NPS-DC Parks, Recreation and Open Space Roundtable

Meeting Summary

November 8, 2004

DRAFT

Attendees

Sarah Boasberg (Sally), Green Spaces for DC

Kate Herrod, Community Greens

Gayle Hazelwood, NPS, National Capital Parks-East

Kevin Brandt, NPS, C&O Canal National Historical Park

Karen Cucurullo, NPS, National Mall & Memorial Parks

Joe DiBello, NPS-Northeast Region

Destry Jarvis, Washington Parks & People

Neil Stanley, DC Parks & Recreation

Drew Becher, DC Parks & Recreation

Lucy, Michael, DC Parks & Recreation

Pochter, Ted, DC Parks & Recreation

Tammy Stidham, NPS-NCR

Glenn Eugster, NPS-NCR

Joe Lawler, NPS-NCR

Terry Carlstrom, NPS-NCR

Don Briggs, NPS, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Mary Rowse, citizen

Kathy Cox, Fort Dupont Ice Arena

Nanine Bilski, America the Beautiful Fund

Darwina Neal, NPS-NCR

Liz Guthrie, Green Spaces for DC

Dan Smith, Casey Trees Endowment Fund

Sally Blumenthal, NPS-NCR

John Parsons, NPS-NCR 

Gentry Davis, NPS-NCR

Adrienne Applewaithe-Coleman, NPS-Rock Creek Park

Leslie Schill, DC Parks & Recreation

Joe Cook, NPS-NCR

Maria Lurie, Department of Interior, Sollicitor's Office

Don Fishman, DC General Council

Susan Boyd, Concern, Inc.

Bill Line, NPS-NCR

Heather Deutch, DC Parks & Rerecreation

Joan Prioriton, GSA and DC Preservation League

I.  Welcome, Opening Remarks and Introductions

Terry Carlstrom and Neil Stanley welcomed the group and made opening remarks.  Neil described the new DPR organization and introduced the managers responsible for various activities.  Glenn Eugster and Ted Pochter, the liaisons for NPS and DC, provided brief comments on the purpose of the Roundtable.

II.  Old Business:

NCPC Parks & Open Space Plan:

John Parsons indicated that in FY 06 there is a plan to look at NPS and DC parks and recreation plans and maintenance.  John suggested that DC, NPS and NCPC should get together to discuss this effort.  He noted that it was further complicated by the GAO Report [which is looking at the recreation use of parklands in DC].  He noted that the DC Comprehensive Plan is on hold and that NCPC doesn’t have the budget to redo the plan.

Sally Boasberg asked about whether there will be funding to maintain lands that are transferred from NPS to DC?  She indicated that she was concerned about DC getting left with maintenance costs.

Drew Becher indicated that DC doesn’t have a goal for open space and they could take it [the plan] down to the neighborhood level.  He said there were no large guidelines in place for parks in the City.

Gentry Davis asked whether the effort will look at schools?  Drew indicated that they are open to other DC properties.

Sally Blumenthal suggested that the Office of Planning, and planning for acquisition, is key to this.

Destry Jervis asked whether DC’s determination has to wait until the NCPC Study?  Drew said that this needs to be done in partnership with NCPC.

Kate Herrod asked whether existing park use is being considered?

Trust for Public Lands City Parks Book

Ted Pochter said that he talked to Peter Harnick of TPL.  TPL will include DC and NPS parklands in the new book and that “bench-marking” is important to DC.

Meridian Hill Park Collaboration

Adrienne Applewaithe-Coleman reported on the discussions between NPS, DC and Washington Parks & People, about Meridian Hill Park.  She said that it was NPS’s understanding that Washington Parks & People were to prepare a proposal for ways to partner.  Destry Jervis indicated that a proposal is coming.

III. New Business

Kenilworth North

John Parsons described the Kenilworth North property and indicated that it had been used as a landfill/dump and in need of cleanup.  John said that the House and Senate proposed to lease the property, the acreage of which is to be determined, to DC. The legislation calls for the lease 90 days from the date the law was approved-- November 11, 2004.

John said that a map is being prepared for external use and that it includes the end of Watts Branch.  He noted that it was ridiculous how quickly the decision-making and legislation for this property moved.  Neil Stanley noted that he was delighted by the action and this was a new opportunity for DCPR.

