MetroFuture directs growth away from areas designated as “core” and “supporting” habitat for rare and endangered species. Fewer new housing units would be built in or near the region’s Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. The region’s connected open space network would allow for more movement of wildlife.

If Current Trends continue, 49,000 acres of priority habitat for rare or endangered species will be lost, primarily in the Developing Suburbs. Residential development would result in the loss of 24,000 acres of undeveloped land in or near Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.

Objectives:

• Residential development will result in the loss of no more than 6,000 acres of land in Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.
• There will be no loss of core habitat for rare and endangered species.