How to move forward
All communities should in general follow these recommendations...all communities can look at a map (NC One Naturally, NCWRC Green Growth Toolbox as tools) to see where their forests are. They can compare with where their water supply watersheds are, and where potential recreation paths are. They can follow simple principles of maintaining connectivity, encouraging forest canopy retention. They can involve the public in discussing community goals and how forests can aid in meeting those goals.
Specifically, here are actions that a community can take to provide green infrastructure. Each community will have different goals, so there is no one size fits all. For example, if there is a stormwater ordinance, a community can provide stormwater credits for restoring forests as Wake County does.
You should determine forest canopy coverage and set goals for reforestation.
Develop a plan to involve the public in prioritizing conservation areas.
Review your policies, to be sure they not only encourage conservation and management, but to be sure they don't discourage it.
Incorporate this into land use plans, zoning ordinance, overlay districts, subdivision regulations, stormwater ordinances - all your planning and development ordinances.
Encourage or require Low Impact Development and conservation development.
Amend or create your plan for protecting natural areas.
Identify what benefits, what ecosystem services you get from your forests.
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