AN INVITATION --
( Fran Alexander sent this reminder earlier in the week. Please plan to attend.
('ve tacked on her great colunn in the Times on June 1.)
Jim Bemis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council
This council has been formed to include as many areas of concern and advocacy as possible that emerged from the Fayetteville Forward Summit held March 31- April 4.
“The Fayetteville Forward Summit was an open, inclusive, participatory event that brought forth the best ideas and heartfelt desires for the community, building on existing work, and connected these efforts to create a compelling vision for the future of our community. The result of this summit has established a foundation for economic development - moving the City of Fayetteville Forward for a sustainable future.” [see www.accessfayetteville.org for more info—click on “Fayetteville Forward” ]
Identified as the main categories under which most issues could be placed were: Economic Incentives; Transportation & Light Rail; Green Economy; Healthcare; Public Education; Creative Economy; Citizen Empowerment & Volunteers; Historic & Heritage; Local Food; Inclusion; and the one I’m writing you about: LAND USE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE.
THIS IS AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF
THE COMMITTEE ON
LAND USE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE,
JUNE 4, (Thursday), 7 PM, Rm 111*
City Hall (113 W. Mountain)
We want your interest, passion, knowledge, input, ideas, etc. in how we can bring together all the ingredients necessary to make land use and green infrastructure policy a reality for our city.
This is an open meeting and anyone interested is invited. Please pass this invitation on to others, who may want to join our discussions. [*Room 111 is on the Mountain St. entry level—go through the door on the left and behind the center staircase and look for a sign to this room.]
Fran Alexander
Land Use & Green Infrastructure Committee Chair
442-5307
frana@nwarktimes.com
(Please call or email if you can not attend but want to be involved or have questions.)
AND MORE IN THE WAY OF EXPLANATION-----------
May 27, 2009
Hi Everyone--
As you may or may not know, I have managed to –yet again—open my mouth and commit to another enviro job. This one should be fun, however.
Mayor Jordan held the Fayetteville Forward Economic Summit a couple of months ago to begin an economic plan for the city. At that summit, various areas of interest were nominated as the main issues that different people felt should be on the table. I waited and waited, but no one was mentioning the environment so finally I burst out with “land use ---the physical-land-and-how-it-functions kind of land use!” It seemed, at least to me, the obvious impact that the environment has on the economy was not so obvious to others there.
After a variety of categories were selected, those interested most in a particular subject met to discuss their notions of economic impact and the directions they felt their topics should take. At our “land use” table, Bob Caulk of the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Assoc. spoke about the organization’s work on a green infrastructure plan for Fayetteville and a few small surrounding towns. They have done extensive work identifying, mapping, and collecting data on many pieces of the land use puzzle which could lead to an “enduring green infrastructure.” Check them out at : http://www.fayettevillenatural.org/ and click on “What’s Happening.” With their great beginning to build upon, we need to find and justify ways of going forward to make land use planning a daily reality in all aspects of how we utilize water and land.
A week ago, the mayor asked me to be the representative for land use and green infrastructure on his council comprised of about a dozen people, whose fields of interest range from economic incentives and job growth to healthcare, education, historic preservation, etc.
I’m in the process this week of contacting everyone I can think of who might be willing or wanting to join into this discussion and to put in their 2cents worth (or considerably more worth in suggestions, directions, connections, networks, knowledge, etc.). I have no desire to reinvent the wheel, but to try and bring together the parts we know about and then fill in the gaps.
Because land use is such a huge topic, I hope to divide the research and work into 3 parts:
Define: Land Use/ Green Infrastructure(GI) & Identify local examples
Develop: Policies to put Land Use Planning & Green Infrastructure in place
Describe: Economic Impacts of Land Use & Green Infrastructure
As you can see, this is a pretty ambitious undertaking. If you, or anyone you can recommend, might want to help in any capacity with this project, please let me know. The first meeting invitation is attached (June 4, Thurs. 7pm, City Hall).
I really want to hear from you. Phone: 479-442-5307, fax: 442-2433; email: frana@nwarktimes.com. THANKS !!!! FRAN
-----------------------------------------------------Column from June 1, NWA Tims
CROSS CURRENTS: Basic foundations
Fran Alexander frana@nwarktimes.com
Posted on Monday, June 1, 2009
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Editorial/77040/
Every so often in life, along comes an opportunity that tempts us to put in our two cents worth on things about which we care a great deal. Mayor Jordan, when he was a Ward 4 alderman, listened to me moan and groan for so long about everything (from slumping hillsides and soil erosion to disappearing green space and tree loss) that I think he decided the best way to shut me up, while he is mayor, would be to make me find some solutions.
