Our Forests, Rivers and Streams

Forest cover and water quality are vital to our existence. In recent years we have seen our forests dwindle from 45% in 1973 to 28% in the year 2000. Simultaneously, drought, disease and air pollution have further harmed these precious resources.

Montgomery County is fortunate to have leading environmental experts living among us. They not only have tremendous knowledge and insight into solutions, but are also uniquely situated to help us with climate solutions.

The Problems:

Forest cover continues to decline, adversely affecting our air quality, water quality and daily lives.

Water quality continues to be polluted by run-off from numerous sources, ineffective environmental enforcement, and planning that fails to adequately address environmental impacts.

The Solutions:

Educate the public as to the impacts each of us is having upon the world around us.

Implement meaningful deterrents to those who break the rules and harm our environment.

Close loopholes that allow degradation of our environment, including those that exist between our County's agencies which are involved with issuing stormwater managment permits.

Bring meaninful change to the Forest Conservation Law, including those changes which have been proposed in recent months but not passed.

Empower the public to take action when they learn of environmental wrongs.

Include the true costs of development in all decisions regarding new construction and modifications to existing buildings. For example, accurate data increased traffic and associated extended commutes, inadaquate classroom space resulting children attending class in trailers, etc.

Encourage the use of public transportation and support its expansion.

Steve would like to know your thoughts on these issues. Click here to share them with him.

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