The protection of our environment is one of our most important responsibilities. Clean air, clean water is essential. We need to respect and protect other forms of life. We also need to hold those accountable that cause damage in that regard.
There is a report that contains good information regarding our environment. It is called the Green Infrastructure Assessment Report (GIA) and was created at the behest of local government by the Freshwater Institute which in turn is affiliated with the Conservation Fund. You can read it here. Points of note: the report states that the landowners of Jefferson County have done a good job with regard to respect for the environment. I do not find that surprising. Ownership fosters responsibility. When something is publicly owned, it is not usually as well taken care of.
Another interesting point: the report’s point of reference is the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore some of its findings are in relation to that report. However, it doesn’t appear that any of the information was incorporated into the Plan. Conversely, in referencing the Comprehensive Plan, the GIA makes recommendations that assume that the Plan represents the goals to be achieved. In any case, the report would appear to have been money spent on good information that ultimately was never utilized.
One of the things that is often included in environmental stewardship is land use. This is where environmental issues merge with zoning initiatives. I support the concept of land use and preservation for certain purposes, as long as they do not violate the property rights of others. A good way to bring this about is through voluntary easements and conservancies.
Elliot Simon
Our Environment
The protection of our environment is one of our most important responsibilities. Clean air, clean water is essential. We need to respect and protect other forms of life. We also need to hold those accountable that cause damage in that regard.
There is a report that contains good information regarding our environment. It is called the Green Infrastructure Assessment Report (GIA) and was created at the behest of local government by the Freshwater Institute which in turn is affiliated with the Conservation Fund. You can read it here. Points of note: the report states that the landowners of Jefferson County have done a good job with regard to respect for the environment. I do not find that surprising. Ownership fosters responsibility. When something is publicly owned, it is not usually as well taken care of.
Another interesting point: the report’s point of reference is the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore some of its findings are in relation to that report. However, it doesn’t appear that any of the information was incorporated into the Plan. Conversely, in referencing the Comprehensive Plan, the GIA makes recommendations that assume that the Plan represents the goals to be achieved. In any case, the report would appear to have been money spent on good information that ultimately was never utilized.
One of the things that is often included in environmental stewardship is land use. This is where environmental issues merge with zoning initiatives. I support the concept of land use and preservation for certain purposes, as long as they do not violate the property rights of others. A good way to bring this about is through voluntary easements and conservancies.