KEYS Region Citizen Survey Results 2004
Environment … that respects the physical world that we inhabit, protects the natural environment and conserves resources.
Rated #1 priority
- Renewable energy-in particular, photovoltaric (solar electricity)
- There are no borders to the natural environment
- Bioregional influences, i.e., watersheds
- Anti sprawl measures, open space initiatives, anti ground/water pollution, financing stewardship of community land
- Need to discuss the built environment sprawl and the visual environment. Need to discuss how growth threatens natural environment, increases traffic, has led to ugly development esp. along Rte. 1 and Rte. 236, the loss of access to views and sprawl that decreases walkability, sense of community and livability
Rated #2 priority
- Task force for clean up/monitoring Mt. A and beaches, green space
- Regionalization/resource protection & understanding of Maine’s most valuable asset, our natural habitats!
Rated #3 priority
- Connect with tourism as well as individual cost/increases
Other comments – not rated
- Greenspace – conservation that doesn’t lock up land and/or prevent public use
- Continuation of regional, non-governmental groups to ensure long range solutions
- Work across town lines to advocate for the protection of priority areas – wildlife habitats, open space, clean water, public access to waterways and trails, develop a plan for controlled growth
- Control of spread by saving land, where will $ come from
- Regional look at zoning to protect wildlife corridors, transfer of development rights
- Monitor the environment and all that affects it with an environmental report cad and action team
- Preserving large blocks of unfragmented wildlife habitat. Practice land use that protects water quality and quantity
- This vision misses the part and connection humans play in the environment. We need a healthy environment to survive
- That we conserve the unique and integral aspects of our working landscapes and natural world reflecting the values of our individual communities
- Prioritization for preservation of open spaces and a balanced approach to planning for conservation of land and resources with respect to community, appreciation and involvement re: importance to our future (i.e., having community spaces to use as well as wild lands that remain untouched)
- Stakeholders meetings re: river, wetlands wealth
- Regional approach to sensible development that does not jeopardize natural resources
- Need for legislation to effect changes in pollution caused by ineffective standards in other regions of country.
- Recreation areas – walking, biking trails
- How to educate the general populace (not the choir) as to the importance of working to preserve the natural resources
- Mt. Agamenticus coalition, open space protection, wildlife habitat
- Need to consider regional coordination of local ordinance for land use to provide improved development and protective applications
- Better Keys-wide recycling, more hiking opportunities
- Regional cooperation with planning for natural resources, cooperating among the KEYS communities for understanding relationships
- Land use rules across town boundaries, advocate for land bonds, river protection with adequate set backs, code enforcement