(1) Fragmentation of conservation areas shall be minimized so that they are not divided in smaller isolated parcels. Parcels less than one hundred (100) feet wide should be avoided, unless necessary to connect other significant areas, such as streams or trails. Prime farm land should be considered for conservation wherever possible in order to continue to promote the farming activity.

(2) Conservation areas shall be designed as part of larger continuous and integrated open space systems.

(3) Conservation areas shall be designed to provide buffers and to protect scenic views as seen from roadways and from public parks.

(4) A portion of conservation areas may be commonly used by subdivision residents for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

(5) No portion of any building lot may be used for meeting minimum amount of required conservation land area; however, active agricultural land with farm buildings, excluding areas used for residences, may be used to meet the minimum amount of required conservation land.

(6) All conservation areas that are not wooded, farmed or maintained as conservation meadows shall be maintained or/and landscaped as determined by staff. The use of berming is encouraged to buffer residential areas from arterial and collector streets and incompatible land uses.

(7) A maintenance plan shall be prepared for common open space areas. Such plan shall be submitted with an open space subdivision application and shall, at a minimum, address the following: