Benton County, Oregon

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HOME / NATURAL AREAS AND PARKS / GUIDELINES

Benton County Natural Areas & Parks Department – Management Guidelines

Park management zones and standards for the Benton County Parks System classify and describe recreational opportunities and planned developments. The Benton County standards are consistent with the professional National Parks and Recreation Association (NPRA) policies. They represent areas of interest and use in providing, protecting, preserving, conserving, and maintaining County parkland.

Park Management Zones and Standards

Parklands can be zoned to represent the best strategies for natural resource management and fulfill land-use and recreational planning objectives. Three primary management zones are recognized in Benton County for how land, water, plants, animals, and historic/cultural artifacts and structures can be managed.

• Natural Zone – Natural features, resources, and processes of land and water remain largely unaltered by human activity. Scientifically significant and ecologically valuable areas are protected, conserved, and preserved. Dispersed recreational and educational facilities such as trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays are permitted only on a limited basis.
• Historical Zone – Land and structures managed primarily to commemorate historical subjects and/or preserve cultural resources. Areas on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places are zoned historical as well as minor historic sites that may not meet the criteria for the National Register but are worthy of protection and interpretation. Physical development and activities are generally limited to sightseeing and the study of cultural and historic features. Appropriate adaptive use of structures for utilitarian purposes is allowed.
• Recreational Zone – Land and facilities which alter the natural environment support public use for leisure and recreation. Areas for parking lots, restrooms, group picnic shelters, children's play areas, hiking trails, organized sport facilities, and boat landings are included in this zone. Seasonal levels of use, facility construction and maintenance, grounds maintenance, site location, signage, and safety affect the quality and quantity of recreational activities.

Park Development Guidelines

These policies and descriptions serve as guidelines for the orderly development and management of the Benton County Parks System. The descriptions provide the framework for management classifications and development standards of all Benton County parks.

Natural Zones

Open Space
Those areas of scenic and aesthetic quality which have significant value as hills, vistas, rivers, streams, and drainageways. Often an integral part of land-use planning for relief from developed urban areas. Open spaces can enhance entryways into a community, preserve ecologically significant natural areas, and provide existing or potential recreational use. Farm and forest lands are considered productive open spaces. Dedicated open space lands include forested areas which are managed for productive use - some with revenues restricted for parks system management.

Greenbelt
Land within a developed area that is left undeveloped and serves as an amenity to adjoining neighborhoods and communities. Greenbelt areas can be tied to rivers, forested areas and other natural zones preserved as continuous strips or surrounding, encircling open areas. Greenbelts are often used to maintain significant undeveloped natural areas within developed urban areas of a community or region.

Nature Preserves and Wilderness
Areas of restricted recreational use, devoted primarily to preserving the natural habitats of plants and animals for their scientific, educational, and aesthetic value. Threatened and endangered species are protected and/or enhanced in preserves.

Scenic Corridors
Generally associated with river settings as linear (contiguous) vista areas left primarily in a natural state and unmodified by structures or use, and if modified, retain natural scenic qualities and recreational opportunities.

Scenic Easements
A voluntary commitment from a landowner or an encumbrance on the title to a property to preserve it in a natural or undeveloped state without modification or obstruction.

Historical Zones

Historic Sites
Sites, structures, or objects officially recognized for their historic significance and educational and cultural value. Areas of restricted recreational use, devoted primarily to preserving and/or restoring unique features without substantial alteration.

Landmarks
Structures, fixed objects, monuments, or areas of scientific or historic interest.

Memorials
Designated areas or structures to commemorate ideas, events, or persons.

Recreational Zones

Neighborhood Parks
Parks of up to 15 acres which primarily serve residents within close proximity of the site.

Special Use Parks
Relatively small individual sites oriented to a single use such as boat landings, waysides, or a scenic view and miscellaneous parcels without any recreational facilities.

Community Parks
Moderate developments that provide a variety of recreational needs and maintain the natural qualities of the environment. Hiking, picnicking, and limited sport opportunities are offered within 20- to 25-acre sites.

Regional/District Parks
Large developments of 100 acres or more that provide for dispersed activities such as picnicking, primitive camping, hiking, organized field sports, and nature study. Some regional parks represent special scenic and natural qualities and serve a major portion of the area's population or several different population centers. Areas are selected and developed for broad public recreational opportunities which are fairly well dispersed in a natural setting.

Linear or Ribbon Parks
Areas designed similar to the natural zone's greenbelt concept with the added function of providing recreational activities.

Parkways
Elongated or linear parks for non-commercial vehicle travel that connect parks, landmarks, and recreational areas. Access and roadside development can be controlled and appropriate turnouts, picnic areas, and other recreational developments can be provided where space permits.

Scenic Routes and Roads
Rural highways within areas of scenic and cultural value that emphasize safe and pleasant recreational driving. Kiosks and information for interpreting the scenic and cultural features of the route and for picnicking and hiking/walking should be provided.

Trails
Extended, looped, and usually continuous strips of land dedicated to recreational travel including hiking, bicycling, all-terrain vehicles, or horseback riding and retained for recreational use through ownership or easement.

Beaches
Area with frontage on lakes and rivers designed primarily to provide swimming, boating, fishing, and other waterfront activities.