20 ENVISION FRANKLIN | Vision & Guiding Principles A. Scenic viewsheds and vistas should be preserved as amenities. These scenic resources include rolling hills, rural landscapes, Century Farms, rural corridors, floodplain, and forested areas. B. Every opportunity should be taken to expand the public space along the Harpeth River, tributaries and water resources through community open spaces, trails, viewing points, and canoe accesses. C. The Harpeth River and its tributaries should be protected through significant riparian buffers. Riparian buffer restoration is encouraged to provide wildlife habitat, slow stormwater runoff, improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, and reduce flooding. D. Development should be restricted on hilltops, hillsides, and steep slopes. Mass grading is discouraged, and site disturbance should be minimized so that natural topography and landforms are incorporated into site design. E. Established forested areas, existing tree canopies, specimen trees, and riparian buffers help to absorb air pollution, reduce glare, heat, and noise, and enhance the quality of life through health and recreational benefits. These resources should be preserved through careful site design. Clear cutting is discouraged. F. Native plant species enhance the environment by providing habitat for pollinators and contribute to the overall community character of Franklin. Ideal pollinatorfriendly habitat is comprised mostly of native wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees blooming in succession throughout the growing season. The City encourages the creation of new pollinator gardens and meadows consisting of native Tennessee plants and tree species. New installations should be strategically planted to ensure long-term viability year after year and appropriately sized for the location. Franklin became a Bee City USA affiliate in 2024 and encourages pollinator-friendly practices in new development. NATURAL BEAUTY FRANKLIN’S NATURAL FEATURES ARE IRREPLACEABLE ASSETS OF GREAT VALUE, AND THEY WILL BE PROTECTED WITH PLANNING AND CONSERVATION TOOLS AND CELEBRATED THROUGH CAREFUL SITE DESIGN.
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