Conservation of soil, water, plants, animals, and other natural features of undeveloped open space is a concern for many people. Open space problems include soil erosion, spread of invasive species, and decline of native plants and animals. The Stewards of Open Space (SOS) focus their conservation efforts on describing, protecting, and restoring natural ecosystems. The work of the Stewards begins with a preliminary evaluation of the conditions within a specific land unit of interest. Following a review of existing information a conservation plan is developed and submitted to the land owner or responsible agency. The plan outlines the steps that will be taken to obtain additional information, establish a monitoring system, and assess protection and restoration needs.
VISION: The AFOSA Stewards of Open Space envision a dynamic and biologically diverse landscape in which native plants and animals flourish, reserves of biomass accumulate naturally, and human use of the land is balanced by wise management that equitably supports other species and employs strategic planning to anticipate and moderate the effects of catastrophic events at local, regional, and global scales.
AFOSA’s conservation objectives for specific land units:
1) Identify and describe natural features and resources
2) Describe current land-uses
3) Fill gaps in general resource information through vegetation
mapping and analysis of historical records and reference sites
4) Prioritize needs for restoration and enhanced protection
5) Support research into ecological dynamics and diversity within
the land unit
6) Increase public awareness with printed guides and on-site activities
7) Make recommendations that acknowledge existing ownership rights,
and have the ultimate goal of establishing and maintaining natural
ecosystem processes
8) Support government and private land conservation planning and
management
9) Document the land unit’s role in regional master plans
10) Develop and apply volunteer schedules for monitoring conditions
