Draft Green Infrastructure Roadmap_ nov 2013

DRAFT

A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure Creating a vision for a connected system of green infrastructure in Southwestern Illinois.

Content What is Green Infrastructure ...................................... 4 7KH 1HHG DQG %HQHÀWV 8 Components ................................................................... 10

DRAFT DOCUMENT November, 2013 For review and discussion.

Guiding Principles ........................................................ 18 What Comes Next - Moving the Vision Forward .... 26 Join the Network ........................................................... 31

Growing the Network

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A Roadmap.... :KDW LV D URDGPDS" ,W LV D JXLGH ,W SURYLGHV XV GLUHFWLRQ $QG KRSHIXOO\ LQ WKH HQG a roadmap gets us to where we want to go. ‘A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure’ will act as a guide and provide direction in getting us to where we want to go as a region in valuing our natural resources and treating them as an asset that we need to plan for and invest in. :H ORYH 6RXWKZHVWHUQ ,OOLQRLV 7KH EHDXW\ RI WKH EOXIIV RYHUORRNLQJ WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL River, the rolling farmland that provides the bountiful harvest that feeds us and the ZRUOG WKH TXLHWQHVV RI RXU ZRRGV RQ D VQRZ\ ZLQWHU PRUQLQJ WKH VFHQW RI VSULQJ as dogwoods and redbuds pop to life. Southwestern Illinois is a great place to live, UDLVH D IDPLO\ DQG KDYH D EXVLQHVV :H KDYH D JUHDW TXDOLW\ RI OLIH :H DOVR DUH SRVLWLRQHG WR SURVSHU HFRQRPLFDOO\ DV RXU UHJLRQ OHYHUDJHV RXU FHQWUDO location, multi-modal transportation network, and other strengths. With growth, however, comes certain challenges. The question becomes: How do we meet those FKDOOHQJHV LQFUHDVH RXU TXDOLW\ RI OLIH DQG UHWDLQ WKH TXDOLWLHV RI 6RXWKZHVWHUQ Illinois that we treasure.

The answer lies with treating our natural resources as an investment. We realize the LPSRUWDQFH RI RXU JUH\ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ZH PXVW WUHDW RXU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH RXU QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV LQ WKH VDPH ZD\ This document does not have all the answers. Instead it is meant to act as starting point on the road to realizing a green infrastructure vision for Southwestern Illinois. /LNH PRVW MRXUQH\V WKHUH KDYH EHHQ VXFFHVVIXO WULSV DOUHDG\ WDNHQ :H KRSH WR OHYHUDJH QRW RQO\ RXU SDVW ZRUN EXW WKH ZRUN RI RWKHU SDUWQHUV FRPPXQLWLHV DQG DJHQFLHV %\ ZRUNLQJ WRJHWKHU ZH FDQ UHDOL]H D VKDUHG YLVLRQ $ YLVLRQ RI D FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LQ 6RXWKZHVWHUQ ,OOLQRLV

What is Green Infrastructure?

Our Green Infrastructure is all around us.

It is our parks, open space, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, gardens, agricultural lands, and trees.

Simply, it is our region’s natural resources. $ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LV H[WUHPHO\ YDOXDEOH DW D UHJLRQDO OHYHO %HQHÀWV RI D UHJLRQDOO\ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LQFOXGH JUHDWHU ELRGLYHUVLW\ RU SODQWV DQG DQLPDOV KHDOWKLHU HFRV\VWHPV LQÀOWUDWLRQ RI VWRUPZDWHU UHPRYDO of non-point source pollution, cleaner water, opportunities for recreation, and a higher TXDOLW\ RI OLIH Green infrastructure is both noun and a verb. As a noun, green infrastructure LV V\QRQ\PRXV ZLWK IDPLOLDU WHUPV VXFK DV ´QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV¾ $V D YHUE JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH UHIHUV WR PLPLFNLQJ QDWXUDO SURFHVVHV HVSHFLDOO\ PLPLFNLQJ WKH QDWXUDO process of dealing with stormwater. For example, instead of rainfall running off of impervious surfaces such as parking lots into storm sewers, green infrastructure can be XVHG WR LQÀOWUDWH VWRUP ZDWHU DQG PLPLF QDWXUDO GUDLQDJH FRQGLWLRQV Of all the concepts and principles presented in this document, the most important is the idea of connectivity. &RQQHFWLQJ RXU QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV DW D UHJLRQDO FRPPXQLW\ DQG VLWH VFDOH HQVXUHV PD[LPXP EHQHÀWV DQG IXQFWLRQDOLW\

