2007 Programs on the Environment

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PRESENTATION BY CLIMATE REALITY LEADER WENDY BREDHOLD

Oaklyn Library

The League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana will host a presentation by Climate Reality Leader Wendy Bredhold on Thursday, March 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Oaklyn Branch Library, 3001 Oaklyn Drive.

The Climate Reality Project is a grassroots network of more than 4,000 trained leaders who live and work all over the world. Each of them has been personally trained by former Vice President Al Gore, chairman of the Climate Reality Project. Like Climate Leaders around the world, Bredhold is trained and available to deliver presentations in venues throughout the community - schools, homes, places of worship, businesses, and government forums.

These presentations are free of charge and serve to educate citizens about climate change, jump-start conversations about ways to individually and collectively combat rising greenhouse gas emissions, and build local networks of climate activists who work in their own communities and countries instituting changes and long-lasting solutions.

Bredhold is a former member of the Evansville City Council representing Ward 3 and is a long-time local advocate for clean air and environmental stewardship.

Coal vs. Clean Energy: a Powerpoint Presentation by Tim Maloney of the Hoosier Environmental Council

Get the facts! View the program presented at Oaklyn Branch Libary on December 5, 2011.

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SMART GROWTH PROGRAM SUMMARY

Jim Daniels, Board Member, Sustainable Communities Coalition, Inc.
and
Robert McCormick, Project Leader for Planning With POWER Project,
Forestry and Natural Resources Department at Purdue University

Co-sponsored with Purdue University Planning With POWER Project and Sustainable Communities Coalition, Inc.
Held on October 27, 2007 at Central Library

Robert McCormick spoke about planning with POWER (Protecting Our Water & Environmental Resources) which involves land use planning while protecting natural resources. Land use planning involves guiding growth to protect natural resources and planning for public open space.

Intensifying Land Use:

Loss of Open Space – It isn’t unlimited. From 1992-1997, rate of development more than doubled to 3 million acres per year. Over 100,000 acres of farmland converted to development each year in IN.
Fragmentation & Habitat Loss – Increases isolation of wildlife & plants.
Increased Runoff – Forested canopy is ideal for streams. Impervious Surface is broken down to 35% due to structures such as offices, houses, patios, and stores while 65% is parking lots, roads, driveways, and sidewalks.
Increased Pollution – Industrial, commercial, and residential.

What can you do about it:

Natural Resource-based planning. Comprehensive planning is key.

Inventory Natural Resources
Prioritize areas for protection.
Target development to most appropriate areas
Incorporate ‘open space’ planning
Develop plan of action & implement it.

Improving Site Design & Best Management Practices (BMPs) – Cluster design, preservation design, less infrastructure.
Remediation & Maintenance of Stormwater. Setback distance from critical resources.

Why Smart Growth:

Financially conservative – Reuse buildings. Use existing infrastructure & roads.
Environmentally responsible – Keep impervious surfaces to a minimum instead of oversized lots.
Socially beneficial

10 examples of Smart Growth:

Mixed Land Uses – Financial incentives, walk able communities, zone by bldg type instead of bldg use, & reduce trips. Loft Development is a local example.
Compact Bldg Design - Design not density. Ready access to open space. Provide privacy with yard designs.
Increase Housing Choice – Affordability is key.
Encourage Walking – Provide pathways to shopping area and put conveniences near homes. Make walking safe.
Offer Transportation Variety such as bicycle, transit, cars. Link modes of transportation.
Create a sense of Place – Plant trees, preserve scenic vistas, & preserve what is unique to area.
Protect Open Space/Unique Natural Resources – Work with land trusts.
Direct New Development to existing structures
Development Process needs to be fair, predictable, and efficient – Assist developers who try smart growth ideas.
Involve Stakeholders – Take citizen ideas to heart.

Website: planningwithpower.org … There are a lot of publications on this website that would provide more info.

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Jim Daniels – Sustainable Communities

Sustainable Communities conducted a study using data for Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, & Gibson counties.

Population:

Vanderburgh … 1980 167,515…. Projected in 2025 178,588

Warrick … 1980 41,474 … Projected in 2025 68,389

Based on 2000 Census:

90% residents of Vanderburgh County work & live in same county.

36% residents of Warrick County work & live in same county.

49% residents in Posey County work & live in same county.

Farther you live from work, the longer the commute.

Vanderburgh County - Population growth of 4%, housing growth of 5%, and developed land growth of 14%. Warrick County – Population growth of 17%, housing growth of 21%, and developed land growth of 33%

You either direct what happens or live with consequences. Urban Sprawl – Don’t get away from problems… just take them with you. Balance between Growth (more things) & Development (use things smarter).

Website – www.sustcomm.org

(summary by Cathy Edrington)