Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space : WeConservePA Library

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The Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements is a tool for local governments to use to help ensure that the conservation easements they acquire are long-lasting and durable no matter changes in politics. With a Declaration, the local government declares a public trust containing…

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

This set of model documents and accompanying commentary helps local governments to formally dedicate lands to public purposes, reserve portions for other purposes, and clarify what are and aren’t appropriate uses of the land. The materials include an option to grant a conservation easement to a qua…

Parks in Perpetuity: The Protections Provided to Parks and Other Public Open Spaces Under Pennsylvania Law

Parks and other public open spaces deliver tremendous benefits to the public and provide a crucial foundation for building, maintaining, and renewing communities. People rely on the permanence of these civic assets in making decisions on where to live and work. Thus, it is no wonder that Pennsylvan…

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space: Safeguards for Lands Entrusted to Local Government

Disclaimer

Nothing contained in this document is intended to be relied upon as legal advice or to create an attorney-client relationship. The material presented is generally provided in the context of Pennsylvania law and, depending on the subject, may have more or less applicability elsewhere. There is no guarantee that it is up to date or error free.

What legal principles provide the means to reasonably protect parks and other public open spaces? What can local governments do to best ensure that these principles can be successfully applied to any particular property? This guide addresses these questions in the interest of minimizing misunderstandings and conflict regarding public lands, helping local governments take informed action for the public’s benefit, and educating all interested parties regarding the nature of protections provided to public lands under the law.