Bruce Babbitt Interviewed

Terrain.org interviews the former Secretary of the Interior and "Cities in the Wilderness" author.

1 minute read

April 14, 2006, 7:00 AM PDT

By David Gest


"With degrees in geology, geophysics, and law, Bruce Babbitt was elected to statewide office on his first foray into elective politics in Arizona at the age of 36. In 1978 he became governor, was twice reelected to that office and served nine years in all. In 1988, Babbitt was a candidate for the presidency of the United States and from 1988-1993 he practiced law and served as head of the League of Conservation Voters."

"Terrain.org: What exactly do you mean by a 'city in the wilderness'?

Bruce Babbitt: The boundaries that once separated our cities from the surrounding forests, farmlands, and natural landscapes are beginning to blur and disappear. Sprawl is erasing the distinction between the built environment and the natural environment. And both the quality of urban life and the integrity of our natural ecosystems are declining. Cities and natural landscapes (or wilderness) function best with a fair degree of separation, which is made possible by good land use planning."

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 in Terrain.org

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