PlanSmart NJ's Green Infrastructure Guide is now available on line for $15. If you would like to download a copy please either send a check to PlanSmart NJ or call with your credit card information. You will then be given a password to access the Guide. [ Download ]
Regional Planning Partnership
118 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
609-393-9434
Table of Contents and Chapter Summaries
INTRODUCTION
A city or town can be viewed as an urban and community forest ecosystem
- a place where the natural and built environments, the "green" and
the "gray" infrastructures, are intertwined as an interdependent
system supporting life within our neighborhoods. The plant communities,
water systems, and open spaces within this ecosystem play an important
role in determining the health of the urban and community forest. If
local governments and the general public realize the environmental, economic,
and social values of green infrastructure, then they will view the trees,
vegetation, and open space as a vital part of their community's infrastructure.
Most municipal master plans embrace conservation and natural resource protection goals. Unfortunately, however, municipal zoning requirements for set-backs, density, and other bulk considerations often run counter to these goals and actually foster contradictory results. Most current development practices continue to fuel an environmental deficit by replacing trees, natural systems, and open spaces with buildings and impervious surfaces.
Similarly,
many municipalities have adopted the use of advisory commissions (e.g.,
environmental commissions, shade tree commissions, and historic preservation
boards) to assist in planning and zoning board decision-making. Their activities,
however, remain largely separate and independent of one another, and they
have minimal opportunity for valuable interaction.
However, planners across the nation are beginning to understand that smart growth is key to striking a sustainable balance between development and conservation. This handbook builds the case for the value of green infrastructure and provides suggestions about how to integrate green infrastructure planning with planning for development.
The
application of the green infrastructure concept to growth and development
can happen only when people understand and appreciate the value of their
ecosystems and are determined to integrate them into their local and regional
planning processes. The authors hope that this book advances the understanding
of green infrastructure, provides tools to balance growth and preservation
of natural systems, and begins to bridge the gap between planning and other
professions.
Cost:
Members $30.00
Non-Members $40.00
If you are interested in buying a copy of The Green Infrastructure Guide please call us at 609-393-9434 or e-mail Ann Brady.