Environment

SRPC understands the importance of effectively balancing social and economic growth with the need to protect the natural environment and the resources and benefits in which it provides. These resources include water, air, land, flora, fauna, and ecosystem biodiversity, and can be protected by utilizing a range of policies, implementation strategies, and programs. SRPC provides technical assistance, data collection, public outreach, and education. Specific areas of expertise include: 

• Watershed-based plans for impaired waterbodies 
• Conservation planning 
• Drinking water, surface water, and groundwater protection
• Land use policy and regulatory assistance  
• River corridor management plans 
• Natural resource master plan chapters 
• Open space plans 
• Mapping services 

As noted in SRPC’s regional master plan, scenic vistas, wildlife, water quality, rural landscapes, and opportunities for recreation are an important key to the region’s quality of life and economic sustainability.