Land Preservation

Large areas of undeveloped land are the most important investment we can make for future water quality. No amount of water quality improvement practices can equal the water quality benefits of a healthy coastal prairie or a thriving flatwoods, for example.   Here you can find tools on how to identify land that should be preserved and the means to get the land out of harms way.

Low Impact Development

When we do have to develop land, we can do so in a way that minimizes our impact. Low Impact Development or LID is a design principle that strives to maximize the amount of pervious surfaces and to imitate nature wherever possible.LID might include something as simple as a rain garden (as at left), a compost filter berm, or a constructed wetland. Here you can find an extensive listing of LID best mangement practices (BMPs). 

Smart Growth

The very best BMP is Better and More Planning! Sprawling development is the biggest threat to water quality.  Fortunately for us, urban patterns that enable more land preservation are also better places to live. Some of the newest smart growth might look like some of our oldest cities, such as Charleston, at left. Find here a full suite of resources on urban patterns that improve both quality of life and water quality! 

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