TRENDS, ISSUES & CONSEQUENCES: TO ZONE OR NOT TO ZONE
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Identify social and ecological considerations where human uses of land conflict with each other and with wildlife habitat needs.
Describe the importance of land-use planning.
Method
Students role-play a meeting of a county commission pertaining to a land-use issue.
Teacher Planning
Subjects:Social Studies. Science, Environmental Problems, Language Arts, Speech Skills: analysis, application, comparing similarities and differences, description, discussion, evaluation, generalization, public speaking, reporting, research, snythesis, writing Duration: three 45-minute periods Group size:Large group; depends on students assuming roles Setting: indoors Conceptual Framework Reference: 1.D.. Il.A,, 11.B.. IIC., II.C.2..II.C.3., lID., Il.D.1.. ll,D.2.. II.D.3.. II.E., ll.E.1.,lI.E.2.. lI.E.3., ILF, IV.F11.. V.A.5., V.B., V.B.1.. V.B.2.. VI.A., VIAl,. Vl.A.2, Vl.A.3., Vl.A.4., VIA.5.. VI,B., VI.Bl.. Vl.B.2., VI.B..3, VI.B.4.. VI.B.5.. VI.B.6., VI.C., Vl.C.1., Vl.C.2, Vl.C.6.. Vl.C.7.. Vl.C.12.. Vl.C16., VI.D., Vl.D.1., Vll.A, VIl,A.1., Vll,A.2., Vll.A.3., Vll.A.4., Vll.B.. Vll.B.l., VII.B.5., Vll.B.6., VlI.B7. Key Vocabulary: land-use planning Materials: copies of role descrip tions; props optional for role-play; room set up for hearing
Background
This activity uses a role-play strategy for study of the importance of land-use planning. It emphasizes the complexities of decision-making where people of different points of view are involved. The major purpose of this activity is for students to understand the importance as well as some of the complexities of land-use planning and decision-making.
Background for Students Land use decisions affecting wildlife have become a familiar issue where housing developments are concerned. The following is an imaginary conflict that corresponds to some real life dilemmas:
Pleasant Valley is a ranching-logging community on the western slope of the Snow Mountains. Silverton—a town of 20.000—is the trade center of the area. Cramer Lumber Company is expanding its operations. This will provide 250 new jobs, but housing is very limited. A 200 home sub division has been proposed for an 80 acre plot of undeveloped land on the south edge of town. This forested area is bordered by Rattlesnake Creek on the west. Rattlesnake Creek provides excellent fishing for rainbow trout. Fifty-three species of birds have been sighted in this area, including some rare species. In the spring and fall, the area is used by migrating waterfowl and deer feed in the area. Many non-game species such as ground squirrels and pocket gophers in habit this land. This 80 acre plot is currently zoned for agriculture and forestry and would have to be rezoned as residential by a vote of the county commissioners. The subdivision would be on a central water system, but each home would have its own septic system.
Activities
Provide the students with copies of the background information concerning this hypothetical land-use dilemma.
Fifteen students will be assigned (or volunteer) for roles as county commissioners, local residents, and business people-with each receiving a card describing his or her situation. The rest of the students will have roles as news reporters, outside experts, concerned citizens, etc. These students may ask questions of people testifying at the hearing. They can be required to write letters to the editor or one of the com missioners in support of a particular point of view; write news articles about the hearing or personal impact stories describing the potential consequences for local workers, residents, school children, etc; prepare technical reports as researchers, etc. Every student should have a role-either as one of the 15 people preparing testimony for the hearing, or as active observers who prepare written questions, reports, or news articles.
To set the stage for the simulation, have each of the 15 participants read their personal data cards. The other students should select their role; they do not need personal data cards, although they may write their own. Students should then be given homework time to prepare their presentations as members of the inquiry; or questions, letters to the editor, and news stories as public observers. Students should be encouraged to improvise in developing their presentations and questions.
The day (or days) of the hearing, the chair person of the commission is to run the meeting. It is up to him or her to maintain order. All participants must be recognized by the chairperson before they speak. After all those presenting prepared testimony have spoken and have been questioned-the reporters, researchers, and concerned citizens will be asked to read their statements (articles, reports, letters to the editor. etc.). This is an excellent way to start the final day of the simulation. After all testimony, questions, and statements, the commissioners vote and give the reasons for their decisions.
Suggested time line for this activity:
Day I Read background information and select roles (approximately 30-45 minutes) homework prepare presentations
Day 2 Conduct hearing (approximately 30-45 minutes)
Day 3 Continue hearing, including reading of news items and letters to the editor; vote; discuss results
After the hearing and vote, discuss questions such as the following:
What are some things we have learned about land-use decision making?
What factors influence land-use decision making and planning?
What differences and similarities were there between how decisions were made in this activity and how they happen in our community?
Other areas? Other parts of the world?
Personal Data Cards
LEN OR LINDA OLSEN, REALTOR (COUNTY COMMISSIONER)
You started your business in Silverton five years ago. Your business is doing well, but you have difficulty relating to the old timers like Thompson. Your real estate company is not developing this property. You have some question regarding the credibility of the developer, but you generally vote in favor of development.
DAVID OR WANDA DRESSER, MERCHANT (COUNTY COMMISSIONER)
You are 46 and own a furniture store. You would like to sell furniture to all the new home owners. You can also see the value of the 60 acres left in a natural and undeveloped condition. You are wondering if there might be another site for the development of this housing area.
