Articles about Water

March 10, 2011 Edit

in Water

Green Infrastructure + Landscape Architects = Green Jobs?

Via ASLA Advocacy Network:

Landscape Architects Own Water.
Now Is the Time to Prove It!

Dear Colleagues,

Landscape architects are on the design front lines using green infrastructure technologies to address stormwater management issues in communities everywhere. Now it’s time to share your story. It was said recently that, “landscape architects own water”, now it’s time to step up and prove it. Submit your case studies today to ensure that landscape architects will continue to “own water” tomorrow.

EPA is seeking at least 300 of your green infrastructure/low impact development case studies to demonstrate the capacity and expertise on the ground to implement a new national stormwater management rule. To date we are well short of this goal.

The March 31st deadline is fast-approaching. Please take the time to help provide this critical data. There are powerful groups mobilizing to ensure this rule is either defeated or watered down. EPA is looking to landscape architects to prove that green infrastructure technologies are efficient and cost effective. Help provide the data and rationale for moving the country’s stormwater management infrastructure into the 21st Century.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CASE STUDY.

Thank you for your efforts to help your communities and build the profession!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Mueller, FASLA
President, American Society of Landscape Architects



For more on ASLA Advocacy
asla.org/advocacy

March 17, 2010 Edit

in Water

Advocacy: Green Infrastructure Bill

A new update from the National ASLA Advocacy Network of interest to landscape architects in Oregon.  Learn more about ASLA advocacy and take action on this bill here.

Landmark Green Infrastructure for Water Management legislation Introduced

Dear Advocates: ASLA has been working to raise awareness of the benefits in utilizing green infrastructure to help manage our nation's water issues. Hearing our message, landmark legislation has been introduced in Congress that would provide assistance to communities that want to use landscape architecture techniques to help deal with their stormwater and other water quality issues. H.R. 4202, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act would:
  • invest in community-based green infrastructure projects that address water issues
  • establish a green infrastructure program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote the use of green infrastructure and provide technical assistance to states, local governments and the private sector
  • establish up to five Centers for Excellence for Green Infrastructure which would conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing green infrastructure best management practices.
Today, stormwater runoff is a serious threat to the nation's waterways and public health, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year in increased drinking water treatment costs. Fortunately, Congress is recognizing that green infrastructure provides an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sound approach to managing stormwater and reducing combined sewer overflow pollution. Simply click TAKE ACTION and use the provided templates to urge your legislators to support this legislation. If possible, please personalize your letter with examples of water projects that you or your colleagues have worked on. Contact your legislators today and urge them to support this critical legislation that will provide important opportunities for landscape architects! Thank you! Roxanne Blackwell Manager, Federal Affairs