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According to the National Scenic Byways designation criteria, the characteristics of regional
significance for the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway study area encompasses the intrinsic
qualities of natural – including landforms, water bodies, vegetation, geologic formations,
vegetation, and wildlife that are in a relatively undisturbed state – and scenic – a heightened
visual experience of all elements of landscape including landforms, water, and vegetation.
To address ongoing concerns associated with the growing population and subsequent land
development, regional entities such as Townships, regional planning groups, land conservancies,
land trust organizations, and trail and bike clubs in the Brandywine Scenic Byway study area
have identified land conservation and stewardship as items of significant importance. The
primary means that these entities are addressing these issues include: the development of
Township and Regional Comprehensive and Planning documents, including the development of
Resource Protection Plans (e.g., Recreation and Open Space Plans, Greenways and Trail Plans,
and Easement Plans); Township and Regional Land Use Planning (e.g., Zoning and Subdivision
& Land Development Ordinances); and associated coordination and outreach efforts by land
conservancies and land trust organizations to land owners in coordination with Township and
regional planning groups.
The following provides a summary of the existing documents and provisions pertaining to land
conservation and stewardship undertaken in the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Study Area:
Birmingham Township
Birmingham Township’s Comprehensive Plan (undated) indicates that the natural characteristics
(e.g., floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes, and presence of soils favorable to agriculture, and
woodlands) of the landscape have been an important factor in determining the pattern of
development. The Township inventoried its natural resources and in combination with the
Township’s development trends synthesized the Composite Constraint Map. The Comprehensive
Plan notes that areas that should be conserved include fragile environmental areas (e.g., wetlands,
steep slopes, woodlands, and prime agricultural lands).
Birmingham Township is bounded by Brandywine Creek on the west and traversed by a series of
tributaries that flow into Brandywine Creek. Areas identified in the Comprehensive Plan with
severe constraints (e.g., flooding areas) are generally precluded from development. The
Comprehensive Plan also states that the extent of floodplains in the Township is one of the major
determinants for land use planning (Land Use Plan). Areas with steep slopes and wetlands are
identified as possibly being suitable for farming, recreational use, and wildlife habitat. Areas of
prime agricultural soils or slopes between 15 and 25 percent have moderate constraints for
development. It should be noted that 65 percent of the area indicated as having moderate
constraints is classified as having prime agricultural soils.
The Land Use Plan incorporates a variety of natural resource areas, including floodplains, and
significant wetlands, where known, under the designation Parks, Permanent Open Space,
Resource & Recreation. The Land Use Plan notes that a key technique for land conservation is
the adoption of appropriate land use regulations, including the following factors that would
encourage land conservation: incentives for clustered development and the conservation of
woodlands. The Land Use Plan designates the highest degree of protection to open fields or
pasture, forest, and wetlands through the application of the Parks, Permanent Open Space,
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Resource & Recreation designation to the maximum extent feasible. Prohibited uses in this land
use category would include any commercial or industrial facilities and, except in rare
circumstance, any new residential dwellings.
The Land Use Plan describes an extensive, interconnected network of protected open spaces
consistent with the Township’s Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan.
These continuous corridors of open space are noted as a significant aspect of the Land Use Plan’s
system for providing essential movement, dispersion and migration of wildlife. The maintenance
of natural corridors such as stream valleys and wooded hillsides and ridgelines are noted as
especially important.
The Township’s Existing Open Space Map depicts Private Open Space (Home Owners’
Association/Conservation Organization); Private Open Space (RRCC); Public Open Space
(Township); and Restricted Open Space (Farmstead) (received from Kise Straw Kolodner CDROM without source citation). (This map was obtained from Kise Straw Kolodner CD-ROM and
did not include a source citation.)
Chadds Ford Township
The Chadds Ford’s Open Space Plan, dated December 4, 2007, states that the planning goal for
2007 through 2027 is to permanently protect Chadds Ford’s open spaces, e.g., farm fields and
meadows, woods, stream valleys and other resources, historic sites and structures, scenic
resources, which, in combination, create the Township’s unique community character, remaining
rural atmosphere, and quality of life. The plan cites that this goal may be achieved by the
following supporting objectives:
1.
Promoting and facilitating the placement of voluntary and permanent easements on
Chadds Ford’s critical and sensitive open spaces.
2.
