Julius Gy. Fabos

Introduction and overview : the greenway movement, uses and potentials of greenways

Abstract This special greenways issue has three overlapping purposes. First, to introduce the greenway movement through the best available and current literature on greenway research, planning and implementation. Second, to examine this and earlier greenways literature so that we can offer a clearer and perhaps a more comprehensive definition of greenways. Third, to organize the papers into logical groups to facilitate a better understanding of the greenways movement.

An ecological approach to landscape planning using geographic information system technology

Abstract This paper describes two research programs that are aimed at developing ecologically-based landscape planning models. The first of these models was developed as part of a more comprehensive landscape planning research program at the University of Massachusetts. The second is an on-going program in forest land planning at the University of Vermont. In addition to an emphasis on ecological values, both projects make extensive use of computerized geographic information systems (GIS) for data storage, analysis and display. The emphasis has been to develop a synthesis of planning procedures, ecological theories and quantitative techniques. Both research efforts were guided by a three-part methodological framework adapted from the work of Eugene Odum. The Massachusetts work generated a two-part classification system. The first part of the classification uses the statistical technique of discriminant analysis to place land uses into five groups, each having similar ecological characteristics. The second part of the classification is based on the physical and environmental characteristics of a site. The biological and denudational potentials of a site are determined from soil characteristics and slope. A comparison of the two classification schemes was made to determine ecological compatibility. The procedures were applied to two communities in Western Massachusetts. The Vermont study was aimed at integrating ecological values into forest land management and planning processes. The research utilized soils and topographic information in the development of an ecologically based forest land suitability model. Forest site index and soil erosion potential were determined using data stored in a computerized geographic information system. Forest site index estimates were made by utilizing an existing, well documented soil-site index regression equation applicable to the Green Mountains of Vermont. Soil erosion potential estimates were made by combining a soil erodability factor (K) with slope. The site index and soil erosion estimates were combined to produce land suitability classes for resource protection, forest management, multiple-use and trade-off. The procedure was applied in the Mad River Valley in Central Vermont. Both the Massachusetts and the Vermont studies are seen as significant contributions toward the integration of ecological factors into processes for landscape planning and resource management.

Using geographic information systems to assess conflicts between agriculture and development

Abstract The conflict between agriculture and urban development is intense in urbanizing areas of the United States and is a problem best resolved at the local level. To effectively develop and apply techniques for preserving farmland, areas of conflict must be identified. This article describes the application of a geographic information system (GIS) for determining the location and level of conflict between agriculture and other forms of human intervention. The procedures used for assessing conflicts are described through a case study in the city of Westfield, Massachusetts and the findings show that GIS can be an effective tool for local decision makers, allowing alternative strategies to be developed and evaluated for agricultural protection.

Landscape plan formulation and evaluation

Abstract The paper identifies landscape constraint and opportunity issues. Response to these issues by landscape planners is traced from the mid-18th century to the present. It is argued that the response has generally moved from a negative or defensive posture to a more positive orientation. In particular, landscape analysis and assessment procedures, which traditionally have been used as defensive tools to development, are now being incorporated into landscape plan formulation and evaluation procedures. The new approach provides the landscape planner with the tools to develop a landscape ‘biased’ future land use scenario, as a positive development recommendation. Using the METLAND research at the University of Massachusetts as a case study, a landscape planning process, incorporating procedures for landscape assessment, plan formulation and evaluation is summarized. It is argued that future landscape research should concentrate on landscape plan formulation and plan evaluation procedures.

Computerization of landscape planning

Abstract The thesis of this paper is that computerization will improve landscape planning. It discusses five revolutionary forces which make computerization inevitable and shows how these forces will help in improving various aspects of land use decision making. In the second part of the paper a series of key questions are raised, questions that must be dealt with prior to successful computerization.

Continuing a Planning Tradition: The New England Greenway Vision Plan

Following in the tradition of Olmsted and Eliot, this study highlights a visionary greenway plan for New England that is the culmination of volunteer efforts by over 200 professionals, academics, students, government officials, and citizens. The purpose of this study was to promote landscape architects’ leadership role in the greenway planning movement using New England as a demonstration project. Working across multiple scales, greenway plans at the state, regional, and site level were developed and disseminated using state-of-the-art computer technology. The study outlines a five-step approach for greenway planning that addresses nature protection, recreation and tourism development, and historic and cultural resource preservation. In addition, this study provides insights for coordinating regional greenway efforts across multi-jurisdictional political boundaries.

Energy Saving Landscapes

Landscape as an intrinsic community resource is shown to offer a significant opportunity for energy savings through locally grown food, protection of ground water, and recreational opportunities in contrast to the direct land conversion brought on by urban decentralization. Lacking local landscape, population centers must import goods at extra fuel cost. The Metropolitan Landscape Planning Model (Metland) of Massachusetts maps and assesses landscapes as regional resources in order to identify those areas with the greatest capability and to assign dollar values on a per-acre basis. Several scenarios are developed using four commodities--milk, apples, water, and sand and gravel--to test the theory that local landscape resources offer the best and least costly source of commodities and amenities. The implications for community growth and land use planning combine considerations of social and economic benefits to the community with the development of more efficient energy use patterns. 17 references.