Bioregional Planning in the Palouse Bioregion.
Bioregionalism, a commitment to balancing the desired trajectory of contemporary human societies with their ability to sustain themselves and their distinct surrounding natural environments, is a concept and perceived solution to many modern social, economic and ecological problems. Bioregional planning specifically seeks to develop “a mutual compatibility between environmental protection and continuing economic growth” (Benson and Roe), that is tailored to the specific needs of each unique bioregion.

“A bioregion can be defined as an area of relatively homogeneous, contiguous physical and biotic geography, in which human history is interwoven with ecological changes over a significant period of time” (Brownson). Within these boundaries where watersheds, ecoregions, and cultural ideas of place converge, there are processes, materials and social constructs that can and should be utilized by landscape architects and planners in their design processes to both encourage and implement bioregionally sustainable solutions.

My master's thesis explores bioregional themes and their use in planning and development within the context of the Palouse Bioregion including an in depth critique and analysis of current planning documents in several municipalities within the bioregion.