Geneva Lake Conservancy Policy on Development

(Adopted April 11, 2015)

The Geneva Lake Conservancy (GLC) understands that the quality of life we enjoy in the Geneva Lakes area is inseparable from the economic health of our local communities. As such, we recognize the need for policies and programs that support development and redevelopment of the built environment. The GLC equally understands that poorly planned growth and development can devastate our natural open spaces; the irreversible loss of which degrades the “environmental character” of our entire region.

To ensure the protection of the special natural places and agricultural lands that make this area such a wonderful place to live, work and play, the GLC adopts the following development

1. Development should be discouraged in the following areas: Prime Agricultural Land (USDA-NRCS: Class I, Unincorporated), Environmental Corridors, Natural Resources Areas, Critical Species Habitat, Wetlands, and Shorelands.

2. To minimize the impact on our natural environment, development should be confined to areas that are already established or immediately contiguous to established areas. Such areas are typically serviceable by existing public utilities, roads, schools, emergency services, etc., and are thereby less expensive to serve (i.e., In-fill Development); by doing so, the adverse impacts on rural agriculture lands and natural amenities are avoided in general.

3. Development should be compact in general form, as opposed to sprawl, and the mix of land uses contained therein should be clustered to minimize land disturbance and the amount of impervious surface.

Advocacy Policy

• The GLC advocates in support of the preceding guidelines and opposes development plans that fail to incorporate the policies adopted herein.
• The GLC advocates to protect our lakes from overcrowding and for safe boating and opposes pyramiding of properties connected to our lakes, and any large development that provides “in-and-out services” to protect from overcrowding and maintain safe boating.
• The GLC does not formally endorse individual development plans; however, the organization will recognize and acknowledge the effective use of conservation design techniques and sustainable planning measures in development proposals under its review.

As part of the GLC’s commitment to the “Standards and Practices” developed by the LTA (Land Trust Alliance), this policy should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure compatibility with the Mission of the organization.