Presentation Outcomes

Transcription

1 Green Infrastructure Rappahannock-Rapidan Living Lands Planning Workshop September 17, 2009 Presentation Outcomes Define green infrastructure principles and concepts (video). How are green infrastructure projects implemented and managed in Virginia? What are the benefits in assessing green infrastructure? What are strategies for assessing green infrastructure resources at the local level? 2 1

2 What is Green Infrastructure? An interconnected network of natural lands and other open spaces that conserves ecosystem values and functions and provides associated benefits to human populations Slide adapted from The Conservation Fund Virginia Outdoors Plan Commonwealth s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space plan. Guide (not a policy document) for all levels of government and the private sector in meeting conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs VOP Themes Outdoor Recreation Land Conservation Green Infrastructure 4 2

3 Virginia Outdoors Plan Outlines Goals for State s Role in Green Infrastructure Planning Incorporates green infrastructure planning to meet outdoor recreation and conservation goals. Is one of three major themes of the Virginia Outdoors Plan. Articulates findings and recommendations for green infrastructure planning. Makes regional analysis and recommendations. 5 Assessing Green Infrastructure Which lands to conserve? Where to permit development? Where to construct roads and utilities? How to bring together divergent interests in the community to build consensus? Slide adapted from The Conservation Fund 6 3

4 Economic Benefits of Green Infrastructure Storm water management Lands preserved for flood storage have an 8:1 dollar savings over manmade flood control structures Supplying drinking water 105 of world s biggest cities rely on protected forests for drinking water (e.g. NYC - $1.5 billion to protect watershed vs. $6-8 billion) Removing air pollutants Sacramento metric tons/yr ($3 million value) Delaware Valley million lbs/yr ($3.9 mil value) Slide adapted from The Conservation Fund 7 Ecological Services of Green Infrastructure Protects and enhances critical water resources Provides recreation, health and educational benefits Enhances community appearance and provides a connection to nature Increases property value & provides free/low cost natural services Contributes to the quality of life, and economic well-being of America s communities & people Slide adapted from New River Valley PDC presentation 8 4

5 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives Linking Lands and Communities Using the Green Infrastructure Approach 9 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Completed the Hampton Roads Conservation Corridor Study, a green infrastructure based approach to identifying a regional open space network. 10 5

6 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives New River Valley Planning District Commission Defines Green Infrastructure as a strategic approach to development that guides growth in concert with the environment, working landscapes and cultural/historical heritage. 11 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission Working with area localities to implement green infrastructure planning. 12 6

7 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives The Green Infrastructure Center Field Study Projects Madison County Richmond & Crater Planning District Commission New Kent County City of Lynchburg Projects will generate new methods for green infrastructure planning making them available for communities, planners, developers, conservation groups, and citizens. 13 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives Madison County The Green Infrastructure Center Photo taken October Posted April Photo by Calvin Beale Madison County was selected as the first field test project because it contains more than 170 intact habitat cores based on the Virginia Conservation Lands Needs Assessment. The area has abundant working farms and forests valued by the community. This project demonstrates how early planning can identify assets such as high value forests, before they are fragmented. 14 7

8 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives Richmond and Crater Planning District Commissions Beginning planning for green infrastructure and seeking funding opportunities to finance work between the two regions. 15 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives New Kent County The Green Infrastructure Center Green infrastructure plan products will include asset maps, risk assessment and recommended policies to protect green assets. 16 8

9 Regional Green Infrastructure Initiatives City of Lynchburg The Green Infrastructure Center In summer 2008, the GIC launched the Lynchburg field test to demonstrate how green infrastructure principles can be applied within an urban setting. 17 Strategies for Assessing Green Infrastructure Consider working at a regional level to connect resources across jurisdictional boundaries Photo by East West Partners 18 9

10 Strategies for Assessing Green Infrastructure Include GI planning in updates of comprehensive plans 19 Strategies for Assessing Green Infrastructure Seek grant funding and partnerships to support the effort 20 10

11 Strategies for Assessing Green Infrastructure When developing an action plan, connect green infrastructure to key issues including climate change 21 Strategies for Assessing Green Infrastructure Use state resources and mapping for initial screening of resources 22 11

12 Contact Information: Janit Llewellyn