The paper outlines the tools and approaches which can be taken in the land development process in relation to preserving the natural environment. In the course of this outline, the author discusses the implications these tools have for developing a built landscape. The overall focus of the paper is on the municipal power during subdivision to dedicate lands as environmental reserves, municipal and provincial wetland policies and other tools that may be used. The author then analyzes which preservation tools may be most appropriate in a certain circumstance.

This paper was presented at LESA’s Environmental Considerations in Land Development program in September of 2011.