chapter five
The Basics of Network Design
O
nce there is a shared vision and a mission statement that clarifies your goals, you are ready to design a green infrastructure network—a blueprint or map of how green infrastructure will look on the ground. Essentially, the green infrastructure network design is a spatial vision of a desired future. The network design is the “output” of the leadership group and reflects the desires of constituents and the particular characteristics of the project area. The process used to develop the green infrastructure network design will differ from one community to another, depending on the level of conservation action, future land-use plans, ecological and geographic characteristics of the landscape, and community priorities. Green infrastructure thus represents the unique conservation and quality-of-life goals of each community, whether a state, region, or neighborhood. The green infrastructure network design can be completed by the leadership group, but many groups choose instead to contract with a natural resource agency, university, or consultant to do this work. Regardless, it is important to work closely with those leading the effort and the stakeholders who will be affected by the design.