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Wetlands

Native Plants

Prairies

Parks

Open Space

Ag Lands

Streams

Trees

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Woodlands

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Why use the term ‘Green Infrastructure’? :K\ UHIHU WR LW DV ¶*UHHQ ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH·" 7KH DQVZHU LV WKDW LW KHOSV XV ORRN DW RXU QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV DV DQ LQYHVWPHQW HVSHFLDOO\ DW D UHJLRQDO VFDOH This document, ‘A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure’, is a guide for action. Green LQIUDVWUXFWXUH PXVW EH SODQQHG IRU LQ WKH VDPH ZD\ ZH YDOXH SODQQLQJ IRU RXU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ JUH\ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH 0RVW RI XV UHDOL]H WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI RXU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH WR RXU HYHU\GD\ OLYHV ,W JHWV XV WR VFKRRO DQG WR ZRUN ,W LV FULWLFDO WR RXU HFRQRP\ LQ PRYLQJ JRRGV DQG VHUYLFHV %HFDXVH LW LV VR LPSRUWDQW ZH HQVXUH WKDW RXU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LV D FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP ZH UHJXODUO\ SODQ IRU LW DQG ZH LQYHVW and value it as a resource. Imagine an interstate with no on or off ramps and thus no FRQQHFWLYLW\ 7KH LQWHUVWDWH ZRXOG EH XVHOHVV ZLWKRXW EHLQJ FRQQHFWHG WR URDGV SRSXODWLRQ centers, and economic hubs.

We must give the same attention to our green infrastructure. A connected V\VWHP RI RXU natural resources provides the greatest value. We must ensure that our green infrastructure is connected, planned, and valued.

7R KHOS XQGHUVWDQG WKH FRPSRQHQWV DQG EHQHÀWV RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ZH KDYH XVHG the following categories: ecological assets, water resources, recreational assets, and DJULFXOWXUDO ODQGV 7KHVH FDWHJRULHV DUH QRW PXWXDOO\ H[FOXVLYH ,Q IDFW WKHUH LV VLJQLÀFDQW RYHUODS EHWZHHQ WKHP %XW E\ VLPSOLI\LQJ WKH FDWHJRULHV ZH FDQ EHWWHU XQGHUVWDQG WKH components and interactions in a green infrastructure network.

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$ &RQQHFWHG 6\VWHP RI Green Infrastructure A network of green infrastructure includes: Core areas which are the heart of the network. Core areas are essential areas for habitat and wildlife.

Hubs are large, unfragmented areas of woodlands, wetlands, streams, and other natural areas.

Corridors connect the large core and hub areas. Corridors are sometimes UHIHUUHG WR DV ´JUHHQZD\V¾ 7KLV LQWHUFRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI QDWXUDO resources provides greater value than fragmented areas.

Diagram Source: The Conservation Fund and the Central Indiana Land Trust

:K\ 6KRZ $ +LJKZD\" We realized the importance of our connected transportation infrastructure. It gets us to school and WR ZRUN ,W LV FULWLFDO WR RXU HFRQRP\ in moving goods and services.

Because it is so important, we ensure that our transportation is a FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP ZH UHJXODUO\ SODQ for it, and we invest and value it as a resource. Imagine an interstate ZLWKRXW FRQQHFWLYLW\ ZLWK QR RQ RU off) ramps. The interstate would be useless without being connected to other roads, population centers, and economic hubs.

We must give the same attention to our green infrastructure to ensure that it is connected. We must ensure that our green infrastructure is connected, planned, functional, and valued.

DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

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The Need for Green Infrastructure.....

