The Durham County Open Space Program receives valuable input from various boards, committees, and organizations. These groups form a bridge between local governments, including the Durham County government, and the citizens they serve.

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) advises the City Council and Board of County Commissioners on matters relating to the preservation of open space and trails. It consists of up to 30 members appointed by the City Council, Board of County Commissioners, and DOST itself. DOST includes four smaller committees: the Open Space Committee, the Trails Committee, the Equity Committee, and, during the Matching Grants cycle, the Matching Grants Committee.

The Farmland Protection Advisory Board helps safeguard Durham County’s rich agricultural heritage for present and future generations and provides input for several farmland protection programs, including conservation easements, present use taxation, and voluntary agriculture districts.

The Environmental Affairs Board was jointly established by Durham County and the City of Durham in 1991 to provide advice on various environmental matters. Its members tackle an array of environmental issues, including watershed protection, natural resource protection, air quality, waste, and climate change.

The New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee was established to advise local governments and organizations on how to implement the 1991 New Hope Creek Corridor Open Space Plan.