Fishermen, former loggers, and conservationists are just some of the groups with a stake in whether a mining operation takes root in Washington state.
The U.S. Forest Service has permitted exploratory drilling in Washington's Green River Valley, near Mount St. Helens, after Canadian company Ascot Resources proposed drilling over 900 acres to determine whether the area holds enough gold and copper to warrant a full mine.
In an area that has lost employment opportunities from a declining logging industry, the potential mine has support. But the location is also one of the Wilderness Society's 15 places in the U.S. deemed "too wild to drill," and environmentalists say that an open-pit mining operation could pollute drinking water and threaten steelhead. One advocate suggested to Northwest Public Radio that looking to mining for renewed prosperity could also preclude an alternative economic future in outdoor recreation.
FULL STORY: Possible Mount St. Helens Mine Sparks Familiar Debate: Economy Or Environment?
The Link Between Transit Access and Employment
Inadequate access to transportation hinders many Americans’ access to job opportunities.
Trying to Keep Youth in Changing Alaskan Fishing Towns
For coastal fishing communities in Alaska, tighter rules on fishing mean that there are fewer jobs. This is especially evident for younger populations, who find few reasons to stay in town. Researchers are looking at ways to increase retention.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions