The Growth Management Act (GMA) charts a new course for Washington communities that has tremendous implications for parks, recreation, and open space planning. The GMA promotes wise use of limited land and resources which helps in sprawling, low-density land use that represents a threat to open space in this state.

The Pacific Northwest is green to the extreme. Yet a day trip can go from pristine wilderness to downtown Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver. How are these commercial and cultural hot spots keeping nature and growth in balance - and what's coming next? Trace the path from forests and fish to bikes and brews as Planning the Pacific Northwest continues the APA Planners Press series on how planning shapes major American cities.