Michigan Green Infrastructure Conference Update

Presented by Dave Drullinger

DEQ Office of Environmental Assistance

December 2014

• Pre Conference

• During Event

• Event Outcomes

• What is next for DEQ

Outline

Green Infrastructure:

A broad term that includes interconnected natural systems and ecological processes that provide clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat. It includes natural areas such as grasslands, forests, wetlands and riparian areas. It also includes manmade features such as rain gardens, green roofs, porous pavement, and parks

Green Infrastructure:

A broad term that includes interconnected natural systems and ecological processes that provide clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat. It includes natural areas such as grasslands, forests, wetlands and riparian areas. It also includes manmade features such as rain gardens, green roofs, porous pavement, and parks

Green Infrastructure:

A broad term that includes interconnected natural systems and ecological processes that provide clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat. It includes natural areas such as grasslands, forests, wetlands and riparian areas. It also includes manmade features such as rain gardens, green roofs, porous pavement, and parks

Karen Firehock, Green Infrastructure Center

Traditional

Development

Green Infrastructure

Based-Development

Plan for grey infrastructure first (roads, stormwater pipes)

First, assess natural features and functions, and protect them

Green spaces in leftover lands (e.g. steep slopes and floodplains)

Plan for parks, trails, habitat connections before siting buildings

Work within confines of parcel = pocket parks, inner trails, gated systems

Connect land and water habitats to region and across ownerships

Karen Firehock, Green Infrastructure Center

Traditional

Development

Green Infrastructure

Based-Development

Plan for grey infrastructure first (roads, stormwater pipes)

First, assess natural features and functions, and protect them

Green spaces in leftover lands (e.g. steep slopes and floodplains)

Plan for parks, trails, habitat connections before siting buildings

Work within confines of parcel = pocket parks, inner trails, gated systems

Connect land and water habitats to region and across ownerships

Karen Firehock, Green Infrastructure Center

Traditional

Development

Green Infrastructure

Based-Development

Plan for grey infrastructure first (roads, stormwater pipes)

First, assess natural features and functions, and protect them

Green spaces in leftover lands (e.g. steep slopes and floodplains)

Plan for parks, trails, habitat connections before siting buildings

Work within confines of parcel = pocket parks, inner trails, gated systems

Connect land and water habitats to region and across ownerships

Karen Firehock, Green Infrastructure Center

Traditional

Development

Green Infrastructure

Based-Development

Plan for grey infrastructure first (roads, stormwater pipes)

First, assess natural features and functions, and protect them

Green spaces in leftover lands (e.g. steep slopes and floodplains)

Plan for parks, trails, habitat connections before siting buildings

Work within confines of parcel = pocket parks, inner trails, gated systems

Connect land and water habitats to region and across ownerships

Pre-Conference Survey Results

What does the term “green infrastructure” mean to you?

Bioswales, rain gardens,

green roofs 92.4%

Natural areas 71.0%

Trees 69.2%

Parks 64.7%

Community gardens 58.0%

Hiking/biking trails 56.7%

Lakes, rivers, streams 53.1%

Pre-Conference Survey Results

Rate how much you believe these GI elements are

needed in your geographic area (5 being the most needed)

Bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs 4.32

Natural areas (wetlands, woodlands,

dunes) 4.27

Trees along roads, downtowns 4.16

Parks 4.07

Hiking/biking trails 4.06

Community Gardens 3.81

Public kayak/canoe/boat access 3.67

Pre-Conference Survey Results

How important are the following GI benefits to you?

(5 being the most important)

Improve our water quality 4.74

Increase habitat areas 4.24

Improve our air quality 4.23

Add to the quality of life with improved

aesthetics 4.23

Benefit local economy 4.15

Increase energy savings 4.06

Mitigate climate change 4.03

Provide increased recreational opportunities 3.95

Improve the use of vacant property 3.84

Breakout Session Results

Other than funding, what is the greatest barrier to implementing GI programs in Michigan?

A. Lack of community interest/engagement

B. Limited public knowledge

C. Limited knowledge of elected officials and decision makers

D. Policies or ordinances not compatible with GI

E. Conduct a public education campaign on GI

Breakout Session Results

What is the most important action a local government can take to further GI in Michigan?

A. Integrate GI into local master plans

B. Adopt ordinances to protect and restore GI within the community

C. Protect natural areas and implement rain gardens and other GI as part of new and redevelopment

D. Conduct a public education campaign on GI

E. Implement GI practices on public property

Breakout Session Results

What is the most important action the State of Michigan might take to further GI in Michigan?

A. Incentivize the use of GI opportunities within permitting processes

B. Utilize grant programs to strategically implement GI priorities

C. Implement GI practices on state-owned property and projects

D. Conduct a public education campaign on GI

E. Provide mechanisms to fund private GI projects

Breakout Session Results

In light of various court decisions, does your

organization see stormwater utilities as a viable

funding mechanism for green infrastructure in

Michigan?

Conference Procedings

at

WWW.mi.gov/deqworkshops

Post Conference Survey Results

• Technical guidance: How to go deeper

• Case Studies and Success Stories

• Planning

• Partnerships

• Tours

• Special Requests: Karen Firehock and booze

What’s Next for the DEQ?

• GovDelivery for Green Infrastructure

• Funding Guide

• Regional Conferences

• Incentives for GI in grant and loan programs

• Working with Director

– Seeking effective initiatives

– Ongoing policy development

Thank you for

listening.

Together we can

protect Michigan’s

environment!

Dave Drullinger

drullingerd@michigan.gov