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VII. CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of the Conservation and Open Space Element is to conserve and manage natural resource and open space areas for the preservation, production, and enjoyment of natural resources, and for the promotion of open space recreation, protection of public health and safety, and preservation of valuable wildlands. Because most natural resources are located in open space land, the PIeasanton General Plan combines two State-mandated elements, the Conservation Element and the Open Space Element, into one element. Combining these two elements avoids repetition. The Conservation Element must provide direction regarding conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources including (as appropriate) water, forests, soils, surface waters, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources. The Open Space Element must guide preservation and conservation of "open space land," which is defined as any public or private land or water that is unimproved and devoted to open space use. Under State law, the Element should address the following four types of open space: preservation of natural resources, managed production of natural resources, outdoor recreation, and public health and safety. SUSTAINABILITY As stated in the General Plan Vision, the City of PIeasanton embraces the concept of sustainable development. A sustainable city draws from the environment only those resources that are necessary and that can be used or recycled perpetually, or returned to the environment in a form that nature can use to generate more resources. Relating the concept of sustainability to conservation and open space includes: conserving natural areas and water features; recharging the groundwater basin; reducing stormwater runoff; retaining parks, open space, and remaining agricultural and grazing areas; and protecting wildlands and lands for public health and safety. This Element addresses the concept of sustainability through its goals, policies, and programs. The City of Pleasanton currendy requires commercial and residential developers to utilize green building practices. The City has defined green-building design to implement the following related goals: energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, waste reduction, water efficiency, and sustainability planning. These goals all relate to conservation of natural resources and are discussed in greater detail in the Energy Element and the Air Quality Element. RESOURCE CONSERVATION Animal Life Native fauna (or animals) generally inhabit areas of minimally disturbed plant life such as in the Pleasanton and Main Ridges, the Southeast Hills, and the Arroyo del Valle and Arroyo de la Laguna, ('.-on OS EJcmcnl. CC 082906, dean Vll-l City Council 8/29/2006