How to Identify Lands to Preserve


With the Grain Reason to Plan		Lands of Interest
		These are a few ideas to begin your list of LANDS OF INTEREST. Each category suggests lands that may be worthy of preservation. Are there such places in your community? If lost, would they be missed? You probably know of other inspiring or respected places. With a complete list in hand, it will become easier to set priorities and choose effective planning tools. In many cases, willing owners and neighbors have maintained the land's essential beauty or character for years. As owners and uses change, proper planning can help the community continue respectful stewardship of these important resources. Which are most worthy?


	Productive agricultural lands unique farmland (slope, soil or site) prime farmland or active farms USDA class I, II or III soils	Expanses of special character diverse native plant communities fields of row crops or fruit pine or other uniform plantations
	Other productive lands timber or game management crucial wildlife nesting or feeding fish and waterfowl breeding groundwater or aquifer recharge public or private recreation	Cultural, historic or archaeological sites old cemeteries, churches or schools mill sites, mill ponds or waterworks homestead gardens or cellar holes burial mounds or earthworks odd or beautiful roads or drives
	Attractive topography or viewsheds prominent elevations or ridges broad, flat plains or water bodies rolling (or isolated) hills or dunes riverbank bluffs or panoramas vistas with few signs of habitation diverse elements near one another	Recreation areas or opportunities hunting areas (public or private) no-hunting wildlife areas or greenways trails or foot-traffic-only areas existing or potential parks or preserves commercial recreation ventures private swimming or fishing holes
	Scenic or notable vegetation broad prairies or meadows intact wetland complexes hedgerows or wildlife corridors large, mature or stately woodlands	Locally or regionally scarce elements unusual plants or animals native communities or habitats rare natural features or landscapes isolated or abandoned railbeds
	Rural landmarks roadside linear groves or hedges farmhouse groves or landmark trees bridges or footpath river crossings rustic barns or corrals stone fences or footings	Watershed features natural or meandering streams springs, headwaters or tributaries wetlands, floodplains or hydric soils shaded or undisturbed riverbanks future sources of public water
	Peaceful, secluded areas physically isolated or quiet places sounds of water, wind, birds, frogs... uniformly dark at night deer and other wintering yards	Lands prone to fragmentation large water frontages large tracts in one ownership linear parcels near railbeds or rivers ... buffers to these special places



	© 1993 - - With the Grain - - Box 517 - - Mattawan, Michigan - - 49017-0517 - - wtg@wtgrain.org
...head home now!	Reason to Plan Preservation Spoken Softly Waiting to Die