Seeking the outright acquisition or by using applicable county, state and federal
programs.
3.
Seeking permanent conservation easement of prime and significant agricultural soils.
4.
Seeking permanent conservation of woodlands.
5.
Seeking preservation of continuous riparian or open space buffers along stream
corridors…wetlands and steep slopes.
6.
Seeking permanent protection of greenway corridors to link existing protected open
space areas through land preservation or purchase of easements and rights-of-way;
protection of natural and historic resources identified, assessed, and prioritized in the
Open Space Plan.
7.
Seeking permanent protection of historic and locally-significant landscape elements
such as walls, hedgerows, meadows, large fields, and woodlands.
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8.
Encouraging the cooperative efforts of the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force and
surrounding municipalities to preserve lands within the Brandywine Battlefield
National Historic Landmark.
9.
Seeking permanent protection of Chadds Ford’s scenic areas and vistas.
10.
Seeking to maintain essential qualities of the Township’s scenic roadways (width,
curvature, roadside trees, walls, and structures).
11.
Encouraging cooperative efforts of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway
Commission to protect the scenic nature of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway.
12.
Coordinate open space planning and protection with neighboring municipalities in
Delaware County, Chester County, and the State of Delaware and with the Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Greenspace Alliance to protect shared
resources and achieve common goals.
13.
Strive to achieve consistency with and otherwise support development of Countywide open space and greenway planning efforts.
14.
Maximize use of Township open space protection revenue collected pursuant to the
May 2005 referendum under Pennsylvania Act 153 to leverage open space protection
funds from county, state, and other potential sources.
In order to fully implement the goal for open space protection and achieve the above-noted
objectives, Chadds Ford will strive to partner as appropriate with organizations such as the
Brandywine Conservancy, Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, Brandywine Scenic Byway
Commission, Chadds Ford Historical Society, Natural Lands Trust, the Township’s future land
trust, and residents and business owners of Chadds Ford.
Chadds Ford’s protected lands and open space protection focus areas are depicted on Map 8-1,
Open Space Protection Focus Areas (Chadds Ford Township Open Space Plan). Chadds Ford’s
focus areas for open space protection include the following categories: cropland, hayfields,
pasture, and meadows; water and/or related land resources; woodlands; greenways; historic
archeological resources; scenic resources; and other features and/or resources (e.g., steep slopes
and significant biological areas). Chadds Ford’s greenways and woodlands are depicted on Map
6-3, Greenway Corridors (Chadds Ford Township Open Space Plan).
Chadds Ford’s Open Space Plan notes that the implementation of the plan’s recommendations
will be the direct responsibility of elected and appointed Township boards and committees. It is
further noted that their actions will likely be supported at times by county, state, and federal
agencies; landowners and developers; land conservation interests; and existing and future
residents of Chadds Ford. Additional considerations include funding for open space protection in
the form of grants, fees in lieu thereof, open space tax revenue, etc.
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East Bradford Township
The guiding document for development in the Township is contained in the 2004-2014 East
Bradford Township Strategic Comprehensive Plan. East Bradford Township is considered as a
rural-suburban community that has been preserved through the application of policies that
preserve, protect, and enhance the agricultural, natural, historical and cultural resources of the
Township. The Township requires residential design standards to employ open space
development or lot averaging. The scenic and rural nature of the Township has been preserved
by requiring buffering of development along public roads and with open space initiatives. The
Township is committed to conserving natural resources that contribute to the community
character and settings including features such as the Brandywine Creek, Broad Run, and Valley
Creek as well as steep slopes, floodplains, woodlands, wetlands, agricultural soils, and scenic
areas. One of the Township’s goals is to maximize the retention of open space and scenic
resources in order to protect natural resources. It is the Township’s desire to use the open space
areas to provide passive recreational opportunities, wildlife diversity corridors, and to protect
sensitive environmental areas.
The 2004-2014 East Bradford Township Strategic Comprehensive Plan notes that the East
Branch of the Brandywine Creek has been protected from encroachment and degradation through
the Township’s purchase of conservation easements or, by outright purchase of properties by the
Township or conservation entities. The Township notes that it will aggressively pursue the
purchase of conservation easements on properties shown on its Official Map. The Township will
also seek to negotiate rights-of-way for trail and greenway connection construction within the
Township and to the region as a whole.
