inventory and analyses (cont’d) Analysis Open space/ conservation areas Critical habitat Contiguous forest
C
O
10
66
1 mi
2 mi
protected opeN areaS
Feed NorthamptoN invenTOry and analyses
EC
TIC
UT RIVE R
5
4 mi
Approximately 5% of the land area in Northampton is legally protected for nature conservation, public parks, municipal water supply, or state and federal fish and wildlife refuges. Each protected area has its own set of rules about which activities are allowed and many probably restrict agriculture. The city is considering protecting a wildlife corridor in the western part of town, which may limit all forms of agriculture there.
18
NN
Implications • Agriculture potential may be limited in and around protected areas. Nontraditional forms of agricultural cultivation compatible with conservation goals should be considered for these areas.