1. New Jersey Geospatial Forum Preserved Lands/Open Space Task Force A Methodology to Develop and Maintain a Comprehensive Database of Preserved Lands and Other Open Spaces in New Jersey Tanya Nolte, NJ Conservation Foundation Brian Embley, The Nature Conservancy Paul Caris, NJ Department of Environmental Protection Douglas M. Schleifer, NJ Office of Information Technology, Office of GIS Yelena Pikovskaya, NJ Office of Information Technology, Office of GIS

2. Preserved Lands/Open Space Task Force The Preserved Lands/Open Space Task Force was established by the New Jersey Geospatial Forum* Executive Committee for the purpose of creating a methodology for the development and maintenance of a comprehensive database for preserved lands and other open spaces in New Jersey (PL/OS Database). The primary purpose for this database is to inform various planning efforts for government agencies and other organizations involved in the preservation and management of these lands for public benefit. *NJ Geospatial Forum is a statewide users group and the coordinating body for geospatial technology activities throughout New Jersey. One of the many functions of the Forum is to form task forces based on issues or activities of importance to the Forum membership. https://njgin.state.nj.us/OIT_NJGF/index.jsp

3. In order to meet the goal – to develop and maintain a preserved lands/open space database for New Jersey – the Preserved Lands/Open Space Task Force has to fulfill the following objectives: Examine various methodologies to map preserved lands and other open spaces. Define categories of preserved lands/open space within a statewide context. Identify core and optional attribute information, and develop database schema. Define a comprehensive process for the development and maintenance of a preserved lands/open space dataset in New Jersey. Task Force Objectives and Structure For that purpose the Task Force was structured into the following subgroups: Research Categories and Definitions Attributes Methodology

4. Research Research was conducted on methodologies used by several federal and state agencies, universities and non-profit organizations throughout the nation that collect preserved lands/open space data. The purpose of the research was to educate the task force and determine best practices, based on the experiences of agencies, institutions and organizations, to aggregate information, and develop and maintain databases. The most instructive and useful programs were: The Protected Areas Database of the U.S., or PAD-US (USGS GAP project) The Nature Conservancy Enterprise Conservation Data Program California Protected Areas Database (CPAD) Massachusetts GIS Protected and Recreational OpenSpace Schema (MassGIS) New Hampshire GRANIT (Geographically Referenced Analysis & Information Transfer System) Vermont Conserved Lands Database NY State Environmental Conservation Lands The NJ Highlands Council Land Preservation and Stewardship Program

5. The results revealed a variety of approaches to inventory creation and mapping. Major findings answered the following basic questions. 1.What are the methods of capturing information? There are two main approaches for mapping lands: property ownership (land stewardship), or combining this method with the natural resources delineation (environmental). As a qualitative or quantitative characteristic of a mapped unit, a protection status category (or level of protection) was often attributed. 2. How are the datasets structured? For structuring the NJ PL/OS database model, the key components of the PAD-US database - its geometric structure and core attributes – were taken as an example. Research (cont.)

6. 3. How are easements handled? Some programs capture fee simple lands only, and plan to track easements in a separate database (PAD-US and CPAD), or later in the same database (NY State). Other programs include easements in their open space data sets: TNC, all the New England states, and NJ Highlands. Easements are differently classified: by primary use (Conservation, Agricultural, or other) - MassGIS and Highlands; by legal restrictions and/or ownership - NH and Vermont.

7. 4. What is the base mapping unit? The programs collecting information on fee simple lands use Tax Parcel as a minimum mapping unit. The programs tracking easements regard base map unit smaller than parcel, because an easement boundary can split a parcel. 5. What is a character of polygon boundaries? Easements very often are surveyed carefully, and their boundaries are natural, while parcel-base polygons have administrative boundaries of properties. Also, some programs such as NJ Highlands make their own land delineation. In this cases land boundaries are environmental as well. Research (cont.)

8. Distribution. Most data sets are available for download on the web in gdb, shapefiles or pdf formats; some are distributed by request (The Natural Conservancy lands in NJ). Vermonts data are distributed depending on database version (public, private, or full database). The distribution can be either open or strictly limited. Details about the programs are located in the research.zip file under Preserved Lands/Open Space on the Current Task Forces Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Presentations page of the NJ Geospatial Forum web site at: https://njgin.state.nj.us/OIT_NJGF/njgf_current_tf_mtg_mts.jsp

9. Categories and Definitions Goals of the Categories and Definitions subgroup: develop a definition of preserved land define the categories of land to be included in the database

10. Categories and Definitions First recommendation Broaden the scope of Taskforce from: Developing a database of Preserved Lands Developing a database of Preserved Lands and other Open Space (i.e. open spaces that are not preserved) Lands.

