{"CustomContentID":210,"FormatContainer":"","WidgetTitle":null,"SettingStorage":null,"UpdatedFields":["CustomContentID"],"UpdatedFieldsMobile":[],"Mobile_Display":true}Our mission is to provide information, plans and options to promote conservation of Oakland County's natural environment while supporting sustainable economic growth, development and redevelopment.
Oakland County is blessed with an abundance of unique landforms and exceptional natural features created by retreating glaciers some 14,000 years ago.
Enjoying more natural lakes than any other county in the state (over 1,400), containing the headwaters of 5 major rivers (Rouge, Clinton, Shiawassee, Flint and Huron) along with providing over 89,000 acres of parkland, Oakland County delivers exceptional opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts.
The Oakland County Planning Division provides a variety of environmental stewardship programs and services to local governments, non-profits, developers, and citizen groups.
Environmental Planning Support: Provide environmental related information for community master plans, partner projects, park and recreation master plans, and grant applications.
Custom Mapping and Information: Prepare custom maps, data, and other information. Develop and distribute county-wide including the Oakland County Geology, OakRoutes map and trail network, Green Infrastructure Vision and Fishing Opportunities.
Environmental Education and Outreach: Build awareness for local and regional environmental issues by providing workshops, presentations, meetings, and coordinating the Trails, Water, & Lands Alliance.
County-Wide Environmental Related Projects: Coordinate countywide efforts such as the Green Infrastructure Vision, Oakland County Trail Network and Water Resources Initiatives.
Environmental Related Place-Making Opportunities: Help local communities identify and preserve significant features within the community that help make the county a special place.
Regional and Statewide Environmental Initiatives: Provide support to Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Huron-Clinton Metro Authority (HCMA) for regional and statewide initiatives.
The Planning Division has developed a number of plans and resources focused on environmental stewardship and open space preservation.
Our Green Infrastructure Vision focuses on identifying an interconnected network of green space that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions, guides sustainable development, and provides associated economic and quality of life benefits to local communities.
The following resources offer guidance on the implementation of the Green Infrastructure vision:
Active trail and pathway planning has been going on in Oakland County for more than 30 years. The county-wide non-motorized system is envisioned to serve a diverse range of users, providing safe and well-maintained linkages to important natural, cultural and civic destinations and other points of interest within and outside of the county.
With the help of Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) we've identified potential natural areas in Oakland County. These areas are dominated by native vegetation and have the potential for harboring high quality natural areas and unique natural features. For more information, please take a look at the following resources:
This project identifies the significant wildlife habitat; water quality protection; and scenic, recreation, historical or cultural value of river corridors in Oakland County. The five major rivers in the county are the Huron, Rouge, Shiawassee, Clinton and Flint. See example below for the Rouge River Corridor.
This project's goals include developing an identity for the Rouge River Corridor and preparing a habitat management plan for its natural resources. Additional information for the Rouge Green Corridor includes:
The Oakland County Surface Geology and Hydrology Map focuses on the various types of glacial surface sediment types and landforms that are a result of the most recent ice age.
The Local Food Resources map highlights all of the farmer's markets, retail establishments selling local food, and local producers in Oakland County. Local food is important because it:
This initiative focuses on the importance and the benefits of using native plants in local landscape design projects and the removal of invasive species.
We are a supporting partner of the Oakland County CISMA.
The S&H Project was a study of natural landscapes in six communities in western Oakland County conducted between 1997-2000. This area of the county has unique natural features created by the gently rolling uplands and lowlands in addition to being the headwaters of the Shiawassee and the Huron Rivers.
The S&H project also identified potential planning tools and model ordinances for natural resource protection that can be used by local governments, non-profits, developers and property owners. The S&H Project is the foundation for the county-wide Potential Natural Area data and Green Infrastructure Planning information.
Contact us for more information about our Environmental Stewardship programs and upcoming networking opportunities.