Environmentally sensitive building and site‐design, following LEED Guidelines (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), should be encouraged to minimize the potential negative impacts of such things as forest and habitat disturbance as well as stormwater flows on adjacent sensitive areas, aquatic resources, and water quality. Incentive programs for private citizens to incorporate LEED principles in all home construction, repair and renovation projects can be developed. LEED initiatives can help educate the public and ensure that the natural environment is disturbed as little as possible by the impacts of the built environment.