We define open space as any area of land or water that is essentially

natural and set aside for public benefit. These areas provide opportunities

for solitude, informal recreation, education, and research. Ecologically,

they are valuable because they host many native plants and animals, and they

perform important hydrological functions such as drainage and ground water

recharge. Protected open space should encompass a representative diversity

of scenic views, wildlife habitat, landforms, and geological as well as

archeological, historical, and cultural features. Adequate buffers around

sites and connections between them are critical for maintaining their

ecological and hydrological functions.