Natural Resource Conservation and Greenspace

Minimize or eliminate the impact of development on waterways by incorporating Low Impact Development (LID) and other conservation methods into local ordinances to maintain pre-development ecological and hydrological function. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OhxGVbBCqJ9CNOyCwTUN7QiCE8HrM2d5/view?usp=share_link)

Source water protection practices are actions taken to prevent contamination of surface and groundwater sources of drinking water. Maintaining vegetation and vegetated wetlands along the shores of lakes and waterways protect against erosion caused by waves, floods, and storms. Implementing preventive management strategies can reduce community source water contamination and clean up costs, protect fish and wildlife, prevent or minimize property damage, and positively impact the health of the community. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OhxGVbBCqJ9CNOyCwTUN7QiCE8HrM2d5/view?usp=share_link)

Conservation and Restoration of Native Habitat are complementary approaches to managing healthy, functioning natural systems such as parks, lakes, waterways, and greenspace through working to conserve natural systems from degradation while striving to restore systems that have been degraded. Access to green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery, promotes community mental and physical health, through psychological relaxation, stress alleviation, and promoting social cohesion. Contact us to add content to this section

Boost local economies by promoting local farmers and their products. Promote responsible farming practices to reduce impacts on municipal source water pollution, impacts on shared community wetlands and waterways, and air quality. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/16fdL5LQbAGVTa7pGPrFUy7fxIw8raqQK/view?usp=share_link)

Managed forests provide timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreational opportunities, and healthier, more resilient landscapes. Creating a management plan opens opportunities for incentives and funding for forestry stewardship projects. Repurposing trees that need to be removed from municipal and private property can add community benefit while reducing the cost of disposal. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dm9zHL0RlfR8jl-tVEBO-e92pxD_IKD2/view?usp=share_link)

Creating greenway networks and parklands in rural, suburban, or urban locations that connect neighborhoods, schools, and mixed-use centers unifies a sense of community, enhances marketing, increases property values, provides for stormwater infiltration, and improves the quality of residents’ lives through informal recreation, exercise, and enjoyment of nature. Wise planning of green space and parks can reduce cost of maintenance and source water pollution. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W86fWw-Y9RVzw3MN7bx2rCviTDihd5xX/view?usp=share_link)

A network of bicycle and pedestrian trails that are designed and implemented as a community asset provide needed connections between community spaces, safe places to ride and walk between communities, businesses and neighborhoods, quality recreational opportunities, and enhance the community environment as a safe and healthy place to live. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fwWrQ39tsolp7-0_vqllHRS8O17DGORn/view?usp=share_link)

One of the key elements in successfully reaching your municipality goals is community buy-in and commitment. You can foster community buy-in and commitment through community education and engagement, and marketing and promotional strategies. The development of educational and marketing campaigns can help move your municipality into action to reach the desired goals and vision your municipality has established. Best Practices (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H521gqcmK2uZEEWlWBJWX_y0PHj0faLf/view?usp=share_link)