About the Vision Plan

When something new begins, it helps to start with shared understanding.

The Vision Plan is the guiding document for this work. It was created to capture community input, clarify values, and provide direction as our publicly protected land begins to function as an agricultural and community center.

The Vision Plan was developed by residents serving on a town-appointed advisory committee and formally submitted to the Town Board. It reflects the questions people raised and the possibilities they wanted explored, from farming and land access to recreation, education, and community wellbeing.

Rather than setting a fixed outcome, the Vision Plan provides a framework. It helps answer practical questions as ideas move forward: What belongs here? What serves the public good? How do we care for this land over time?

Bethlehem Environmental Commons was purpose-formed to support this effort in partnership with the Farms & Forest Conservation Program.

Be-ECO does not operate from a separate master plan. It builds with intention using the Historic Health Farm Vision Plan as its reference point, supporting projects and partnerships that grow out of the priorities already identified through the public process.

The Vision Plan is meant to be used. It guides decision-making, helps new ideas stay grounded, and provides continuity as this work evolves.

You can explore the Vision Plan here: Vision Plan

Why a Vision Plan

The Vision Plan is the community’s guide

• It reflects what residents have shared about the values, uses, and opportunities that matter most.

• It helps everyone see possibilities for farming, education, recreation, and wellbeing while providing a shared framework for decisions as the land evolves.

The plan is flexible and designed to guide how the commons grows.