LINKING LANDSCAPES AND COMMUNITIESGreen Infrastructure in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough What is Green Infrastructure? Green Infrastructure is our natural life support system - an interconnected network of protected land and water that supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources and contributes to the health and quality of life for our communities, people and wildlife. Key elements for green infrastructure are forests, water bodies, parks, trails, cultural resources, farmland, wildlife habitat, open space, wetlands and fisheries.
Why Green Infrastructure? All across the United States, open spaces and natural areas are being consumed and fragmented so they no longer function effectively to protect air, soil and water quality, nor can they adequately provide wildlife habitat or recreational opportunities. In rapidly growing areas such as the Mat-Su Borough, green infrastructure can easily be lost or negatively impacted if not included in community planning and land conservation efforts. Using a green infrastructure approach in community planning, we can strategically plan land and water conservation efforts in coordination with local communities to protect natural systems and the benefits they provide. Green Infrastructure Benefits - Provides space for recreation, trails & outdoor activities
- Protects wildlife habitat & migration corridors
- Filters pollutants from entering water bodies
- Maintains working lands and farms
- Absorbs stormwater & reduces costs for man-made drainage systems
- Connects public facilities (schools & parks)
- Prevents soil erosion & sedimentation of water bodies
- Reduces global warming
- Increases opportunities for active transportation(biking & walking)
- Attracts tourists and tourism business
- Provides flood prevention & mitgation
Green Infrastructure|Green Infrastructure brochure (outside) |Green Infrastructure brochure (inside) |
