Riverside community Investigation
Use your interviewing skills to investigate the connection that the community has with its local natural resources. The questions you ask must pertain to the three E’s of the sustainability pyramid (fractal).
Economy
What industries/corporations have the most influence in your town and local region? How does this town and local region encourage new economic development? Do the citizens of this area welcome economic growth? Why or why not? What do you think this area of the watershed will look like in 25 years? What is the main source of this town and local region’s income? How does this area try to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability? How does this area promote tourism and trade? How does the river impact your economy?
Equity/Quality of Life
How do people use local natural resources for enjoyment? How do you provide for diverse cultures in your town and local region, or do you? Are there government regulations or local laws that were implemented to promote livability and vitality? Are there any recently adopted or projected new technologies that are or will impact your area and the quality of life for its people? (Example: buried power lines, cell towers, etc.) Are there sources for locally grown food for your town or local region?
Environment
Is there a sense of environmental stewardship or river awareness in this area? If so, how is that demonstrated? How are natural resources protected in your town or local region? Does your town or local region use any alternative energy sources? If so, describe. Is there, or has there been, any notable environmental issues in this area? If so, describe and share how they have been addressed.
CONCLUSION
How connected is this community to the natural resources in this area? Circle the number on the scale where you think the community lies with regard to its connection with local natural resources. Scale 1 = least connected, 10 = most connected Economy:
1
2
3
4
Equity / Quality of Life: Environment:
1
2
3
5 1 4
6 2 5
7 3 6
8 4 7
9 5 8
10 6 9
7
8
9
10
10 5