Public action can inform our leaders that we do not want land to be rezoned, but how can we actually protect our open and green spaces?
Protecting the integrity of our zoning laws and our Comprehensive Plan is the first step in preserving the balance between development and natural land. The next step is land preservation. To do this, governments, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals need to work cooperatively. Land must be acquired through a purchase or preserved by acquiring the development rights (called an easement) that prevents development on the land. In either case, the landowner must be compensated for their land. This can be done with private funds, public monies, or a combination of the two. You can help to protect our open spaces in at least two ways: (1) writing to our Supervisors and telling them that you believe public funds should be used to protect our open spaces; and (2) supporting the efforts of the Derry Township Land Trusta nonprofit organization whose purpose is to acquire and protect open spaces in Derry Township.