John Parsons indicated that the project must move through [be reviewed] by NCPC, and the Mayor and City Council.  He was unsure how long that would take.

Gentry Davis asked about how law enforcement would be handled?  Drew Becher noted there might be an opportunity to use the Metro Police Department and the Urban Park Rangers.  Neil noted that DC would attempt to coordinate these two organizations more tightly.

Sherieer Place House: 106 Issues

Ted Pochter said that DC had hired a consultant to look at options for the park.  He said that one concept is to remove the house and open the park to the street to make it more accessible.  He noted that because it is under federal ownership it has to go through the 106 process of the Historic Preservation Act.  He said that an architectural assessment was being completed but that the 106 process, with the DC State Historic Preservation Office, hasn’t started their review.

Ted noted that the house was built in 1925 and that it is eligible as a National Historic register property.  He added that NPS acquired the property in 1958.

Mary Rowse asked whether or not a formal 106 letter has been sent?  Ted indicated that it has not been sent. Joan Prioriton added that the DC Preservation League sent a letter to NPS and DC requesting to be a partner in the 106 process.

Poplar Point Soccer Stadium Proposal

Sally Blumenthal noted that when news of the proposal to build a soccer stadium on Poplar Point appeared in the newspaper it was shock to NPS.  She added that it is not in the Anacostia GMP but that DC's Sports and Entertainment Commission and a private developer have approached NPS.  She said that NPS advised both parties that they don’t support this proposal and added that if there is community interest [in the stadium] there should be a study to identify alternatives with public input.  Sally added that the stadium proposal calls for a “Nissan Pavilion-type of operation”.

Joe Lawler said that decisions about Poplar Point should reflect the community planning process and should stay true to the decisions that have been made.  Terry Carlstrom added that the planning documents are already in place for this site and call for the elimination of NPS operation facilities.

Someone asked, who proposed this?  John Parsons indicated that a private developer has proposed it.  Drew Becher noted that the developer owns 3-4 stadiums across the country.

DC Parks & Recreation Urban Park Rangers

Drew Becher noted that DC was looking at what other cities are doing.  Gentry Davis replied by saying that it is important to define the mission of the rangers.  He noted that in the past the have been problems with DC rangers filtering into NPS areas.

Carl Cole noted that the ideas were excellent and that natural resources know no boundaries.  Drew asked if it was possible to have NPS do some natural resources training for the DC urban rangers?  Glenn Eugster agreed to discuss this request with Jim Sherald and report back to the District.

Gayle Hazelwood indicated that interpretive competencies and visitor services training should be added to this.  Drew said that there will be 11 fulltime rangers and that he hoped they would be ready for Memorial Day.  Terry Carlstrom suggested that the training might involve assistance from NCR superintendents.  Tammy Stidham suggested that NPS Intake training might be an appropriate model.  Drew said he wants to sit down with a core group. 

Ft. DuPont Ice Rink Expansion

Don Fishman described a proposal for the Ft. DuPont Ice Rink and said that DC wants NPS input before they go out [with an RFP for design and engineering services].  He noted that this was the only indoor ice rink in DC and that the Friends of Ft. Dupont requested NPS to expand the facility and they said they would raise money to do this.  DC’s role would be to support the project.

Gayle Hazelwood said that the proposal was going through an internal NPS review and that as soon as it is completed, and she hires her Deputy Superintendent, she’ll move on it.

Destry Jervis asked about the footprint of the proposed development.  Fishman indicated that it roughly doubles the size of what is there now.  Carl Cole added that Gayle, John Parsons and Sally Blumenthal were looking at the specifics of the proposal. He noted that the proposal calls for expansion of the facility into a natural resource area.

DC Recreation Summit

Gayle Hazelwood said that following the Wonderful Outdoor World Conference she spoke to Derrick Crandall about the idea of a youth summit modeled after the one done in Portland Oregon lead by Charles Jordan.  She asked the group is there interest in organizing a youth summit?

Neil Stanley and Terry Carlstrom said that they are supportive.

Gayle indicated that the effort needs to be as inclusive as possible.

Someone asked does it have to only be for youth?  What is the timeline?  Gayle responded that the desired audience is youth and that a late spring-early summer 05 would is the target date.

