California led the nation with 3,547 beach closings and warnings.
A report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)based on data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency found that pollution caused 7,214 beach closures or warnings for public beaches last year. California led the nation with 3,547 beach closings and warnings. Storm water runoff is the most common cause for beach pollution. In rural areas runoff of agricultural chemicals is also a problem. "The good news is we're seeing a more comprehensive picture of beach water quality than ever before," said Sarah Chasis, a senior attorney at NRDC and director of the beach report project. "The bad news is that the growing number of advisories and closings indicate that too little is being done to prevent beach pollution."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Study: State's health-affected beach closures are climbing

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service