What would a statewide green infrastructure program look like?
A. Every state contains key native species, landscapes, bodies of water, culturally and historically important areas, and already protected regions that benefit wildlife and human communities. Green infrastructure programs use a wide range of scientific information to identify natural areas, and then coordinate with public and private conservation programs to protect them. This may include purchasing land, restoring habitats, taking out easements, or other conservation strategies. Some key principles of green infrastructure programs are: the network provides a framework for future development as well as conservation efforts; programs prioritize soliciting and considering input from stakeholders, including the general public; and, programs employ a range of land management practices that support multiple uses when appropriate. For more information, see the definition of a “green infrastructure program” in Section 3(F) of SERC’s sample legislation.
