Sustainable Economic Development Management Areas

Sustainable Economic Development Areas are located in and around the larger towns of the watershed. Projects here focus on the development of a sustainable economic structure. An example could be developing markets for locally manufactured (value-added) wood products fashioned from sustainably harvested timber. Locally and sustainably grown produce might have a local outlet here as well. "Greenways" and other public spaces that encourage drivers to stop and explore our towns and area attractions would likely increase the traffic through local businesses, as well as serve as a visible connection between the towns themselves and the larger watershed ecosystem of which they are a part. Finally, the adequate management of the towns' water resources to meet the needs of current and future residents and businesses is perhaps the clearest example of how natural resource management can "make or break" healthy economic development. The Plan recommends these areas be used to:

Enhance tourism, local history, and recreation-related revenues

Promote local manufacturing (sustainable production)

Develop public-private partnerships to promote stream restoration and/or greenway efforts.

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