Workshop Seeks Public Input on Gunpowder Watershed Green Infrastructure Project

From Harford County government:

The Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning, in cooperation with the American Planning Association, will host a public workshop to gather input on a green infrastructure project within the Gunpowder watershed involving areas of Baltimore County and Harford County, including Aberdeen Proving Ground. The project will focus on two study areas: the more rural Upper Little Gunpowder Falls and the more urban Lower Gunpowder River. All stakeholders are welcome to attend the workshop set for Tuesday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Harford Glen Environmental Education Center, 502 W. Wheel Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015.

Green infrastructure includes streams, wetlands and trees in an interconnected network of green spaces that protects natural ecosystems and provides community benefits such as clean air and water. Green infrastructure also adds value to private properties and maintains economies related to forestry, farming, recreation, and tourism.

At the workshop, Harford Planning and Zoning staff, in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition, will delineate the regional project’s green infrastructure network within the Gunpowder watershed. The workshop will also feature examples of successful green infrastructure planning in the three affected jurisdictions of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The workshop is an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts and ideas on creating a successful green infrastructure network. The input gathered will assist officials in identifying and prioritizing project initiatives and steering related policy, land acquisition, and restoration practices. Following the workshop, a Community Action Plan with conceptual recommendations and implementation strategies will be developed using the community input and data gathered in this phase of the inter-jurisdictional project.

“Our shared natural resources with Baltimore County and Aberdeen Proving Ground contribute so much to the economy and quality of life for the residents in our region,” said Harford County Executive Barry Glassman. “We welcome community input at this workshop to help us continue preserving our shared natural resources within the Gunpowder watershed and to restore them in a prioritized fashion.”

Those who are unable to attend the workshop may provide input to Bryan Lightner, environmental planner in the Harford County Dept. of Planning and Zoning, at bclightner@harfordcountymd.gov or (410) 638-3103 ext. 1386.

For more information about green infrastructure planning and detailed maps of the study area, please visit: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/164/Planning-Zoning.