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.....the Benefits of Green Infrastructure

A World Class Quality of Life

Clean, Safe, Supplies of Water

Healthy and Vibrant Habitats

Increased Biodiversity

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Our Ecological Assets

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Our ecological assets are the heart and soul of the JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH QHWZRUN $ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP of woodland, prairies, wetlands, and other habitats provide opportunities for native plant and animal species to live and thrive. These core areas and FRQQHFWLRQV DOORZ IRU JUHDWHU GLYHUVLW\ RI VSHFLHV DQG KHDOWKLHU HFRV\VWHPV $ FRQQHFWHG JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH V\VWHP SURYLGHV JUHDWHU HFRV\VWHP VHUYLFH EHQHÀWV VXFK DV LPSURYHG DLU DQG ZDWHU TXDOLW\ UHPRYDO RI SROOXWDQWV DQG LQÀOWUDWLRQ RI VWRUPZDWHU

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´$ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI Green Infrastructure increases ELRGLYHUVLW\ DQG WKH KHDOWK RI RXU KDELWDWVµ

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Our Water Resources

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Our water resources - including lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, and wetlands - are valuable green infrastructure.

For stormwater at a regional scale, green infrastructure DOORZV UDLQ ZDWHU WR LQÀOWUDWH LQWR WKH JURXQG LQVWHDG RI UXQQLQJ RII DQG FRQWULEXWLQJ WR ORFDOL]HG ÁRRGLQJ At neighborhood and site scales, green infrastructure strategies mimic natural processes that can reduce the QHHG DQG FRVWV IRU FHUWDLQ JUH\ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH *UHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LPSURYHV RXU ZDWHU TXDOLW\ E\ UHPRYLQJ pollutants and sediments.

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´,PDJLQH FOHDQ ZDWHU ZKHUH RXU NLGV FDQ VSODVK DQG SOD\ µ

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Our Recreational Assets

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´5HFUHDWLRQDO RSSRUWXQLWLHV FUHDWHG E\ D FRQQHFWHG Green Infrastructure network, contribute to regional economic YLWDOLW\ µ

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Our Agricultural Lands

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Our agricultural resources are an important part of RXU HFRQRP\ FXOWXUH DQG KLVWRU\ 6RXWKZHVWHUQ ,OOLQRLV IDUPHUV KHOS IHHG WKH ZRUOG E\ JURZLQJ VR\EHDQV FRUQ DQG ZKHDW KHDGHG IRU LQWHUQDWLRQDO PDUNHWV DQG SURGXFH KHDGHG IRU WKH ORFDO IDUPHU¡V market.

0DQ\ RI RXU IDUPV DQG DJULFXOWXUDO ODQGV KDYH EHHQ passed down through generations of families. A connected Green Infrastructure network assists in keeping prime farmland connected and viable.

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´$ FRQQHFWHG Green Infrastructure network assists in keeping prime IDUPODQG FRQQHFWHG DQG YLDEOH ¾

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Principles of Green Infrastructure at Multiple Scales *UHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LV VFDODEOH 7R DFKLHYH D WUXO\ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP ZH PXVW KDYH VWUDWHJLHV IRU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DW UHJLRQDO FRPPXQLW\ DQG VLWH VFDOHV 0DQ\ RI WKH SULQFLSOHV RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DUH WKH VDPH ZKDWHYHU WKH VFDOH $ NH\ SULQFLSOH DW DOO VFDOHV LV FRQQHFWLYLW\ $ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI RXU QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV KDV WKH ODUJHVW EHQHÀW DQG LPSDFW *UHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LV ERWK QRXQ DQG D YHUE $V D QRXQ JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LV V\QRQ\PRXV ZLWK IDPLOLDU WHUPV VXFK DV ´QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHVµ $V D YHUE JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH UHIHUV WR PLPLFNLQJ QDWXUDO SURFHVVHV HVSHFLDOO\ mimicking the natural process of dealing with storm water. For example, instead of rainfall running off of LPSHUYLRXV VXUIDFHV VXFK DV SDUNLQJ ORWV LQWR VWRUP VHZHUV JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH FDQ EH XVHG WR LQÀOWUDWH WKH VWRUP water and mimic natural drainage conditions. $W D UHJLRQDO VFDOH WKH VWUDWHJ\ IRU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH VKRXOG EH DERXW UHWDLQLQJ DQG H[SDQGLQJ RXU H[LVWLQJ natural resources such as woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Unfragmented, continuous areas of 500 acres should be the minimum goal. Larger is better. Large, unfragmented areas should be buffered and linked together WKURXJK FRUULGRUV JUHHQZD\V

