Blue/Green Infrastructure Study Accomack County, VA

Transcription

1 Blue/Green Infrastructure Study Accomack County, VA Draft Asset Maps March 8-9, 2010 Green Infrastructure Center, Inc.

2 2 Overview What is Green and Blue Infrastructure Project Timeline & Tasks Literature Review & Stakeholder Interviews Green Infrastructure Assets Discussion & Next Steps

3 The mission of the nonprofit Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) is to help localities evaluate their green assets and manage them to maximize ecological, economic and cultural returns. This project is a partnership between the GIC and Accomack County

4 Donors make it all possible!

5 The GIC is conducting field tests that cover a diversity of ecoregions and themes in a variety of Virginia localities to develop guidance for creating green infrastructure plans. County Madison County New Kent County Accomack County* Regional Crater and Richmond Regional Planning Districts (PDCs) New River Valley PDC Northern VA Regional Commission City City of Charlottesville City of Lynchburg City of Staunton City of Richmond* *In progress

6 What s in a name? Infrastructure (n): the substructure or underlying foundation on which the continuance and growth of a community or state depends.

7 What kind of structure? A planimetric map of a Washington DC shows a neighborhood s gray infrastructure including buildings and roads (left). Classified highresolution satellite imagery adds a green infrastructure data layer (trees and other vegetation) (right). Source: American Forests

8 What Is Green/Blue Infrastructure Planning? Strategically planned and managed networks of natural lands, working landscapes and other open spaces that conserve ecosystem values and functions and provide associated benefits to human populations It s about connecting the landscape!

9 Reduces diversity of interior species Image source: Dramstad, Wenche E., et al. Landscape Ecology Principles in Landscape Architecture and Land Use Planning. Washington D.C., Island Press, Dividing a large patch into two smaller patches Removes interior habitat Reduces interior species population

10 Traditional Development Cluster Development

11 Here s the problem when cluster developments don t look outside the parcel:

12 Green infrastructure approach helps keep corridors intact. Undeveloped parcel: PDR, TDR, Easement?

13 Conserving working lands such as farms and forests, that contribute to the economy. Protecting and preserving water quality and supply. Providing cost-effective stormwater management and hazard mitigation. Preserving biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Improving public health, quality of life and recreation networks. Benefits of Green and Blue Infrastructure Plans

14 How will we use the maps and data? Park and open space planning Identify lands for PDR or TDR programs Heritage tourism and viewshed protection Forest planning and management Transportation planning: roads and trails New ordinance development Zoning basis for upzoning or downzoning Species protection (Delmarva fox squirrel) Public Regulatory Private Voluntary

15 15 Timeframe Task April June 2009 July Aug Sept. Dec Jan. Mar Mar. April 2010 Project Setup and Research Data Assessment Asset Maps Opportunity Maps Final Report Project Timeline & Tasks Outcomes Information gathering Meet with Board of Supervisors Tour Accomack County Create a project website GIS data gathering and preparation Conduct a literature review and create a research tracking tool Conduct stakeholder interviews Submit a Data Assessment summary memo Create a Green Infrastructure base map Create themed overlay maps to identify priority areas Review county zoning and development plans Create opportunity maps to illustrate key strategies for preserving and restoring green infrastructure Present asset maps on March 8 & 9 Present draft opportunity maps on March 10 Incorporate feedback from March meetings Develop a final report

16 16 Literature Review and Stakeholder Interviews

17 Literature Review: Recommendations 1. Reduce and filter agricultural nutrient applications. 2. Increase the spatial continuity of riparian systems. 3. Protect spatial continuity of coastal habitats 4. Isolate low-quality habitat patches (Phragmites patches, etc.). 5. Replace coastal habitats lost to erosion and inundation. 6. Protect groundwater recharge zone, and initiate water conservation and reuse programming. 7. Enhance dunes for shoreline protection and habitat expansion. * Recommendations in bold have spatial implications for the Green Infrastructure network. 17

18 18 Stakeholder Goals Considerations raised by stakeholders include: 1. Development patterns and infrastructure demands 2. Water quality and wastewater management 3. Conserving natural resources and wildlife 4. Identification of places with locally recognized environmental value 5. Access to recreation

19 19 Green Infrastructure Assets

20 20 Accomack County Assets Developing a green infrastructure network 1. Priority Conservation Area Assessment 2. Virginia Natural Landscape Assessment 3. Local Priorities

21 21 High Priority Conservation Areas + Connected, High Quality Landscapes + Contributing Landscapes Base Green Infrastructure Network

22 22

23 23 Local Priority Landscapes Shoreline Complex Includes Bayside and Seaside Zones Storm protection, tidal wetlands, erosion and accretion Terrestrial Zone Where people live Groundwater source Connect bayside and seaside zones

24 24

25 25 Asset Overlay Maps

26 26 Asset Themes or Overlays Habitat & Wildlife Conservation Water Quality Working Lands & Waters Recreation Access and Trails Cultural Resources / Sense of Place

27 27 Habitat & Wildlife Conservation The GI Network identifies priority habitat and wildlife conservation areas Understanding what is already protected or least likely to change can help identify areas that require special attention or targeted conservation activities

28 28

29 29 Water Quality Landscape components that contribute to water quality include: Riparian buffers Forested watersheds Protected headwater areas and wetlands Protected wellheads

30 30

31 31 Working Lands: Agriculture Landscape components include: Prime soils for agriculture Existing Agriculture/Forestal Districts (AFD)

32 32

33 33 Working Lands: Forestry Landscape components include: Forest cover Tidal Marshes Identification of forested parcels in the GI network large enough to manage for both forestry and wildlife

34 34

35 35 Working Lands: Fisheries Working water assets support the local fishery and recreational economies Components include: Water access points Watersheds Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Oyster and clam beds Fishery management areas

36 36

37 37 Recreation Access & Trails Nature-based recreational assets include: Conservation lands with public access Parks Birding and wildlife trails Water trails Water access points

38 38

39 39 Cultural Resources Natural landscapes provide important context and scenic qualities to heritage and cultural resources Existing historic districts and buildings Cultural events Scenic roads Tangier Island Viewsheds

40 40

41 41 Opportunity Map Preview

42 GI Opportunity Maps Development Scenario: Designate conservation areas to strategically preserve and link existing green infrastructure assets. Addresses the following literature review recommendations: Increase spatial continuity of riparian systems Protect groundwater recharge zone Protect spatial continuity of coastal habitats Enhance dunes for shoreline protection and habitat expansion Addresses the following stakeholder considerations: Development patterns and infrastructure demands Water quality Conserving natural resources and habitat Access to recreation 42

43 43

44 44 Discussion and Next Steps

45 45 Next Steps Present draft Opportunity Maps to the Board of Supervisors and Zoning Board on March 10th Incorporate feedback from March 8-9 meetings into asset maps Incorporate feedback from March 10 th meeting into opportunity maps Develop a final report

46 GIC Inc. The End 921 Second St. SE Charlottesville, VA , #222