The 2004-2014 East Bradford Township Strategic Comprehensive Plan cites that large portions
of the Township are conserved in parks, permanently protected open space, or open space
associated with the residential open space development option. In addition, the Township
employs planning tools to protect environmentally sensitive areas and to provide for riparian
buffers. Steep slopes, hedgerows, tree masses, and waterways continue to be protected. In
addition, the Township desires to preserve special places that make East Bradford unique,
including natural areas and by encouraging enrollment by farmers in the Agricultural
Preservation Program, which would provides permanent conservation easements on farms. The
2004-2014 East Bradford Township Strategic Comprehensive Plan contains a detailed listing of
task implementations and associated priorities; these are categorized by agency responsibility and
priority.
The Recreation and Open Space Map – Map 14 depicts proposed bike trails; existing and
proposed home owner association trails; existing and proposed sidewalks; existing and proposed
trails; park land; land under conservation easement; land proposed for future conservation
easement; lands owned by Natural Lands Trust; cluster development private open space, and
future park land. (This map was obtained from Kise Straw Kolodner CD-ROM and did not
include a source citation.)
East Marlborough Township
To date, documentation available from Kise Straw Kolodner only includes the Township’s
Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 02-07, as amended through September 8, 2004. The Zoning
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Ordinance does not specifically identify or address the Township’s open space parcels or plan.
The Zoning Ordinance, however, does note protection of the following: wetlands protection zone
and riparian buffers; an agricultural preservation district which encourages and promotes
continued agricultural, open space, and conservation uses in the AP zoning district; floodplains;
and groundwater protection district which is defined by a carbonate geologic formation.
Kennett Township
One of the goals listed in the Kennett Township’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted February 16,
2004, is to conserve the natural resources, wildlife habitat, agricultural land and open space that
are integral components of the Township’s character.
Kennett Township’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
enumerate the Township’s natural resource protection standards. Resource protection standards
are provided for the following: floodplain; steep slopes; wetlands; wetland margins; riparian
buffers; and woodlands. A Township-wide open space network using riparian and woodland
corridor networks is noted as part of the Natural Resources Protection Plan.
Kennett Township categorizes open space as “protected” or “unprotected”. Protected open space
includes parcels that are owned by a non-profit land trust, privately owned parcels with
conservation of agricultural easements, homeowner’s associations owned parcels designated as
open space, and parcels owned by government entities that are largely undeveloped and used for
parks, playgrounds, public gardens, and nature preserves. Unprotected open space is
undeveloped land that is not protected from future development. The Comprehensive Plan
describes the following methods by which the Township can re-categorize parcels noted as
unprotected open spaces to protected open spaces: (1) creation of a connected and protected open
space network within the Township; (2) supporting public and private agricultural initiatives, e.g.,
agricultural easements, agricultural security areas, land use regulations that provide options for
agricultural preservation, and other initiatives; and (3) protection of natural resources through
ordinance standards.
The Kennett Township Comprehensive Plan also addresses the following issues concerning open
space: (1) The need to link open spaces to promote wildlife corridors; (2) Building an open space
network consisting of a connected series of naturally occurring resources that contribute to the
quality of life for the Township residents by protection natural areas and places for recreation;
and (3) Recognition that there is no one set definition for the broad term “open space”.
The Open Space and Greenways Plan (Comprehensive Plan) depicts protected lands with a
disclaimer that some parcels shown may not be entirely protected due to partial easements on
properties.
Implementation strategies for open space recommendations are listed with timeframes for
completion, priorities, and methods of implementation in Chapter 17 of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Kennett Township Land Trust was formed in 1995 and its formation was supported by the
Township Board of Supervisors, who acting upon the recommendations stated in the 1992
Township Comprehensive Plan, adopted an ordinance and authorized cooperation in achieving
the goals and objectives of the Land Trust. The mission of the Kennett Township Land Trust is
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the preservation, conservation, and stewardship of natural resources, historic sites, and open
spaces which includes important agriculturally productive lands and natural areas. The Land
Trust works with landowners to explore conservation easements, sales of land, limited
development options, donations, or a combination of these strategies.
Kennett Township is a member of the Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission. The
resource protection standards noted in the Kennett Area Region Comprehensive Plan (2000) were
based on Kennett Township’s resource standards because these were the most comprehensive in
the region.
