Strategic Regional Issue #14 – Value & Preservation

The value and preservation of diverse natural systems, which includes air, water, wildlife, plantlife, and land are not always examined in local, state, regional, and federal planning processes.

Objective

14.N.  Models, data sources, GIS data, and analytical tools that help to indicate the economic and environmental value of natural systems should be used in planning processes at all governmental levels.

Policy Recommendations

14.N.1.  OKI will identify and share models, data sources, GIS data and other analytical tools that help to indicate the economic and environmental value of natural systems and provide technical assistance to encourage their use.

14.N.2.  Local governments should consider information and feedback available through natural systems analysis to establish comprehensive plan policies that protect natural systems such as wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, riparian zones, flood plains, and steep slopes, as well as source water protection areas and other areas they identify as environmentally sensitive.