March 20, 2003 Feature Story
Protection
of Utah's Open Space the Topic of Recent Study
 Utah's
rapid growth rate is fueling strong development pressures that
may irreversibly alter the economic standing and social character
of local communities, said Robert Lilieholm, College of Natural
Resources professor at Utah State University.
Population in Utah is expected to increase by 50 percent over
the next 20 years, and as development pressures mount, Utahns
are voicing concern over the loss of once abundant open space.
This concern makes a recent study conducted by Lilieholm and
Charles Fausold of Cornell University especially significant.
Lilieholm and Fausold said that decisions about growth and
development take place at the community level.
"Unfortunately, community leaders and municipal planners
often lack up-to-date information about tools available for
ensuring that growth complements, rather than detracts from,
the community," said Lilieholm.
 Many
zoning tools can be used to protect open spaces, such as setting
specific lot sizes per dwelling unit, Lilieholm said. In addition,
cluster zoning sets a maximum acreage limit and allows for closer
spacing between homes to encourage the retention of open space.
Communities and businesses may also purchase land to offset
the impacts of developments in other areas.
However, legal threats from affected landowners and developers
sometimes result in reluctance to enforce zoning restrictions.
"A lot of small towns are backing off zoning because they're
afraid of being sued," said Lilieholm.
Historically, Utah communities controlled the use of land to
protect the greater good of the community, he said. Development
proposals that are incompatible with local values and standards
may be legally denied by zoning.
"Population growth and real estate development do not
necessarily translate into financial benefits for local governments,"
said Lilieholm. "Providing services to accommodate new
development may cost more than the development generates in
property taxes and other revenues."
 Lilieholm
believes the economic benefits of protecting open space are
too often ignored because they are difficult to measure.
Activities like hiking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing
and mountain biking have economic and social values. They include
the purchase of equipment, travel costs, accommodations, guide
services, meals and other service jobs.
"The land also supports natural ecosystem functions,"
said Lilieholm. "Open space protects our groundwater supply.
It helps diminish water and air pollution, provides flood and
storm damage protection and moderates temperatures.
"There are many who view these lands as a gift to be enjoyed
and passed on to future generations, not to be exploited and
controlled," he said.
Writer: Shalee Sucher, 797-1350, Shalee@cc.usuedu
Contact: Robert Lilieholm, 797-2575, rjl@cc.usu.edu
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