Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans for Restore and Protect Our Waters

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This handbook provides information on developing and implementing watershed management plans that help to restore and protect water quality. A watershed is the area of land that contributes runoff to a lake, river, stream, wetland, estuary, or bay. A watershed management plan defines and addresses existing or future water quality problems from
both point sources and nonpoint sources of pollutants. Experience over the past decade has shown that effective watershed management includes active participation from stakeholders, analysis and quantification of the specific causes and sources of water quality problems, identification of measurable water quality goals, and implementation of specific actions needed to solve those problems.

Green Growth Toolbox Handbook Third Edition, 2023

The Green Growth Toolbox was created by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. It's a guide for planners, communities, and developers on how to conserve wildlife and natural resources during community growth. The handbook combines scientific data, planning methods, and case studies to promote "Green Growth."

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Section 1: The Green Growth Toolbox

• North Carolina's Challenge: The state faces rapid population growth and sprawling development, negatively impacting wildlife habitats and natural resources.
• Green Growth's Benefits: The handbook outlines ten key benefits of Green Growth, including improved human health, economic returns, enhanced environmental resilience, streamlined permitting, attraction of new businesses, increased property values, generation of tourism revenue, reduced costs to taxpayers, innovative leadership, and a lasting legacy.
• How to Use the Toolbox: This section explains how to utilize the handbook, GIS data, training workshops, and technical assistance offered.

Section 2: Conservation Data

This section focuses on using conservation data (maps and data) to identify and prioritize areas for conservation. Three components are described:

• Component 1 (BWHA): Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat Assessment—identifies high-priority areas for wildlife conservation.
• Component 2: Additional statewide datasets (managed areas, smoke awareness areas, game land buffers, bald eagle nests, floodplains, and others) to supplement the BWHA.
• Component 3: Regional datasets and habitat information to provide more specific data for certain regions of the state.

Section 3: Habitat Conservation Recommendations

This section provides science-based recommendations for conserving priority habitats, emphasizing:

• Natural Resource-Based Practices: Guidelines to minimize development impacts on wildlife habitats.
• Upland Habitat Conservation: Recommendations for conserving forests and grasslands.
• Riparian Habitat Conservation: Recommendations for protecting stream buffers and wetlands.
• Greenway Conservation: Recommendations for designing wildlife-friendly greenways.
• Wetland Conservation: Recommendations for protecting wetlands, especially small ones.

Section 4: Green Planning

This section focuses on integrating conservation into community planning documents through a six-step process:

1. Identify and describe priority species and habitats.
2. Establish a conservation vision and goals.
3. Develop conservation strategies.
4. Identify implementation methods.
5. Write the conservation plan.
6. Implement and monitor the plan.

Section 5: Greening Incentives and Ordinances

This section addresses the use of incentives and ordinances to promote Green Growth, such as:

• Density Bonuses: Incentives for developers to conserve habitat.
• Conservation Easements: Legal agreements to permanently protect land.
• Property Tax Incentives: Reduced tax rates for landowners who conserve land.
• Model Ordinances: Examples of ordinances that encourage habitat conservation.
• Urban Service Areas: A land-use planning method to control sprawl.

Section 6: Greening Development Site Location, Review, and Design

This section focuses on integrating conservation into development site selection and design, including:

• Steps to Maintain a Connected Network of Habitats: A step-by-step guide for developers to incorporate wildlife considerations in development planning.
• Example Developments: Case studies of developments that have successfully implemented Green Growth principles.

Appendices: The handbook includes appendices providing additional information on listed species and priority habitats, agencies with technical expertise, human-wildlife conflict prevention, glossary of terms, recommended readings, and further guidance on conservation planning.

The Green Growth Toolbox aims to provide North Carolina communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to balance economic development and conservation, promoting a healthier environment and a stronger economy.