Ecosystem Assessment – Above Green

Required

Intent

To assess existing ecosystem conditions and services provided by ecosystems, built landscapes, and other open spaces to inform the city development along with conservation and restoration efforts.

Requirements

Complete and document an ecosystem assessment of the areas that includes the following topics: 1. Topography

Contour mapping, unique topographic features, slope stability risks.

2. Soils

Natural Resources Conservation Service soils delineation, U.S. Department of Agriculture prime farmland, unique farmland or farmland of statewide or local importance, healthy soils, soils disturbed by previous development and degree of disturbance (local equivalent standards may be used for cities or communities outside the U.S.).

3. Vegetation and Habitat

Total existing vegetated area, primary vegetation types, native plants and plant communities, significant tree mapping, identification of top three threatened species as per The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species¹ or local or regional standards, habitat for threatened or endangered species, unique habitat. Identification of top three most damaging invasive plant species and mapping of degraded vegetation and habitats if applicable.

4. Hydrology and Aquatic Ecosystems

Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) as determined by FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) (or local equivalent for cities or communities outside the U.S.), wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelines; precipitation, rainwater collection and reuse opportunities including overland water flow, water quality, storage capacity of the site and watershed conditions, potable and non-potable water sources; pollution sources and pollutants. Map areas with degraded aquatic ecosystems as applicable. The survey or assessment should demonstrate the relationships between the features and topics listed above and how these features influenced the city or community strategy and development. Note: Not all topics apply to every city or community, and each may contain additional important unique elements that are not explicitly addressed here.