Appalachian Trail Conservancy presents Writing Growing Greener: Conservation by Design Codes

Conservation design is an effective approach to managing residential development while conserving existing natural and cultural resources. Nationally-renowned expert Randall Arendt and Senior Conservation Director Ann Hutchinson of Natural Lands Trust will instruct participants in conservation design through a keynote lecture illustrated with case studies from Pennsylvania and across the country; with two hands-on exercises that illustrate the design concepts and zoning calculations; and with discussion regarding common challenges in implementing the land use regulations. John Rogers, an ecologist, environmental planner, and author of several Return on Environment reports; and Becky Bradley, AICP, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, will discuss the connection between conservation and economic development. 
Approved for 4.75 CM credits

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AGENDA

9:00 Registration (light refreshments)
Welcome (Alicia Riegel-Kanth & Jeanne Ortiz)
9:10 Introduction: “How Nature Helps Local Economies Thrive Along the Kittatinny Ridge” (John Rogers, Becky Bradley)
9:55 Keynote Lecture: “Growing Greener – Conservation Subdivision Concepts & Principles” (Randall Arendt)
11:15 Exercise #1: Designing a Conservation Subdivision – Presentation, Group Exercise, & Discussion (Randall & Ann Hutchinson)
12:00 Lunch & Hawk Mountain Hike (Jeanne)
1:30 Exercise #2: Working with Adjusted Tract Area, Density & Greenways –  Group Exercise, Answers, & Discussion (Ann)
2:30 15-minute Break
2:45 Growing Greener “Essentials” & Common Challenges (Randall & Ann)

• Zoning & Subdivision/Land Development Ordinances Assessments
• Case Study: Silver Spring Township (Cumberland County)
• Importance of sketch plans in the land development process
• Full density, conventional lots no longer permitted
• Threshold, when does CSD kick in? HOAs/farmers
• Sewage availability & CSD
• Where to apply CSD, which zoning districts?
• Overlay or write into districts
• Yield plan vs. calculation
• A new process & learning curve

3:45 Q&A with Randall, Ann, John, & Becky (moderated by Alicia)
4:30 Adjourn