Kurt Seitz | Environmental and Land Use Planning
Degrees
Master of Regional Planning - University at Albany (SUNY) - Albany, NY - December 2008
Bachelor of Science - Environmental & Forest Biology - SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry - Syracuse, NY - May 1985
Internships, Experience & Awards
Planning Assistant | NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) | Albany, NY |Summer 2007, Summer and Fall 2008
Research, analysis, document preparation, and other planning assistance in the State Parks Planning Bureau; 2008 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP); Statewide Trails Plan.
Project Assistant | Parks & Trails New York | Albany, NY | Spring 2008
Volunteer | Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (board 1999-2003), Cayuga Trails Club (Trails Chairman 1999-2001), Finger Lakes Land Trust (Preserve Management Committee 1997-2002), Finger Lakes Trail Conference (board 1994-1996)
Planning/Research Interests
With a lifelong interest in landscape design, exploration, and trails and a firm background in environmental science, recreation planning, land stewardship, and hospitality, Kurt is pursuing a career in regional planning with an emphasis on merging aspects of environmental conservation, outdoor recreation, cultural development, sustainable transportation, and landscape planning. His many years of experience and environmental awareness have greatly contributed to his understanding of the interaction of humans and nature. Having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and bicycled across the country, Kurt was instilled with an appreciation of the greenway concepts of both park planner Frederick Law Olmsted and regional planner Benton MacKaye, the latter a pioneer in linking environmental conservation and recreation. Kurt’s career goal is to find creative ways of developing a new appreciation of the relationship between the diverse aspects of environmental and land-use planning while utilizing the latest technology and research in a rapidly changing world.
Thesis/Research Paper Topic
Kurt intends to research the history and development of greenways after establishing a working definition of the term based on modern concepts. He will explore case studies of successfully planned greenways and take a look at the direction that greenway planning is taking.