Pennsbury Township
Pennsbury Township’s Comprehensive Plan, dated 2006, notes that Township ordinances
promote the protection of natural resources and open space. The Township’s zoning and
subdivision and land development ordinances limit or prohibit the disturbance of steep slopes,
woodlands, wetlands, wetland margins, riparian buffers, and floodplains. The enforcement of
these standards promotes the creation of the Township’s open space and greenway network. The
Township has categorized three types of open space: protected, limited protection, and
unprotected open spaces.
Protected open spaces include Township owned parks, preserves, or eased lands; land trust
easements and ownership; residential development open spaces; and agricultural land easements.
Open space with limited protection includes other Township owned lands (a three-acre parcel
located between Brinton’s Bridge Road and the railroad tracks along the Brandywine Creek and a
six-acre Township municipal building property); public schools; and historic sites. Unprotected
open space includes unprotected parcels of ten or more acres.
Pennsbury Township’s Comprehensive Plan Addendum: March 19, 2001 provides the framework
for the Township’s Strategic Planning for Open Space Conservation. This framework establishes
a proactive strategy to exploit all available public tools – planning, zoning, subdivision – as well
as integrate private sector actions (facilitated by Pennsbury Land Trust) for land preservation.
The plan focuses on conservation of vacant developable parcels that are categorized as
“unprotected”. The plan includes maps depicting protected and unprotected lands as well as a
map for developable lands and protected lands. A comprehensive assessment of open space
conservation for unprotected parcels was completed. The intent was that a creative public-private
partnership program could be developed; one that could incorporate adjustments made on the
public side (e.g., zoning ordinance amendments adding a transfer of development rights option)
with private side initiatives (e.g., efforts of the Pennsbury Land Trust work with individual
owners). Parcels with exceptional values where no strategies are feasible would be considered
for direct purchase or for the transfer of development rights.
The Township’s Strategic Planning for Open Space Conservation planning began with an
inventory of open space parcels that were categorized as either primary or secondary conservation
areas. Primary conservation areas include land with slopes over 25 percent, floodplains,
wetlands, and lands with scenic values. Secondary conservation areas include land with slopes
from 15 to 25 percent, and woodlands. A map depicting Pennsbury Township’s primary and
secondary conservation areas is shown in the Township’s Strategic Planning for Open Space
Conservation Plan. The Township held conservation workshops which resulted in the following
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three strategies: (1) A strategy to address the largest category of conservation land that did not
contain extensive primary or secondary conservation areas and where, given the existing zoning,
significant develop could be accommodated. Carefully designed conservation developments can
be developed while still providing significant open space areas. (2) An open space strategy for
sites where a substantial portion of the site contained primary and/or secondary conservation
values such that an effective development could not be realized and the owners may be willing to
support the Township’s conservation objectives. (3) An open space strategy reserved for those
parcels where primary and/or secondary conservation values dominate the site and cannot be
avoided, where any level of development is to be avoided. There are several potential open space
strategies which could be implemented in these cases. These options include the outright
purchase of land by the Township; easement donation; or a careful and selective use of transfer of
development rights tool as a zoning option.
The Township’s Strategic Planning for Open Space Conservation also contains the Pennsbury
Township Greenway Plan. Greenways are defined as contiguous corridors or networks of
protected open space that exist now or that can be created and expanded in the future. The
greenways may follow linear features such as roadways, stream corridors, or trails, but this is not
a prerequisite. Greenways may also provide physical or visual access to the public. The plan
includes a map, Pennsbury Township Proposed Greenways that depict the following open space
corridors: (1) Bennetts Run – consisting mostly of farm fields and woodlands along the
floodplain and Pocopson Road extending eastward for over 1.5 miles from Savery’s Mill and
Parkersville Road to the Brandywine Creek. (2) Pocopson Creek – farm fields extending along
the south side of Pocopson Creek between Brinton’s Bridge Road and the Brandywine Creek. (3)
Brandywine River – includes nearly three miles of frontage along the west bank and floodplain of
the Brandywine River from the sharp bend in Brinton’s Road at the north end to the
Pennsylvania-Delaware state line at the southern end. (4) Ring Run – a narrow band of wooded
floodplain and wetlands extending eastward from the Kennett Township line to its confluence
with the Brandywine River between US Route 1 and the Chadds Ford Elementary School. (5) PA
Route 52 – extending for nearly a mile from the Pocopson Township line south to the Kennett
Township line. (6) PA Route 926 – corridor of mostly scenic farmland and historic home
extending eastward from the Kendal-Crosslands property, through the hamlet of Parkersville, and
down to the intersection with Brinton’s Bridge Road and Pocopson Creek. (7) Brinton’s Bridge
Road – situated along 2.5 miles of Brinton’s Bridge Road and a section of the Octoraro Railroad,
extending south and west from Route 926 and the Pocopson Creek to US Route 1. (8) US Route
1 – consisting of two sections, each approximately one mile in length. The first portion extends
from Kennett Township line at Parkersville Road eastward to Chandler Road and the second
section continues from the top of the US Route 1 hill down to the Brandywine River floodplain at
Chadds Ford.
