Mission: Serve as a model for regional sustainability planning, improving the quality of life for current and future generations through consensus, shared vision and collaborative action. Vision: A vibrant and prosperous region with a balanced and sustainable mix of natural, economic and cultural resources. Purpose: Promote sustainable development and practices.

Sandhills Ecosystem Richmond (67%) Hoke (59%) Moore (58%) Scotland (41%) Harnett (36%) Lee (33%) Cumberland (11%) Montgomery (10%) 2,507,600 Total Acres 977,600 Acres (39%) of Sandhills Ecosystem Carthage Troy Sandhills Ecosystem Boundary

Case Study Keys to success Focus publicly on a few issues, but work them all Listen – then stress resonant local benefits (new jobs, increased tax base, efficient government) Develop a collaborative network Operate under other organizational umbrellas Productive and informative meetings Match work scope to capacity Be advocates for sustainability What to avoid?

SS Chronology 2000 – Fort Bragg sustainability initiative launched 2002 – Tad Davis & Bill Ross partner and host Executive Conference on Sustainability 2003 – Sustainable Sandhills 4 day training results in formation of 5 Community Resource Teams 11/2004 – SS incorporates as an NC nonprofit 7/2005 – USEPA awards 3 year STAR grant 8/2005 – SS hires first employee (me!) 9/2005 – 501(c)(3) status granted by IRS 1/2008 – 2 fte staff, 2 fte contractor support

Sustainable FORT BRAGG Water Use Water Quality Waste Reduction Green Purchasing Green Building Energy Conservation Air Quality Transportation Land - Compatible Use Land – Training Cultural Resources Team Structure Leverage Bragg & NCDENR Resources Sustainable SANDHILLS Water Team Materials Use Team Energy Team Air Team Land Use Team Cultural Team

Program Examples USEPA Grant Project “Vision to Action” with USACE & EPA Regional Tourism & Green Infrastructure Regional Agricultural Sustain’y Program City of Fayetteville Recycling Task Force High Performance Schools Symposium Habitat for Humanity Green Building Green Business Program

USEPA Land Use Project Project: decision support tool for integrated planning. Began as 6 counties – now 11! Models suitability potential for 6 land uses. Partners: planners, developers, conservation… Challenges: long & complex project. Surprises: developer interest, LOTS of land with multiple suitability. Outcomes: 4 local gov’ts engaged, lead to Vision To Action workshops and other grants. (

“Vision To Action” Project: art-based community visioning workshops in 4 small Sandhills towns. Partners: USACE, EPA Brownfields, grassroots community activists, 2 professional artists. Challenges: raised expectations of funding. Surprises: similar visions in all 4 towns. Outcomes: SS knows community priorities in 4 small towns; workshop process and artwork used in 3 community grant applications. (

LAURINBURG Downtown, looking south

WAGRAM Downtown, Hwy 401 north

ROCKINGHAM Approach to downtown Hwy 1 north

DUNN Downtown Main Street

LAURINBURG Leith Creek, ID’d for trail and park

DUNN I-95, Exit 73

WAGRAM Lumber River is a key asset

ROCKINGHAM Downtown square & fountain

DUNN Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail

DUNN Wetlands for greenway

DUNN Group with VTA posters

Regional Tourism & Green Infrastructure Project Project: SS coordinates a regional conservation and sustainable tourism planning, development and marketing effort. Partners: conservation & tourism org’s, agri- tourism, eco-tourism & cultural heritage destinations, the region’s planning community. Challenges: the huge scope of the project. Surprises: funder interest (Golden LEAF). Outcomes: none yet; the project leverages prior SS GIS work and attempts to unite the conservation & tourism communities.

Regional Agricultural Sustainability Program Project: Tobacco Trust Fund grant creates a new regional extension agent position for 2 years to coordinate and support sustainable agriculture efforts in an 11 county area. Partners: NCSU Cooperative Extension, BRAC Regional Task Force, Sustainable Fort Bragg. Challenges: large scope of coordination task; new ideas; difficult to find qualified candidate. Outcomes: none yet; 1/3 of a 3-part program (farmland preservation and eco/agri/cultural heritage tourism efforts are the other 2 parts).

Fayetteville Recycling Task Force Project: SS facilitated a City Council-appointed task force to make recycling program rec’n. Partners: NCDENR, Mayor, SS Materials Team. Challenges: competing needs, fee, no MRF, failed 1990’s project. Surprises: unanimous approval by Council. Outcomes: single stream curbside program for 60,000 HH; built trust with City staff & ELOF’s; SS now drafts grant applications for City staff. (

High Performance Schools Symposium Project: ½ day targeted educational event for 10 county school boards, superintendents, and design & construction professionals. Partners: NC SEO, 4 sponsors, 6 presenters. Challenges: first cost fixation, long lead time on school construction projects, facility shortfalls. Surprises: resistance to capital lease financing. Outcomes: 110 attendees; 14 months after the event 4 counties are contemplating LEED designs and/or capital lease financing. (

Habitat for Humanity Green Building Initiative Project: SS facilitates all Sandhills’ Habitat affiliates to build “SystemVision” homes. Partners: Progress Energy, NC Housing Finance Agency, SS Energy Team. Challenges: HfH construction staff resistance. Outcomes: Fayetteville Habitat to build all 2008 homes to SystemVision spec; $4000/home grant to Habitat; $20/home/month average energy savings make the homes even more affordable. (

Green Business Program Project: menu-driven program for business, institutional and local government sectors. Partners: NCDENR, EPA, Sustainable NC, energy utilities, media, local chambers. Challenges: “brand” recognition, staff time. Surprises: strong early response from pilot participants. Outcomes: none yet; pilot Q1-2008, rollout to office/retail, hotel/motel and restaurant sectors Q

A Regional Sustainability Initiative Jon Parsons, P.E. Executive Director