$W D FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO ZH RIWHQ WKLQN RI FRQVHUYDWLRQ DV QHHGLQJ WR KDSSHQ ´VRPHZKHUH HOVHµ VXFK DV ´RXW LQ WKH ZLOGHUQHVVµ 7KH FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO KRZHYHU LV ZKHUH JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH FDQ KDYH WKH JUHDWHVW LPSDFW DQG EHQHÀW ,Q JURZLQJ FRPPXQLWLHV FRQVHUYLQJ QHFHVVDU\ SDUN DQG RSHQ VSDFH EHIRUH GHYHORSPHQW RFFXUV VKRXOG EH D SULRULW\ 7KH JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH QHWZRUN FDQ EH DQ LQWHJUDO SDUW RI D FRPPXQLW\·V SDUNV DQG UHFUHDWLRQ V\VWHP LW DGGV WR WKH WRWDO DFUHDJH RI SDUNV &RUULGRUV JUHHQZD\V DUH RQH RI WKH PRVW HIIHFWLYH VWUDWHJLHV D FRPPXQLW\ FDQ XVH WR PD[LPL]H JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ZKLOH SURYLGLQJ GHYHORSPHQW RSSRUWXQLWLHV :KHUH development or re-development does occur, strategies such as low-impact development that mimic natural processes should be implemented. $W WKH VLWH VFDOH PLPLFNLQJ QDWXUDO SURFHVVHV LV WKH NH\ SULQFLSOH 8VXDOO\ D VLWH KDV DOUHDG\ EHHQ GHYHORSHG RU LV SODQQHG WR EH GHYHORSHG $W WKH VLWH OHYHO WKH SULQFLSOH RI FRQVHUYDWLRQ PHDQV WU\LQJ WR FRQVHUYH H[LVWLQJ natural resources on site such as existing trees. Low-impact development that mimic natural processes such DV UDLQJDUGHQV DQG QDWLYH YHJHWDWLRQ VKRXOG EH XVHG )LQDOO\ WKH VLWH VKRXOG FRQQHFW WR WKH RYHUDOO JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH QHWZRUN ,I DGMDFHQW VLWHV LQFRUSRUDWH JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH SULQFLSOHV VXIÀFLHQW VFDOH ZLOO VRRQ EH achieved.

18 | A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure

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Regional

Community

Site

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Regional $W D UHJLRQDO VFDOH WKH VWUDWHJ\ IRU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH should be about retaining and expanding our unfragmented natural resources such as woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.

Unfragmented, continuous areas of 500 acres should be the PLQLPXP JRDO /DUJHU LV DOZD\V EHWWHU &RUULGRUV VKRXOG EH SURYLGHG ZKHQ LW LVQ¡W SRVVLEOH WR NHHS ODUJH XQIUDJPHQWHG tracts.

2

1 Protect existing open space and natural areas.

Conserve lands toward assembling large blocks of high quality natural areas.

4

3

Connect large tracts of natural areas through corridors.

Stewardship of protected lands.

(Picture: Mascoutah High School students volunteering at stewardship by removing invasive species at Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve in St. Clair County.)

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Regional Green Infrastructure

1. Protect existing public and private open space and natural areas.

2. Conserve additional lands to DVVHPEOH KLJK TXDOLW\ QDWXUDO DUHDV RI VXIÀFLHQW VFDOH ODUJH EORFNV

3. Connect large blocks of natural areas with corridors.

4. Stewardship of protected lands and natural areas.

A large tracts of woodland along the Kaskaskia River.

Illinois’ largest block of contiguous forest is located along the Kaskaskia River. 7he , acre Áoodplain forest and postoak Áatwoods is over two miles wide in places.