The Pennsbury Land Trust was formed in 1995 to serve as a supporting organization for the
Township in its effort to preserve land. The mission of the land trust is to assist in preservation,
conservation and stewardship of open space including important agriculturally productive lands
and natural areas. The role of the land trust is to: (1) Assist Township officials in decisions
regarding open space planning and acquisition; (2) Provide assistance to landowners who wish to
pursue conservation objectives in their long and short term plans for their properties; (3) Serve as
liaison with other conservation and historic preservation organizations;
(4) Purchase
development rights and accept lands and conservation easements from donors, including
developers; and (5) Work with Township staff to manage and improve existing open space and
trails.
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Pocopson Township
Pocopson Township’s Comprehensive Plan, dated October 2001, provides the following goals for
preservation of open space:
1.
To preserve the rural character of designated portions of the Township while
allowing for residential development that preserves open space and is compatible
with agricultural uses. This goal will be supported by: (a) Allowing for residential
development with the preservation of the majority of developed parcels as permanent
open space in a way that protects the environmental resources and scenic views form
public locations and (b) Encouraging the use of non-regulatory measures that
preserve and protect agricultural land and other open spaces.
2.
To conserve the sensitive and critical natural resources and scenic qualities of the
Township. This goal will be supported by: (a) Emphasizing stream corridor
protection and groundwater recharge areas; (b) Protect and manage areas of steep
slopes; (c) Conserve and manage woodland resources; (d) Require that new
development be situated away from natural resource areas to minimize the impact of
development on such areas and to minimize impact on scenic views from public
roads; and (e) Encourage the use of non-regulatory measures that protect and
preserve valuable natural resource areas.
3.
Preserve, protect, and enhance the integrity of historic and cultural resources and
their settings.
4.
Provide recreational lands and facilities adequate to serve the future population of the
Township and to do so in a manner that is both cost effective and environmentally
appropriate. This goal will be supported by: (a) Establishment of mandatory
dedication of open space or fee-in-lieu of open space; (b) Investigate and, where
appropriate, pursue further acquisition of lands to satisfy current and projected
recreational needs based on the desires of the Township residents and the
recommendations of the Township’s Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental
Resources Plan, dated 1993; (c) Pursue funding for both land acquisition and
development of recreational facilities from all sources, including state and county
grant programs, developers, businesses, and residents; (d) Coordinate open space
planning regionally to take maximum advantage of recreational land, facilities,
programming, and funding sources; and (e) Continue to work towards the
completion of the Township trail system, addressing linage, general suitability,
interconnection of open space and recreational sites and appropriate uses, per the
recommendations of the Township’s Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental
Resources Plan.
Key actions pertaining to open space and conservation cited in the Comprehensive Plan and noted
as obtained from the Land Use Plan, Circulation Plan, and Community Services and Facilities
Plan include:
1.
Increase the protection of Township’s natural resources.
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2.
Require that new development on larger parcels preserve at least 50 percent of the
site in permanent open space and provide incentives to encourage preservation of up
to 70 percent open space.
Results from a community-based survey (provided in Pocopson Township’s Comprehensive
Plan) indicates that the respondents prefer that existing municipal land or future municipal land
acquisitions for open space be used for passive recreation rather than active recreational facilities.
The passive recreation that was favored included trails for hiking, equestrian, and bicycling uses.
