RECLAMATION OF THE LANDSCAPE 343 



Mr. COLLINS. One-tenth of the price. 



Mr. PYLES. Mr. Collins is here from the British Isles. We might 

 ask him some more questions. Why in the United Kingdom do 

 you strip for coal ? Why don't you deep mine altogether? 



Mr. COLLINS. Strip mining of coal relatively near the surface is 

 far more economical than deep mining. It is as simple as that. 



STEPHEN COLBY. First, Dr. Bramble suggests empirical observa- 

 tions in the field constitute an in-depth study; this is not true. Em- 

 pirical observation is only the first step in a long series of steps for 

 in-depth studies. Much further thought is needed to describe in- 

 depth study. 



Second, in regards to Route 119 and other highways, at least in 

 terms of recreational values one can move a highway or use cos- 

 metic measures to control undesirable scenery. 



Third, if, when stressing recreation and not pollution control 

 values, the spoil banks are not necessarily unsightly if they are prop- 

 erly planted. In southern Illinois, the spoil banks, on which trees 

 and other things are planted, constitute some of our most interesting 

 landscapes. In some areas, such as central Illinois, the barren spoil 

 banks (by creating contrasting scenery to the beautiful monotony of 

 the cornfields) can represent a highly desirable and interesting feature 

 of the landscape. 



Fourth, rehabilitation of the landscape should not be limited to 

 coal mines but should include other works of man; such as gas sta- 

 tions, restaurants, motels, billboards, and any other unsightly blemish 

 to the landscape. 



Fifth, with proper planning and by describing what has been done 

 and what is to be done to return the scenic resource to the production 

 of beauty, an explanational turnout and overlook can partially allevi- 

 ate the unfavorable impact of unsightly scars caused in resource de- 

 velopment such as forest clearcutting and mine spoil banks. 



Sixth, for the Congressman, I have one suggestion. Any Federal 

 spending program should not penalize State, local, and private agen- 

 cies that undertook initiatory compliance (to place a program in 

 operation with non-Federal funds before the Federal Government 

 originates its program) by making grants to those communities 

 who are not foresighted. 



For example, Chicago has the best sanitary district anywhere in 

 the world primarily financed through local funds, as are those in 