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&RPPXQLW\ $W D FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO ZH RIWHQ WKLQN RI FRQVHUYDWLRQ DV QHHGLQJ WR KDSSHQ ´VRPHZKHUH HOVH¾ VXFK DV ´RXW LQ WKH ZLOGHUQHVV¾ $W D FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO KRZHYHU LV ZKHUH JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH FDQ KDYH WKH JUHDWHVW LPSDFW DQG EHQHÀW ,Q JURZLQJ FRPPXQLWLHV FRQVHUYLQJ QHFHVVDU\ SDUN DQG RSHQ VSDFH LQ IURQW RI IXWXUH GHYHORSPHQW VKRXOG EH D SULRULW\ &RUULGRUV JUHHQZD\V DUH RQH RI WKH PRVW HIIHFWLYH VWUDWHJLHV DW D FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO :KHQ development or re-development does occur, strategies such as low-impact development that mimic natural processes.

2

1

Protect existing parks and open space.

Conserve open space in areas of new growth.

3

4

Connect parks and open space with greenways.

22 | A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure

Mimic natural processes, like this rain inÀltration basin, where development does occur.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

&RPPXQLW\ *UHHQ ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH

1. Protect H[LVWLQJ FRPPXQLW\ SDUNV and open space.

2. Conserve open space in areas of growth.

3. Connect FRPPXQLW\ SDUNV DQG open space through corridors and JUHHQZD\V 4. Mimic natural processes where development does occur.

5. Stewardship RI FRPPXQLW\ SDUNV open space, and natural processes.

Trails within a greenway are a perfect way to connect green infrastructure assets in a community. Greenways are corridors that provide key linkages for trail users, wildlife and vegetation.

(Picture: Richland Creek Greenway in Belleville) DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

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Site $W WKH VLWH VFDOH PLPLFNLQJ QDWXUDO SURFHVVHV LV WKH NH\ SULQFLSOH 8VXDOO\ D VLWH KDV DOUHDG\ EHHQ GHYHORSHG RU LV SODQQHG WR EH developed. At the site level, the principle of conservation means WU\LQJ WR FRQVHUYH H[LVWLQJ QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV RQ VLWH VXFK DV H[LVWLQJ WUHHV )LQDOO\ WKH VLWH VKRXOG FRQQHFW WR WKH RYHUDOO green infrastructure network. If adjacent sites incorporate green LQIUDVWUXFWXUH SULQFLSOHV VRRQ VXIĂ€FLHQW VFDOH ZLOO EH DFKLHYHG

2

1 Conserve existing natural resources (existing trees, vegetation, etc) on a site where possible.

Mimic natural processes such as rainfall inÀltration and using native plants.

3 Can only one site make a difference?

A few blocks that can lead to...

24 | A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure

A few neighbors that can lead to...

... a connected Green Infrastructure network.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES Site Green Infrastructure

1. Conserve existing site natural resources.

2. Mimic natural processes, HVSHFLDOO\ ODQGVFDSLQJ DQG stormwater management. Restore ORVW RU GDPDJHG HFRV\VWHP VHUYLFHV 3. Connect to the larger green infrastructure network.

4. Stewardship of the site.

These tree and inÀltration planters are an example of mimicking natural processes at the site scale. Stormwater inÀltrates instead of running off the site. Native plantings provide micro-habitats and increase biodiversity.

DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

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What Comes Next?

How Do We Move Forward Toward a Vision of a Connected System of Green Infrastructure?

This roadmap is meant to be a guide. It is meant to help H[SODLQ WKH WHUPLQRORJ\ RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DQG WR OD\ RXW D IUDPHZRUN WKDW ZLOO KHOS PRYH WKH FRQFHSW RI D UHJLRQDOO\ FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH WRZDUG UHDOLW\ Part of the framework is recommended areas for future action. We have listened to stakeholders, experts, the public, and our partners to develop four areas for future DFWLRQ DZDUHQHVV DQG DGYRFDF\ GDWD DQG SODQQLQJ SROLF\ DQG LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ 7KH OLVW RI IXWXUH DFWLRQV LV E\ QR PHDQV LQFOXVLYH Nor is it static. We hope the list is a starting point for continued discussion. We are fortunate that there are DOUHDG\ PXOWLSOH SDUWQHUV LQ RXU UHJLRQ LQYROYHG ZLWK PDNLQJ D JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH YLVLRQ D UHDOLW\ $ZDUHQHVV JRRG GDWD DQG SODQV DQG VXSSRUWLYH SROLF\ ZLOO OHDG WR WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI D FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH (YHU\ GD\ WKHUH DUH QHZ VXFFHVV stories of green infrastructure being implemented. We need to add to these successes and grow our connected V\VWHP RI QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV

