The North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy presented its 2007 Blue Heron Award Oct. 27 to Carlisle/Wortman Associates, a planning firm serving Clarkston, and Independence and Springfield townships.
‘We were both surprised and pleased to get the award, especially from an organization whom I have a great deal of respect,? said company President Richard Carlisle.
‘They are team players as they do their job of planning and zoning, maneuvering within the infrastructures and political landscapes,? said NOHLC Executive Director Katie Anderson. ‘And when you step back, you see that they have not only protected natural assets, but they have actually preserved community, beauty, and hope.?
The award is granted annually to an individual, corporation, government or business that exhibits exemplary service to land conservation, moving forward NOHLC’s mission of conservation. The presentation cited Carlisle/Wortman Associates’ work with master plans to protect natural resources with water quality, storm water management, and native landscaping ordinances.
‘It’s common knowledge among many? if you value your natural resources as significant assets, having both economic and social value, then you want Carlisle Wortman Associates to help you protect these assets,? said Springfield Township Clerk Nancy Carlisle.
Sally Elmiger, CWA associate, accepted the award on behalf of Carlisle.
‘Natural areas, agricultural lands, open space and greenways all form a vital community element elevated in importance by the term ‘green infrastructure? that should be treated on an equal basis to ‘built? infrastructure,? she said. ‘Land conservancies, specifically North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, have understood the importance of green infrastructure long before others. We consider conservancies to be vital partners in planning quality communities.?
Elmiger, landscape architect with Carlisle Wortman and Associates. said the Hummingbird Ridge development in Springfield Township demonstrates how principled developers and knowledgeable planning commissions can achieve mutually-held goals to protect natural resources and conserve open space. Richard Carlisle and Carlisle/Wortman Associates have been the township planner for 25 years.
Elmiger said Susan Aulgur, who developed Hummingbird Ridge, educated herself on green development, understanding what features on a site to protect, and why. She also understands developers and communities are allies not adversaries and mutually benefit from environmental protection.
‘Because Aulgur didn’t think we were trying to take something away from her, she was very open to additional suggestions to their good site plans,? said Elmiger.
The 30 acres of park preserve on the 54-acre site are held in perpetuity in a conservation easement by NOHLC.
‘We all benefit from land preservation,? said Aulgur. ‘Development does not have to equal destruction.?
Another example is building the Hills of Kingston, with its single-family homes. George Mansour’s Pace Developments Company and Springfield Township preserved trees while building the roadway. Instead of creating a 15-foot right of way strip on each side of the roads for utilities, private land comes right up the curb, with a guaranteed easement for utilities. That lets lines and people wind around established trees.
‘He wanted to do this and worked with the township engineer to determine how this could be done,? said Elmiger. ‘There was a level of trust on both sides; the township and Mr. Mansour both felt like they were on the same page.?
Natural-feature preservation has been a part of the township master plan for 20 years, said Collin Walls, township supervisor for 30 years.
‘Development should be based on the capability of the land,? Walls said.
Carlisle/ Wortman Associates are also celebrating their 20 anniversary this year.