Oregon Land Use Update
August 25 , 2005

In this issue:

1000 FRIENDS OF OREGON

• Rangeland Report released: impacts of rural sprawl on ranching and wildlife habitat
• Partnership created to support Garibaldi trail network
• Mid-Coast Forum in Florence on October 1
• Gala 30th Birthday Party at the Portland Convention Center on October 15
• Un-coordinating transportation and land use planning

OREGON NEWS

• Legislature Passes SB82, "Big Look" legislation
• Pringle Creek Sustainable Community Event in Salem on August 27
• Oregon: the only state with no increased obesity rate
  

NATIONAL NEWS

• Churches support "New Urbanism" as effective tool to counter isolation
• Ventura, CA plans for more people, good jobs, and more freedom from cars: all with infill

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1000 FRIENDS OF OREGON

Rangeland Report released: impacts of rural sprawl on ranching and wildlife habitat

It's more than just sagebrush: Oregon's rangelands are home to family ranches and herds of pronghorn, mule deer and elk.  Two years ago, we began by listening to ranchers, environmental organizations, academics, land trusts and other experts to identify rural development patterns are areas with important habitat. The result is a report that identifies where development is happening and what impacts that development has on family ranches and habitat.
Download the report in PDF.

Last week, we announced an unusual partnership to create a a trail in Garibaldi linking main street, the waterfront, two future parks and key public buildings such as the museum and elementary school. Learn more about our partners and the project.

Join us at the forum Tides of Tomorrow: Working Together for the Future with the Coastal Futures Project partners: 1000 Friends of Oregon, Oregon Downtown Development Association and Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition. View the agenda and register online.

One of the things that makes Oregon a great state is the people.  Join with some great Oregonians to celebrate three decades of advocating for better communities.  Find out more online or contact Development Director Kristie Perry at 503-497-1000.

The Transportation Planning Work group has been working on a draft Transportation Planning Rule purpose statement.  Clarity and coordination of land use and transportation are key points made in our August 12 comments to the work group.  To download the comments, see our home page.

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OREGON NEWS

Legislature Passes SB82, "Big Look" legislation

The best land use law to come out of last session is potentially SB82, the "Big Look".  This bill authorizes a 10-member task force to take a comprehensive look at Oregon's land use planning program and see how well it meets current and future needs.  No members of the task force have been appointed yet, but click here for more information about the new law.

Oregon stands alone (and tall) as the only state that did not increase its obesity rate last year.  Every other state  increased their rates.   One of the effective tools in combating obesity mentioned in the report is designing communities with walking in mind.  For details on how Oregon ranks.

 

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NATIONAL NEWS

Churches support "New Urbanism" as effective tool to counter isolation

Theology and urban design have more in common than you might think.  Church leaders are supporting community designs that foster human interactions.  Click here for an article on faith and planning.

Can infill really maintain a high quality of life in the face of 20% growth?  Ventura, California is betting on it.  Planning for 20% population growth and 5 million more square feet of commercial/industrial space, good jobs, workforce housing and more is done by relying on an infill-first strategy.  The city just adopted an update of its 20-year general plan with support of the Chamber of Commerce and public outreach. Click here for an article on what the city is doing.
For details on the plan, see the city's website.

 

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Credits/Subscription Info

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Land Use Update is edited by Kate Kimball and brought to you by 1000 Friends of Oregon, a statewide organization dedicated to protecting Oregon's quality of life.

To help support this work, including the distribution of Land Use Update, please consider making a tax-deductible donation online at http://www.friends.org/support

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