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Green Growth
Between 1980 and 2000, Georgia’s coastal population grew by about 18%, and it is predicted that by 2030, coastal Georgia will see a 50% increase in population (Georgia Tech Center for Quality Growth & Regional Development, 2006). Current development patterns used to accommodate such growth are sprawling in nature and tend to be prevalent in more sensitive areas. If these current development patterns continue, the region will experience significant impacts to the natural resources through habitat loss and fragmentation, nonpoint source and point source pollution, and increased demand on water supply. Green Growth practices are one way to address development pressure on our natural resources. Green growth can be defined in many ways, but the overall goal is to responsibly support the future growth of coastal Georgia in a sustainable way by balancing natural resource protection and growth without compromising the health of our coastal ecosystems for future generations to enjoy. There are many approaches to green growth, either through green certification programs such as LEED or EarthCraft, or through implementing Low Impact Development techniques in stormwater design. Local Governments have the ability to adopt ordinances that address these issues at the local level, and regional entities such as Regional Commissions can provide guidance coast wide through comprehensive planning. The Georgia Coastal Management Program can also provide guidance through our Technical Assistance Program and current Smart Growth Specialty Area. Staff is available to assist local governments with green growth project development and implementation, as well as assistance through the Coastal Incentive Grant Program. New Rain Barrel Program!The Georgia Coastal Management Program has partnered with the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program, Coca-Cola, and River Network to provide Make-Your-Own Rain Barrel Workshops for residents in coastal Georgia. Participants will learn how to "Live Positively" through Coca-Cola's recycled rain barrel program. A rain barrel can save most homeowners 2,000 gallons of water each year which can be used for watering gardens, washing cars and other projects around the house. Workshop participants will learn the importance of water conservation and the basics of rain water harvesting. They will also get the chance to construct their own rain barrel to take home with them that day!
The inaugural workshop was held at Coastal Resources Division on January 19, 2012.
The next Make-Your-Own Rain Barrel Workshop will be held on April 25th, 2012 from 1-3pm at the College of Coastal Georgia Student Center. You can register online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RegistrationFormRainBarrelWorkshopCollege To confirm registration please mail or drop off $30 registration check made out to CRD/Coastal Ark prior to workshop at: GA DNR Coastal Resources Division Attn: Kelly O'Rourke One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 For more information on other Green Growth Initiatives contact Kelly O'Rourke at 912-264-7218 or click the following links:
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