Abstract
Impacts of Mandated Buffers in the Goose Creek River Basin
Track: State and Local Government
Author(s): Dana Clukey
It can be argued that regulations to preserve threatened wildlife are too restrictive and jeopardize the property rights of citizens. Such arguments can be made in the Goose Creek River Basin, located in Mint Hill, North Carolina. Large buffers have been placed around streams that feed into areas where the endangered Carolina Heelsplitter Mussel dwells. Elected officials are seeking ways in which the standards for the protective buffers can be met, while still giving these property owners options to use their land. A GIS analysis is completed to further understand and quantify the impact of the buffers on properties with the Town. Looking at features such as land use and coverage, the study identifies the scale at which properties are affected and the urgency of the need for suitable options for property owners. Using this and further analysis, potential planning tools are suggested to benefit all parties involved.
Dana Clukey
Town of Mint Hill
PO BOX 23457
Mint Hill , North Carolina 28227
United States
Phone: 704-545-9726
E-mail: dclukey@admin.minthill.com