Green Counsel

Act Locally: Ten Steps Toward Sustainability -- Step 6: Create Biotic Corridors

Ecosystems do not respect municipal borders and, unfortunately, municipalities have generally returned the favor. Communities, however, can band together to create biotic corridors that maintain important ecosystems and biodiversity. Recently, the Metropolitan Conservation Alliance of the Wildlife Conservation Society has worked with the New York towns of Lewisboro, Pound Ridge and North Salem to preserve habitats spanning 22,000 acres known as the Eastern Westchester Biotic Corridor. The New York towns of Cortlandt, Putnam Valley and New Castle just reached a similar agreement for the Croton-to-Highlands Biotic Corridor.

See also:

Act Locally: Ten Steps Toward Sustainability:

What is Sustainability?
Step 1: Create a Sustainability Task Force
Step 2: Support Local Business
Step 3: Incorporate LEED and Energy Efficiency Standards in Buildings
Step 4: Set A Goal of Zero Waste
Step 5: Enact Environmentally-Friendly Land Use Laws

Act Locally: Ten Steps Toward Sustainability -- Step 5: Enact Environmentally-Friendly Land Use Laws

The New York Constitution states that "the policy of the state shall be to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty," and the State grants broad authority for localities to enact environmentally-friendly laws. Comprehensive plans and other local laws can protect sensitive areas and native plant species, implement water use and conservation goals, protect trees, and require environmental mitigation measures. Cluster zoning can limit a development's footprint and maintain more contiguous open space. Incentive zoning can encourage developers to use renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduced impervious surfaces, and maintain native vegetation.

Some excellent resources on sustainability and land use:

Smart Growth Network
Nature Friendly Ordinances, James M McElfish Jr., 2004
Westchester Land Trust

See also:

Act Locally: Ten Steps Toward Sustainability:

What is Sustainability?
Step 1: Create a Sustainability Task Force
Step 2: Support Local Business
Step 3: Incorporate LEED and Energy Efficiency Standards in Buildings
Step 4: Set A Goal of Zero Waste