The Benefits of Greenways

Greenways. The word evokes images ... of winding pathways, slow-moving rivers, tranquil open spaces. For urban dwellers, greenways are quiet oases, helping to moderate the rush and noise of cars and people. In the suburbs, greenways promise undisturbed pathways for hiking, bicycling, canoeing or horseback riding. Rural and wilderness greenways conserve native ecosystems, offer migration routes for wildlife, protect archeological sites, and maintain places where people can experience the beauty and complexity of nature All over Florida, greenways give communities away to define and preserve some of our most precious natural, cultural and historic resources. Greenways' benefits range from ecological to economic and social. By helping conserve native ecosystems and landscapes, greenways can be an important component of a statewide, regional or local conservation strategy. Water and land pathways along greenways can expand tourism and associated businesses, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and the opportunity to enjoy Florida's unique natural environment. Conservation of Native Ecosystems Greenways help conserve native ecosystems and landscapes by maintaining space that sustains the biodiversity of native plant and animal communities; maintaining connections that allow interchange between native plant and animal communities; and maintaining the health of native ecosystems and landscapes by sustaining their physical, chemical, and biological processes. Interconnected native ecosystems provide a number of other important services. They filter pollutants from the air, water, and soil; aid in cooling streams and soils through shading; protect and enhance the water quality of rivers and lakes; recharge groundwater aquifers; and buffer developed areas from floodwaters, saving lives and property. Greenways have an especially significant role in connecting watersheds and coastal areas because of the productivity of these native ecosystems and their key role in maintaining Florida's green infrastructure. Economic Prosperity It is imperative to recognize that a vibrant economy is necessary to maintain the financial resources needed to assure environmental quality. Many communities have found that greenways offer opportunities to support economic growth withOut sacrificing environmental assets. Positive economic effects of greenways accrue in several ways. First, taxable properties that are adjacent to greenways often increase in value and generate greater overall revenue for a community According to local surveys, homes located near green ways and trails commonly sell for more than similar homes in other areas. Conventional wisdom also tells us that businesses locate where quality of life indicators are high. There is widespread recognition that greenways help communities develop these characteristics and portray this image. Greenways also are magnets for attracting environmentally sensitive development. Finally, small service oriented businesses gravitate to areas where perceived consumer needs exist. Greenway users often create a demand for services, which in turn stimulates the growth Of tourism-based businesses. Conservation of Historical and Cultural Resources Archaeological and historical sites can be protected, preserved, interpreted, and connected by greenways. Archaeological and historical sites provide yet another dimension to link people with landscape; they provide a sense of place as well as a sense of origin. Public Recreation Close to Home Because greenways lead somewhere and can connect with other greenways that go to still more places, they attract people from all walks of life. A statewide system of greenways will provide many opportunities for public outdoor recreation and wellness activities. Trails can provide places for visitors and resident bicyclists, hikers, walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, horseback riders and physically challenged people to exercise and experience the many natural and cultural wonders of Our state. Greenways along rivers, lakes and the coast can also provide access to canoeists, kayakers, and sailors. Outdoor Education A statewide system of greenways will provide excellent outdoor classrooms where students can learn about native plant and animal species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Greenways offer important opportunities for students to get involved in conserving natural and cultural resources, and can serve as living laboratories for students and as sites for studying historic, archaeological and cultural resources. Protecting Working Landscapes Greenways can be used to protect working landscapes such as farms, groves, and private forest lands. Greenways along scenic byways can provide the traveling public with a glimpse into the historic past of these lands. Greenways using conservation easements across these lands can allow traditional land uses to continue, while also providing corridors for the movement of wildlife and, where appropriate, people. Influencing Urban Form Greenways can provide important growth management benefits. Areas of protected lands around and through Florida's towns and cities can help shape urban form and mitigate urban sprawl. Greenways can help maintain delineations between urban and rural land uses. Also known as greenbelts, agricultural reserves or buffer lands, privately and publicly owned greenways are valuable growth management tools. Providing Alternative Transportation Greenways and trails can serve as alternative transportation routes for commuting to work or school, bicycling or walking to local businesses or restaurants, visiting parks and recreation sites, or sightseeing. Trails often can be designed in conjunction with utility corridors and pipelines. These alternative forms of transportation, if made convenient by greenways, can help reduce air pollution and road congestion. Greenways can be as wide as a watershed or as narrow as a trail. Some are publicly owned; some are established on private land by easements or other methods that protect valuable natural areas and cultural/ historic sites or allow public access along trails. Some are managed only to conserve native ecosystems, and some are purely recreational. Some are "green," following ridgelines or other upland features, some are "blue," following rivers and wetlands, and others are more urban in nature.

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