Everything isn't "rosy" in Portland

[tufsu1]

Interesting read...especially given the recent push for regionalism here in NE Florida.

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/the_quest_to_designate_where_t.html

[north miami]

Recall the book "Nine Nations of America" outlining specific norms and demographics profiling distinct regions within the United States and likely future direction.The Pacific Northwest title: 'Ecotopia'

Note too recent action in Maine towards preserving working forests.

Ecotopia indeed.I have been involved in Northeast Florida Planning as public participant since the early 1980's.The latest area "Reality Check" reveals a radical nostalgia for preserving "Agriculture" in Northeast Florida.
Such a movement would normally prove chilling to the region's development industry however the timing is perfect......the past decade has seen massive land areas future vested;Lake Asbury,Brannon/Chaffee Sector Plans total over 40,000 acres.Northwest St.Johns. A swath of other DRI on the heels of Nocatee.A large percentage of acreage "preserved",however most 'preserved' is protecting the protected-vast wetland belts.The uplands,largely composed of "Agriculture" cattle and timber,lost in name of 'smart growth',with Rayonier and other "forest industry" interests a key driver behind the transformation.How many MJ readers are aware of the Northeast Florida Timberlands Reserve proposals??So now enters Northeast Florida "Regionalism" and a fifty year time frame planning horizon never before seen- or allowed by most state planning protocol since the 1973 Local Government Planning Act.

One thing for sure- I imagine we will never see from Northeast Florida County Commissioners or Regional Council  the following :
"Clackamas County's Commissioners have aligned themselves with farm groups...and believe Washington County's development plans threaten some of the best farmland in the state.

It may not be 'rosy' elsewhere but that does not take the pressure off of the issues here in Florida.
In my experience "Ecotopia" is far ahead of us.