26 | A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure

Areas for Future Action A. Awareness, Education, and Advocacy B. Data and Planning C. Policy D. Implementation

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A. The Need for Awareness, Education, and Advocacy While the concept is not new, the term ‘green LQIUDVWUXFWXUH¡ LV VRPHZKDW QHZ $ZDUHQHVV DQG DGYRFDF\ ZLOO EH QHHGHG WR LQFUHDVH WKH XQGHUVWDQGLQJ and implementation of green infrastructure. Initial actions include: Form Regional Advisory Group and Network $ UHJLRQDO DGYLVRU\ JURXS VKRXOG EH IRUPHG WR KHOS guide the development of a connected, regional green LQIUDVWUXFWXUH QHWZRUN 7KH DGYLVRU\ JURXS VKRXOG KHOS mobilize a regional network of businesses, communities, agencies, and other partners advocating for green infrastructure.

Continue Annual Green Infrastructure Breakfast The Green Infrastructure Breakfast should continue as an annual event. The breakfast can be a showcase to measure the annual success of green infrastructure initiatives.

Develop Strategies for Increased Awareness Strategies should be developed to increase awareness of green infrastructure to various groups, including: ‡ 5HJLRQDO DQG ORFDO HOHFWHG RIÀFLDOV ‡ 6WDWH DQG IHGHUDO HOHFWHG RIÀFLDOV ‡ Regional, state and federal agencies. ‡ Economic development agencies and chambers of commerce. ‡ 1RQ SURÀWV ‡ Business and home owners.

Advocate for Increased Funding $GYRFDF\ IRU LQFUHDVHG IXQGLQJ IRU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DW FRPPXQLW\ UHJLRQDO VWDWH DQG IHGHUDO OHYHO DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

HeartLands Conservancy’s Àrst annual Green Infrastructure Breakfast in May, 2013. Events and presentations like the breakfast raise awareness with community and regional leaders.

What other partners, businesses, agencies, and stakeholders should be part of this initiative?

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B. The Need for Increased Data and Planning

7KH EHVW ZD\ WR DFKLHYH D FRQQHFWHG JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH network in the region is through science based data and planning. Below are current and future planning needs. It is expected that this list will grow as additional SDUWQHUV DUH LGHQWLÀHG *RRG GDWD DQG SODQV ZLOO OHDG to green infrastructure implementation with the most EHQHÀWV Economic Assessment Cost BeneÀt Analysis of Green Infrastructure BeneÀts 'HYHORS UHJLRQDO GDWD DQG H[DPSOHV RI HFRV\VWHP services and the economic value of green infrastructure DW WKH UHJLRQDO FRPPXQLW\ DQG VLWH VFDOHV Regional Green Infrastructure Priority Plans *UHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH SULRULW\ SODQV VKRXOG EH GHYHORSHG IRU HDFK FRXQW\ RU ZDWHUVKHG

Example of ecological signiÀcance data developed by the East West Gateway Council of Governments. Ecological signiÀcance data needs to be developed for all regional counties. Ecological signiÀcance data can be used to develop green infrastructure priority plans.

Planning for future green infrastructure will require UHVHDUFK DQDO\VLV DQG GDWD 7KHUH LV WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR OHYHUDJH PDQ\ H[LVWLQJ HIIRUWV E\ various partners in the region.

Silver Creek - Upper Watershed Plan +HDUW/DQGV &RQVHUYDQF\ 0DGLVRQ &RXQW\ DQG WKH (3$ DUH SDUWQHULQJ RQ D ZDWHUVKHG VWXG\ RI XSSHU 6LOYHU Creek.

