VSN Projects
|
Vision Statement for the Kickapoo Valley in the year 2020 ______ Click Here to Watch the Vision Video (Format: Quicktime; Size: 10 MB)
In the year 2020 the citizens of the Kickapoo River Watershed demonstrate that they value highly the agriculture, natural resources, and the unique identity and opportunities of this rural region. Communities demonstrate sensitivity toward diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Citizens and local governments are energized and work cooperatively. This active involvement provides for the following:
AGRICULTURE
- Prime farmlands remain in production, much of it as small, family-owned operations. Farm operators demonstrate their high regard for the environment by utilizing practices that protect water quality and preserve the earth and its resources for future generations.
- A full spectrum of agricultural techniques is employed, such as conventional, organic, specialized cropping and grazing techniques, integrated pest management and forestry.
- Owner-operated, value-added food processors are the basis of many viable, smaller operations serving local and distant markets.
- Agricultural employment, both product- and service-related, provides livable wage jobs.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SERVICES
- Community based resources and facilities meet the identified needs of children, teens, young adults and the elderly.
- Physical access to watershed resources is provided for people of all abilities.
- Citizens keep informed of programs, services and events in the valley by utilizing a variety of local media, including radio, web and print.
- Local educational centers offer public access to publicly funded resources and equipment.
- K-12 students enjoy traditional and alternative educational opportunities, including agricultural and other career training programs, to prepare them for jobs and business ownership.
- Local colleges exist for traditional and continuing education students.
- Communities facilitate knowledge transfer of traditional and alternative arts and trades. Life skills of residents are the core for instruction in agriculture, sustainable timber harvest and skilled trades such as carpentry and sawmill operation.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
- Watershed communities recognize and appreciate their common bonds and demonstrate interest in working together whenever possible toward common cultural goals.
- Diverse history, culture and vocations of the region are preserved and showcased through festivals, local radio programming, museums, apprenticeships, a vibrant artist/artisan community and a web-based information network.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- A diverse economy provides family supporting jobs, employment for youth and a positive environment for business creation.
- Value-added processing contributes positively to economic well-being in all areas of production.
- Agriculture and forestry are recognized as crucial segments of the economy, utilizing both traditional production and alternative methods.
- Local financial institutions and private investors collaborate--utilizing government economic development programs--to encourage small business growth and sustainable operations.
- Low impact tourism flourishes with the success of local businesses such as artisan studios, lodging, retreats, and restaurants.
- A steering committee composed of citizens and local governments meets regularly to address issues and opportunities on a valley-wide basis.
HOUSING
- An adequate supply of housing is available and locally affordable for rental and purchase.
- Residential placements and densities respect the needs of agriculture and preserve open space.
- Housing for elderly and disabled citizens meets the needs of these populations.
- Young families are able to reside in both rural and urban areas.
- Structures of historical value are preserved.
- Construction practices promote energy efficiency, use of local resources and the rehabilitation of existing housing stocks.
NATURAL RESOURCES
- Citizen and local government practices reflect good stewardship of the water, air and earth. Air and water quality are preserved and cold water springs protected.
- Light pollution is avoided throughout the watershed.
- Preservation, protection and restoration of the natural environment and species biodiversity are encouraged.
- Scenic views, native plants, wildlife habitat and night skies are viewed as community assets and protected.
- Hardwoods and other woodlands are managed through sustainable practices.
- Hunting and fishing continue at high levels due to the sound management of resources.
TRANSPORTATION
- Local, state and federal highways and roads adequately serve the needs of commuters, commerce and local traffic.
- A scenic byway and rustic road flavor is maintained on county roads.
- Auxiliary paved lanes allow for safe travel by slow-moving traffic, such as agricultural machinery, horse-drawn buggies and bicycles.
- Public and private trail systems facilitate tourism.
- Reliable and efficient public transportation saves commuter time.
|