JACK OR JANET THOMPSON, RANCHER (COUNTY COMMISSIONER)
You are the third generation to run the Rolling T" Cattle Company. You are proud to tell people that your grandfather was one of the first to settle in this valley. Your spread covers 600 acres and you have grazing rights to surrounding U.S. Forest Service land. You resent the increase in population of the area and, although you are involved in community affairs, you resent individuals moving into the area who do not share your values. Last winter, snowmobiles cut your fences three times and in one case your cattle wandered onto the highway and caused a traffic accident.
BOB OR BETSY HENDERSON, FARMER (COUNTY COMMISSIONER)
You own and operate a large farm near the south edge of town and adjacent to the 80 acre plot in question. You have been interested in the possibility of buying the land to add to your family's agricultural operations. You've a keen interest in the environment, making efforts to employ agricultural practices that benefit wildlife and minimize damage to other natural resources. Since you are an adjacent landholder; you may need to disqualify yourself from participation as a Commissioner in this meeting.
ELMER OR BERTHA WILLAS, RESIDENT
You are a 68 year old "old timer" living on the land proposed fur the subdivision. You have lived on Cornwall's land for 45 years, built a home there with Cornwall's permission, and have raised seven children. You raise bees and chickens out back and your garden covers one-half acre. You are settled in the middle of the area pro posed for the housing development and there is no question that you will have to be evicted and your house torn down. You have no legal claim to any of the land, but have nowhere else to go.
JAMES OR ERMA FROSTY" WHITE, SNOWM OBI LER
You are 30 years old and have just been elected president of the Rattlers;' the local snowmobile club and you feel that you should defend their interests in the area. The cost of gas is high, and your club doesn't want to have to drive long distances to ride snowmobiles. You would like to open a snowmobile repair shop, but you might get a job at the new lumber mill.
TOM OR MARY BENNETT, PRESIDENT OF
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
This is your tenth year as president of the Chamber of C You own a grocery store in the middle of town. Your greatest concern is the weak business climate in your community. The Chamber recently hired Smith & Wittigen, a business consulting firm, to evaluate the retail potential of Pleasant Valley. Their findings indicate that the business community has overbuilt. Your profits and those of your fellow merchants have been steadily declining. You see this new lumber mill as the salvation of your business. You also have wondered about possible ways to improve the economy through increased tourism.
OSCAR OR JAN SPARROW, LOCAL AUDUBON PRESIDENT
You represent over 300 active Audubon members, and are director of the annual bird count competition. You have a list of 15 rare bird species found in the Rattlesnake Creek area. You are 37 years old, and work at the lumber mill.
GEORGE OR ALICE LONG WINGS, NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN LEADER
You have an interest in the sanctity of the area in question as it is an ancient ceremonial site for your tribe's people.
CHARLIE OR CHARLOTTE JACKSON, HUNTER
You are a 53 year old timer and an avid hunter and fisher. You have four boys and hunting has always been an important family activity. You are an influential member of Ducks Unlimited and the 80 acres proposed for development contains one of the prime duck hunting areas close to town.
WALLACE OR WILMA CRAMER LUMBER MILL OWNER
You own the nearby lumber mill. Operations have expanded and you need inexpensive housing for new employees coming to the area. The wood milled is used locally and transported throughout the state. It provides an important source of in come to the town.
MARTIN OR ETHEL HIGGINS, DEVELOPER
You are a big time developer in the area and can afford to buy the land outright. You will make a substantial profit if the housing that is needed for the lumber mill employees is built. You are successful and fairly competent. but you have been criticized more than once for a lack of attention to landscape detail and design.
HAROLD OR CORNELIA CORNWALL, LAND OWNER
You are a 63 year old retired business person. You want to sell your land, move to F Springs, and live happily ever after under sunny skies. You want cash, but your asking price is very reasonable. You own the 80 acres of prime wild land south of town.
FRANK OR FRANCES STUDY, COLLEGE PROFESSOR
You teach at a nearby community college. You are an active member of several animal welfare organizations, and are vocal in your opposition to hunting.
HARVEY OR GLADYS CROW. BANKER (COUNTY COMMISSIONER)
You are 50 years old, and, as a banker, are willing to finance new home loans. You are an art collector and former president of the local chamber of commerce. You also love bird-watching and fishing. You think the whole area south of town has economically valuable recreational potential but are concerned about protecting environmental quality.
Extensions
Have students identify a wildlife issue in their local area, gather data, and develop their own simulation.
Alter the role descriptions and repeat the simulation.
Use copies of a topographical map as common references for everyone.
Bring in real expert witnesses; e.g.. local people who can add their perspectives and expertise. If you do, make an effort to get a balanced range of points of view rather than hearing from only one perspective on the issues involved.
Adapt this activity to a debate format.
Evaluation
What are the purposes of zoning laws? How are zoning laws passed? Give an example of how a zoning law might be good for wildlife. Describe how citizens can get their opinions considered in land-use decision making processes.
Land use decisions affecting wildlife have become a familiar issue where housing developments are concerned. The following is an imaginary conflict that corresponds to some real life dilemmas:
In the spring and fall, the area is used by migrating waterfowl and deer feed in the area. Many non-game species such as ground squirrels and pocket gophers in habit this land. This 80 acre plot is currently zoned for agriculture and forestry and would have to be rezoned as residential by a vote of the county commissioners. The subdivision would be on a central water system, but each home would have its own septic system.
