Recognizing that communities are deeply connected to their surrounding environments, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed tools and training to support community-based approaches and to supplement the Agency's traditional regulatory role. Human communities, whether clusters of homes, towns, cities, or other collections or networks of people, are part of the natural environment. We live among, and are deeply connected to, the many streams, rivers, lakes, meadows, forests, wetlands, and mountains that compose our natural environment and make it the beautiful and livable place so many of us value. More and more often, human communities realize that the health and vibrancy of the natural environment affects the health and vibrancy of the community and vice versa. We value the land, air, and water available to us for material goods, beauty, solace, retreat, recreation, and habitat for all creatures. Throughout the nation, communities are engaging in efforts to protect these treasured natural resources and the quality of life they provide.

Some of today's most pressing environmental problems, such as non-point source pollution, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and vehicle emissions are rooted in the cultural fabric of the country. The need to resolve these problems has led to new environmental protection approaches.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing tools and training to support community-based approaches and to supplement the Agency's traditional regulatory role.

External Links:

More Information: www.epa.gov/ecocommunity/

Further Reading:

Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place