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Gustin, Scott W.

Geography

2005

MA

This thesis considers the relationship between the implementation of an Open Space Plan and open space fragmentation and change in Williston, Vermont. Williston is it small but rapidly growing community in Chittenden County. This study sought to examine how, or if, the Open Space Plan affected development patterns between the years of 1989 and 2003. This study found that the Open Space Plan did affect development patterns; however, the effects were inconsistent, depending largely on the scope of development. Overall loss of designated open space lands during the study period was modest (about 3%). However, the fragmentation of those lands was more substantial. In some cases, levels of fragmentation within a given open space type increased up to 22%. Problems with the Open Space Plan had as much to do with inconsistent implementation as with the vagueness of the overlays aimed at protecting each type of open space. This study found that most of the open space overlays were ill defined and not readily measurable in the field. In most cases, the open space overlays attempted to define what was on the ground and not vice versa. The overlays were not very well suited to a transforming and evolving landscape.