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development in a way that preserves rural character, productive farms , critical habitat, and recreational open space . This is best done through guiding development away from : Biologically or ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands , — critical habitat for the county ' s unique species , and those areas most productive for other uses such as farming , and encouraging clustered development in rural villages , activity nodes , and other areas most suitable for human habitation . Such planning which sites each use in its most appropriate area within the county creates a xichly diverse and productive landscape . Recommendations In addition to the studies mentioned above, the various committees working for the county have proposed strategies to address their particular area of concern . These groups should be encouraged to continue their work and to develop their studies into long-term policy recommendations . The BOCC should also see that the groups coordinate their planning and recommendations so that multiple solutions may be achieved within single proposals . In particular, the EIE Committee recommends that the Joint Master Recreation and Parks Work Group coordinate with the Bicycle . Task Force and the Land Resources Conservation Manager to examine ways in which open space might jointly or complementarily meet the needs of recreation, bikeways and critical habitat . The EIE Committee makes the following recommendations to address the rapid growth currently being experienced by the county . 1 . Immediately adopt and implement a farmland preservation plan . The EIE Committee recommends implementing both Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) for maximum flexibility in acquisition methods . Also include the Lands Legacy program as a preservation tool . 2 . Commit to updating and maintaining the Natural Areas Inventory as one of the county' s core tools for planning and guiding development . 3 . Commit funds to developing bikeways according to the Bicycle Plan of the Bicycle Plan Task Force , 4 . Commit funds to completing a report on Sustainability Indicators . 5 . Commit funds to public outreach, for educating the public on -the need to plan for the county ' s environmental future and for building support for the various tools and methods proposed . This would also include funding to disseminate the Sustainability Indicators report . It would also include funding to maintain and expand the county ' s environmental education website as developed by this committee and to promote it to the public . This committee also recommends that the county develop a cohesive plan for the protection of open space and that the ERCD revise and enhance existing tools and implement new tools for such protection. This committee recommends that the county adopt a resolution forthcoming from the Commission for the Environment regarding specific actions for the preservation of open space .