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Conservation design, also known as Low Impact Development (LID) is a means for developers to preserve open space, protect environmental features, and reduce costs. Low-Impact Development is a relatively new approach to development that incorporates stormwater management strategies and open space planning into the design process. The goal of LID is to try to mimic predevelopment site hydrology and vegetation. In a more traditional subdivision design, all of the available land within a tract is divided into roads and house lots, typically subject to minimum lot size requirements. LID involves clustering the homes on smaller lots and reducing the number of roads in order to preserve open space "common" areas within the development. Stormwater is infiltrated into the ground to the greatest extent possible rather than running off into surface waters. With these design techniques, natural drainage flows and infiltration are allowed to occur while the natural aesthetics of the site are preserved. Natural vegetation helps to filter stormwater and improve water quality. At the same time, wildlife habitat is maintained. Not only is conservation design good for the environment, it is also good for the wallet. Reducing the amount of paved surfaces (roads, driveways, cul-de-sacs, etc.) as well as gutters and storm drains saves costs. Rain gardens, constructed wetlands, naturalized stormwater basins, and vegetated swales require less maintenance than manicured stormwater detention ponds or lawns. In addition, incorporating LID features into the landscaping of area businesses and neighborhoods can potentially help the municipality meet their own stormwater management goals or permit requirements. For more information on Low-Impact Development and conservation design, view F. X. Browne, Inc's instructive LID PowerPoint presentation. F. X. Browne, Inc. can assist individuals and municipalities in meeting all their stormwater management needs, from planning and design to implementation and post-construction monitoring. Please contact us at info@fxbrowne.com for more information.
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