The authors present a normative vision and planning framework for prot
ecting landscapes and ecosystems. They suggest that good planning of r
esidential environments requires that planners re-examine priorities a
nd regulations from the point of view of sustaining landscape processe
s and functions. The health and prosperity of communities over the lon
g term depends upon natural processes and landscape function. Without
a healthy environment, human communities face uncertain futures. Plann
ing to sustain landscapes implies not only a new philosophy but also d
ifferent land-use practices within communities.