The United States is approaching a crossroads — unimpeded urbanization may soon collide with the limits of our country’s natural resources. The rate of this urbanization surpasses population growth, and threatens to overwhelm previous victories in environmental protection. Biological diversity — the rich variety of natural species that forms our natural life support system — is in jeopardy.

Because transportation infrastructure necessarily precedes development, current transportation planning will shape future urban growth. But mobility does not have to come at the expense of biodiversity. Second Nature: Improving Transportation Without Putting Nature Second profiles innovative programs that seek to improve transportation infrastructure while protecting biodiversity.

Click here to view the entire report (80 pages, Acrobat Format)
Click here to read the press release (html)
Click here to read the executive summary (html)

Case Studies from Second Nature (html):

Arizona
   Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP)
California
   Conservation Banking Policy
   Tri-Agency Partnership
Colorado
   Shortgrass Prairie Initiative
Florida
   Efficient Transportation Decision Making Process (ETDM)
   Key Deer Habitat Conservation Plan
   Wildlife Crossings
Iowa
   Living Roadway Program
Montana
   U.S. 93 Reconstruction
North Carolina
   Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Bank
Oregon
   CETAS
Texas
   Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Tram
Utah
   Zion National Park Shuttle Bus