When he formed his Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council (Whew, what a name!), he asked if I would be the rep of the Land-Use Planning and Green Infrastructure Committee, and in a weak moment, I said "OK." While I'm honored he asked me, the project reminds me of chewing on a dried apple - the more you chew, the bigger it seems to get.
So just what is land-use planning? Many folks are under the impression that it is planning what to build upon land, and that is true in part. But a good land-use plan will first examine the land's physical characteristics to determine how to best keep land functioning like it is meant to function before buildings are placed upon it.
For example, drainage is very important to property, but if one segment of a waterway is diverted, eroded or altered either up or downstream, that change can affect everyone else in that watershed. Economically, it costs a lot less to know which roles different land features are performing and to respect those elements than to risk the expense incurred when Mother Nature runs rampant, and we get floods, mudslides, hill slumping, etc. that might have been prevented.
"Infrastructure" is one of those words some of us learn only after we've had a close encounter with city hall. The prefix "infra" means beneath or under and in the case of a town, refers to its sewers, water systems, streets, bridges, highways and various utilities, all basic foundation structures that keep an urban environment running. These technical parts are what are referred to as "gray infrastructure," very different than what comprises "green infrastructure."
We've had no problem allocating trillions of dollars in our country to build our gray infrastructure. In contrast, we often have to have fundraisers and beg-on-bended-knee to salvage pieces of green space. Considering that the green surrounding us provides our air, water and the soil that grows our food, this cavalier treatment of what is truly a basic foundation is getting us in a world of hurt.
I like this explanation by Mark Benedict and Edward McMahon in "Green Infrastructure: Smart Conservation for the 21st Century," in which they call this greenness, "the ecological framework needed for environmental, social and economic sustainability - in short, it is our nation's natural life-sustaining system. Green infrastructure differs from conventional approaches to open space planning because it looks at conservation values and actions in concert with land development, growth management, and built infrastructure planning."
Fortunately in Fayetteville we have many of the puzzle pieces ready to be fit together to create a land use/green infrastructure plan. The Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association has worked for several years researching the physical features of Fayetteville and some of the smaller surrounding towns. They have histories, maps, studies and research ready and being used to illustrate an enduring green network. Land-use planning is also part of Fayetteville's 2025 Plan, and there are several ordinances, such as one about Low Impact Development (LID), either in existence or being developed that are the tools needed to protect our green support system.
The major work yet to do is figuring out what policies we want and need to put in place for connecting systems of natural areas and parks, water courses and wetlands, as well as finding ways to secure more sensitive land features. And we need to research the economic costs and benefits of having a green network in place vs. not doing anything. Obviously there is a lot of important work yet to be done.
The Land Use/Green Infrastructure Committee will hold its first meeting on Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. in Room 111 of City Hall (113 W. Mountain). Anyone interested is welcome, and if you have questions about this or any of the other economic council committees, contact Julie McQuade at the city at 575-8302.
"Everyone has a voice. Everyone is included," was the guiding emphasis of the economic summit and continues in the work of the mayor's economic council. There are 11 Action Areas in which citizens may want to participate. They are: Economic Incentives and Job Growth, Transportation and Light Rail, Green Economy, Health Care, Public Education, Creative Economy, Citizen Empowerment & Volunteers; Historic & Heritage Resources, Local Food, Inclusion, and Land Use/Green Infrastructure.
I think I speak for all the committees when I say we need as much help as we can get to keep moving Fayetteville forward, so please volunteer in your area of interest.
Fran Alexander is a local resident and active environmentalist.
Copyright © 2001-2009 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Things work both ways: Looking down at a tiny white flower one may miss an interesting sight above
Please click on images to view tiny white flower on the ground and a relatively tiny airplane passing with a banner promoting the Web site http://www.fayetteville.com over the city trying to get the attention of people from many nations currently in town for the annual Walmart shareholders' meeting. The address actually leads to the Web site green valley development, which touts the various business initiatives that support the stated mission: connect the world's best sustainability innovators, grow local companies, recruit new companies and technologies; then coordinate just in time delivery of the capital, resources, and services needed for a Green Valley company to excel in the world market.
Well, I looked up "just in time" to read the banner before it disappeared to the north. Just as the corporate powers want me to notice what they care about, I want them to look down and around them and see the real green valley that was here before we were.......and take time to care about creation.
