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Green Areas  Green Areas in 2040 connect communities and protect natural habitats while contributing to the economy and overall livability of the region. They provide valuable assets for health, well-being and enjoyment; active corridors for recreation; and walking and biking connections between destinations and communities.2040 Water Resources and Biodiversity The watershed - a land area that drains to a single body of water - is managed to protect the quantity and quality of water resources. Projects are undertaken to restore groundwater resources, including stream bank stabilization, stream and wetland creation and restoration, stormwater best practice implementation and water supply planning. Techniques, such as clustered development and the use of green roofs on buildings, are used to help efficiently manage water resources in densely populated areas. Additionally, green areas are protected and managed to enhance biodiversity - the total range of genes, species and ecosystems in a region. Habitats are sufficiently sized to handle a diverse range of species and are linked to other green areas to allow for connections between habitats. Buffer zones exist along streams, lakes and wetlands to enhance biodiversity; stabilize stream banks and lakeshores; and act as linkages. 2040 Open Space Recreation and Linkages Hiking, strolling, biking, picnicking and other outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant, accessible and close to home. Important cultural and historic sites are linked through open spaces and greenway corridors. Green roofs enhance the community's quality of life by providing gathering areas for employees and residents. Through interaction with the natural ecological process, the public gains a heightened awareness of environmental stewardship. 2040 Preserving Farmland Stakeholders and local governments are fully educated about the economic benefits of farming and the public cost of converting farmland to low-density residential development. Decisions regarding farmland consider the full breadth of what the agriculture business brings to the region, including the use of its raw materials by industries such as food processing, the state's number-one manufacturing activity. Continue to Realizing the Vision > > |