Drew Becher urged the group to stay away from the summer.  Neil Stanley responded by saying, count us in.  He added that DC is trying to expand how they view recreation and are working towards meeting the needs of a more diverse population.  In some situation now we have a golf course and swimming pool side-by-side and we don't communicate or provide access at all.

Nanine Bilski added that this type of approach is happening much more in other cities.  Someone else replied that this seems to have relevance to the GAO study on the use of recreation lands in DC.

Terry Carlstrom, with confirmation from Joe Lawler, said that NPS is willing to help.  

Community Greens

Kate Herrod briefed the group on the work of Community Greens.  She stressed that green space where people live creates a sense of community to help manage the neighborhood.  Kate noted that community greens work better than condominium associations because these areas encourage people to get to know leaders and they create stability in neighborhoods because of their amenity value.  She added that they are also a place for kids to play, they reduce the heat island effect, stormwater, and create bird habitat.

Kate mentioned that her group wants to create a demonstration project in tandem with a legislative effort.  Community Greens is working in Baltimore.  There the City has over 13,000 vacant houses and 14,000 vacant lots.  In Baltimore alleyways aren't assets and people have serious concerns about the use of the alleys for dumping, drugs and prostitution.

Her group went to the MD State Legislature for help and Baltimore now has the authority to gate, close and lease the alleys to a legal entity for $1 per year.  Community Greens is now working with the City, with the support of the Mayor's Office, to develop ordinance support.  Kate said this work might be a model for other cities and that she is talking with leaders in Alexandria and Arlington, VA about applying this approach.

Ted Pochter asked if Community Greens was working with privately owned parks and he noted that there was a 2-acre park in DC that might be appropriate for this approach.

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail--Trail Route Designation

Don Briggs reported that in 1999 the DC Council passed a resolution for trails in the District.  He said he would be talking with DC DOT about a process to recognize a heritage trail network.  He also noted that this thinking was consistent with ideas that are described in the Ft. Circle Plan.  It was noted that copies of the Ft. Circle Plan are available from Sally Blumenthal or Patrick Gregerson of NPS.

Oxon Run Master Plan

Gayle Hazelwood reported that NPS is hoping to do a management plan for Oxon Cove.  They are in the process of hiring a consultant but noted that the US Fish and Wildlife Service did some concept planning for the area.

Gayle told the group that Oxon Cove was once a landfill area and the park has undergone considerable stress.  John Parsons added that it includes a unique Magnolia Bog and the property is a prime piece of real estate that DC and NPS should look at together. He noted that there is an opportunity to link campsites and develop open space here.

Trash and Litter Campaign: Drew Becher said that DC wants to undertake a clean up and is willing to coordinate a trash and litter campaign.

Green Roof Conference: Drew Becher provided the group with a handout regarding the May 4-6, 2005 Green Roof Conference in DC.

Oxon Run: Michael Lucy noted that DC was distributing mulch.  If anyone wants it please contact him.

Tree Removal and Recycling: Drew Becher mentioned that the District is talking to a small company to help with the removal and recycling of downed trees.  Gentry Davis asked whether the District would have a place to store downed trees?  Drew indicated that he should be able to report on this at the next meeting.

John Parsons added that the DC Department of Public Works is doing a study to look at the impact of the last ice storm.

Residential Open Space Requirements: Drew Becher reported that the District's Residential Open Space Requirement is being looked at.  He noted that interior spaces are being created and counted as open space now.  He said we need to look at this jointly.

Other Events: Glenn Eugster noted the following NPS-co-sponsored park workshops:

Nov. 10 Watts Branch

Nov. 16 Great Falls, VA

IV.  Next Meeting

Note:  The next meeting, which was scheduled for February 2, 2005, has been postponeed at the request of the District and will be rescheduled as soon as possible.  More information on the location and meeting agenda will be provided.

Audubon's America Map. EPA and National Audubon Society

American Wetlands Month 1992

Greenline Parks: Land Conservation Trends For the Eighties and Beyond

Bronze Medal Wetlands Grant Award. US EPA 1992.

Joe Lawler Talking Points Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Wednesday February 13, 2002

Joe Lawler Talking Points

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Wednesday February 13, 2002

Recognize Congressman Moran.

