Accomplish More Together Conservation Planning for Green Infrastructure: A Greenprint for Sustainability Michael S. Fishman, CWB, PWS Greg Liberman, CPESC Growing Green Infrastructure in NYS 17 November 2010 Syracuse, New York

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State

Viewpoints

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Regulations MS4 Requirements Construction Permits U.S. EPA Requirements

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Community Character

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State - (grēn’prĭnt) (n) Greenprint - (grēn’prĭnt) (n) (1) a long-term, sustainable land use plan for open space or “green infrastructure” (2) a blueprint for ‘green’ planning

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Greenprint Overview Water Quality Maintain Open Space Maintain/Improve Traffic Flow Utilize Infrastructure Biodiversity Conservation Connectivity/Corridors Trails Water Quality Ecology Community Character

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Example: Biodiversity Study 1.Sample the variety of ecological communities (habitats) to document existing conditions and quantify biodiversity within the Town. 2.Review current measures (primarily regulatory) being used to protect the environment within the Town. 3.Develop recommendations to conserve biodiversity within the Town, thereby protecting the resilience and long-term sustainability and viability of ecosystems throughout the Town. 4.Provide Planning and Conservation Boards a toolbox

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Biodiversity Study - Results Data collection – desktop and field inventory GIS Mapping – available and new data Review existing ordinances Establish model language for new or improved ordinances Protocols and design guidelines (toolbox) for work near sensitive areas, mitigation, now-mow zones Identified common pitfalls to avoid Short- and Long-term management strategies for Town land

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Available Coverages Waters/Wetlands Cover Types Soils Open Space/Parks Ecological Cover Type Create Shapefiles e.g.: Specimen Trees e.g.: Invasive Species Initial Data Collection

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Existing Ordinances Wetlands Stormwater Management Erosion Control Zoning Planning Model Language for Conservation Subdivisions Vernal Pool Protection Riparian Buffer and Protection Review of Ordinance

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Guidelines

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Guidelines

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Guidelines

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Recommendations Ranged from baseline ecological data to long term action plans Developed for target audience Setup for easy or streamlined implementation through site plan review and design guidelines Modifications to existing ordinances or new ordinances Change in existing practices (i.e. maintenance)

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Connection to Water Quality Identification of resource areas to be protected Improved maintanence of Town-owned park land (i.e. no mow zones, less fertilizer) Design guidelines for improved site planning near sensitive resources Suggested ordinances and model language These actions are a form of passive green infrastructure and directly improve water quality

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Summary More than one way to plan, discuss and implement green infrastructure for water quality Work at an appropriate scale When planning these projects, anticipate the need for streamlined implementation Multiple pathways Grant funded biodiversity study can be the gateway for green infrastructure planning

Going Green Infrastructure in New York State Discussion