Well, I looked up "just in time" to read the banner before it disappeared to the north. Just as the corporate powers want me to notice what they care about, I want them to look down and around them and see the real green valley that was here before we were.......and take time to care about creation.
Diverse vendors at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Walmart this week
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of vendor booths open on Wednesday June 3, 2009, at the Walmart on MLK BLVD.
The top photo shows a woman from Baton Rouge and a man from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who are serving up fine Cajun Food for the Tony Chachere display. The question suggested is why do Cajun Chefs even need to advertise. The food speaks for itself.
The middle photo shows the edge of Finger Park in the background. The question suggested is "Why are we encouraging kids to play video game when all of nature is right there free to enjoy?
The third photo evokes the question: Is this Jagermeister product available in the store?
The top photo shows a woman from Baton Rouge and a man from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who are serving up fine Cajun Food for the Tony Chachere display. The question suggested is why do Cajun Chefs even need to advertise. The food speaks for itself.
The middle photo shows the edge of Finger Park in the background. The question suggested is "Why are we encouraging kids to play video game when all of nature is right there free to enjoy?
The third photo evokes the question: Is this Jagermeister product available in the store?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
OMNI peace-garden tour also set for June 13, 2009
Some new gardens are on the list. Details and a map available soon.
West Fork Watershed Celebration and River Cleanup set for Saturday June 13, 2009
For details, call Frances Hime at 225-1611
West Fork Watershed Celebration & River Cleanup on June 13
For immediate release -- June 3, 2009
The 4th annual West Fork Watershed Celebration and River Cleanup will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Riverside Park, on Arkansas 170 in downtown West Fork. Volunteers will check in from 8-9:30 a.m. at the park, then fan out to stations along the river and clean up targeted areas. The cleanup will end at 11 a.m., when a free chicken lunch will be served to the first 150 people. Door-prize drawings are scheduled for noon. In addition, there will be live music and educational booths. Volunteers may pre-register by calling 225-1611 or 444-1916. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cleanup participants will be required to sign up and complete liability forms. These forms may be downloaded and completed in advance. Just visit www.wfepa.org. Volunteers also may show up that day at 8 a.m. and register on site.
The West Fork of the White River flows into Beaver Lake, which is our supply of drinking water. Each year, a cleanup of our river is conducted as part of protecting our source of safe drinking water and protecting wildlife habitat.
The event is being coordinated by the West Fork Environmental Protection Association. Sponsors and partners include the Watershed Conservation Resource Center, the City of Fayetteville, the City of West Fork, Kiwanis Club, Audubon Arkansas, Washington County Environmental Affairs, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas Stream Team, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Arvest Bank, Bank of Fayetteville, Tyson Foods, the Arkansas Canoe Club, and Beaver Water District.
For details, call 225-1611 or visit www.wfepa.org
West Fork Watershed Celebration & River Cleanup on June 13
For immediate release -- June 3, 2009
The 4th annual West Fork Watershed Celebration and River Cleanup will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Riverside Park, on Arkansas 170 in downtown West Fork. Volunteers will check in from 8-9:30 a.m. at the park, then fan out to stations along the river and clean up targeted areas. The cleanup will end at 11 a.m., when a free chicken lunch will be served to the first 150 people. Door-prize drawings are scheduled for noon. In addition, there will be live music and educational booths. Volunteers may pre-register by calling 225-1611 or 444-1916. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cleanup participants will be required to sign up and complete liability forms. These forms may be downloaded and completed in advance. Just visit www.wfepa.org. Volunteers also may show up that day at 8 a.m. and register on site.
The West Fork of the White River flows into Beaver Lake, which is our supply of drinking water. Each year, a cleanup of our river is conducted as part of protecting our source of safe drinking water and protecting wildlife habitat.
The event is being coordinated by the West Fork Environmental Protection Association. Sponsors and partners include the Watershed Conservation Resource Center, the City of Fayetteville, the City of West Fork, Kiwanis Club, Audubon Arkansas, Washington County Environmental Affairs, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas Stream Team, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, Arvest Bank, Bank of Fayetteville, Tyson Foods, the Arkansas Canoe Club, and Beaver Water District.