Thanks to Michael Rogers (COG Executive Director) and to the Board for the opportunity to speak about our collaborative effort-—the “Green Infrastructure Demonstration Project”, and the role of the National Park Service.

We are excited to be working with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on this important effort.  To my knowledge, this is the first Cooperative Agreement between NPS and COG.  With Congressman Moran’s help, the US Congress has added $300,000 to our budget to begin the Green Infrastructure Project. After developing a proposal for the project with your staff we’ve agreed to provide COG with $160,000 of those funds to work with you on five tasks over, the next five years.

Before I highlight the five tasks, let me speak to the role of the National Park Service in this collaboration. We have 13 units in your metro-region.  They include 13 units, 100 sites and approximately thousands of acres of land that we own and manage for the benefit of the American people.

The Park Service, however, does more than manage parks.  We provide financial, technical and information assistance to local and state governments, regional bodies such as yours and the private sector in the areas of parks, natural and cultural resources, planning, historic preservation and recreation.  In this role, which is the role we will play in the Green Infrastructure Project, we will not be buying or managing any land, nor will we be making any recommendations or decisions about land that we do not own.

What we will be doing is working with the COG staff, and hopefully some of you, to help you and other elected officials with the following tasks:

1.  We’ll work with your staff to acquire Geographic Information System Data to help map forest cover and prepare a green infrastructure map.  This information will help us all understand our forests better and the role they play in protecting our water quality and quantity and maintaining the quality of life that is so important to all of us.

2. We’ll work with your Community Forestry Network to hold a series of technical Forums to share information and experiences on green infrastructure techniques being used in this region and elsewhere.

3. We’ll work together to compile a directory of green infrastructure practitioners to foster a peer exchange of information and ideas within the metro-region.

4. We’ll work with you to look at ways that we can improve our communication about the importance of parks, forests and other portions of the green infrastructure.

5. And, we’ll work with COG, and other organizations here in Washington, to identify and showcase some of the “best local success stories” for conserving these important assets.

We believe that our parks, forests and communities make the metropolitan Washington region a special place to live, work, recreate and visit.  As major stewards of public lands within the region, the NPS very much wants to work with you to take care of what we have, so that people can protect the region and prosper from its assets, and so our children and theirs will always have special places.

Tools to Take Home Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities

Tools to Take Home

Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities

(A Work in Progress 4/30/99 version) 

National Town Meeting for Sustainable America

May 3, 1999 in Detroit, Michigan

CONTENTS

Background

3 President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD), Chapter 4, Metropolitan and Rural Strategies

3 Definitions/Terms

3 Green Infrastructure Lessons and Conclusions

Principles of Green Infrastructure

Tools

3 What Do I Need to Know?

3 Who can I Work With?

3 How does this Approach Work Best (processes)?

3 Where has the Approach been Used?

3 Where can I Learn More About Green Infrastructure?

3 What are the Common Problems I will encounter?

Future Events and Activities

3 Events to Participate In

3 Additional Information

BACKGROUND

The President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD), Chapter 4, Metropolitan and Rural Strategies, states that:

Sustainable and livable community concepts are becoming mainstream, and communities all across the country are implementing innovative initiatives and projects.  However, many existing efforts face technical, financial, and institutional obstacles, and it is difficult to nurture new ideas and pilot programs so they gain wider acceptance and use.

The report addresses the fundamental question: What will it take to help sustainable and livable community initiatives ``get over the hump'' from inspiration to implementation?  In our view, the principles needed for greater success have not yet become the way America's communities do business and need to be applied more widely.  We also agree that concerted and coordinated investment in five community development areas - green infrastructure, land use and development, community revitalization and reinvestment, rural enterprise and community development, and materials reuse and resource efficiency - could make a substantial difference.

Finally, the report suggests three types of tools are critical to overcoming major implementation obstacles: information and technical assistance, economic incentives and financial assistance, and local capacity and partnerships.

For more information:  (www.whitehouse.gov/PCSD/index.html)

Definition and Terms

3 Green Infrastructure (PCSD - Metropolitain and Rural Strategies Task Force, 1999): The network of open space, airsheds, watersheds, woodlands, wildlife habitat, parks, and other natural areas, which may provide vital services that sustain life and enrich the quality of life. 