11. Categories and Definitions Definition of Preserved Land Lands permanently protected for agricultural, conservation, historic/cultural, horticultural or recreation purposes via legal or legislative encumbrance. Protection of these lands can only be rescinded by legal or legislative action. Examples of encumbrances include: deed restrictions or easements lands purchased with dedicated preservation trust fund dollars, etc. Inclusion of lands on a Recreation & Open Space Inventory (ROSI) filed with the Green Acres Program

12. Categories and Definitions Categories of land use to be included in the database: Agricultural Lands Conservation Lands Historic / Cultural Lands Horticultural Lands Recreation Lands In each of these 5 categories, if land is identified as Preserved, it will automatically be included.

13. Categories and Definitions However, for other Open Spaces there are 2 criteria to help specify whether land will be included in the database: Ownership: public, private or non-profit Public access

15. The PL/OS database has been designed for three major spatial components: Parcel based open space Unit based open space Encumbrances* Database Tables and Feature Classes Parcel based open space Unit based open space * Most encumbrances are easements and most easements do not cover entire parcels. The encumbrances table can be joined with parcels data to create a polygon feature class to identify the parcels the encumbrances are located within.

16. Database Structure

17. Attributes in a Database Structure (cont.) Most information about open space is stored in the parcel-based open space table, with the Parcel ID (PAMS_PIN) used as the primary key to join to a parcels polygon feature class. The basic mapping unit for Open Space architecture is a Tax Parcel.

18. PAMS_PIN field is also used to link to other tables with detailed characteristics. Each database table has one or two key fields for joining to other tables (Parcel ID; OS_Unit ID, Encumbrance ID). Attributes in a Database Structure (cont.)

19. Attributes Detailed open space attributes based on PARCELS Field Name Field Abbreviation DescriptionDomainField Type Parcel IDPAMS_PIN Parcel ID code developed by NJOIT-OGIS (see NJ Parcel Mapping Standard). Underscores are used to concatenate county/municipality code, block number, lot number and, if provided, qualifier code. NJ Parcel Mapping Standard Text Open Space Unit IDOS_IDUnique ID of the entire open space unitAssigned unique IDText Open Space Unit NameOS_NAMEOfficial name of the open space unitUnabbreviated nameText Alternate Open Space Name OS_ALTNAMEAlternate or locally known name of the open space unitUnabbreviated nameText Open Space Sub-Unit Name(s) OS_SUBNAME Name(s) of distinct functional sub-unit(s) within the open space unit Unabbreviated name(s)Text Owner(s) ClassificationOS_OWNCLASSLand owner(s) classification Federal; State; Regional; County; Municipal; Non- Profit; Private organization; Private individual; Unknown Automated Text Owner Name(s)OS_OWNNAMELand owner name(s), from deedAgency Master List Text/Drop down list Managing Entity(ies)OS_MANAGEAgency(ies) responsible for managing the open spaceAgency Master List Text/Drop down list

20. Attributes (cont.) Detailed open space attributes based on PARCELS (cont.) Field Name Field Abbreviation DescriptionDomainField Type Primary UseOS_USENJDEP-Green Acres primary use of propertyGreen Acres List Text/Drop down list Agricultural LandOS_AG Land use is agriculture. Lands characterized by the production of crops, raising of livestock and other agricultural commodities. y/nText Conservation LandOS_CON Land use is conservation. Lands characterized by the protection or management of natural resources. y/nText Historic/Cultural LandOS_HIST Land use is historic/cultural. Lands characterized by historic/cultural sites that are included in, or meet the criteria for inclusion, in the National or NJ Register of Historic Places. y/nText Horticultural LandOS_HORT Land use is horticultural. Lands characterized by horticultural features such as botanical gardens, ornamental or decorative gardens, community gardens, arboretums, etc. y/nText Recreation LandOS_REC Land use is recreation. Lands with indoor or outdoor facilities developed specifically for active or passive recreational purposes. y/nText

21. Attributes (cont.) Detailed open space attributes based on PARCELS (cont.) Field Name Field Abbreviation DescriptionDomainField Type Access TypeOS_ACCESS Full Public Access - The entire property is open to the public for a scheduled amount of time on an annual basis. Entry may be free or an access fee may be required; Limited Public Access - Less than the entire property is open to the public for a scheduled amount of time on an annual basis. Entry may be free or an access fee may be required; Restricted Access - Authorized access only; Unknown - Access information unknown Full Public; Limited Public; Restricted; Unknown Text/Drop down list Protection StatusOS_PROSTATUS Preserved - entire parcel protected by encumbrance; Partially preserved - less than the entire parcel protected by encumbrance; Unpreserved - entire parcel not protected by enbumbrance Preserved; Partially preserved; Unpreserved Text/Drop down list Open Space Designation Date OS_DATEDate the land was designated as open space Date Open Space Funding Source(s) OS_FUNDSRCOpen space acquisition funding source(s)Agency Master List Text/Drop down list