The Township’s Comprehensive Plan notes that the most significant corridors of various sensitive
natural resources are those of Brandywine Creek and Pocopson Creek. The Township’s rolling
hills contain farm fields, residential subdivisions, and woodlands. The Township’s Open Space,
Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan indicates strategies for the protection of open
space and rural character. Recommended conservation strategies include the following:
improvements to the community preservation and planned residential development provisions in
the Zoning Ordinance; investigation of transfer of development rights program; expanded
incentives for conservation of historic resources; establishing protective buffers for riparian
corridors; revision of steep slope provisions; various improvements to site analysis requirements;
and numerous non-regulatory recommendations.
Open space tracts are depicted on Map A2-2 Existing Land Use (Pocopson Township
Comprehensive Plan). A Protection Composite Plan Map depicting permanently protected open
space includes: resources protected through regulation (floodplains, wetlands, slopes, and hydric
soils); open space to be protected by site sensitive design; and open space to be protected by
conservation measures is provided in the Open Space, Recreation and Environmental Resources
Plan.
In addition, the voters of Township approved to nearly double their property taxes to provide a
dedicated tax of 1.0 mil to protect and preserve the open space remaining in the township. The
tax was implemented in 2007 and is to run five years plus any additional time to pay off any debt
incurred over this time period related to the protection of open space. To date, the Township with
this tax has preserved approximately 70 acres of land Talks are currently on going with two
other property owners. Resolution of this matter was to be determined by the end of 2008.
Kennett Area Region Planning Commission
The Kennett Area Region Planning Commission includes members from East Marlborough
Township, Kennett Township, Kennett Square Borough, Pennsbury Township, and Pocopson
Township.
The Kennett Area Region Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan includes the goal of
protecting and conserving the natural resources and open spaces that are important in defining the
character of the region. The associated objectives include: (1) Protection of regional watersheds;
(2) Preserve and protect areas which are naturally unsuitable for development or which provide
valuable wildlife habitat including stream valleys, steep slopes, floodplains, woodlands, wetlands,
hydric soils, and hedgerows; (3) Maintain the quality of scenic landscapes and control
development along scenic roads; (4) Examine the existing municipal Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinances in the region for their effectiveness in preserving and protecting sensitive natural
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resources and explore supplementary ordinance provisions which would minimize disturbance to
resources, require buffer areas between them and development, and mitigate development
impacts; (5) Continue to preserve sensitive natural areas and wildlife habitats from development
by strengthening natural resource protection standards contained in each municipality’s zoning
and subdivision and land development ordinances; (6) Examine, encourage and promote public
and private options for open space conservation, such as conservation easements, other private
land conservation approaches, and acquisition.
The Kennett Area Region Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan lists the protection of the
following important natural resources: watershed protection, headwater protection, floodplain
protection, wetlands protection, groundwater protection, wetlands protection, steep slope
protection, prime agricultural soil protection, and maintaining natural diversity. It is further noted
that natural resource protection standards should be based on a regional basis and will require
regional coordination. Maps included in the Comprehensive Plan include: floodplains and
watersheds; wetlands and hydric soils; geology and water yields; steep slopes and prime
agricultural soils; and woodlands.
The Kennett Area Region Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan notes that the townships
of Pennsbury, East Marlborough, and Kennett have established local land trusts for the
preservation of open space, with the recommendation that Pocopson also consider such an effort.
The Brandywine Conservancy and Natural Lands Trust are two other private conservation
organizations in the area that accept conservation easement donations. The Comprehensive Plan
recommends that the Region’s land trust members should consider meeting on a bi-annual or
quarterly basis. In addition to sharing their experiences this would present an opportunity for the
Kennett Area Region Planning Commission’s to assemble and distribute information on other
options for landowners who wish to preserve open space.
Brandywine Battlefield Task Force
The Brandywine Battlefield was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and crosses
communities in southern Chester and Delaware Counties. This high level of distinction does not,
however, protect sites from land development, nor regulate property uses. Protection of the
Battlefield is challenging as most of the lands are privately owned. The Battlefield covers 10
square miles and lies within portions of the following municipalities: Birmingham, Pennsbury,
Kennett, Westtown, and Thornbury Townships in Chester County and Chadds Ford Township in
Delaware County.
