Open Space Institute

Open Space Institute (OSI) is a conservation organization that protects land for clean drinking water, public recreation, healthy communities, wildlife habitat, and climate protection.[1] Established in 1974, OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition,[2] fiscal sponsorship,[1] regional loan and grant programs,[3] park and trail improvements,[4] and public policy and advocacy.[5] OSI is active across the country, including the states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and New Jersey.

Activities

Funding

OSI provides grants and low-cost bridge loans to land trusts, other nonprofit groups, and public agencies for more effective and resilient land protection in selected regions of the eastern United States.[6][7] OSI also provides financial awards for young leaders interested in pursuing conservation careers.[8]

Land Acquisition

OSI acquires and transfers land and conservation easements for permanent land protection.[9] They work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to protect land for communities, wildlife and water.[10] OSI aims to connect fragmented landscapes to protect wildlife habitat, expand recreational spaces, and preserve water quality.[11]

Research

The Conservation Institute, launched in 2006, produces and distributes information addressing pressing land conservation issues, conducting original research as well as synthesizing studies by other groups. The Conservation Institute also serves as OSI's internal research and development center, guiding strategic planning in its land acquisition and loan programs. Externally, the Conservation Institute informs conservation practitioners and the general public, and shapes public policies at the state, county and local levels.

See also

References
  1. "Hattie Carthan, "the Tree Lady of Brooklyn," Scotland's SHORE Seaweed, Open Space Institute". theclimate.org. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  2. Woodel, Mike (12 Feb 2023). "Conservation groups still have eyes on Georgetown County for future land purchases". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  3. "Putney Mountain Association and Vermont Land Trust announce conservation of land parcel along Windmill Ridge". Brattleboro Reformer. 16 Jan 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  4. Marbone, Aaron (16 Feb 2023). "OSI plans trailhead at Lake Placid rail trail entrance". Lake Placid News. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  5. Craig, Gwendolyn (23 Oct 2022). "Report: New York needs to do more to create inclusive outdoor spaces". Times Union. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  6. InsiderNJ (17 Feb 2022). "Open Space Institute Announces Loan Program". InsiderNJ. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  7. NCPA Staff (11 Aug 2022). "New conservation efforts underway for forests of western and central Pennsylvania". NorthcentralPA.com. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  8. Callahan, Cloey (7 June 2022). "Young environmentalists earn grants to lead local projects". Times Union. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  9. Smith, Christian (27 Mar 2023). "Florence County to add Independence Farm as new county park". SCNOW.com. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  10. Craig, Gwendolyn (16 Nov 2020). "Open Space Institute acquires Lake Luzerne property ripe for green and recreational opportunities". Adirondack Explorer. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  11. Quinn, Erin (12 Jan 2023). "The Open Space Institute acquires 1,000 acres in Wawarsing, connecting the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill Forest Park". Hudson Valley One. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.