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Bucks County Open Space and
Agricultural Land Preservation Programs

In May 1997, voters overwhelmingly approved a $59 million bond referendum to fund the Bucks County Open Space Program, which focuses on preserving farmland, providing park and recreation areas, and protecting unique natural and environmental features. Overall, the Open Space Program has achieved great success and will leave its mark on the Bucks County landscape for generations to come. As of October 2007, the Bucks County Open Space Program has completed over 290 projects totaling more than 13,500 acres.

Although the Open Space Program has accomplished considerable success, the county continues to grow at an alarming rate and the threat of losing more farmland, natural resources, and beloved vistas to development remains. In the last 50 years, Bucks County lost over 70 percent of its most productive farmland. In 2004, the Bucks County Planning Commission reported that current development proposals could potentially consume over 3,000 acres of land.

The need for aggressive open space preservation in Bucks County continues. The time to preserve our natural heritage is now. Click here to view the Open Space Task Force II Report.

Bucks County Open Space Brochure

Map of Preserved Areas

Agricultural Land Preservation

Agriculture and farmland are central to Bucks County’s identity, culture, and history. The Agricultural Land Preservation Program is helping to ensure that the County retains its farming heritage and agricultural economy. To date, 111 farms totaling over 10, 000 acres have been preserved throughout the county. Over 60 farms are included on the program’s waiting list.

 

County Parkland

Bucks County has an ongoing goal of expanding and improving its parklands. As A result, County residents enjoy an extensive park system consisting of nine parks: Core Creek, Lake Towhee, Peace Valley, Playwicki, Ringing Rocks, Silver Lake, Stover-Myers Mill, Tinicum, and Tohickon Valley parks that total over 4,600 acres.

Natural Areas

The mission of the Natural Areas Program is to preserve and protect important examples of Bucks County’s plant and animal habitats, significant geological features, and vital ecological services, such as water and air purification, that sustain all life. The County has partnered with municipalities and nonprofit land trusts to preserve 2,480 acres of significant natural resources and habitats.

Municipal Open Space

The Bucks County Open Space Program also includes support for municipalities to assist with local land preservation efforts and open space planning. The Municipal Open Space Program aids municipalities in the acquisition of land for agricultural preservation, natural resource protection, or recreation. Each municipality has created an open space plan outlining the natural resources and conservation priorities important to their community. To their credit, local municipal efforts have protected 2,577 acres of land.

2008 Municipal Open Space Plan Guidelines

2008 Municipal Open Space Program Application Guidelines

Bucks County Open Space Program - Municipal Allocations 2007