22. Attributes (cont.) Detailed open space attributes based on PARCELS (cont.) Field Name Field Abbreviation DescriptionDomainField Type MunicipalityMUNI Municipality automatically entered by referencing county/municipality code from Parcel ID Automated Text CountyCOUNTY County automatically entered by referencing county/municipality code from Parcel ID Automated Text Open Space Source Acres OS_ACRESAcres specified in deed or survey Double GIS AcresOS_GISACRESAcres calculated by GIS software Double Spatial DataOS_SPATIALGeoreferenced GIS or CAD data of open space Blob Map ImageOS_MAP Digital image of open space from site plan, survey, tax map or other source (e.g. pdf, jpg) Blob CommentsOS_COMMENTS Any comments from either the source or aggregator (e.g. any special circumstances regarding the ownership status of this property) Text

23. Attributes (cont.) Generalized attributes based on OPEN SPACE UNITS Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Open Space Unit IDUNIT_ID Unique ID of the entire open space unit Assigned unique IDAutomated Text Open Space Unit NameNAME Formal name of the open space unit Unabbreviated nameAutomated Text Open Space Unit Label NameNAME_LABEL Abbreviated unit name for map labels Abbreviated nameAutomated Text Open Space Sub-Unit Name(s)SUBNAME Name(s) of distinct functional sub-unit(s) within the open space unit Unabbreviated name(s)Automated Text Open Space Sub-Unit Label Name(s) SUBNAME_LABEL Abbreviated sub-unit name(s) for map labels Abbreviated name(s)Automated Text Owner Name(s)OWNNAMELand owner name(s)Agency Master ListAutomated Text Owner(s) ClassificationOWNCLASSLand owner level classification Federal; State; Regional; County; Municipal; Non-Profit; Private organization; Private individual; Joint; Unknown Automated Text Municipality/County NamesMUNICOUNTY Municipality/County names of open space unit Automated Text GIS AcresGISACRES Acreage calculated by GIS software Double

24. Attributes (cont.) Detailed encumbrance attributes based on PARCELS Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Parcel IDPAMS_PIN Parcel ID code developed by NJOIT- OGIS (see NJ Parcel Mapping Standard). Underscores are used to concatenate county/municipality code, block number, lot number and, if provided, qualifier code. NJ Parcel Mapping StandardText Encumbrance IDENC_IDUnique ID of the encumbranceAssigned unique IDText Agricultural EncumbranceENC_AG Encumbrance specifies agricultural related uses y/nText Conservation EncumbranceENC_CON Encumbrance specifies conservation related uses y/nText Historic/Cultural Encumbrance ENC_HIST Encumbrance specifies historic/cultural related uses y/nText Horticultural EncumbranceENC_HORT Encumbrance specifies horticultural related uses y/nText Recreation EncumbranceENC_REC Encumbrance specifies recreation related uses y/nText

25. Attributes (cont.) Detailed encumbrance attributes based on PARCELS (cont.) Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Protection StatusENC_PROSTATUS Preserved - entire parcel protected by encumbrance; Partially preserved - less than the entire parcel protected by encumbrance Preserved; Partially preserved Text/Drop down list Protection MechanismENC_PROMECHType of encumbranceEncumbrances Look-up table Text/Drop down list Protection Funding Source(s) ENC_FUNDSRCFunding source(s) of encumbranceAgency Master List Text/Drop down list Access TypeENC_ACCESS Public Access - The encumbrance allows for some level of regular public access; Restricted Access - Authorized access only; Unknown - Access information unknown Public; Restricted; Unknown Text/Drop down list Encumbrance OwnerENC_OWN Encumbrance owner name(s) shown on the deed Agency Master List Text/Drop down list Encumbrance Owner(s) Classification ENC_OWNCLASSEncumbrance owner(s) classification Federal; State; Regional; County; Municipal; Non-Profit; Private organization; Private individual; Unknown Automated Text

26. Attributes (cont.) Detailed encumbrance attributes based on PARCELS (cont.) Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Secondary right of enforcement ENC_SECROE Entity name with secondary right of enforcement for encumbrance Agency Master List Text/Drop down list Encumbrance Deed Name/Title ENC_NAMEEncumbrance name from deed Text Encumbrance DescriptionENC_DESC Descriptive encumbrance information regarding location and configuration on the property, and size, as measured or by percentage of property (not metes and bounds) Text Encumbrance Designation Date ENC_DATEDate the encumbrance was designated Date MunicipalityMUNI Municipality automatically entered by referencing parcel ID Automated Text CountyCOUNTY County automatically entered by referencing parcel ID Automated Text

