Transfer of Development Rights - Project Manager

Nicholas joined the Cascade Land Conservancy in January of 2008 as part of the transfer of development rights team. The specific projects he works on include the implementation of a TDR program in southern Washington, as well as customized projects in Pierce County and Bellevue. His research and work experience is in urban forestry issues, including transportation, recreation, and land use incentive programs. A favorite topic of interest that Nicholas is researching is the economic drivers of development right pricing.

Nicholas completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in geology and French, and moved to Seattle to enjoy the great mountains and rivers of the Cascades. In 2004 he finished a dual master’s degree program at the University of Washington, specializing in social science at the College of Forest Resources and environmental public policy at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. Nicholas continued working at the College of Forest Resources as a researcher, and published articles on the role of trees in roadside environments.

When not contemplating the intricacies of land use issues in Washington, Nicholas pursues a variety of activities in the mountains. During the summer he seeks out remote alpine climbs in the North Cascades and rock climbing in the foothills, and in the winter he enjoys backcountry skiing and ice climbing. Before taking an office job, he worked for several years as a mountaineering guide in the Cascades and Rockies, and as a whitewater rafting guide in South Africa.

Contact him at nicholasb@cascadeland.org, or 206.905.6941.