1.) The first action, perform a Context Study from the local Community's Perspective
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Identify and map landscape characteristics
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Identify and map the existing green infrastructure (parks, major water/drainage ways, pedestrian paths, canopy or parkway roads and highways, wetlands, mitigation areas and lands under conservation easements, etc)
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Identify and map areas/items of local distinctiveness
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Identify and map common and protected habitats and species within or likely to exist within, the various community landscapes types.
2.) Extend the Context Study to a Regional and Cross-community Perspective
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Identify existing wildlife areas, parks, conservation lands, potential corridors, linkage needs, fire management needs, etc.
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Identify steps that can be taken to look for regional and cross jurisdictional opportunities.
3.) Integrate and capitalize on community land use planning tools and infrastructure development planning to account for and conserve wildlife habitat.
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Local community master planning
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Envisioning,Visioning the creation or restoration of green infrastructure
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Existing development review processes (via the local planning agency, planning department, city county administrator reviews, etc)
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Park and natural green spaces planning (existing and future) inclusive of greenway linkages (within the particular community and then outward cross-jurisdictionally)
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Planning and design for street trees, canopy roads, pedestrian paths and greenways
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Transportation and Stormwater infrastructure examined for wildlife integration/enhancement opportunities. (These infrastructure facilities are very large budget items wherein multi-use wildlife enhancements or design features can be planned and built).
4.) Possible tools by which a community may develop integrated wildlife habitat include:
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Existing state and federal wildlife enhancement and support programs such and the National Estuary Program
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Local Conservation easements
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Greenways, wildlife corridors plans
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Wetland protection/storm water management design, waterway buffering
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Community design standards
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Community acquisition programs
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Wildlife habitat management plans
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Subdivisions (Conservations design and otherwise?)
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Clustering development and deeding conservation areas
Next: Specific tools available to Communities, developers, consulting firms and citizens.
