The Power of Planning

"Planning, when done well, is among the most powerful tools available to communities. A solid plan, based on good natural resource information, guides rational land use decisions, and allows the community to consider innovative tools for resource protection with fewer legal challenges to their planning authority. The plan also sends a clear message as to what the community values and wishes to preserve, and, if well crafted, results in few surprises to developers, local officials, or residents.

Natural resource-based planning is a process that puts the community's natural resource base at the forefront. By identifying natural resources at the beginning of the planning process, your community can determine where development is most appropriate. This way, communities can avoid the unintended consequences of the typical planning process, such as open space becoming the 'leftover' pieces, water resources being degraded, and compromising community character."

- From "A Quick Guide to Using Natural Resource Information," MN DNR, 2004.

Helpful Guides:

Natural Resource Guide - DNR’s Natural Resources Guide is a primer on natural resource based planning. Features guidance on natural resource inventories and assessments, open space, and 20 project profiles of how Minnesota communities have collected and used natural resource information. Brochure and companion CD-rom content available online

Using Natural Resource Information in Comprehensive Planning - A companion to the Metropolitan Council’s Local Planning Handbook. Answers eight key questions about incorporating natural resources conservation in community plans for development. Features case studies and a ranking matrix.

The Economic Value of Open Space: Implications for Land Use Decisions - A new report from Embrace Open Space. Find out, in dollar terms, how much Minnesotans value proximity to open space amenities, and how local governments should take that value into account in lad use decision making.

Growth Pressures on Sensitive Natural Areas - A new report from Minnesota DNR's Central Region warns that nearly 75% of the Twin Cities metro area's sensitive natural areas could be threatened by development. Read about demographic and economic data analysis and planning recommendations.

From Policy to Reality: Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development - From Minnesota Planning. Offers suggestions to local governments about actions they might take to implement sustainable development goals, including economic development, transportation, housing, and citizen participation.

Open Space Planning Packet - From the folks at NEMO (Non point Education for Municipal Officials) - A set of fact sheets and model open space regulations, plus a manual on how to conduct a natural resource inventory. Check out the plethora of other fact sheets, soapbox editorials, research reports, and much more while you are there.

Citizens' Guide to Local Land Use Planning - From the Sierra Club, North Star Chapter. Open the doors to your local planning process. The Guide is a tool for everyone: residents, researchers, and communities. Take a walk through Anytown, USA to learn more about community development and to view a glossary of common planning terms.