From its inception, the NRWA has focused on balancing economic growth in our communities with protection of our watershed's natural resources. The incredible natural resources in our region have made it highly attractive as a place to live, create businesses, and recreate. Many of our watershed communities are experiencing rapid growth and pressure for extensive development. NRWA encourages its communities to make use of Smart Growth planning concepts. Smart Growth is a buzz phrase that could mean many things, but the NRWA defines it as follows:
"A manner of developing that seeks to minimize human impacts on the landscape and the natural environment as compared to conventional development, by making the best use of existing developed areas and their supporting infrastructure, directing development away from sensitive natural resource areas, and by providing wider transportation options."
Anthony Flint (center), author, with Michelle Collette, Groton Town Planner, and Mark Archambault, NRWA Smart Growth Circuit Rider. Flint made a presentation for the NRWA on the subject of his book, This Land: The Battle Over Sprawl and the Future of America. |
As part of the NRWA's federal EPA Targeted Watershed Initiative grant, the NRWA's Smart Growth Circuit Rider works with communities in the Squannacook and Nissitissit sub-basin to design by-laws, regulations, and land use plans that promote Smart Growth. He has worked with Planning Boards and Conservation Commissions on projects related to Open Space Residential Development, Stormwater Management, Low Impact Development, and Wetlands Protection. NRWA also presents programs and workshops to educate municipal officials and boards, developers and engineers, and the public about Smart Growth concepts. List of recent programs.
For more information on Smart Growth, please contact Mark Archambault, NRWA's Smart Growth Circuit Rider at 978/448-0299 or e-mail
Mark Archambault.
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