A: Low impact development can save money over conventional approaches through reduced infrastructure and site preparation costs, such as clearing and grading costs. Long term maintenance costs are also less expensive than conventional infrastructure repair.

A: All low impact development designs meet safety standards. Roads may be crowned for runoff, curved to reduce runoff speeds, or narrower to reduce impervious areas. Sidewalks may be located on only one side of the street and can be designed with permeable paving.

A: When properly designed, low impact development features, such as rain gardens, infiltrate rainfall. Because they do not pond water, they do not contribute to a mosquito problem.

A: There are many management options including landowners, homeowners’ associations, land trusts and municipalities. The key to good land management is planning and maintenance.

A: Whether you are a resident, business owner or land use official, there are things you can do. Discuss ideas for rain gardens with your neighbors, install a rain barrel, plant native grasses and forbs or serve on a land use committee.