3 Sustainability (Brundtland Commission, 1987): Development that allows people `` . . . to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.''

3 Sustainability (Presidents Council on Sustainable Development, 1996 & 1997):   `` . . . essential to seek economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social equity together,'' and ``decisions must consider and account for: long-term impacts and consequences, interdependencies, participation and transparency, equity, and proactive prevention.''

3 Sustainability (combined working definition, 1999):  Development that allows people `` . . . to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'' in a way that ``seeks economic prosperity, environmental, and social equity together.''

"The real infrastructure is air, land and water" -- Bill Morrish, University of Minnesota

Green Infrastructure Lessons and Conclusions...as Revealed by Forum Participants  -- Comments from the March 17 & 18, 1999 Green Infrastructure Forum (a National Town Meeting Affiliate Session)

The concept exists and is being refined through use at all levels of government and by the private sector as part of development and to improve quality of life.  Brings people and land together.  Its a worldwide phenomenon...crossing boundaries (jurisdictions, watersheds, nations).  Many candles need to be lit.  Should listen to our colleagues overseas.  

There is an emerging groundswell for putting "green infrastructure" into practice and building a  language for "green infrastructure" that conveys its necessity.  "Infrastructure" is the key word.  Terminology (e.g., green, natural, living infrastructure) is really important.  Use language people can relate to and understand.  Must translate and make relevant to different professions (e.g., public safety, crime prevention, community/economic revitalization). 

Moving from thinking about "green infrastructure only as greenway planning of rails, trails, and corridors to "network" of interconnected open space.  It is broader, more ecologically based, focusing on multiple uses and providing a whole spectrum of values, services, and function.  Its a "life support system".  Policy is moving from sectoral to systems approaches.

Green infrastructure is a marriage of art and science, focusing on the ecological structures which allow the natural system to do work for us.  Contains a strong design element tied to personal connections with land, water, and place.  Scientific data gives us insights and indicators of how we are doing.

Reflects sound thinking and serious beliefs about the essential elements of sustainability; and offers a framework for local action.  The social, economic, and ecological context is important.  Decisions influence water, plants, wildlife, people, budgets, quality of life, prosperity.

Success depends upon demonstration, demonstration, demonstration.  Strong project focus gives us a chance to work it out on the ground.  Learn by doing.  Offers people the opportunity to take responsibility.  Takes a long time to shift the way things are done.

Through practice, principles include providing multi-functional framework for development and creating linkages.  Need to foster agreement on the principles.

Good public awareness is critical, especially for statewide efforts, of the lessons learned and benefits of "green infrastructure."  Separation of State and local initiatives is a problem.  States can help connect the "large concepts" to local efforts.  Often don't know what is going on in other states.

Helps bring together interests, including conservationists, recreationists, engineers, and others to collaborate and identify strategic investments.  Helps organize people to work on behalf of their environment.  Build partnerships. Local government managers are pivotal.

Beginning to think about a system of funding for "green infrastructure"...like infrastructure funding for highways and transportation.  Understanding the economic values of "green infrastructure" is important.  Don't have to find new money, already sitting on money for water, water supply, and infrastructure, for instance.  Also includes multiple ownership options for managing lands.

Many cities were built without understanding nature.  People have lost the ability to read the world and their landscape.  Provides education opportunities.  Relevant for existing cities and places...not just new towns or resort developments.

Data, technology, and tools are available...including natural resource tools which are often missing.  Disciplinary experts can help communities and local experts by preparing data, using technology, and providing tools.  Geographic Information Systems help give community vision.

We lose track of our best practices.  Need information exchange  and a toolbox.  Interest in "green infrastructure" training exists.  Develop a curriculum.  Kids should be involved.  It's doable.  

PRINCIPLES OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Successful green infrastructure approaches reflect an emphasis on community agreement on principles rather than fixed or predetermined standards. The principles are not intended to be prescriptive but rather to encourage performance-based actions and use. The following principles are reflective of many ongoing green infrastructure projects from around the country and the world.  

Green infrastructure efforts:

3 Describe, and define natural resource values and functions in ``whole-system,'' place-based context in order to understand important ecological, cultural and economic linkages and relationships.

