This team-taught planning seminar/studio course brings together students with a variety of skills and knowledge and provides an opportunity to apply their accumulated expertise to a real problem facing a community in the nearby Union River Watershed. The intent is for students to realize the potential of a truly interdisciplinary approach to problem solving with a focus on watershed planning.  A major challenge facing the communities in the Union River Watershed is how to grow in a way that fosters a healthy year round economy, protects water quality and the environment generally, doesn't overload the existing public services and infrastructure, and provides potential for affordable housing.  Students work closely with town leaders, the Union River Watershed Coalition, state agencies, and citizens using geographical information system databases, computer modeling, land use planning methodologies, policy planning, law, and design skills on specific sites to assist decision makers in developing regulations and policies to enhance the quality of life. 

Level:  Advanced.  Prerequisite:  Land Use Planning or permission of the instructors.  Other recommended courses include any one or more of the following: Geographic Information Systems,  Architectural or Landscape Architectural Design Studio or Environmental Law & Policy.  Offered every third year.  Lab fee $35.