Taos Green Infrastructure Plan - NM

The Taos Green Infrastructure Plan (2004) is a common-sense framework for the development of an Open Space and Recreation Master Plan for parks, recreation and natural resource protection in the Town of Taos and Taos County.

The master plan will encourage "smart growth" by:

• Directing growth in areas where there is sufficient or planned infrastructure,
  
• Encourage green space in-fill in developed areas,
  Curtaining sprawl, and
  
• Ensuring that both green space and development are placed where they are most appropriate. This enables conservation and development to be planned concurrently, not in opposition to one another.

The Taos GIP is a citizen-driven initiative, through the Taos Trails Alliance, with significant leadership provided by the Town of Taos and the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. The alliance meets on an on-going basis. The GIP is a three-stage process, where the first stage consists of collection and inventory of data. The data collected are produced into base maps that provide a “snapshot” of current Green Infrastructure within Taos County.

The second stage involves the development of conceptual maps through an extensive public outreach process. The Taos GIP is currently entering its second stage. Initial conceptual maps were drafted through a series of meetings with the Green Infrastructure Plan Citizens Committee. They illustrate the first draft proposal of Taos Green Infrastructure Elements and act as a starting point for public participation. The third stage is the production of the final master plan.

For more information about the Taos Green Infrastructure Plan, see Related Links at bottom right of page.