Natural Environment and Climate can be described in many ways, but for the purposes of this plan, the Natural Environment and Climate elements (or chapters) of the comprehensive plan will identify what makes Camas special and unique today and the goals and policies that are needed to foster long-term resilience, safeguard vulnerable communities, and enhance public health and well-being.
The Natural Environment element includes a vision and four goals.
VISION: In 2045,
Camas embraces its connection to nature and enjoys a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Access to forests, clean water, parks, and trails is foundational to Camas’ quality of life. The community shares a deep reverence for Camas’ beauty, scenery, and tranquility, and is committed to preserving and enhancing its natural resources and tree canopy. Through proactive planning, the City mitigates the effects of changing climate conditions and natural hazards, ensuring a resilient community for generations to come.
Goal NE-1 Environmental Stewardship
Preserve Camas’ natural environment citywide by developing a sustainable urban environment and protecting natural areas and open space, including critical areas.
Goal NE-2 Critical Areas
Preserve, maintain, and restore the City’s critical areas to protect their function and value.
Goal NE-3 Shorelines
Use the full potential of shoreline in accordance with the opportunities presented by their relationship to the surrounding area, their natural resource values, and their unique aesthetic qualities offered by water, topography, and views. Develop a physical environment that is both ordered and diversified, and which integrates water and shoreline uses while achieving a net gain of ecological function.
Goal NE-4 Landscape Enhancement and Tree Preservation
Preserve existing natural landscapes and tree canopy. Support opportunities for increasing native and climate resilient landscaping and tree canopy.
The Climate Change and Resiliency element includes a vision and six goals.
VISION: In 2045, Camas has proactive plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate the effects of changing climate conditions and natural hazards, ensuring a resilient community for generations to come. The most vulnerable communities are protected, and climate planning contributes to improvements in community health and well-being.
Goal CL-1 Energy
Ensure that development and redevelopment projects, including buildings and energy infrastructure (generation, storage, and transmission) are designed to accommodate and use renewable energy, conservation, and efficiency technologies and practices to reduce GHG emissions and increase resiliency to natural hazards.
Goal CL-2 Transportation
Improve the efficiency and resiliency of the transportation system to achieve GHG reduction goals and better withstand natural hazards.
Goal CL-3 Local Agency Sustainability and Preparedness
Support agencies, districts, and businesses in establishing and achieving their own sustainability goals, initiatives, and programs.
Goal CL-4 Community Health
Protect community health and well-being from the impacts of climate-exacerbated hazards and ensure that the most vulnerable residents do not bear disproportionate health impacts.
Goal CL-5 Emergency Preparedness
Enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to mitigate risks and impacts associated with natural hazards.
Goal CL-6 Water Resources
Protect and preserve the long-term quality and quantity of Camas’ water, and natural and cultural resources from climate change hazards such as drought and extreme participation.
Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions. Your input will help us prioritize the actions that best support the vision and goals for Natural Environment and Climate.
