Board Feet to Board heads: Natural Amenity-led Development in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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Date
2009-06-12
Authors
Kraemer, Nicholas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
Many rural communities in the American West are in transition
from natural resource extraction based economies to new forms of
development. Those located in natural amenity rich areas are
experiencing an influx of visitors and newcomers that drive
increases in the demand for residential, retail, and service sector
development. Despite the potency of natural amenity led
development, planning theory concerned with employing amenity
migration on behalf of community development is in its infancy.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Act is an important
response to this type of development and serves as a case study of
the evolving approach of the Federal Government in guiding the
rural restructuring of the West.
Through a combination of interviews and policy review this
project explores the question: Has the National Scenic Act
contributed to a new natural resource based economy, in which
environmental protection has become the driver for nearby rural
communities?
The findings of this research suggest that the National Scenic Act
has been implemented quite differently by Washington and
Oregon; and these differences have contributed to significantly
varying outcomes on opposite sides of the Columbia River. In
particular, these findings imply that limiting economic growth to
strictly defined urban areas can serve to protect agricultural
economies, but may have substantial impacts on housing
affordability.
Overall, natural amenity led development is impacting all aspects
of rural life and must be carefully planned if it is to result in a
sustainable form of development for rural communities.
Description
Examining committee: Michael Hibbard, chair
Keywords
Sustainable development -- Oregon, Sustainable development -- Washington (State), Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (Or. and Wash.)