Environment, Conservation, and Recreation

Vision

Buffalo Niagara will lead as a model of environmental stewardship, conservation, and recreational excellence, creating a region where pristine natural resources, thriving ecosystems, and accessible outdoor opportunities enhance the quality of life for all residents and position the region as a global destination for eco-conscious living and tourism.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Protect and Restore Natural Ecosystems: Safeguard and rehabilitate the region’s waterways, forests, and biodiversity, with a focus on Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
  2. Expand Access to Green Spaces and Recreation: Ensure every resident has equitable access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities that promote health, community, and connection to nature.
  3. Advance Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Transition to renewable energy, reduce environmental impact, and build infrastructure resilient to climate change.
  4. Foster Community-Led Conservation: Engage residents in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable practices through education and participation.

Key Strategies

1. Protect and Restore Natural Ecosystems

  • Great Lakes Restoration: Invest in water quality initiatives to reduce industrial runoff, agricultural pollution, and invasive species in Lake Erie and the Niagara River. Support wetland restoration projects to enhance biodiversity and natural filtration.
  • Urban Forestry: Launch a regional tree-planting initiative to increase canopy coverage by 20% by 2035, prioritizing underserved neighborhoods to combat heat islands and improve air quality.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Establish protected habitats for native species, such as migratory birds and fish, through partnerships with organizations like the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.
  • Brownfield Redevelopment: Remediate contaminated sites for safe reuse as parks or community spaces, reducing environmental hazards and enhancing land value.

2. Expand Access to Green Spaces and Recreation

  • 10-Minute Park Access: Develop new parks and trails to ensure 90% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a green space by 2035, with a focus on equitable distribution across urban and rural areas.
  • Recreational Infrastructure: Enhance trails like the Niagara River Greenway and develop multi-use paths for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing to promote year-round activity.
  • Waterfront Recreation: Expand public access to waterfronts with new kayak launches, fishing piers, and swimming areas, ensuring safety and environmental protection.
  • Inclusive Design: Incorporate universal design principles in parks, such as accessible playgrounds and sensory trails, to accommodate people of all abilities.

3. Advance Sustainability and Climate Resilience

  • Renewable Energy Transition: Convert all municipal facilities to 100% renewable energy by 2035 and provide incentives for residents and businesses to install solar panels and wind turbines.
  • Green Infrastructure: Implement rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements in urban areas to manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks.
  • Climate Adaptation: Retrofit infrastructure in flood-prone areas, such as elevating roads and utilities, and create cooling centers in public spaces to address heatwaves.
  • Zero-Waste Goals: Promote recycling and composting programs to reduce landfill waste by 50% by 2035, with community education campaigns to drive participation.

4. Foster Community-Led Conservation

  • Environmental Education: Partner with schools and community organizations to offer programs on conservation, climate change, and sustainable living, targeting all age groups.
  • Citizen Science Initiatives: Engage residents in monitoring water quality, wildlife populations, and air pollution through apps and community science projects.
  • Volunteer Programs: Expand volunteer opportunities for cleanups, tree planting, and habitat restoration, with incentives like tax credits or community recognition.
  • Indigenous Partnerships: Collaborate with Native American communities, such as the Seneca Nation, to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into conservation efforts.

Implementation Plan

  • Short-Term (1-2 Years):
    • Launch a regional urban forestry campaign, planting 10,000 trees in underserved areas.
    • Begin water quality projects, including two major wetland restoration initiatives.
    • Develop three new community parks with accessible recreational facilities.
    • Introduce a public awareness campaign on recycling and composting.
  • Medium-Term (3-5 Years):
    • Complete 50 miles of new or enhanced recreational trails, including connections to the Niagara River Greenway.
    • Transition 50% of municipal buildings to renewable energy sources.
    • Remediate five brownfield sites for conversion into green spaces.
    • Establish a regional citizen science network with 5,000 active participants.
  • Long-Term (5-10 Years):
    • Achieve a 25% reduction in water pollution levels in Lake Erie and the Niagara River by 2035.
    • Ensure 90% of residents have access to a high-quality green space within a 10-minute walk.
    • Position Buffalo Niagara as a top 10 North American destination for eco-tourism.
    • Reduce regional carbon emissions by 30% through sustainable practices and renewable energy adoption.

Metrics for Success

  • Ecosystem Health: Reduce nutrient pollution in Lake Erie by 20% and restore 500 acres of wetlands by 2035.
  • Green Space Access: Achieve 90% resident access to parks or trails within a 10-minute walk by 2035, with 50% of new spaces in underserved communities.
  • Recreational Engagement: Increase annual park and trail usage by 25% through expanded facilities and programming.
  • Sustainability: Achieve a 50% reduction in municipal fossil fuel use by 2035 and divert 50% of waste from landfills through recycling and composting.

Conclusion

By prioritizing environmental protection, equitable access to recreation, and sustainable practices, Buffalo Niagara will create a region where nature and community thrive together. This strategy will not only enhance the region’s ecological health and resilience but also establish it as a global leader in conservation and outdoor living, inspiring residents and visitors alike.