NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION    

 

Our region’s abundant natural resources add to the attractiveness and value of a development if they are preserved, protected, and celebrated.  Natural resource protection ranges from woodland, habitat, or water resource protection to redeveloping existing properties rather than building on undeveloped greenfield sites.

 

Building Sited to maintain scenic view
Habitat Protection
Expansive natural areas once covered Northwest Lower Michigan and provided wildlife species with extensive habitat.  Development impacts our region’s wildlife through fragmenting habitats.  Local jurisdictions that promote low-impact development techniques help preserve the greatest amount of contiguous habitat – on a site or, ideally, connected to natural areas on adjacent properties.  Local jurisdictions are encouraged to work together and with public and private organizations to establish wildlife corridors.
Woodland Protection
Woodland development requires a special sensitivity to maintain a delicately balanced environment.  Forested landscapes provide an evolving and renewable ecosystem with economic, environmental, and social benefits.  Preserving the natural vegetation of sites throughout Northwest Lower Michigan contributes to healthier, more functional ecosystems and landscapes.  Existing developments throughout the region demonstrate how development and forests can coexist, as well as the benefits of preserving woodland (e.g., Wood Winds, Port of Old Mission, Cedar Valley Ridge).  Our region’s trees improve air and water quality, contribute to stormwater management, and help reduce heating and cooling costs by providing shade and blocking winds.  Preserving a site’s woodland additionally enhances a development’s economic value.

 

Houses clustered to preserve natural areas

 

Key Points:

  • Clearing only the minimum vegetation necessary to develop a site can result in greater land value, lower initial development costs, lower upkeep costs, and a more natural landscape appearance.
  • Contact state and local agencies for assistance with natural resource protection. Refer to Critical Design Practices: References for a list of local organizations.
  • Protect and/or restore the highest quality wildlife habitats on a site and, whenever possible, establish connections to natural areas on neighboring sites.
  • Local jurisdictions should encourage developments that incorporate woodland protection, balancing both short- and long-term economic considerations for owners and the region.
  • Local jurisdictions that provide some flexibility in siting buildings (i.e., modifying setback requirements) facilitate the preservation of the largest contiguous tracts of woodland possible.
  • Mature trees offer many benefits including improved air and water quality, reduced heating and cooling costs, as well as stormwater management.