The assumption that forest fires are a part of a "natural cycle" is partly wrong, says Michael Lind, and offers a solution for preventing forest fires that endanger homes and lives.
"Most of us assume that these giant conflagrations, often started by lightning, are a normal part of the natural cycle. That's partly true -- and partly wrong.The worst fires tend to occur where enormous amounts of dead tinder have accumulated in thick stands of trees. In much of the American West, neither the trees nor the tinder are "natural." They are there because something else is missing. That something is the buffalo....It is time to stop the century-long conversion of former buffalo country to forest -- and of that forest into firewood."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Opinion: Bring Back Buffalo Herds to Prevent Fires

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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.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research