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<br />VII. CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT <br /> <br />BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE <br /> <br />'Ibe purpose of the Conservation and Open Space Element is to conserve and manage natural <br /> <br /> <br />resource and open space areas for the prcscrvlltion and prouuction of rCJourcc:i,prcscfvution. <br /> <br />production and enjoyment of natural resources, and for the promotion of outdooropen space <br /> <br />recreation, protection of public health and safety, and preservation of valuable wildlands. <br /> <br />I~JVI:NTORY or eXISTINC Rn;OURCI:SBecause most natural resources arc located 111 open <br />space land. the Pleasanton General Plan combines two State-mandated elements the Conservation <br />Element and the Open Space Element into one clement. Combining these two elements avoids <br />repetition. The Conservation Element must provide direction regarding conservation. development. <br />and utilization of natural resources including (as appropriate) water. forests. soils. surface waters. <br />fisheries. wildlife. minerals. and other natural resources. 'Il,e Open Space Element must ~uide <br />preservation and conservation of "open space land" which is defined as any public or private land or <br />water that is unimproved and devoted to open space use. Under State law. the I (lement should <br />address the following four types of open space: preservation of natural resources. manaeed production <br />of natural resources. outdoor recreation and public health and safety. <br /> <br />SUST AINABILITY <br /> <br />As stated in the General Plan Vision the City of Pleasanton embraces the concept of sustainable <br />development. A sustainable city draws from the environment only those resources that arc necessary <br />and that can be used or recycled perpetually. or returned to the environment in a form that nature can <br />lIse to generate Inure resources. Rclatinr. the concept of sustainability to conservation ~1I1d open space <br />includes: conserving natural areas and water features: recharging the groundwater basin: reducing <br />stonnwater nmoff: retaining parks open space and remaining agricululfal and grazinl' areas: and <br />protecting wildlands and lands for public health and safety. 'Ibis Element addresses the concept of <br />sustainability through its l~oals policies and programs. <br /> <br />'lbe City of Pleasanton currently requires commercial and residential developers to utilize green <br /> <br />building practices. The City has defined f.'-reen-building desi~n to implement the followin(!. related <br /> <br />goals: energy efficiency healthy indoor air quality. waste reduction water efficiency. and Sllstainability <br /> <br />plannin(!.. 'lbese goals all relate to conservation of natural resources and arc discussed in greater detail <br /> <br />in the Energy Element and the Air Quality Element. <br /> <br />RESOURCE CONSERVATION <br /> <br />Animal Life <br />Native fauna (or animals) generally inhabit areas of minimally disturbed plant life such as in..the <br />Pleasanton and Main Ridges, the Southeast Hills, and the Arroyo del Valle and Arroyo de la Laguna. <br /> <br />Con os l'krTllTlt, cc (1H2'Xl6. n,dhnc <br /> <br />VII-l <br />