Green Infrastructure for Tomorrow:
A Plan for Open Space Reinvestment in Wisconsin's Communities
Open spaces and the natural systems they support are key to the future of Wisconsin’s cities. The network of these spaces, or green infrastructure, makes our cities livable. This is a plan for rethinking and reinvesting in Wisconsin’s green infrastructure.
The Community Open Space Partnership (COSP) is a broad-based coalition in Wisconsin dedicated to promoting the comprehensive network of open spaces in and around cities. COSP’s strategies include regional coordination, public education, coalition development, and advocacy for statewide land use policy reform.
An effective network of open spaces increases economic vitality, connects people to the natural world, promotes individual and community well-being and sustains natural systems. A strategically designed green infrastructure can retain and attract businesses, encourage new housing, increase the local tax base, provide venues for civic life, cultivate an environmental ethic among urban residents, help manage storm water, and increase the health of residents.
At a series of Forums held across Wisconsin in the fall of 2002, participants inventoried current green infrastructure features and considered how to achieve future goals. They identified strategies at the local, regional and statewide level. From this, COSP has drafted this document: The Green Infrastructure for Tomorrow, A Plan for Open Space Reinvestment in Wisconsin (GIFT Plan). This plan describes COSP’s vision for green infrastructure and outlines its
legislative agenda.
The Green Infrastructure Community of Practice is a collaborative network of organizations and agencies that are actively involved in the strategic green infrastructure approach to conservation and environmental protection or restoration. Learn more>
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