Tuesdays at APA: Planning and Zoning for Natural Resource Protection

Planning and Zoning for Natural Resource Protection
September 27, 2011


In recent decades, planners have continued to be involved in
natural resource protection as a core area of both interest and
expertise. However, in many places, mitigation takes precedence
over more meaningful efforts to avoid or minimize environmental
damage. When wetlands are disturbed or mature trees replaced with
seedlings, it may take decades for the natural system to return
to its prior value, and in terms of net carbon emissions, the
debt may never be repaid.


Now that planners are taking a renewed interest in
sustainability, the time is right to rediscover planning and
zoning principles to protect natural resources.


Lane Kendig, founder of Kendig Keast Collaborative, discussed how
planners can use performance zoning for resource protection.