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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service