2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 10

Brian K Miller and William L. Hoover, Purdue University, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1200; 765.494.3573; bmiller@fnr.purdue.edu

As transportation and communication technologies develop coupled with increased population growth, we are witnessing unprecedented urban expansion. In many parts of the country (such as the Midwest), this expansion is occurring rapidly and often with very little planning or concern for natural and environmental resources. This has led to decreased environmental quality through the lack of green space, destruction of critical wildlife habitats and connective corridors, loss of farmland and degradation of aquifers and surface waters on which all existing and future development depends. Indiana lost 1.2 million acres of farmland between 1978 and 1992 averaging 88,714 acres per year. The state?s rate of population growth is 5.3% per year in contrast to the annual rural population growth rate of 9.6% (Office Commissioner of Agriculture, 1998).

In order for wildlands (lands not farmed, paved, or built upon) to remain the backbone of a community, local residents and decision makers must value the presence of these lands and make provisions to integrate and maintain wildlands as a part of their communities. Planning and zoning officials are a critical client group as they have the responsibility of shaping our future landscapes. As communities plan for land use change in Indiana, provisions for wildlands often do not receive the same level of consideration given to other lands such as those designated for industrial and residential development.

A unique opportunity exists for extension to play an important role in assisting communities to apply science based principals to plan land use that is more environmentally sustainable. County extension educators in Indiana are required by law to sit on the planning and zoning commission in their county (if they have one). A formal Land Use Team, composed of extension specialists and county educators, has been operating for three years to develop educational programs and materials to assist educators to serve on these commissions and to train the commissions to deal with complex tradeoffs involved in planning and zoning.

Research is underway to determine the factors limiting planning and zoning officials in Indiana from taking more proactive measures to incorporate provisions for wildlands into land use plans and routine planning and zoning decisions. This study will be instrumental to identify key messages that should be incorporated into future educational programming designed for local planning officials.

We will discuss ongoing research and extension initiatives underway: (1) the statewide coordination of watershed planning with land use planning, (2) educational and technological needs assessment for public officials, and (3) the development of educational programs and predictive tools needed by communities. These initiatives are designed to assist communities to take more proactive measures to incorporate provisions for wildlands into land use plans and routine planning and zoning decisions.