LID - The Highlands at Langley
WICD and the Highlands at LangleyThe City of Langley is the first local government in the region to adopt LID guidelines as part of its development code. The Whidbey Island Conservation District (WICD) secured funding from the Department of Ecology in 2006 and entered into an agreement with Langley to provide a unique program for Langley residents to implement LID practices.
Whidbey Island Conservation District’s work with the City of Langley included technical assistance and education for Low Impact Development practices within the Highlands-Anderson Road development. Wellhead water quality protection is a high profile community concern regarding this development. Working with the City of Langley engineer and the consulting engineer for the development, the WICD engineer reviewed drainage plans and provided LID input throughout the process.
A Backyard Conservation planning process was developed. Several site specific Backyard Conservation plans have been developed as well as visits to numerous sites for inventory and evaluation. A total of six very well attended LID educational workshops were completed not only for Langley residents, but for residents and local government representatives throughout Whidbey Island.
Puget Sound Partnership and the Island County Health Department were partners in delivering these workshops. WICD has become the “hub” on Whidbey Island for LID information. Work with the Highlands Development continues as WICD develops homeowner guidelines on how to live in a “green community.”
Innovation/Highlightsq Application of Conservation District technical assistance and engineering in a new and emerging field
q Recognition of current and future natural resource needs and priorities in Island County
q Raising awareness for Low Impact Development among residents
q Providing a model for how conservation districts are positioned to play a key lead role in the adoption of LID practices.
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