Cobb's push to save greenspace commendable

A letter to the editor by Sally Bethea, published in the Marietta Daily Journal on Wednesday, July 22, 2008

Cobb County's recent purchase of undeveloped land for protection and preservation, and its commitment to make more such investments, is indeed commendable.

One reason green space protection is important is underscored by the current drought in north Georgia - natural areas help conserve water.

Not only does undeveloped land not require additional water supplies, these areas allow rainwater to be absorbed into the soil where it can flow slowly through underground channels to sustain streams during droughts with what is called "base flow." Hard surfaces such as roads, parking lots and rooftops cause rainwater to move rapidly away, wasting it and often resulting in downstream flooding and pollution.

Of course, no county can afford to buy and protect all the land needed to restore the natural hydrologic functions lost to development; however, local governments such as Cobb are providing excellent examples to private landowners and developers to set aside permanent green space in their projects and to use pervious paving wherever possible.

Sally Bethea
Executive Director, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Atlanta