3 Recognize that certain environmental and natural resource values provide public values, goods and services which are essential to a community meeting overall quality of life objectives.

3 Are best developed at the community level, in recognition of all legitimate beneficial public and private uses, with the least adverse impact on economic, community and environmental assets and objectives.

3 Rely on voluntary, rather than regulatory, approaches which are sensitive to the economic value of land, private property and local home rule.

3 Can provide a community with regulatory predictability which increases a community's ability to protect and prosper.

3 Requires non-traditional and broad-based alliances for planning, funding, management and monitoring.

TOOLS

What do I need to know? (Natural Resource Information):

Values and functions:

3 Evaluate the environmental, community and economic benefits that natural resources provide the community or region.

3 Understand the ecological context for decision-making.

3 For more information see:

1) Establish an ecological context for decision-making  --  City Green software (www.americanforests.org)

2) Southern River Swamp: A Multiple-Use Environment, Wharton, Charles, H. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. 1970

3) Cities and Natural Process, Hough, Michael

4) The Fragment Connection, Stolzenburg, Wiiliam, The Nature Conservancy, 1991

5) Environmental Protection and Economic Well-Being, Power, Thomas M.

Benefits:

3 Use of cost benefit model in LA metro area illustrates the cost savings for water, trash removal, TreePeople (T.R.E.E.S.), Los Angeles (www.cyberjava.com/earth/tree/tree1.htm)

3 For more information see:

1) Natural Resource Accounting and Sustainable Watershed Management, King, Dennis and Bohlen, Curtis

2) Green Development: Literature Summary and Benefits Associated with Alternative Development Approaches, US-EPA

3) Greening the North: A Post-Industrial Blueprint for Ecology and Equity, Sachs, Wolfgand and Loske, Reihard

4) Landscape Linkages and Biodiversity, Hudson, Wendy w.; Defenders of Wildlife

5) Nature's Services: Societal Dependence on Natural Ecosystems, Daily, Gretchen C. (www.islandpress.com)

Location and Context:

3 Need to show the geographic extent of the natural systems.

3 For more information:

1) United States Geological Survey (www.usgs.gov/)

2) National Center for Resource Innovations:  Regional and Rosslyn, VA offices (ncri@idt.net)

Who can I work with?  (Alliances):

3 Smart Growth Network, ICMA  (nsimon@icma.org)

3 International City County Management Association (www.icma.org)

3 Local Agenda 21, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives

3 Urban Resource Partnerships -                                                                                 Chicago (www.hud.gov/local/chi/chiurp5.html),                           Philadelphia (www.libertynet.org/purp/),                                                        Las Vegas (www.lvrj.com/communitylink/lvurp/voluteer.htm/)

3 Green Infrastructure Forum, for summary report (jnordin/wo@fs.fed.us)

3 Land Trust Alliance (www.lta.org/listing.html)

3 National Association of Conservation Districts (www.nacdnet.org)

3 Alliance for Community Trees

3 The Nature Conservancy (www.tnc.org/welcome/html)

3 American Planning Association (www.planning.org)

3 American Forests (www.americanforests.org)

3 Joint Center for Sustainable Development (www.naco.org/programs/special/center)

3 Conservation Fund (www.conservationfund.org/conservation/)

3 National Association of State Foresters (nasf@sso.org)

3 National Association of State Conservation Agencies

How does this approach work best? (Processes):

3 For more information:

1) Private Landowner Master Planning, Johnson, Andrew, others, Natural Lands Trust, Media, PA.  (www.natlands.org)

2) Riverwork, NPS, RTCA, Washington, DC  (www.nps.org)

3) Watershed Protection Approach, EPA, OWOW, Wash., DC (www.epa.gov/owow/)

4) Green Communities, EPA Region III, Philadelphia, PA. (www.epa.gov/region03/greenkit/)

5) Growing Greener Workbook, Arendt, Randall; Natural Lands Trust; Media, PA. (www.natlands.org)

6) BUDA (Begin-Understand-Decide-Act), Robert Neville (ecotec@ttlc.net)

7) The Power of Environmental Partnerships, Long, F. and Arnold, M.

