Natural Environment

The health of the natural environment is paramount to the region’s resiliency. Creating a safe natural environment betters the health of citizens, makes the region more attractive, and mitigates future natural disasters, especially flooding.
Action 1: Increase connectivity of regional and local trail systems by formalizing the opportunity for joint planning among Corridor MPO, MPO of Johnson County, and Region 10 RPA, increasing transportation alternatives, and continuing public awareness of CorridorRides.
  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Cost: $30,000-$40,000/year
  • Responsible Parties: MPOs, RPA, Iowa DOT, FTA, FHWA, ECICOG
Action 2: Increase funding for trails and other recreational resources by, advocating for the appropriation of the 3/8 cent sales tax increase to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation trust fund, minimize intra-regional competition for state and federal resources, and continuing the cooperation of WMAs.
  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Cost: $500,000-$600,000
  • Responsible Parties: County conservation, cities, counties, advocacy groups, ICAD, CRMEA, ICR Iowa, WMAs
Action 3: Quantify and raise the visibility of trails and other recreational resources as factors in the region’s ability to attract and retain workforce.
  • Timeline: October 2018-December 2018
  • Cost: $27,000
  • Responsible Parties: Corridor Conservation Coalition
Action 4: Increase the diversity of the population utilizing natural and recreational resources.
  • Timeline: July 2018-December 2018
  • Cost: $20,000 for weekly summer service in 7 counties
  • Responsible Parties: County conservation, United Way, public transit
Action 5: Support the watershed approach to improving water quality and reducing flood risk.
  • Timeline: As needed
  • Cost: NA
  • Responsible Parties: WMAs, cities, counties, Soil and Water Conservation districts, landowners
There are ongoing initiatives that constantly monitor many important metrics like water quality, the possibility of flooding, and the use of trails. These efforts will continue and expand throughout the next five years.