Date of Award:

5-2013

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department:

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Committee Chair(s)

David L. Bell

Committee

David L. Bell

Committee

Carols V. Licón

Committee

John C. Allen

Abstract

Until the last half century, land development patterns in the Intermountain West were designed after the Mormon settlement pattern. With its gridiron streets and in-town farmsteads, this pattern gave families the opportunity to grow crops and raise a few animals on their one acre or less in town, with the added advantage of having a social life. In many places over the last century, cities have grown, small farms have dwindled, and large farms have been pushed to the fringe. However, in the Intermountain West the agrarian tradition continues with a number of families who grow gardens and raise animals on their large city lots, who value self-sufficiency, and who thrive in wide open spaces.

Modern development methods, such as smart growth, New Urbanism and conservation subdivisions seek to minimize individual lot size and emphasize public open spaces. These may work in other parts of the country, but how do people in the Intermountain West feel about them? Do development patterns that encourage small lots and/or shared amenities appeal to Westerners who are accustomed to plenty of space for growing gardens or raising livestock? Or are people who live on large lots in this region even still using their land in those ways?

To better understand the land uses and preferences of this population, a research survey was mailed to a sample pool of residents of Cache Valley, Utah who live on large lots with animal rights. They contributed an array of data about their backgrounds and how they are specifically using their land. Their responses validated the existence of a continued agrarian culture and gave insight on how they felt about trends in conservation subdivisions and common open space. A range of opinions about ideal lot size supported rural planners’ suggestions to develop lots of varying sizes to meet the needs of a diverse population.

Small farms on large lots can be a valuable part of a sustainable urban and rural environment. Local vegetables and agricultural products bring nature and natural processes back to an urban setting, plus reduce the environmental footprint imposed by extensive shipping. Culturally, small farmers provide a food connection to the land, a persistence of local heritage, and fulfill a lifestyle choice for a rural-minded population. Particularly in the Intermountain West, planners need to integrate these small farms into their developments to preserve the rural character of towns and cities of the region.

This study serves as a resource for planners who seek to develop region-specific planning techniques that will best serve the people of the Intermountain West. Results from the questionnaire display many of their preferences for amenities, open space and needs. Planners can use this information to adapt modern planning methods to preserve not only the land, but the culture and lifestyle of urban agrarians.

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