At its Dec. 20 meeting, Bensalem Council approved the township's 2010 open space plan update. Originally adopted in 1998, the plan's inventory of Bensalem's natural resources showed significant opportunities for preservation.

Since that time, the township has: protected habitat along its major creeks; acquired additional land for the park system; revised its zoning regulations to revitalize the riverfront; and authored a comprehensive greenway and trail study, according to the plan.

In the next three years, the township hopes acquire additional property to enhance its parks and the proposed township-wide trail system and Delaware River access, the plan stated. The township plans to seek funding for these acquisitions through state and county open space programs.

"Throughout the township and along the edge of the Delaware River, residents will find the establishment of trails and corridors of open space to be a valuable benefit to their social, environmental and economic well being," the plan's conclusion stated. "With each natural area protected and each new trail segment established, residents and visitors will find opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation and non-motorized pedestrian friendly transportation."

Councilman Tony Belfield, who serves on township environmental and county open space boards, explained that the plan update was "about a year and a half in the making."

Approval of this plan makes the township eligible for funding from the Bucks County Open Space Program, Belfield explained.