Loading…
Public Outreach
Natural Resources Home
The introduction of invasive species, destructive burning, and habitat loss from human actions are factors in the decline of Guam’s native plants and animals and the degradation of Guam’s terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, anthropocentric stressors resulting in soil erosion, pollution, and overfishing continue to impact Guam’s coral reefs and coastal areas.
GCMP, in collaboration with Guam’s natural resource agencies, is tasked with protecting coastal habitats through youth and community engagement programs, providing GI technology and demonstration projects, as well as conducting education and outreach. Through these activities and approaches GCMP will continue preserving Guam’s natural charm and healthy coastal environments.GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Green infrastructure methods are a cost-effective, resilient approach to managing wet weather impacts. By utilizing natural resources as a means of mitigation, green infrastructure provides many community services by reducing and treating wastewater at its source while delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution in both urban areas and their surrounding environment. When rain falls on our roofs, streets, and parking lots the water is unable to soak into the ground due to the large amount of area covered by impervious surfaces. The stormwater runoff accumulates and carries trash, bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants from the urban landscape. Higher flows resulting from heavy rains also can cause erosion and flooding in urban areas, damaging habitat, property, and infrastructure as is regularly seen in areas such as Tumon and the south of the island.
When rain falls in natural, undeveloped areas, the water is absorbed and filtered by soil and plants. Stormwater runoff is cleaner and less of a problem. Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and other elements and practices to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create healthier environments. At the village scale, green infrastructure is a conglomeration of natural areas that provides habitat, flood protection, cleaner air, and cleaner water. At the neighborhood or individual site scale, stormwater management systems, such as rain gardens or green roofs, mimic nature by soaking up and storing water.
On this website you will be able to find a variety of green infrastructure options and designs that you can employ in your home and community at relatively low costs. Click the link titled “Designs” to see how you can improve your patch of island in a low cost and effective way.
Green Infrastructure Options and Designs
Rain Barrel | Rain Barrel Design
Cisterns | Cistern Design
Vegetated Swale Option and Design
Reforestation
Permeable Pavement | Permeable Pavement Design
Green Roof | Green Roof Design
Rain Garden | Rain Garden Design
Retention Ponds | Retention Ponds Design
Mangrove Enhancement | Mangrove Enhancement Design
Guam Rain Garden References
Santos Rain Garden
Rain Garden Flowchart
Rain Garden Installation Guide
Tips
- If you plan on digging, make sure to contact your utility agencies to ensure that you do not rupture or break a line/pipe.
- Some of the green infrastructure option presented may require special permitting
If you have any questions in regards to green infrastructure, please feel free to contact our Green Infrastructure Planner at patrick.keeler@bsp.guam.gov or (671) 475-9673.
Gallery
