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V h <br /> • • .. •1,y J 14 <br /> 15 � <br /> .%.• 1. .,-a <br /> It <br /> . ' ` ✓``mil <br /> Ir <br /> }': <br /> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7yy/./�, <br /> Whatever your findings , remember that one This is why it is so important for communities <br /> type of land use is not intrinsically better than to see the full picture of their land uses . Disclosing <br /> another . Communities should not blindly pursue the net contribution of farm , forest and open lands <br /> either a conservation or a growth management can help local leaders overcome the notion that <br /> agenda . Planning decisions must be community - natural resources must be converted to other uses to <br /> based and reflect local goals and opportunities . ensure economic stability . At the least , they should <br /> However , in the past , slighting the economic help dispel the myths that residential development <br /> importance of farm and forestlands has meant these lowers taxes , or that use- assessment programs give <br /> precious natural resources have consistently been landowners an unfair tak break , <br /> sacrificed to their " highest and best " use , forever Even with due consideration of their multiple <br /> altering the local landscape and weakening the local economic and environmental benefits , farm and <br /> potential of resource-based economic development . . forestlands will continue to be threatened by <br /> And while commercial / industrial growth offers a conversion to higher tax-generating uses . That is <br /> potential balance , it is not a miracle cure , either , why local decision- makers must weigh all the <br /> What happens when local skills are not available to advantages that farm and forestlands have to offer <br /> fill the jobs created by new businesses ? Will new in the planning , zoning and public policy process . <br /> houses be needed for the people who move to town Supporting farmland protection and conservation <br /> to take the new jobs ? Will the cycle continue? can prove to be a sound community investment . <br /> 19 <br />