What is an Open Space & Recreation Plan?

A state-approved OSRP, valid for seven years, is an action-oriented blueprint for identifying, mapping, prioritizing, and ultimately preserving a community’s most important natural resources. It also is a requirement for local participation in the various grant programs offered by the state Division of Conservation Services. These programs include: Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Program, Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program, and Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

MVPC environmental planners work collaboratively with municipal conservation commissions and open space committees to help research, write, and produce comprehensive local Open Space and Recreation Plans (OS&R), consistent with Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS) guidelines. MVPCs planning services include

• Community organizing and visioning
• Inventorying and analysis of environmental assets and threats
• Inventorying and mapping lands of conservation and recreation interest
• Setting community goals and objectives
• Preparing open space action plans
• ADA Access self-evaluations