Ecological SigniÀcance Mapping 7KH (DVW :HVW *DWHZD\ &RXQFLO RI *RYHUQPHQWV KDV DOUHDG\ GHYHORSHG HFRORJLFDO VLJQLÀFDQFH GDWD IRU WKHLU HLJKW FRXQW\ SODQQLQJ DUHD 7KH PDSSLQJ VKRXOG H[SDQG to additional surrounding counties.

Comprehensive and Transportation Plans Green infrastructure principles should be incorporated ZLWKLQ UHJLRQDO FRXQW\ DQG FRPPXQLW\ SODQV Other Research and Data /HYHUDJH DQG VXSSRUW HIIRUWV E\ YDULRXV SDUWQHUV 28 | A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure

Example of a green infrastructure priority plan from McHenry County, Illinois. A next step would be the development of a green infrastructure priority plan for Southwestern Illinois.

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C. The Need to Advance Policy

3ROLF\ FDQ KDYH WKH ELJJHVW LPSDFW WRZDUG DFKLHYLQJ D FRQQHFWHG JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH YLVLRQ DV SROLF\ FUHDWHV D IUDPHZRUN IRU SODQQLQJ LQFHQWLYHV DQG IXQGLQJ 3ROLF\ LV DOVR PXOWL IDFHWHG UDQJLQJ ZLGHO\ IURP ORFDO WR IHGHUDO LVVXHV %HORZ DUH VRPH JHQHUDO DUHDV ZKHUH SROLF\ changes can have the largest impact.

Agricultural and Land Conservation Incentives At a regional scale, agricultural and land conservation LQFHQWLYHV DUH KLJKO\ HIIHFWLYH WRROV IRU GHYHORSLQJ D FRQQHFWHG JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH QHWZRUN HVSHFLDOO\ RQ SULYDWH ODQGV -XVW WZR H[DPSOHV DPRQJ PDQ\ DUH WKH Conservation Reserve Program and the enhanced tax incentive for conservation easement donations.

The Sustainable Sites Initiative is an example of a voluntary, market based solution for promoting green infrastructure at a site scale.

State and Federal Legislation Advocate for state and federal legislation and policies that advance green infrastructure at a regional, FRPPXQLW\ DQG VLWH VFDOH County and Community Ordinances and Zoning Local ordinances and zoning have the biggest impact on VLWH DQG FRPPXQLW\ VWUDWHJLHV IRU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH Policies that advance green infrastructure should be incorporated into local zoning and ordinances.

Market Based Solutions 7KHUH DUH PDQ\ H[FHOOHQW YROXQWDU\ PDUNHW EDVHG SROLF\ tools such as the Sustainable Sites Initiative and LEED for Neighborhood Design that are business driven VROXWLRQV IRU JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DW D VLWH RU FRPPXQLW\ scale.

DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

3ROLF\ FDQ KDYH WKH ELJJHVW impact toward achieving a connected green infrastructure YLVLRQ DV SROLF\ FUHDWHV D framework for planning, incentives, and funding.

A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure | 29

D. The Need for Continued Implementation Ribbon cutting at the Arlington Wetlands Interpretive Site in Madison County. The restoration of wetlands and prairie at Arlington connected to other nearby regional green infrastructure assets.

$ZDUHQHVV JRRG GDWD DQG SODQV DQG VXSSRUWLYH SROLF\ ZLOO OHDG WR WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI D FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP of green infrastructure. ,Q PDQ\ ZD\V ZH DOUHDG\ KDYH D KHDG VWDUW (YHU\ GD\ there are new success stories of green infrastructure being implemented. Communities, businesses, agencies, and home owners have all made strides. We need to FRQWLQXH WKH VXFFHVVHV DQG JURZ RXU FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP of natural resources.

HeartLands Conservancy Focus Areas +HDUW/DQGV &RQVHUYDQF\ KDV ZRUNHG WR SURWHFW RYHU DFUHV RYHU WKH ODVW \HDUV +HDUW/DQGV &RQVHUYDQF\ ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR ZRUN ZLWK FRPPXQLWLHV and landowners throughout Southwestern Illinois with D IRFXV RQ WKH .DVNDVNLD 5LYHU %RWWRPV DQG WKH %UXVK\ Lake Ecological Restoration Area.

