Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/635211
18 safety & environment The New North region ranks high on safety from total crime, and access to an abundance of rich, natural resources — but the citizens of Northeast Wisconsin don't take safety and environment for granted. Communities, schools, employers, law enforcement and public offi cials understand the importance of preparedness, implementing measures to protect communities and to foster a confi dent feeling of security for all citizens, as well as to nurture a sustainable environment to ensure a bright and prosperous future for generations to come. It's not by chance that communities in the New North region are consistently recognized as some of the safest in the nation. Companies and public buildings implement and practice emergency evacuation and lockdown plans, and schools take pride in Safe and Drug-Free School guidelines. Local safety efforts are elevated to the national and state levels with a Department of Homeland Security council, whose mission is to safeguard everything from the air to building infrastructure. In addition, the region's law enforcement education and training is some of the best in the nation, including renowned criminal justice and forensic programs. What's more, communities to Fortune 500 corporations are working to reduce Northeast Wisconsin's environmental footprint. Extensive recycling programs are standard in the region, utility groups offer renewable energy programs, and construction and engineering companies promote sustainable green building initiatives to minimize the use of precious natural resources. With further help from cause-specifi c groups, the New North region's environmental future looks bright. Government departments and task forces, along with area non-profi ts and action committees, work to protect the public health, wildlife, forestry, rivers, wetlands and prairies. " In China, where I come from, we aspire to live out the wisdom of an ancient poet, Tao YuanMing, in that as humans we should be one with nature. In Wisconsin, it's possible to embrace that sentiment because of an abundance of rich, natural resources, which helps to make life so much more enjoyable and colorful." baodong (paul), 42 Resources: www.wisconsin.gov www.wgba.org www.dnr.state.wi.us www.wi-state-fi refi ghters.org Visit www.thenewnorth.com for additional web site information.