8) Pathways: Building A Local Initiative for Compatible Economic Development, Center for Compatible Development, Leesburg, VA (ecodev@cced.org)

Where has this approach been used? (Examples/Designs):

Sustainability Initiatives:  

3 Cape Charles, VA Sustainable Technologies Industrial Park, Cape Charles, VA (www.solartown.com/ccstip/) 

3 Greening of Toronto Port Lands, Toronto Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Toronto, Canada

3 Northhampton County Sustainability Plan, Eastville, VA 

Private Landowner:

3 Private Landowner Master Planning, Johnson, Andrew, Arendt, and others,  Natural Lands Trust, Media, PA. (www.natlands.org)

3 Master Gardener  (www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/img.html)

3 Backyard Conservation, Natural Resource Conservation Service (www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/ccs/backyard.html)

Land Development Designs:

3 Conservation Design for Subdivisions, Arendt, Randall

3 Woodlands, Texas Case Study (www.thewoodlandstx.com)

3 Model Development Principles to Protect Our Streams, Lakes and Wetlands, Schueler, Thomas, The Center for Watershed Protection, (www.pipeline.com/~mrrunoff/)

Local Government:

3 City of West Eugene--Local Wetlands Plan, OR (www.riceinfo.rice.edu/wetlands/)

3 Open Lands Project, Chicago, IL

3 Playa Vista, Los Angeles, CA

3 Minzer Park, Boca Raton, FL

Brownfields--Include:

3 Brownfields Case Studies: Toronto, Canada, Emscher Park Germany, and Groundwork, Lawrence, MA; Bridgeport, CT;  International City/County management Association (www.icma.org)

3 Nine Mile Run, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (slaggarden.cfa.edu/)

Watershed Protection:

3 Catskill Mountains--New York City Water Supply Protection, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Arkville, NY  (www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dep/watershed.html)

3 Chesapeake Bay Priorities for Land, Growth & Stewardship (www.chesapeakebay.net)

3 Watershed '93: A National Conference on Watershed Management - Proceedings, US-EPA

Metropolitan:

3 Regional Plan Association, New York, NY Building a Metropolitan Greensward (maestro.com//~rpa/green.html)

3 Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN Greenway (www.umcycling.com/greenway.htm)

3 Long-term Ecosystem Research -- Baltimore, MD Urban Ecosystem Project

3 Long-term Ecosystem Research -- Phoenix, AZ Urban Ecosystem Project

3 Fairfax County, VA (http://geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2107/)

3 Metropolitan Greenspaces, Portland, OR

Statewide Initiatives:

3 State Resource Strategies research illustrates that States are investing in green infrastructure.

3 Florida Greenways:  Decision-support Model, Tallahasse, FL (www2.dep.state.fl.us/greenway/conservation/conservation.html)

3 Maryland Greenways Natural Infrastructure Plans, Anaplouis, MD (www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/index.htm)

3 Pennsylvania Growing Greener, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA (www.dep.state.pa.us/growgreen/overview.htm)

3 Green Spine, Jacksonville, FL, US-EPA, Region IV

International:  EPA Office of International Activities/ ICMA Case Studies

3 Groundwork, United Kingdom; Emscher Park, Germany; Toronto Port Lands, Canada; Westergasfabriek, Netherlands  (www.epa.gov/swercepp/intr-pro.html)

3 Green Urbanism, Beatly, Tim, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Where can I learn more about green infrastructure approaches? (Reading List):

3 Ecology of Landscapes and Regions, Forman, 1995

3 Ecology of Greenways:  Design and Function of Linear Greenways, Smith, Daniel S.; Hellmund, Paul C.

3 Conservation Design for Subdivisions: A Pratical Guide to Creating Open Space Networks, Randall Arendt, Island Press, 1996.

3 Our Ecological Footprint, Wackernagel; Ress, William

3 Green Urbanism, Beatley, UVA

3 Green-Belt Cities, Osborn, Frederick J.

3 Metropolitan Open Space and Natural Processes, McHarg, Ian L.; Roberts, William, H. University of Pennsylvania

3 Washington-City in the Woods, Updegraff, Margery A; others, Audubon Society of the District of Columbia

3 Greenway Interpretation in Metropolitan Regions; Erickson, Donna

3 The Forest Where We Live, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (http://www.lpb.org)

3 Greening the Toronto Portlands, Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Hough, Michael; Benson, Beth; others,1997

3 Building a Metropolitan Greensward, NY Regional Plan Association,  --Ecology and Management of Neotropical Migratory Birds, Martin, Thomas E; Finch, Deborah E.

