Rust to Blue

SESSION 2 Coping with a Turbulent Age

Buffalo Niagara’s NEW Economy

Jill Jedlicka Executive Director & Riverkeeper , Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

WNY’s Blue Economy OVERVIEW

Driving economic revitalization through the restoration of the health and integrity of WNY’s fresh water systems

OVERVIEW

Guiding Principles • Healthy water drives

economic revitalization. • Public access and open

space protection is prioritized.

• Natural systems are designed into community redevelopment.

• The NR Greenway is a catalyst for waterfront revitalization and connections.

• Public, private and non-profit partnerships.

WNY’s Industrial Legacy THE BIG PICTURE

National Aniline (predecessor to Buffalo Color/PVS) on left; Republic Steel on right Source: Martin Doster, NYSDEC

Protect water quality and quantity for present and future generations while connecting people to water

CITIZEN PLANNERS IN ACTION

Case Study: Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

Environmental Justice Program • EPA funded program • Goals:

– Develop culturally competent risk communication strategies

– Population Exposure Assessment

CITIZEN PLANNERS IN ACTION

CITIZEN PLANNERS IN ACTION

CITIZEN PLANNERS IN ACTION

Public Health Risk

Cleaning Up Our Waterways

Buffalo River Restoration Partnership

PLANNING FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY

Cleaning Up Our Waterways

Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management

PLANNING FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY

Photo Credit: Irvine, Buffalo State College

PLANNING FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY

Restoring Our Watershed PLANNING FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY

Niagara River Regional Habitat Restoration Strategy

CITIZEN PLANNERS IN ACTION

Our Legacy & Our Future

Get involved! Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper 1250 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14213 (716) 852-7483 http://bnriverkeeper.org/

PUTTING YOUR CITIZEN PLANNER SKILLS INTO ACTION

Materials available online oneregionforward.org

Wrap Up

Looking ahead to the next session May 17th : Building Blocks for Sustainability