For details, call 225-1611 or visit www.wfepa.org
Tony Chachere's mobile caterer at Walmart on Martin Luther King Boulevard
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of vendor's mobile catering trailer at Walmart on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on June 2, 2009, preparing for annual shareholder's convention.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fund-raising concert at George's tonight (Wednesday June 3, 2009) to help buy trees to plant in tornado-devastated Mena, Arkansas
Performers include Benjamin Del Shreve, 3 Penny Acre, Randall Shreve, The Sarah Hughes Band, Smithstonians, Cletus Got Shot, Tanya and Dave, Keith Nicholson, and Apartment 5!
Trees For Mena! Benefit Show
"Proceeds go to buying native trees to replace those lost in the April 9, 2009 Tornado in Mena, Arkansas"
What: Fundraiser
Host: Trees For Mena
Start Time: Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, June 18 at 12:00am
Where: George's Majestic Lounge
Trees For Mena! Benefit Show
"Proceeds go to buying native trees to replace those lost in the April 9, 2009 Tornado in Mena, Arkansas"
What: Fundraiser
Host: Trees For Mena
Start Time: Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, June 18 at 12:00am
Where: George's Majestic Lounge
Illinois River Watershed Partnership's appreciation Day set for Saturday June 6, 2009, at Lake Fayetteville
This Saturday, June 6, in appreciation of our IRWP sponsors, members, volunteer corps and StreamTeam members...
Illinois River Watershed Appreciation Day, Lake Fayetteville Veteran's Memorial Park
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Canoe races --- canoes and life vests provided by Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center
Geocaching treasure hunts --- GPS units and treasure hunt guides provided by USGS
Make your own Water-cycle beaded bracelets, enjoy Disney's Nemo and Ariel face paintings by local artists
Recycling bean bag toss, fishing and kid's games courtesy of Washington County Environmental Affairs and Benton County Extension Service
Sand volleyball with UA's Dr. Dirk Philipp!
4:30 to 7:00 pm
Scrumptious barbecue brisket and hot-dogs with the trimmings
Country western concert by local artist Marshall T. Mitchell http://www.marshallmitchell.com/
All Activities, Food, and Music are FREE! Come, bring your family and friends, join us for a beautiful day in the Illinois River Watershed! Park entrance located just east of Lowe's on Zion Road.
IRWP NEWS:
Arkansas Urban Forestry Council names the IRWP as it's Outstanding Organization of the Year "in recognition of the effort, dedication and outstanding contribution in the promotion and development of the urban forest." Thank you to our friends at AUFC and this honor in recognition of the work of our sponsors, members and volunteer corps! We truly believe "Trees make better water!" and look forward to working with you in the future, combining our efforts in fulfilling our common missions through education, outreach and partnerships.
Watershed Challenge Winners: May Online Challenge to Arkansas Science and Technology Teachers and Students
1st Place: Hector Elementary School, Hector, AR. Teacher Kathy Brunetti.
Prize: Watershed Model Enviroscape - $800 value
2nd Place: R.E. Baker Elementary School, Bentonville, AR. Teacher Phyllis Abraham.
Prize: Magellan Triton 300 GPS unit - $150 value
3rd Place: Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR. Teacher Robin Buff.
Prize: "Make Your Own Watershed" Model - $50 value
4th Place: Greenland High School, Greenland, AR. Teacher John Diesel.
Prize: Watershed Eco-Puzzle - $30 value
Congratulations to the IRWP Online Watershed Challenge May 2009 Winners!
Dr. Delia Haak
Executive Director
Illinois River Watershed Partnership
PO Box 8506
Fayetteville, AR 72703
www.irwp.org
479-238-4671
Illinois River Watershed Appreciation Day, Lake Fayetteville Veteran's Memorial Park
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Canoe races --- canoes and life vests provided by Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center
Geocaching treasure hunts --- GPS units and treasure hunt guides provided by USGS
Make your own Water-cycle beaded bracelets, enjoy Disney's Nemo and Ariel face paintings by local artists
Recycling bean bag toss, fishing and kid's games courtesy of Washington County Environmental Affairs and Benton County Extension Service
Sand volleyball with UA's Dr. Dirk Philipp!
4:30 to 7:00 pm
Scrumptious barbecue brisket and hot-dogs with the trimmings
Country western concert by local artist Marshall T. Mitchell http://www.marshallmitchell.com/
All Activities, Food, and Music are FREE! Come, bring your family and friends, join us for a beautiful day in the Illinois River Watershed! Park entrance located just east of Lowe's on Zion Road.
