As the United States enters the twenty-first century and this diverse nation rapidly expands, Governors nationwide are addressing the issue of how best to use America's remaining land while preserving and protecting the environment. From coast to coast, Governors are becoming increasingly aware of the limits of once seemingly limitless natural resources. States have pursued policies to preserve open space, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas. For example, states have adopted programs for endangered species management; land acquisition and easements; land preservation programs; urban corridor redevelopment; and built recreational parks and trails.

One of the greatest challenges of open space programs is recognizing the interconnection of all state and local land-use decisions. For example, the relationship between development, with its resultant increase in impervious surfaces, and water quality must be appropriately factored into decision-making. The NGA Center for Best Practices is engaged in several activities to determine how best to protect the nation's natural resources while providing for economic and community growth.

Focus of Center Activities

Invasive Species
The problems associated with non-native plants and animals, or invasive species, are becoming a serious issue for states. In recent years the introduction of invasive species has increased dramatically, representing a significant threat to both the economic and ecologic health of states.

To help states combat invasive species, the NGA Center for Best Practices plans to:

• Convene a policy forum on innovative state initiatives that mitigate the impacts of invasive species on state economies;   
• Evaluate and publicize state best practices in invasive species management; and   
• Provide quick response technical assistance to states on invasive species issues.

Parks and Recreation
Parks are more than just green acres. They are a place for people to connect with another, recreate, and find solace in troubled times. Parks increase property values for residents, improve sales at local businesses, lower health costs, and result in increased tax revenues for government. Environmentally, parks filter groundwater, cleanse the air, and provide habitat for wildlife.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is the premier federal source of funds for acquiring new recreation lands.  Established in 1964, the LWCF provides monies to the four major federal land management agencies and the states for the purposes of creating parks, acquiring open spaces, recreational planning, and enhancing recreational opportunities through the construction of playgrounds, bicycle paths, and hiking trails.

On April 22, 2002, the NGA Center for Best Practices hosted a workshop titled "Promoting Quality of Life through Parks: Connections between Growth Strategies, Public Health, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund." 

The purpose of the workshop was to bring together Governors' policy staff, state park directors, and other state officials to discuss new ways to invest state LWCF dollars.  Parks, greenways, and recreation facilities play an integral role in communities.  Each year, park officials make land purchase and construction decisions worth millions of dollars using the LWCF monies.  If these decisions were coordinated with a state's smart growth and public health initiatives, the resulting investments would be potent and produce multiple benefits.

Over seventy people representing twenty-six states attended the workshop, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Vermont. Access the AGENDA and BREAK OUT SESSION SUMMARY for more information and speaker presentations. 

Related Links:

• Invasivespecies.gov a central source for information on invasive species from state, federal, and academic sources.
  

• Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation
• National Park Service
• USDA Forest Service Land and Water Conservation Fund and Forests