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payments or payments-in-lieu-of-taxes are generated from the new development in a TIF district; those revenues fund the public infrastructure improvements identified in the legislation that established the TIF district.

Land acquisition also plays an important role in environmental stewardship. Preserving land from development maintains natural areas for future generations and provides important habitats for animal and plant life. Conservation design applied to areas slated for development helps minimize negative environmental impacts and allows for community growth.

The Scioto River, with its north-south orientation, is a major neo-tropical bird migration route, akin to an interstate for birds. The river and its tributaries were an important natural resource for both the Wyandotte Indians and the original settlers. The Scioto’s tributaries within City limits are Deer Run, North Fork of Indian Run, South Fork of Indian Run, Cramer Creek, Cosgray Creek and Billingsley Creek. All of the waterways provide important riparian habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.

Buffering the waterway corridors with publicly owned lands helps preserve the plant and

animal life that is dependent on that particular environment and serves as a natural filter for storm water runoff and pollutants.

Dublin has a diverse topography. East of the Scioto River, the ground slopes primarily toward the river and is characterized by exposed limestone. On the west side, the land starts to flatten out and the topography is more rolling. Limestone is the predominant bedrock, which adds both visual and environmental interest to Dublin. Karst landscapes, whose formations are caused by the water-soluble limestone and dolomite bedrock, are found throughout the city. These landforms create sinkholes, underground drainage joints and caves. Preserving these landscape features enriches the parks scenically and environmentally.

In the central and southwest areas, flooding and ponding occurs. These areas were where wetlands and vernal pools dominated the landscape before agricultural draining practices were used. Preserving any remaining wetlands and vernal pools is important for water quality, native plant community preservation and wildlife diversity.