The Brandywine Battlefield Task Force was formed in 1993 and is a volunteer group composed
of municipal, state and federal representatives. The aim of the group is to implement public and
private partnerships to preserve the 10 square mile Brandywine Battlefield National Historic
Landmark. The Brandywine Conservancy serves as the land conservation arm of the Task Force
aiding in conservation and resource protection. The Conservancy is responsible for contacting
owners of critical parcels, managing the conservation easement program, and pursuing funding
opportunities. Birmingham, Pennsbury, Kennett, Westtown, Thornbury and Chadds Ford
Townships are supportive of the historical and natural resource protection for the Brandywine
Battlefield.
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The Battlefield Protection Strategies, A Guide for Brandywine Battlefield Communities was
prepared by the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force 2000 and was developed for use by
communities within the Battlefield to assist in efforts for its protection and that of related
resources. The strategies include: (1) Support for resource protection of the landmark by
municipal policy, e.g., Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plan, or Historic Preservation Plan. (2)
Implement planning policy by either regulatory or non-regulatory means.
The Battlefield Protection Strategies, A Guide for Brandywine Battlefield Communities cites that
resource protection and growth management policies generally can be agreed upon and supported
within municipal plans. Subsequent ordinances must be reviewed to make sure that the
anticipated results are achieved. Nearly all of the suggested strategies can be found in Volumes I
and II of the Chester County Community Planning Handbook. In addition, all of the Chester
County Communities within the landmark are participants of the Chester County Vision
Partnership Program. The Vision Partnership Program promotes the coordination of local and
County governments to implement the policies of Landscapes, the County Comprehensive Policy
Plan, at the local level. Among other items, the program coordinates open space resources
through linkage on a multi-municipal basis and coordinates County and local planning.
Highlights of suggested strategies include: (1) Open Space Development to allow clustering of
residential development leaving the remainder of the tract in permanent open space; (2)
Transferable Development Rights would allow conservation and development to co-exist within a
municipality with directing of growth. This is one of the most equitable systems for preserving
open space; (3) Preparation of an official map that can be used for a wide range of planning
applications including the preservation of crucial open space; (4) Natural Resource Protection for
the management of a municipality’s wetlands, floodplains, vegetation, steep slopes, and riparian
buffers; (5) Parkland dedication/fee-in-lieu provisions allow municipalities under Pennsylvania
law to require developers to dedicate open space within proposed developments or a fee-in-lieu of
the land. The fee-in-lieu of land is used by the municipalities to ensure that future residents of the
development have adequate park and recreation opportunities; (6) Scenic Overlay District to
provide specific land use regulations in a scenic area, e.g., a scenic river overlay; (7) Site
Analysis Plan as part of a subdivision and land development ordinance to identify environmental
characteristics of a tract proposed for development; (8) Conservation Easements and Local Land
Trusts that are interested in working to permanently protect resources by buying land and
providing other options, e.g., conservation easements, to permanently preserve land areas and
open spaces; (8) Establishment of Greenways that link man-made features and the natural
environment while protecting the environment, interconnecting landscapes, and providing natural
buffers; (9) Use of Conservation Subdivision Design to require consideration and preservation of
resources on a site within the development process. This tool is appropriate to aid in the
protection and retention of natural resources and can assist in the protection of an interconnected
network of open space within the municipality; and (10) Implementation of Agricultural
Preservation Programs.
Chester County Planning Commission
Natural Resource Networks for Chester County are provided in Chester County Planning
Commission’s Managing Change in Chester County 1996-2020 Comprehensive Plan Element.
The natural elements include the physical elements of geology, soils and the hydrologic system,
and the biotic elements of plants and animals. This document notes that the objective of the
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natural landscape is to restrict development in areas with significant natural resources, including
stream corridors, woodlands, wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, steep slopes, and ridge tops.
This objective will be implemented by the following policies: (1) Creation of an open space
network of natural resources; (2) Encouragement of municipal programs for natural resource
preservation throughout Chester County; (3) Encouragement of cooperation among conservation
groups, municipalities, and the County to protect natural features; (4) Protection of stream
headwater areas from intensive development; and (5) Encouragement of cooperation between
conservation and preservation groups to protect both the natural features and historic resources.
Policies to support the objective of achieving and sustaining high quality natural resource systems
to protect public health and safety, and support and protect diversity of ecosystems include: (1)
Preservation and enhancement of existing networks of stream valleys and their aquatic habitats;
(2) Prevention of development in floodplains; (3) Preservation of wetlands; (4) Preservation and
enhancement of buffer areas around water bodies; (5) Preservation and management of large
woodland areas; (6) Preservation and management of habitats necessary for the survival of rare,
threatened, and endangered species; (7) Preservation and management of large areas of prime
agricultural soils; and (8) Encouragement of development which is compatible with underlying
geology.
