1. Kennett Township land Stewardship Initiative
An approach to a comprehensive, balanced, data-based stewardship plan for Kennett Township lands

2. Land Stewardship Initiative (LSI) Goals
Maximize the benefits of open space in the Township.
Comprehensive natural resource program to
Maintain the aesthetic landscape
Insure a healthy environment for residents
Contribute to sustainable economic growth
Restoration - Management - Land Use

3. Need for the Land Stewardship Initiative
Growth pressures emphasize the need to:
Provide guidelines, standards, and metrics for property management
Define opportunities for synergy between conservation and development.
SOURCE: DVRPC Connections 2040

4. Township Land Use
Current land use includes agricultural, rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Township has ~20% Protected Open Space
Goal to maintain a healthy and attractive environment while supporting population and economic growth.
Appropriate use and management of open land in urban, suburban and rural environments are key elements in achieving this goal.
% of POS
HOA’s
62%
Land Trusts
30%
Township 8%
Chester County Planning Commission
Landscapes2 map

5. Kennett Township
The existing natural landscape is an integral component of the Township’s character.
Strong heritage as an agricultural area based primarily on mushroom and horse farms, and of horticultural appreciation due to the presence of Longwood Gardens. Attractive location for establishment of these businesses and natural landscape- based activities due to proximity to both Philadelphia and Wilmington. Growth in the Township as the nearby urban areas continue to expand must be managed in order to maximize the economic benefit and quality of life for residents.

6. Maximize Benefits of our Resources
Economic Value Potential of Open Space*
Enhances home values
Filters drinking water and cleans air
Furnishes low cost recreation
Creates jobs and attracts spending
The Land Stewardship Initiative will help define how to maximize these benefits of protected and other open space in the Township.
*Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, “Return on Environment” , November 2010.
Photos from freerangestock.com

7. LSI Planned Outcomes
Comprehensive data-based assessment of land stewardship in Kennett Township.
Standards, Best Practices, and Metrics developed for priority areas of land stewardship within the scope of open space, water resources, and outdoor air quality.
Program templates for use by key stakeholders for guidance in implementation of land stewardship recommendations.
Township programs in place to actively support landowners, businesses, and residents in implementation of land stewardship recommendations.

8. Next Steps Reaching out to engaged agencies to gather input.
Chester County Open Space Preservation office
Chester County Vision Partnership program
Chester County Conservation District
Brandywine/ Red Clay Alliance
Brandywine Conservancy
The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County
Delaware Nature Society
The Nature Conservancy
Natural Lands Trust
Prepare proposal for grant funding of the comprehensive assessment and landowner outreach.

9. Ties into Comprehensive Plan
Supports Kennett Township Comprehensive Plan, adopted 12/2/15
Natural Resources: Conserve the natural resources, wildlife habitat, agricultural land, and open spaces that are integral components of the Township’s character. (pg 2-3)
Land Use: Direct future growth to the most appropriate areas of the Township and establish a balance between land uses, the transportation network, and the ability of natural systems to support development. (pg 2-2)
Supports Chester County Planning Commission Landscapes2 Plan to preserve and enhance the unique character of Chester County landscapes. (pg 16)

10. Scope Open Space Water Resources Outdoor air quality
Rural and agricultural landscape retention
Wildlife management, including Greenways.
Planting of native species and removal of invasive species
Minimization of mowed lawn landscapes in favor of meadows and forests.
Preservation of rare and endangered natural features (land and plant).
Suburban/Urban agriculture (such as CSA’s, community gardens, small specialized farms and markets, agri-tourism)
Water Resources
Surface water (streams, ponds) quality
Groundwater quality
Rain and storm water management
Outdoor air quality
Minimization of air contaminates
Tree cover guidelines and maintenance

11. Impact on Key Stakeholders
Land owners, managers, and developers: provide guidelines, standards, and metrics for property management and acceptable impact of development on natural resources.
Business owners: provide guidelines for acceptable environmental impact and an understanding of the type of new businesses that the Township may provide active support to establish.
Residents: help maintain and improve property values by ensuring a healthy environment and residential groups, such as Home Owner Associations, will receive guidance in open space design and maintenance.
Governing agencies: provide program templates to facilitate interactions with other stakeholders.