Preserving high-quality natural areas

In this alternative, the region has made a major effort to preserve its best natural areas wetlands, forests, prairies and shorelines and to reduce air and water pollution.

Suburban growth trends continue, with the exception that development is greatly reduced in those areas most vulnerable to flooding and hurricane storm surge, which are also some of the region's best wildlife habitat.

Public and private funds are used to preserve many prime natural areas and provide access to residents and visitors for outdoor recreation. These efforts increase the quality of life for residents and enhance the region's ability to recruit new business and skilled workers and to attract tourists.

Private sector initiatives to promote green building and low impact development are accelerated, and these practices become the norm, reducing energy consumption and runoff pollution. These efforts are coupled with local government initiatives to adopt greener practices and provide more services to residents that enable them to recycle, and reduce energy and water use and household pollution. While these programs entail up-front costs, many of them result in cost-savings over the long term.

Ecotypes base map

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