The first project that the partnership is embarking on is a mapping project that standardizes the classification of conservation parcels throughout the region. Shortly after the partnership formed, we realized that each municipality's conservation map used different language when identifying parcels based on conservation status. We decided that before we could begin the conversation of what our conservation priorities should be, we needed to understand where our conservation opportunities are. In order to do that, we need a regional conservation map that identifies conservation parcels using the same language.
The partnership is working with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) to review conservation parcels in each municipality and update each map to relay the same information regarding conservation status. We started by taking a look at the definitions created by the Vermont Protected Lands Geospatial Data Standard, and CCRPC created an online editable map viewer for the individual municipalities to take and revise parcel data based on those standards.
We are in the middle of revising parcel data and resolving issues that have come up during the project. When we are done with this project, the partnership will have a regional map that identifies parcels based on conservation status. This will lead to additional projects, like the mapping of important natural resource attributes, but once we have a map that shows what lands are already conserved, then the partnership can begin discussing where there might be opportunities for future conservation or connectivity.
If you have any questions about this or other CVCP projects, please contact Alex Weinhagen, Town of Hinesburg, at: aweinhagen@hinesburg.org, or 802-482-4209.