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<br />THE CASE FOR GREENW AYS <br /> <br />, <br />, <br />f~ <br /> <br />by <br /> <br />~ <br />, <br />, <br />, <br /> <br />Christopher N. Brown, Deputy Chief <br />Recreation Resources Assistance Division <br />National Park Service <br /> <br />,. <br />~, <br />, <br /> <br />Many communities are looking at multi-objective planning and non-structural approaches to solve <br />flooding and stormwater problems while improving community attractiveness. But they often <br />face arguments that greenways will limit economic activity a community needs, are luxuries the <br />community cannot afford, or are not feasible for flood reduction. <br /> <br />Evidence shows that greenways often provide low-cost alternatives to structural flood control <br />while yielding unexpected economic benefits. In addition, they improve ecological function and <br />provide many community amenities. <br /> <br />t~ <br />rc <br /> <br />Greenways are increasingly being thought of as part of the infrastructure. Dubbed <br />"Greenfrastructure," the Nation must create a system of greenways - river corridors, trails, utility <br />lines, and other vegetated connectors - for transportation, recreation and open space for the 21 st <br />century. These networks will be every bit as vital to the functioning of our communities as the <br />infrastructure of water mains, sewers, roads, storm drainages, levees, and utilities are today. <br /> <br />A framework for making the case for multi-objective and greenway planning includes scientific <br />and ecological arguments, recreationaIlsocial arguments, and economic benefits. There are <br />numerous data and examples from around the country to support greenways planning. <br /> <br />Christopher N. Brown, Deputy Chief, Recreation Resources Assistance Division, National Park Service, <br />P.O. Box 37127, Washington, D.C. 20013, Tel. (202) 343-3758. <br />