On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 5:30 pm, join the Western New York Environmental Alliance (WNYEA) for an “Earth Day” Outer Harbor summit. The event will take place at Tifft Nature Preserve’s brand new auditorium – an undertaking that is part of the preserve’s ongoing expansion plans.
The occasion will revolve around the need to preserve the waters of the Great Lakes, as well as safeguard the lands (such as the Outer Harbor) that create their shorelines. Talks and tours will highlight the need to retain public access, prevent overdevelopment, align with the Blue Economy, respect natural habitats and create a truly unique and thoughtful Buffalo waterfront.
The following principles have been formulated by WNYEA, and disseminated by GrowWNY:
In response to the planning process for the Outer Harbor, the Western New York Environmental Alliance (WNYEA) collaboratively developed principles for its evolution:
Principle 1: The city’s waterfront is everybody’s waterfront. Respect the public trust.
Principle 2: The Outer Harbor is a part of the city of Buffalo and the region of Niagara. Work within the existing planning framework and strategic initiatives that will support the overall development of the region. Use only existing buildings for development and don’t create the necessity for new infrastructure.
Principle 3: The transition of Buffalo’s Lake Erie waterfront from port to public lands should contribute to the overall wealth of the city and region. Deploy the “Triple Bottom Line” 21stCentury economic strategy and the potential of the “Blue Economy.” Practice full cost accounting, the highest standard of fiscal integrity, and environmental justice.
Principle 4: The lands and waters of the Outer Harbor have unique ecological functions that support local, regional, and global organisms and habitats. Respect and enhance the integrity of the ecological processes in, or supported by, the Outer Harbor.
Principle 5: The Outer Harbor is a critical asset for establishing the city’s position in the region and its reputation as a creative and progressive city. Create a great lakefront that is uniquely Buffalo.
Petition to support these principles is still open – consider signing it in celebration of Earth Day! Or better yet, attend an upcoming Outer Harbor event!
And on Earth Day itself, join the Alliance for an event that will feature national expert Jim Olson, President and founder of FLOW (For Love of Water)—a national organization dedicated to advancing public trust solutions to save the waters of the Great Lakes.
When: Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m.
Where: Tifft Nature Preserve – in the brand new auditorium!
What: There will be a “Green Drinks” social in partnership with GreenWorks Buffalo Niagara, optional tours, and discussions focused on how the existing principles of public ownership can frame the community’s response to the Lake Erie Shore prior to the lecture.
Interested parties can RSVP here.
Lead image: GrowWNY