(YHU\ GD\ WKHUH DUH QHZ VXFFHVV stories of green infrastructure being implemented. We need to continue the successes and grow RXU FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI QDWXUDO resources.

Other Regional Focus Areas 5HJLRQDO HIIRUWV E\ ODQG WUXVWV FRPPXQLWLHV DJHQFLHV and other partners to conserve land and implement green infrastructure should be supported.

Community Efforts &RPPXQLWLHV VLW DW WKH QH[XV RI JURZWK DQG FDQ EHQHĂ€W the most from green infrastructure. Implementing green LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DW D FRPPXQLW\ OHYHO LPSURYHV TXDOLW\ RI OLIH LQFUHDVHV ELRGLYHUVLW\ GHFUHDVHV VWRUPZDWHU UXQRII and provides recreational opportunities.

Site SpeciÀc ProMects %XVLQHVVHV DQG KRPH RZQHUV DUH UHDOL]LQJ WKH EHQHÀWV of green infrastructure at a site scale.

30 | A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure

At the site of Novus International headquarters, the Sustainable Sites Initiative was used as a guide to create a site that restored ecological functions.

DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

Grow the Network! ,Q 0D\ +HDUW/DQGV &RQVHUYDQF\ KHOG RXU ÀUVW DQQXDO *UHHQ ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH EUHDNIDVW &ORVH WR DWWHQGHHV LQFOXGLQJ HOHFWHG RIÀFLDOV DJHQFLHV EXVLQHVVHV DQG RWKHU SDUWQHUV FDPH WRJHWKHU WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DQG VXFFHVV VWRULHV DERXW FUHDWLQJ D JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH QHWZRUN :H KDYH WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ to leverage past success and create a green infrastructure vision in Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis region.

7R LPSOHPHQW D YLVLRQ RI D FRQQHFWHG V\VWHP RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ZLOO WDNH D QHWZRUN RI UHJLRQDO OHDGHUV FRPPXQLWLHV EXVLQHVVHV QRQ SURÀWV LQVWLWXWLRQV DJHQFLHV DQG FLWL]HQV ZRUNLQJ WRJHWKHU :H KDYH DOUHDG\ KDG JUHDW VXFFHVVHV DQG QRZ ZH LQYLWH \RX WR MRLQ WKLV VXFFHVV DQG WKH QHWZRUN RI EXVLQHVVHV FRPPXQLWLHV DQG organizations that are stating their support of green infrastructure. +RZ ZLOO \RXU RUJDQL]DWLRQ EXVLQHVV RU FRPPXQLW\ EHFRPH LQYROYHG DQG VKRZ \RXU VXSSRUW"

Show Your Support for Green Infrastructure Principles +DYH \RXU RUJDQL]DWLRQ EXVLQHVV RU FRPPXQLW\ HQGRUVH WKH JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH SULQFLSOHV :H ZLOO OLVW \RXU RUJDQL]DWLRQ EXVLQHVV RU FRPPXQLW\ DV D VXSSRUWHU RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH

Take a Leadership Role Take part in a committee or other leadership role as the network grows.

Implement Green Infrastructure $V WKLV GRFXPHQW VKRZV WKHUH DUH PXOWLSOH ZD\V WR LPSOHPHQW JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DW UHJLRQDO FRPPXQLW\ DQG VLWH VFDOHV %XVLQHVVHV FRPPXQLWLHV LQVWLWXWLRQV KRPHRZQHUV DQG FRPPXQLWLHV KDYH WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR LPSOHPHQW DQG UHDS WKH EHQHÀWV RI JUHHQ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ZLWKLQ WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV DQG RQ WKHLU SURSHUWLHV

For more information or to join the green infrastructure network, visit:

DRAFT - For Review and Discussion

A Roadmap for Green Infrastructure | 31

406 East Main Street, Mascoutah, IL 618-566-4451

www.HeartLandsConservancy.org