LAND-USE AND THE FUTURE
            Cropland has come to life. The right temperatures, an adequate amount of rainfall, and good soil support the green landscape we enjoy around us. The agricultural land that sustains our county seems a permanent part of the landscape. So why do we need a land-use plan?
            Each new land-use, no matter how natural it seems, affects the environment around it. New uses done in harmony with the land preserve environment for the future. As we look to the future, expanding or changing land-use confronts technical, social, and political issues that in turn must be balanced with community needs and values – not a simple task!
            Looking at the big picture and considering the future are usually easiest to do when the emotions of change are at a minimum. Realizing that what is done today has implications for the future, the Stephenson County Board adopted a Future Land-Use Plan for the county on July 12, 2000, Resolution No.2000-28-629. The Plan was prepared with considerable input from county residents at open meetings, many presentations at group gatherings, and discussions by the Board. A related Freeport Land-Use Plan has yet to be adopted by the city.
            Information shared as an introduction to the county plan pointed out that, when land-use problems arise, we are no longer able to move to new land as we did in the past.  Now we are under pressure to make good use of the land we have. Moreover, we have new knowledge about the impact of land-use on the ecological systems upon which we depend.
            Necessary infrastructure for development is part of the plan. Flood plain issues are addressed indicating that rivers and their flood plains form natural environmental corridors that define the landscape. Included in the plan is a goal for the preservation of farmland that allows for investment and development in harmony with the environment. The plan urges that development of business and industry take advantage of services and utilities best offered in compact areas. The interests of existing towns in the land surrounding their communities are recognized. The plan includes the Greenways and Trail Plan. Amendments are intended to keep it in step with the times and ordinances are used to implement it.
            The Land-Use Plan of Stephenson County builds on our vision of quality of life in our community including the plant and animal life of our natural areas. The natural resources in our County are good soil, abundant water, gravel and rock, clean air and wind. Our quality of life into the future depends on the wise use of these natural resources – balancing their use with caring for our environment and acquiring our economic needs and wants.
Information about the Land-Use Plan is taken from an article by the author published April 1, 2003.
Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 07/19/07 (for publication on 07/28/07 in the Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois) Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org