The Planning Process:
Natural Environment

“Nature is the framework of society. In enriching nature, we enrich ourselves.”

Accurately summarizing the goal of the Natural Environment committee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sets forth the idea that there is more to improving nature than saving a tree or a stream. It is not for the sake of the tree or stream, it is for our sake. Nature is coupled with our economic well-being. As such, the Natural Environment committee has addressed local and regional environmental issues through the lens of the local economy.

For the first time, Springfield has chosen to adopt the Natural Environment into a strategic plan. During the last year, 22 members of this diverse committee (scientists, business professionals, two city council members, city staff, and community stakeholders) were challenged by this topic. We sought to not only define the realm of the natural environment, but how best to introduce policy to protect and enrich it in economically responsible ways.

The approach consisted of dividing experts into three general areas: air, land, and water. This allowed us to tackle larger issues and break them down into manageable categories; a plan slowly emerged.

The resulting draft chapter consisted of policy recommendations concerning: air quality, renewable energy, conservation and efficiency, green building and low impact development, education, solid waste management, green space infrastructure, native plants and landscaping, local food production, aquifer sustainability, water conservation, stormwater infrastructure, wastewater treatment, watershed impacts, and trees.

What emerged from this process was a comprehensive document ranging from low-cost initiatives that could begin tomorrow, to long-term capital improvements that will require years of concentrated effort and fundraising.

Projects were prioritized based on importance, achievability, and cost. In the case that funding was required, thoughtful research was done into potential sources, estimated total costs, and parties responsible; providing not only a price tag, but a means to execute.

A few of the top objectives in the Natural Environment Committee chapter include:

• Chief Sustainability Officer – Proposed initial funding from non-profits and grants. Many benchmark cities and successful businesses have adopted such position for administration of efficiency and environmental programs.
• Integration of PACE legislation – Improve residential and commercial property efficiencies through Property Assessed Clean Energy Bonds. This is a no-cost program that reduces utility bills and increases property values.
• A local Food Policy Council – Economic sustainability depends on encouraging local food production in order to maintain green space property values and ensure an adequate and healthy food supply.
• A local “Airshed” committee – With impending non-attainment status with the EPA, aggressive air quality measures can be better implemented using an empowered agency to usher in more aggressive and sustainable air quality programs (avoiding future EPA mandates that will be very costly to the public). Similar to area watershed programs.

With a total of well over 600 hours of volunteer effort, the citizen-run Natural Environment committee has emerged with an extensive and inspiring document. It’s the committee’s hope that the document not only helps guide local and regional policy, but stands on its own as a “Sustainability Guide” for the greater Springfield area.

By: Matt O’Reilly - Dynamic Earth and Mike Kromrey - Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
4.24.2011