A private investment firm hopes to make a large profit while preserving the natural habitat, possibly leading the way for other firms to follow the model.
By purchasing an 807-acre ranch, a private investment firm hopes to make a large profit while preserving the natural habitat. The Laguna Beach group will receive conservation credits for dedicating Hidden Ranch as a preserve. The group will then sell the credits to developers and public agencies who need the them to offset planned construction on other sensitive habitats. Hidden Ranch is home to various natural species of plant and animal. Although several factors make the venture risky, if the Laguna group project succeeds it could encourage others to make money through land conservation. The National Audubon Society will manage the preserve and investors will ensure a $1 million endowment over the next five years.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: AIMING TO PROFIT FROM PRESERVATION

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

Study: 4% of Truckers Lack a Valid Commercial License
Over 56% of inspected trucks had other violations.

Chicago Judge Orders Thousands of Accessible Ped Signals
Only 3% of the city's crossing signals are currently accessible to blind pedestrians.

Philadelphia Swaps Car Lanes for Bikeways in Unanimous Vote
The project will transform one of the handful of streets responsible for 80% of the city’s major crashes.
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.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)