It is helpful to consider a couple overarching issues and recommendations before getting into the details of specific issues or strategies:

• Development plans and designs should be based on the best available scientific data (e.g., geotechnical analyses, landslide hazard maps, etc.).
• Many of the issues are inter-related and tradeoffs may exist among recommended strategies (e.g., public safety versus environmental protection considerations regarding road design).
• Each local government has their own set of policies and regulations. It is important to meet with a local planner and check local and state regulations prior to developing detailed designs.

Specific Issues

• Public Safety – including landslides and emergency response/access
  
  
• Public Health – including water supply and wastewater treatment
  
  
• Water Quality and Quantity – impacts from increased soil erosion and stormwater runoff and the resulting impacts on fish and other aquatic organisms
  
  
• Best Management Practices and Improvements to the Development Review Process
  
  
• The loss of natural areas – including forestland and wildlife habitat – and the role of land conservation
  
  
• Economic Impacts – positive and negative impacts of both development and protection programs.