Large swaths of Fairfax County, Virginia allow bow hunting of deer in park spaces very close to where people live. One writer wonders if the benefits of "urban archery" are worth the risks.
Mike Grinnell reports on the legally sanctioned "urban archery" as a deterrent for the deer found in large numbers in the area.
"Called 'the most practical and cost-effective means' to control the deer population in a 2014 letter from Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources," writes Grinnell of urban archery, "it essentially means that bow hunting is allowed in many parts of Fairfax that are very close to where people live."
"More specifically, if park land is on an annually-published list of places, (about 19,125 of Fairfax County’s roughly 250,000 acres), bow hunting is allowed there between September and February, Monday through Saturday, from 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset," adds Grinnell.
After examining the legal grounds for bow hunting in populated areas, Grinnell goes on to examine data about hunting injuries before taking a stand on the side of choosing other options for controlling the deer population.
FULL STORY: Bow hunting in a suburban neighborhood: Is it wise? Safe?
Hunting in the 'Burbs
It's open season in Montgomery County, Maryland, where hunters are being allowed -- and in some cases encouraged -- to hunt deer in populated suburban areas.
Fairfax to Consider 'Parking Reimagined' Amendment to Increase Accessible Spaces
Parking reform went into effect in Fairfax County, Virginia, in January, but county officials are considering tweaks to make sure the new regulations don’t lead to a decrease in accessible spaces.
Fairfax County Approves Parking Reform
The new parking policy creates a new, tiered framework for parking requirements and reduces the required number of parking spots near transit.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont