The Natural Environment Indicator reflects open space available for recreation, and undeveloped environment providing biodiversity.  The Roundtable tracks acres of open space within Thurston County.  The acreage included is land found within the County under
public ownership, including public parks, trails and preserves managed with the intent to "preserve, protect, conserve and otherwise continue in existence adequate open space land for the production of food, fiber and forest crops, and to assure the enjoyment of natural resources and scenic beauty for the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens (WA State Open Space Tax Act)."  This land does not necessarily enhance or provide for habitat for non-human species, such as birds, fish or plants, but may support their presence, passage, reproduction or other essential activity.

In a sustainable community, we envision that for the natural environment, people acknowledge that the needs of ecosystems and humans are interconnected and must be cared for and managed thoughtfully if a healthy, life-sustaining environment is going to continue for any (or all) species.

Since 2002, the population has increased in Thurston County and open space has decreased. This has resulted in fewer acres per person in 2004.  Overall, since the inception of the Washington State Open Tax Program in
1989, the total number of acres has increased. 

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