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, I I 1.0. ~ , THE PROGRAMS The programs for carrying out these goals and policies vary from region to region, according to need. The "growth centers" concept, for example, is used in the Front Range and the Mountains principally to redistribute new growth. whereas in the !figh Plains and South Central regions it is used to attract and focus growth around designated centers whose labor market, transportation, and infrastructure resources are attractive to new economic activity. Environmental Programs8 , J 11le Commission recommends a three-pronged approach to the achievement of environmental goals. As a first element, environmental inventories will be prepared and plans made lIlat reflect the location of significant natural amenities and ecosystems, as well as scenic, cultural, and historic resources. The identification of these critical environmental areas will, in turn, guide the administration of land-use and environmental regulatory program s,ci nc1udi ng. a.new develo Q. men t.. Q.erm i t- syste 01__ This.deve.lopment permit system9- applfes.to aU developments located.in.areas of critical.environmentaL concern and to propesed. activitie!>of regionaLor Statesignificanc~.1o The granting-ofa permit will be-the functiorrof regional permit boards '''Hhin tll~ five regions of the State, with appeals to a State Permit Review Board. The criteria for deter- mining when a permit is needed, whether it should be granted .and what restrictions or conditions should be attached.to it will thus be responsive to regional differences. Permit decisions. will reflect.a comprehensive review of the proposed development's effects on the environment, public services, and existing public infrastrtlcture. Public hearings on permits ""ill be condu~tc~.attll~.~egi.ona!leveJ, with an opportunity for citizen participation. This permit system, along with strengthening of localland-llse controls, and improvements in state regulation of environmental q'.lality, make up the second element in the recommended environmental strategy. "I, i i ! \ J i , 1 ! The third element looks toward the creation of a Special Land Agency, a sLate-. owned corporation empowered to acquire environmentally criticallandsSor partial interests in these lanus, such as scenic easements, and to help provide accessible recreational opportunities for Coloradans. In urban and urbanizing areas, the Commission sllggests the creation of linear parks along rivers and streams or otllcr environment:1i _corridors. .S.lIC!l parks..~v,=,l~~d pre~~l>'-" ~.o!lr~.hor.elille~_[l.l1d othc!.e.n..viron n!.en tal qualities. ~ ...-I o 8For fuU discussion, see CI13pter IV of the report. . ct')9Thc Development permit system is described in Ch<lpler VItI. lOCRS CIl. \1)6, Art. 4. ~3, !.llb):.... .llle commission m:lY estJblis"n crileria by which land use problt:'ffiswill be cb.ssifi.::d as ilia! teeS of state concern, matters of rc~rioml concern, matters. of local <:onccm, or sllch other clas.sifica- . ._ _ _~io~_ ~s_t~e_c?mmission may deem necess3!Y and proper." xv --. ---. .---.----.--.---- --'-----.,---