Conserve and manage natural lands and water resources for environmental and recreational benefits.

3.1

1.1

3.2

3.4

Minimize environmental impacts of development to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

3.2

1.1

3.2

3.4

5.4

NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN

This plan shows natural resources that are important to conserve, restore or enhance and is used to guide conservation efforts by private organizations and government agencies. High and Medium Conservation Priority areas contain a mix of critical habitats, woodlands, surface waters, floodplains, wetlands, riparian buffers, steep slopes and hydric soils. The LVPC uses this plan as an important component of development review and discourages development in the High Conservation Priority areas—regardless of the underlying General Land Use Plan recommendation.

A simplified version of the High Conservation Priority Natural Resource areas is displayed as Character-Defining Areas on the General Land Use Plan and the Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Open Space and Scenic Plan.

Preserve Farmland to maintain rural character and provide open space.

3.3

1.1

3.1

3.4

5.3

Reduce climate change impacts through mitigation and adaptation.

3.4

1.1

3.1

2.1

3.3

4.6

FARMLAND PRESERVATION PLAN

This plan shows farmland areas that are important to preserve and is used to guide farmland preservation efforts by private organizations and government agencies. High and Medium Priority areas were identified by looking at a combination of existing agricultural lands, existing agricultural easements, locally designated agricultural security areas, high-priority soils and their proximity to other farms. The LVPC uses this plan as an important component of development review.

High Priority areas are identified on the General Land Use Plan either for Farmland Preservation or certain Preservation Buffer areas. In the Preservation Buffer area, Farmland Preservation is preferred. Medium Priority areas should be preserved as possible through
county and municipal agricultural easement programs. Other farmlands
not depicted on the plan, either due to small size, lower soils quality or lack
of proximity to other farmlands, should be considered for preservation
as the opportunity arises.

CLIMATE CHANGE

SPECIAL SECTION

Average temperatures are increasing, the oceans are warming, sea levels are rising and weather events are becoming more extreme. The Industrial Revolution in the 1700s and 1800s began having an impact on the rate of climate change. The discovery of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) used for heat, transportation and manufacturing have increased the release of heat-trapping gases or “greenhouse gases” into the Earth’s atmosphere, accelerating climate change in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas influenced by humans. It is produced from fixed sources, such as coal-fired electricity generation, cement production and non-electric fueled vehicles. Today, fossil fuel-burning vehicles have a major impact on the region’s atmosphere.

The increase in greenhouse gases is resulting in global climate warming, and the Lehigh Valley is not immune. Due to the Lehigh Valley’s high particulate matter and ozone counts, the region is classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a “nonattainment region” for ozone and a maintenance region for particulate matter.

Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled in the Lehigh Valley

PROJECTED IMPACTS

HOW CAN WE LESSEN IMPACT?

• More extreme weather—More rain and heat.
• More water runoff problems and floods that damage property, roads and other infrastructure.
• Increased local water temperature, damaging aquatic life, while opening the door for unwanted invasive species.
• Forests will become unsuitable for some valued hardwood tree species, while southern species, such as oak and hickory, will thrive.
• Health Effects—Increased risk of respiratory disease, heart disease, airborne allergies and death.
• Farming changes will include a decline in cool temperature adapted fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes and apples, while warm temperature fruits and vegetables, such as sweet corn, are likely to rise. Dairy farming will become more difficult.

• Bike, walk and use mass transit more.
• Drive less.
• Conserve water and protect our waterways.
• Switch to cleaner, more sustainable energies.
• Preserve and enhance our natural resources.
• Build more resilient infrastructure.
• Create more compact urban areas with a mix of uses.
• Conserve energy in homes and businesses.
• Create more energy-efficient building sites.
• Keep hazard mitigation planning and risk assessments up-to-date and implement mitigation projects as funding allows.

Even if we do all that, we’ll need to take steps to prepare for more flooding, more extreme weather and more health problems. The time to start is now.