wide plan. The plan was last updated in 2006 and continues to be a driver for conservation in the area.
The main change over time would be the extensive collaboration within a network of local governments, non-profit agencies, and local citizen groups, that continue to drive conservation in the area today.
The main change over time would be the extensive collaboration within a network of local governments, non-profit agencies, and local citizen groups, that continue to drive conservation in the area today.
Basic Statistics
Basic Statistics
Land (and water, if applicable) area of region: 857 sq miles (835 land, 22 water)
Population: 1,046,791 residents. 68 new residents are born or move to Wake County each day. Wake was the 2nd fastest growing county nationally among the 6 counties that had more than 1 million residents on July 1, 2015 and experienced a cumulative growth rate of 12% between 2010 and 2015.
Number of cities: 12 - Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon
Amount (area) of land protected to date: Approx. 100 sq-miles (approx 12%)
Goal for amount (area) of protected land: 30% or roughly 258 sq-miles
Key Readings
Key Readings
Image Credits
Image Credits
Downtown Raleigh, from the future Dix Park - George Hess
Piedmont prairie at Turnipseed Nature Preserve - George Hess
Robertson Millpond Preserve - George Hess
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