Presentation Description: Project A is a proposed utility-scale solar project in the Midwest. The project team regards vegetation management and landscape screening as boxes to check, regulatory hurdles, or simply line-item expenses. Their approach to community engagement reflects this. Project A experiences passionate opposition from the surrounding community and faces possible denial of their local permit application.
Project B takes a different approach. They openly acknowledge the deeply-held value the local community places on its land and agricultural heritage. The Vegetation Management Plan is developed early and describes how its seed mixes will improve soil health and future agricultural potential; how the incorporation of native vegetation will support local wildlife, attract pollinators, and provide ecosystem services to the surrounding agricultural landscape. The project team seems to be speaking the same language as the surrounding community. Project B is proud to be the steward of this land for the next 40 years, and it shows in the permitting hearings. Project B's application gets approved on the first vote.
An emphasis on land stewardship is a powerful ally in agricultural communities - and just like farming, it all starts with the vegetation you'll be planting. My presentation will describe experience-based strategies for turning vegetation management and landscape screening into opportunities rather than afterthoughts, and provide tips for presenting these concepts to Commissioners and the public using shared language that resonates rather than alienates.
At the end of this presentation, developers, consultants, and advocates will be armed with a set of communication tools for using vegetation and land stewardship to support local permitting and get ahead of the opposition in agricultural communities.
