Realizing Open Space Conservation: A Cross-State Survey of Perceptions and Preferences Within Residential Developments

Sumner Swaner and Richard leBrasseur ()
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Sumner Swaner: Center for Ecological Planning and Design, 6598 Glenwild Drive, Park City, UT 84098, USA
Richard leBrasseur: Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: The conversion of open space to residential development increasingly continues across the United States, impacting both humans and nature. Residential development requires public input to generate meaningful places and understand contextually relevant priorities. Most municipal policies do not guarantee the provision of open spaces when residential development occurs, missing opportunities for benefits to those communities and reducing both environmental and spatial justice. This study operated a seven-state verbal questionnaire to collect and analyze a small-sample population perceptions concerning open space conservation and green space preferences towards future residential development priorities. Statistical analytical results indicated patterns, trends, and relationships within data. Although 46% of United States residents living in rural, suburban, and urban community types believe the amount of open space required in new developments should be determined on a case-by-case basis, just under half believe that requiring at least 50% open space in new developments is appropriate. More than half of Americans in the states targeted, particularly Colorado and liberal-leaning respondents, believe a lack of coherent planning will prevent open space conservation and that open space planning and conservation should be a priority for city governments. Beyond the United States, this study provides research and insight into conservation strategies that foster healthier landscapes and living environments globally.

Keywords: open space conservation; environmental justice; residential development; green space planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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