two states. seven counties. one regional greenway system.

MetroGreen® Action Plan

The MetroGreen Action Plan provides a greenprint for a metropolitan trails system that connects urban and rural green corridors throughout seven counties in the Kansas City region. The plan is also designed to protect and improve water quality in the region for the next 100 years, conserving and enhancing the region's existing natural elements. Above all, MetroGreen exists to ensure that area residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

MetroGreen will preserve and protect stream corridors in the seven-county Kansas City area by helping to use floodplain lands to absorb floodwaters, thus reducing economic loss. The clean water component of MetroGreen will to support the biological diversity of streams, rivers and lakes through:

• Specifying waterways to be used for recreational purposes
• Offering watershed strategies for flood control and for protecting natural stream corridors
• Recommending local adoption of streamside buffer zones
• Restoring native habitat for indigenous plants and animals

MetroGreen will link destinations including home, school and work. Green corridors available for walking and biking enhance other public health initiatives by broadening opportunities for area residents to lead healthy lifestyles. The orderly expansion of trail corridors will increase mobility options and serve the recreational needs of citizens.

MetroGreen is designed to provide off-road corridors that are linked to form an alternative transportation network connecting the seven-county region. MetroGreen will promote non-motorized travel options and expand non-motorized routes.

MetroGreen will make it possible for residents to experience the beauty of our region's natural landscapes. The plan envisions outdoor classrooms to promote environmental education in the areas of urban geography, social studies and environmental management. In addition, MetroGreen proposes interpretive programs that celebrate cultural facilities located within its corridors. MARC will provide a website that will offer area residents with updated information on MetroGreen's progress.

In addition, MetroGreen will support ways to protect and restore native habitat for indigenous plants and animals.

MetroGreen will encourage the development of public/private partnerships to make practical decisions concerning the construction and maintenance of future greenways. Among MetroGreen's primary goals is to identify specific economic strategies that will define the plan as a prime component of a healthy and vibrant regional economy. MetroGreen will identify partnership opportunities with private sector businesses, civic organizations, associations and individuals to spread the cost of implementing and managing the greenways, and will concentrate on cost savings associated with greenway development.