How does conservation development differ from cluster development?

Conservation development is characterized by its emphasis on preserving natural resources and habitats while still allowing for some level of development. This approach often involves the use of conservation mapping, which helps to identify and protect important ecological areas, such as wetlands, forests, or wildlife habitats. By prioritizing these areas, conservation development aims to minimize the ecological impact of new construction and maintain important natural functions.

In contrast, while cluster development also seeks to reduce the footprint of development by grouping residential units together, it may not necessarily incorporate specific conservation strategies or mapping practices. Cluster development focuses more on residential density and layout rather than the explicit protection of natural resources.

The other choices do not align with the principles of conservation development. It does not eliminate all development, nor does it exclusively focus on commercial use or necessarily allow for more development density than what is typical in standard zoning practices. Overall, conservation mapping is a crucial tool that underpins the philosophy of conservation development, ensuring that critical environmental features are taken into account during the planning process.