IRWP NEWS:
Arkansas Urban Forestry Council names the IRWP as it's Outstanding Organization of the Year "in recognition of the effort, dedication and outstanding contribution in the promotion and development of the urban forest." Thank you to our friends at AUFC and this honor in recognition of the work of our sponsors, members and volunteer corps! We truly believe "Trees make better water!" and look forward to working with you in the future, combining our efforts in fulfilling our common missions through education, outreach and partnerships.
Watershed Challenge Winners: May Online Challenge to Arkansas Science and Technology Teachers and Students
1st Place: Hector Elementary School, Hector, AR. Teacher Kathy Brunetti.
Prize: Watershed Model Enviroscape - $800 value
2nd Place: R.E. Baker Elementary School, Bentonville, AR. Teacher Phyllis Abraham.
Prize: Magellan Triton 300 GPS unit - $150 value
3rd Place: Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR. Teacher Robin Buff.
Prize: "Make Your Own Watershed" Model - $50 value
4th Place: Greenland High School, Greenland, AR. Teacher John Diesel.
Prize: Watershed Eco-Puzzle - $30 value
Congratulations to the IRWP Online Watershed Challenge May 2009 Winners!
Dr. Delia Haak
Executive Director
Illinois River Watershed Partnership
PO Box 8506
Fayetteville, AR 72703
www.irwp.org
479-238-4671
National Cemetery's supporters work through a regional corporation to raise money for acquisition of property for expansion
Had the public gotten on board to support the
Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation
there would be no discussion of student apartments being built adjacent to the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
Please visit the Web address above.
Someone anonymously posted the following comment on an earlier thread>
"Donations can be sent to
RNCIC
PO Box 4221
Fayetteville, AR 72702-4221
Please donate, even if it a small amount, every bit helps! Tell all your friends to donate also. The neighborhood is going to fight this zoning and the Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation will have to act fast if we are able to stop the city council from rezoning."
Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation
there would be no discussion of student apartments being built adjacent to the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
Please visit the Web address above.
Someone anonymously posted the following comment on an earlier thread>
"Donations can be sent to
RNCIC
PO Box 4221
Fayetteville, AR 72702-4221
Please donate, even if it a small amount, every bit helps! Tell all your friends to donate also. The neighborhood is going to fight this zoning and the Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation will have to act fast if we are able to stop the city council from rezoning."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Green infrastructure CITY committee to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009.
PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 1, 2009
* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Government Channel are indicated with an asterisk *
Monday, June 1
3:00 PM Mayor’s Press Conference for We Can! Campaign TownCenter Plaza
3:45 PM Board of Adjustments * Room 326
5:30 PM Parks and Recreation Advisory Board * Room 326
Tuesday, June 2
4:00 PM Walton Arts Center Foundation Walton Arts Center
4:00 PM Special Library Board of Trustees Meeting Ann Henry Board Room
6:00 PM City Council Meeting * Room 219
Wednesday, June 3
3:30 PM Walton Arts Center Council * Walton Arts Center
6:00 PM Fayetteville Arts Council Room 326
Thursday, June 4
3:30 PM Planning Agenda Session and Tour Planning Office
4:30 PM Street Committee * Room 111
5:30 PM Historic District Commission * Room 326
6:00 PM Community Access Television Board * Room 219
7:00 PM FFEAC-Land Use & Green Infrastructure Group Room 111
Friday, June 5
5:30 PM FFEAC-Creative Economy Group New Design School-217 E. Dickson St
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* Meetings scheduled to be televised by the Government Channel are indicated with an asterisk *
Monday, June 1
3:00 PM Mayor’s Press Conference for We Can! Campaign TownCenter Plaza
3:45 PM Board of Adjustments * Room 326
5:30 PM Parks and Recreation Advisory Board * Room 326
Tuesday, June 2
4:00 PM Walton Arts Center Foundation Walton Arts Center
4:00 PM Special Library Board of Trustees Meeting Ann Henry Board Room
6:00 PM City Council Meeting * Room 219
Wednesday, June 3
3:30 PM Walton Arts Center Council * Walton Arts Center
6:00 PM Fayetteville Arts Council Room 326
Thursday, June 4
3:30 PM Planning Agenda Session and Tour Planning Office
4:30 PM Street Committee * Room 111
5:30 PM Historic District Commission * Room 326
6:00 PM Community Access Television Board * Room 219
7:00 PM FFEAC-Land Use & Green Infrastructure Group Room 111
Friday, June 5
5:30 PM FFEAC-Creative Economy Group New Design School-217 E. Dickson St
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