3 The Language of Landscapes, Anne Whiston Spirn, 1998 (pobox.upenn.edu/~spirnaw)

3 The Granite Garden, Anne Whiston Spirn, 1984 (pobox.upenn.edu/~spirnaw)

3 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Design, USDI-National Park Service, 1993.

3 Cooling Our Communities--A Guidebook on Tree Planting and Light-colored Surfaces, US-EPA, 1992.

3 Chicago's Urban Forest Ecosystem - Results of the Chicago Urban Forest Climate Program, USDA-Forest Service, GTR NE-186, 1994.

3 Storms Over the Urban Forest, USDA-Forest Service and University of Illinois-Dept of Forestry, 1993.

3 Sustainable Cities: Concepts and Strategies for Eco-City Development, Eco-Home Media, Edited by Bob Walter, 1992.

3 A Watershed Approach to Urban Runoff: Handbook for Decisionmakers, Terene Institute and US-EPA, 1996.

3 Stream Corridor Restoration:  Principles, Processes, and Practices,  The Federal Interagency Working Group, 1998

3 City Green,  American Forests, 1998

3 The Community Forest, Iowa State University-University Extension, 1996.

3 Better Backyard: A Citizens Resource Guide to Beneficial Landscaping and Habitat Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, US-EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, 1999.

3 Riparian Forest Buffers: Function and Design for Protection and Enhancement of Water Resources, David Welsch, USDA-Forest Service, NA-PR-07-91, 1991.

3 Metropolitan Ecosystem Action Strategy, Eugster, J, US-EPA, Washington, DC

What are the common problems I will encounter?  (Overcoming Obstacles):

Perceptions:  

3 Concern about effort being too ``green?''  Green term viewed as too polarizing?  Speak of green infrastructure as part of the communities overall infrastructure.  Environmental goals within a sustainability context.  Point to relevant state and local on-the-ground examples from near and far.

Fear of Pioneering:

3 If this is a new idea in your community be sure to connect to real-life examples through peer exchanges.

Information access, gaps and training:

3 Need more information and assistance, contact:

1) National Center for Resource Innovations--See Green More or Less, Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com)

2) American Forests--(http://www.amfor.org)

3) The National Conservation and Training Center, USFWS and The Conservation Fund, Sheppardstown, WV (www.conservationfund.org/conservation/)

4) State Investment Strategies to Save Open Space and Steer Development (www.nga.org/CBP/)

Funding:  

3 Need to move green infrastructure work from the nice to do category of public priorities to the must do or should do category.  If it's in the public interest the public should treat green infrastructure like other publicly beneficial services.

3 See State Resource Strategies -- Phyllis Myers research

3 Look for programs in the United States Department of Agriculture (www.usda.gov)

3 Talk to State governments or EPA about the State Revolving Fund

3 Use existing sources of information such as the Building Healthy Communities: Resources for Compatible Development, Schweke, W.  and EPA's Environmental Finance Centers

3 Check out the National Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org)

Land Use Ordinances and Regulations:  

3 Look at numerous local examples of County and City governments working to integrate green infrastructure work with land development, transportation, recreation, restoration, . . .    Contact the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors

3 Work with State and federal agencies to use green infrastructure as a way to reinvent regulations

3 Research available voluntary public and private programs for private landowner assistance (EPA Wetlands Hotline 800-832-7828)

FUTURE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Events to Participate In:

3 National Town Meeting Commitments: Follow-Through with us! (http://www.sustainableamerica.org) 

3 Keep America Growing Greener Conference, Philadelphia, PA June 6-9, 1999 (www.farmland.org/kag.html)

3 Balancing Nature and Commerce in Gateway Communities, Sheppardstown, WV, June 27 to July 1, 1999.

Additional Information:

3 For more information on the the Green Infrastructure Forum, contact:  Glenn Eugster (glenn_eugster@nps.gov)  or John Nordin (jnordin/wo@fs.fed.us)