Arkansas - Fountain Creek Vision Task Force_Full Application

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DRA.FT DOCUMENT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY DO NOT DISTRIBU~rE rvnSSION The Illcrnbers of the Fountain Creek Vision Task Force have come together to turn the Fountain Creek \vatershed into a regional asset that adds value to our comIllunities. We are working t.o create a healthy \vaterway with appropriate erosion, sedinlentation~ and flooding that supports diverse econoIllicJenvironmental, and recreational interests_ We \vill cooperate to enhance and protect Fountain Creek, promoting sustainable use by members of OUf \vatel'shed COlllIllunity and by the visitors '''Ie know this \.vonderful natural amenity will attract. VISION Our vision for the Fountain Creek watershed is a strongt resilient, and sustainable eCQsystenl that supports a variety of interests and activities. Our vision includes a nUlnber of issues: · In tenns of ,vater quality, we see a watenvay that supports fish and other aquatic species, is safe for recreation, and protects public health. · Regarding water quantity, we see successful stonnwater managenlent to better control flooding and erosion. . For the larger natnral environnlent, we see healthy, contiguous habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, including the threatened and endangered species that Inake their hOlllCS here. We envision tnigration corridors into and out of the watershed, allo\ving species safe and free tnovernent from north to south and from east to west throughout the region. · With respccr to land use planning, \ve see great opportunities for recreation~ including a state park and a connection with the Front Range Trail. We expect residents and visitors alike to engage in biking~ hunting, cycling, fishing~ birding, cross-country skiing, carnping, and other activities that foste:r healthy lifestyles and a greater quality of life. We \viI] continue to respect landowners' rights and envision ongoing opportunities for sustainable agriculture and ranching and responsible growth. We anticipate thought'ful and sustainable development that benefits local economies~ supports Ft. Carsoll1 encourages the creation of local jobs) builds neighborhoods and neighbors'.! pron1otes alternative transportation, and provides green infrastructure and ecosysten1 services. Throughollt the ,vatershed, we envision open space parks and other green areas that connect our residents but separate our citiest allowing each comn1unity to create and sustain its 0\\'11 visual and cultural idenlity. . Our vision entails achieving nIl of the~e things for the entire Fountain Creek watershed. :However) we ackno\vlcdgc that doing so n1ight not be possible or practical in every case and that SOlne vision elcInentsmay be confined by necessity to Fountain Creek itself. OUf vision for lhe work of the Task Force is Lo [nodel successful collaboration in watershed clean-up and stewardship. 'We hope to detnonstrate that by \vorking Logether and striking a balance between short-ternl and long-teflll thinkingt communities can create and real ize a shared vision, turn problems into opportunities, and choose their own future. Solutions that benefit different cornnlunit:ies, different species, and different land uses are possible, and working together to find and implcfllcnt thcln empo\vers cOlnrnunities and creates lasting relationships. We know it is our responsibility to educate the public about our vvork and prOlllotc sound cOInmlulity stewardship of the \vatershed.