The Deerfield NROC program started with the Dealing with Growth in Deerfield presentation in October, 2005. Over the course of the next few months, Deerfield-NROC participants identified goals, and formed Action Groups to develop and implement specific actions to achieve their natural resources protection goals. These activities are described below.

• Land Conservation: Implement the recently completed Open Space Plan, and generate public support for conservation funding

• Initiate a group to look at appropriate business and economic development in Deerfield

• Implement zoning changes and improve planning procedures

• Currently (spring 2006) working on an outreach and communications effort to publicize Open Space Plan.

• Developed a work plan to implement the results of the 2005 Deerfield Open Space Plan.

• Developed a short-term outreach strategy to build public support for increasing the amount of Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) allocated to the Conservation Fund. This effort was successful, and at the 2006 town meeting residents voted to increase the LUCT allocation to their Conservation Fund from 25% to 50%.

• Since there was an existing Open Space Committee, the Land Conservation Group combined with the Deerfield Open Space Committee

• Drafted a survey to inventory existing businesses and their vital signs and to establish what the current business climate is in Deerfield. The group plans to use the survey to open a dialogue about business leaders' thoughts on the town and its growth. During the process the group expects to find new allies and ideas.

• Developed a primary focus on business development in town, particularly businesses that would depend on and support a sustainable natural resource base.

• Formed a new group called the Deerfield Business Ventures Council, with an initial group of five members.

• The group’s next step is to look at strategies to reduce the impact of future development on water quality, and to determine what role they can play in updating the Master Plan. They also plan to work closely with the new Deerfield Business Ventures Council (see below).

• Developed a short term outreach plan to build public support for zoning changes designed to protect Deerfield's natural resources and to manage growth more effectively. This publicity effort was successful, resulting in Deerfield passing 13 of the 15 proposed zoning ordinance changes at the 2006 town meeting. A summary of these ordinance changes included:
  • Improved water protection - increased setbacks for new buildings and septic systems (inc. to 100 ft). This change included wetlands and surface waters
  • Open Space Subdivisions - set aside from open land as a part of each major subdivision.
  • Updated Septic requirements - improved testing to reduce the number of failed septic systems and protect health and water resources Phased development - stagger building of units to allow more time to plan for demand on town services.
  • Cell tower requirements - no impact on mountain views
  • Senior housing - ensure affordability, limit number of units