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Gene Ragland The Natural Features Committee meets the 3rd Monday of each month. Please contact the Township Hall at 734-663-3418 if you have any questions. The Township Board of Trustees established the Natural Features Advisory Committee in 1997. The purpose of this committee is the development of long-term policies and strategies for protecting natural features, such as wetlands, woodlands, streams, farmland and open spaces. The Committee develops and recommends to the Township Board, ordinances and regulations whose purpose is protection of natural features. The Committee also promotes the importance of and methods for preservation of natural features by designing and implementing educational initiatives for Township residents. At the request of the Board of Trustees or Planning Commission, the Committee can review policies, zoning petitions and site plans pending before these bodies. The Committee is empowered to work with similar committees of other local governments to foster regional protection of natural features. The Committee is comprised of five to seven residents of Ann Arbor Charter Township, at least one of who shall be a member of the Board of Trustees and at least one a member of the Planning Commission. Accomplishments Land Development Standards: The Ann Arbor Township Land Development Standards are guidelines that apply to all new development in the township. The Natural Features Committee developed a major chapter on "Protection and Mitigation of Natural Features" which was incorporated into these Standards. This chapter identifies eight specific natural features which exist within Ann Arbor Township: wetlands, watercourses, floodplains, woodlands, landmark trees, steep slopes, threatened or endangered species habitat and ground water recharge areas. It describes the required procedures for inventorying natural features on a particular site and methods for preparing plans to document any impact that may occur to these natural features. It also establishes standards for mitigating impacts on natural features that are disturbed. This chapter has been an important factor in all new development proposals submitted since its approval by the Township Board in 1997. Wetland and Watercourse Protection and Restoration Ordinance: Wetlands are complex integrated ecosystems that provide many valuable functions including reducing water pollution, controlling floodwaters and maintaining wildlife habitat. The Township Board approved this ordinance in 1998. The ordinance was the product of more than 12 months of study and design effort by the Natural Features Committee. This included mapping township wetlands, extensive community education, and public hearings on the importance of wetlands and watercourse protection to the quality of life in Ann Arbor Township. This ordinance has become an important factor when development is proposed on lands with wetlands or watercourses and has led to substantial improvements in wetland protection. Click here to go to Wetland Ordinance Natural Features Setbacks: In parallel with the
"Wetlands Ordinance," the Natural Features Committee developed natural
features setback standards that were adopted by the Township Board in
1998 as a revision to the zoning ordinance. These setbacks deal with building
and construction placement in proximity to wetlands, streams and steep
slopes. CURRENT ACTIVITIES Stormwater Management and Impervious Surface Reduction: Impervious surface reduction and stormwater management are two of the most important factors for protecting water quality in our streams (Fleming Creek and Traver Creek) and the Huron River. Recent studies conducted by The University of Michigan Department of Natural Resources have found that if impervious surface (roof tops, pavement, etc.) exceeds 8% in the Huron River Watershed, degradation of stream quality and biodiversity occurs. The Natural Features committee is working with the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner and the Huron River Watershed Council to identify methods for minimizing the impact of new development on water quality. |
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