27. Attributes (cont.) Detailed encumbrance attributes based on PARCELS (cont.) Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Encumbrance AcresENC_ACRES Encumbered acres specified in deed or survey Double GIS AcresENC_GISACRESAcres calculated by GIS software Double Spatial DataENC_SPATIAL Georeferenced GIS or CAD data of encumbrance Blob Map ImageENC_MAP Digital image of encumbrance from site plan, tax map or other source (e.g. pdf, jpg) Blob Deed/Survey ImageENC_DEEDDigital image of deed and/or survey Blob CommentsENC_COMMENTS Any comments from either the source or aggregator (e.g. any special circumstances regarding the ownership status of the encumbrance) Text

28. Attributes (cont.) Open Space Information Tracking Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Parcel IDPAMS_PIN Parcel ID code developed by NJOIT-OGIS (see NJ Parcel Mapping Standard). Underscores are used to concatenate county/municipal code, block number, lot number and, if provided, qualifier code. NJ Parcel Mapping StandardText Open Space Unit IDOS_IDUnique ID of the entire open space unitAssigned unique IDText Information SourceOS_SRCSource of informationAgency Master List Text/Drop down list Information Source DateOS_SRCDATEDate of source of information Date AggregatorOS_AGG Organization responsible for aggregating data Agency Master List Text/Drop down list Update DateOS_UPDATEDate of last data update Date

29. Attributes (cont.) Encumbrances Information Tracking Field NameField AbbreviationDescriptionDomainField Type Parcel IDPAMS_PIN Parcel ID code developed by NJOIT-OGIS (see NJ Parcel Mapping Standard). Underscores are used to concatenate county/municipal code, block number, lot number and, if provided, qualifier code. NJ Parcel Mapping StandardText Encumbrance IDENC_IDUnique ID of the encumbranceAssigned unique IDText Information SourceENC_SRCSource of informationAgency Master List Text/Drop down list Information Source DateENC_SRCDATEDate of source of information Date AggregatorENC_AGG Organization responsible for aggregating data Agency Master List Text/Drop down list Update DateENC_UPDATEDate of last data update Date

30. Attributes (cont.) Field Name Field Abbreviation Description Agency/Organization/Instituti on Name ML_NAME Name of agency (non- abbreviated) Agency/Organization/Instituti on Acronym ML_ABBR Agency acronym or abbreviation Agency/Organization/Instituti on Owner Classification ML_CLASSAgency classification Agency/Organization/Instituti on Address ML_ADDRESSFully spelled out address Agency/Organization/Instituti on Phone Number ML_PHONE Phone number including area code Agency/Organization/Instituti on Website ML_WEBSITEWebsite URL Protection MechanismAcronym EasementESMT Deed Restriction (non-easement)DEED Transfer of Development RightsTDR Pinelands Development CreditsPDC Recreation & Open Space InventoryROSI State Constitutional ProvisionSCP State StatuteSS Federal Constitutional ProvisionFCP Federal StatuteFS Agency/Organization/Institution Master List TableEncumbrances Type Lookup Table

31. Attributes (cont.) Green Acres Primary Use Categories Lookup Table Primary Use BEACH BOAT RAMP, DOCK OR MARINA CAMP CANAL COMMUNITY OR CULTURAL CENTER CONSERVATION AREA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ESTUARY FAIRGROUND FARMLAND PRESERVATION FISH HATCHERY FISHING ACCESS FOREST GAME FARM GARDENS GOLF GREENWAY HISTORIC SITE HORSE FARM OR HORSEBACK RIDING LAKE, POND OR RESERVOIR MUSEUM NATURAL AREA NURSERY OFF ROAD VEHICLE PARK PARK PASSIVE RECREATION PLAYGROUND POOL PRESERVE RECREATION AREA RECREATION CENTER OR COMPLEX RECREATIONAL FIELDS STREAM CORRIDOR TRAIL WATERFRONT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA WILDLIFE REFUGE ZOO

32. Methodology Methodology Subgroup Objectives Determine Data Products to be produced Database(s) Feature Class(es) Map Services Develop list of available data sources Federal agencies – NPS, USFWS, etc. State agencies – Green Acres, SADC, SHPO, Pinelands Comm., Highlands Comm., etc. County & Municipal agencies – Planning, Engineering, Parks & Rec., Open Space Comm., Historic Comm., etc. Non-Profits Other Determine Data Development Process & Technology Needs Data Inventory Data Input Data Reconciliation Data Management/Stewardship Data Host Determine Dataset Update Process Method Applications/Tools Schedule Identify Potential Agencies for Developing, Maintaining and Hosting Data State Agencies Non-Profit Organizations Academic Institutions Identify Potential Funding Sources NJDEP PAD-US/other Federal Non-Profits Grants

33. Beyond Task Force Scope Implementation Funding Other?