THEME GOAL
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PROTECT NATURAL LANDSCAPES AND ECOSYSTEMS PROMOTE IMPROVED STEWARDSHIP OF THE REGION’S NATURAL RESOURCE BASE
The scenic beauty of the New River Valley is highly valued by its citizens – particularly for the peaceful surroundings and slower pace of life the rural and natural landscapes provide. The farms, forests, and water resources that form the region’s rural landscape also serve as important economic, ecological and cultural resources. Farmland and open space add to the rural character of the region and form the foundation for local food production and agricultural employment. Forest cover and other natural land cover such as grasslands and wetlands provide important habitat for a diversity of species. Water resources are abundant in the NRV, but they are also vulnerable to pollution from development and agriculture production. Improving land use planning and management practices can help protect these resources as well as the rural character, scenic views, and opportunities for economic diversity and active recreation they provide.
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