These toolkits are designed to equip municipalities and other stakeholders with valuable resources for advancing natural and cultural resource conservation, enhancing recreation and transportation systems, and fostering resilience.
Each tool includes an overview that outlines the relevant issues it addresses, a guide on how to implement it, its regional applicability, and a list of case studies. Some toolkits include an additional technical bulletin that provides more detailed guidance such as a step-by-step implementation process and supplementary resources for deeper exploration.
Introduction to Stormwater
Stormwater is the runoff from rain or snowmelt that can’t soak into the ground, carrying pollutants like oil, sediment, and nutrients into waterways. As development increases impervious surfaces, more runoff is generated, leading to erosion, flooding, reduced groundwater recharge, and declining water quality.
Introduction to Stormwater Toolkit.pdf
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and Implementation Assessments
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) offers benefits beyond runoff management. Through site assessments, mapping, and collaborative planning, this approach helps landowners identify practical solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, and lawn-to-meadow conversions.
GSI Implementation Assessments Toolkit.pdf
Municipal Stormwater
Municipal Stormwater Management seeks to mitigate pollution, control flooding, and maintain healthy waterways. Guided by state and federal regulations, these efforts support both human and ecological well being across a wide range of community and environmental priorities.
Municipal Stormwater Toolkit.pdf
Pond Management
Focusing on the vital role ponds play in local ecosystems, this toolkit explores how human activity can disrupt and how stewardship can preserve pond health. It introduces practical strategies and resources available to support effective pond management.
Sustainable Community Assessment
A Sustainable Community Assessment reviews municipal planning documents, such as the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and provides recommendations for both short- and long-term improvements. These recommendations include new regulations and policies aimed at promoting sustainability within the community.