Natural Systems
The Goal:
Protect, conserve, and improve the biodiversity and sustainability of the region’s natural systems.
Opportunity Areas
Sustain Clean Water Resources
As the demands placed on water resources continue to grow, so does the need for local planning to protect them.
Foster Natural Ecosystem Community-Wide
Since 2008, OKI’s Environmental Consultations process involves discussions of how the transportation plan might affect high-value environmental resources and how adverse effects might be avoided. The process has resulted in new data on local resources, new perspectives on major environmental concerns, and new considerations for developing strategies to reduce harmful impacts – an expanded basis for regional and local planning.
Establish a Sustainable Regional Food Production Network to Ensure Healthy Food Access and Target Zero Waste
Food recovery is a central focus of Hamilton County’s R3Source program, whose mission includes reducing the reliance on landfills through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs. The Green Umbrella – Regional Sustainability Alliance published the 2019 State of Wasted Food in Greater Cincinnati report and continues to support regional efforts that increase food security and reduce food waste across the region.
Employ Natural System Centric Lane Use Development Practices
Nature-based solutions and integration of green infrastructure with new development offer alternatives for conventional infrastructure that capitalize upon natural systems to manage increased runoff and temperatures resulting from built environments.
Equitibly Expand Accessible Eco-Recreation and Tourism
Eco-recreation and tourism opportunities exist throughout the region. The OKI region is home to over 5,800 miles of streams, including 88 miles of the Ohio River.