Urban development is the biggest threat to endangered plants as well. The news isn't all bad. Sprawl can be managed. Cooperation among state and local governments, planning commissions, developers, environmentalists, and concerned citizens can bring about changes in land use and development. Most were approved.
Some states have land trusts, while others are actually purchasing parks.
There are 19 states that have state growth-management laws to protect farmland. Communities can grow in an efficient manner by using existing infrastructure, or by building away from natural wildlife resources. Planned and managed growth may actually make a city a nicer place to live. Cities must recognize the connection between sprawl and highways. In a study by the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals, some business executives are promoting anti-sprawl measures by building plants closer to downtown centers or investing in older urban areas.