REGION 2020: PRESERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
WHAT
• To develop a region that protects, preserves, enhances, and conserves its
natural resources and its native biodiversity with an emphasis placed on
responsible planning and management; environmental education and awareness;
involvement of citizens, government, and businesses; and respect for the
value of the environment.
WHY
• To protect and conserve the region's natural resources.
• To promote logical, streamlined planning for future growth.
• To encourage cost effective land use decisions.
• To reduce urban sprawl.
• To improve quality of life.
• To increase business opportunities.
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED
• Regional and local planning commissions
• State legislators
• Government leaders
• Business leaders
• Citizens
• Environmental groups
• Chambers of commerce
• State agencies and departments
WHO WILL BENEFIT
• Citizens
• Visitors
• Communities
• Ecosystems
• Businesses
HOW
Strategy
Create a regional Natural Resources
Master Plan as the foundation for a regional land-use plan. Petition the
state legislature to enact
legislation that strongly
encourages land-use planning as a tool for protecting our natural
resources and native biological diversity. Expand the planning and enforcement
powers of local, regional and state planning agencies in the twelve
county area
as needed as a part of this legislation.
Related strategies: Neighborhoods
and Communities.
Action Steps
Region 2020 convenes a Natural Resources Implementation team.
The Natural Resources Implementation Team will:
1. Develop the regional Natural Resources Master Plan, which will
include a prioritized inventory of the region's natural resources
and detail
how to implement and enforce protection of the identified resources.
2. Assemble existing databases, including The Nature Conservancy's
Heritage Program, the State Geological Survey, etc.
3. Develop and implement a legislative strategy for regional
land-use planning and expanding the planning and enforcement
powers of
the local, regional
and state planning agencies in the twelve county area.
Role of Region 2020
• To convene the Natural Resources Protection Implementation
Team.
• To monitor the progress of the effort
Cost
$250,000-300,000 to develop the Natural
Resources Master Plan; (See the Workgroup report for costs of implementing
the plan.)