Policies to support the objective of conserving and enhancing scenic resources that reflect the
County’s natural and cultural heritage include: (1) Preservation of visible ridgelines which
contribute to the scenic character of the community; (2) Preservation and enhancement of scenic
qualities along major roadways.
Policies to support the objective of maintaining and improving the quality of life and environment
for residents of Chester County through the provision of parkland and recreation facilities
include: (1) Promote the protection of natural resources with park land acquisition and
stewardship; (2) Establish a County-wide Greenway System of protected natural resources; (3)
Provide new land for open space and recreational facilities to meet forecasted needs; (4) Establish
trail and bikeway network to link residential area, business uses, community facilities, and
neighborhood parks; (5) Cooperate with surrounding area to link the County open space network
with the regional network.
Linking Landscapes is the open space element of the Chester County Comprehensive Plan. It
follows policies set forth in Landscapes; Managing Change in Chester County 1996-2020. The
guiding philosophy of Landscapes was that clustering new development will reduce the “sprawl”
development. Linking Landscapes builds on this concept by recommending ways to protect
undeveloped open lands in “Rural” and “Natural” Landscapes while recommending that
recreational parks and trails be established in existing developed communities.
Linking Landscapes provides a county-wide plan for protecting open space. However, Linking
Landscapes does not provide a detailed “blue print” to direct municipal planning. The document
presents planning recommendations that can be initiated by County government agencies.
Linking Landscapes focuses on “protected” open space that requires that an undeveloped parcel
must be rigorously protected from future development. Protected open space includes public
recreational parks, non-recreational open spaces owned by government entities, private property
that is protected by a land trust conservation easement, homeowner association open spaces and
managed lands, and farmlands covered by agricultural conservation easements.
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Linking Landscapes seeks to link open spaces into a network. In addition to County efforts, this
will require a substantial long-term effort by private residential landowners, civic organizations,
the business community and land developers. Linking Landscapes provides information that
communities can use to begin to plan and finance local open space initiatives.
Linking Landscapes contains 20 chapters, each dealing with a different topic relating to the
restoration or protection of open space. All types of open space facilities and properties are
analyzed on a county-wide basis using a 4-step process where all facilities are inventoried and
then evaluated to determine how they could be maintained or improved. Vision and action items
were then developed based on the evaluation.
A summary of open space topics identified in Linking Landscapes include the following:
1.
Key recommendations for recreational parks including that state parks and national
historic sites acquire conservation easements surrounding their property as a resource
protection buffer.
2.
Recommendation of a joint state, County, and municipal effort to design and
construct a county-wide network of trails.
3.
Recommendation for each municipality describing how many acres of recreation
facilities will be needed by 2025.
4.
Establishment of wildlife corridors that are separate from recreational trail corridors.
5.
Continued protection of private lands through conservation easements administered
by private land trusts or agricultural conservation easements thought the joint state
and County program.
6.
The need to significantly increase the acreage of farmlands protected by joint state
and County funded agriculture conservation easements.
7.
Limiting development on naturally sensitive areas to improve the quality of open
spaces.
8.
Recommended Protected Open Space Network 12-Year Program allowing for the
expansion of the network using a coordinated programming effort that will be
updated every two years and will project the status of ongoing and future projects
into the next twelve years.
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Preliminary recommendations for integrating conservation and stewardship into municipal
plans as part of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Corridor Management Plan
Recommendations:

Municipal plans should acknowledge and encourage cooperative efforts with the
Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Commission for integrating conservation and
stewardship related to the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway study area.

Development of a multi-municipal comprehensive conservation and preservation map for
the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway study area depicting existing open space areas,
conservation easements, greenways, natural resources, scenic vistas, etc.

Development of a multi-municipal comprehensive conservation and preservation map for
the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway study area that depicts existing and future open
space areas, conservation easement, greenways, natural resources, scenic vistas, etc.,
including a priority ranking of acquisition (and/or preservation/conservation) of future
lands associated with the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway.

Promote the cooperative efforts of land trust organizations, County planning initiatives,
and other interested non-profit organizations to understand and pursue conservation and
stewardship as it relates to the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway study area.
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