Assuring that development does not occur in areas prone to natural disasters or areas with serious constraints is important. In addition, the preservation of water, soil and air quality, wildlife, and open space, while encouraging economic growth and accepting population growth, presents a challenge to the citizens of Lewis and Clark County.
Noxious weeds continue to threaten agricultural lands and natural vegetation.
GOAL 1 Encourage development in areas with few environmental hazards or development constraints to minimize both the degradation of the natural environment due to urbanization and the loss of capital investment and life due to natural disasters. Policy 1.2 Residential development should be discouraged within the 100-year flood plain and prohibited in the floodway or any area that includes the center of the channel of a creek, stream or river or carries most of the water during a flood. Policy 1.3 Increased storm water runoff from new development should not be allowed to adversely impact other properties. Policy 1.4 Preserve existing natural drainage ways. GOAL 2 Preserve, protect and improve water quantity and quality in Lewis and Clark County.