RECLAMATION OF THE LANDSCAPE 357 



fairly and accurately by all segments of the population government 

 agencies, the press, and the general public. 



ELDRIDGE LOVELACE. Preservation of natural beauty must start 

 with a reverence for land. When mistreated, the land fights back 

 with results that are more than ugliness. Mud in the canyons of 

 Los Angeles is one example. Rampant erosion that occurs in the 

 Peoria area whenever the vegetative cover is removed from steep 

 slopes of sandy, gravelly soil is another. There are hundreds of 

 examples around every growing city. 



By zoning we regulate what goes on the land. Why could we not 

 regulate what is done with the land and require that land be treated 

 reverently, carefully and judiciously? While they would vary from 

 community to community, it is possible to set forth standards for the 

 preservation of native plant material, for the intensity and character 

 of urban use in relation to land slopes and to the character of existing 

 tree growth. The bulldozer approach to urban expansion could be 

 straightforwardly prohibited by local law. There is no reason why 

 an individual should be allowed to destroy ground forms, plant 

 growth, or wildlife on his property whether he builds anything on it 

 or not. Some areas such as very steep slopes, drainage courses, and 

 flood plains should not be built upon at all. Where an absolutely 

 essential project has to disturb the landscape the regulations could 

 specify the restorative measures to be put into effect. 



Model ordinances to accomplish these purposes should be pre- 

 pared under the sponsorship of the HHFA with assistance of com- 

 mittees formed for this purpose from the American Society of Civil 

 Engineers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the 

 American Bar Association. Successful enactment and enforcement 

 of such legislation in a few communities on an experimental basis 

 could then be followed by requiring it as part of a workable pro- 

 gram that should be the prerequisite for Federal grants. 



A few decades ago minimum standard housing regulations were 

 almost unknown. Now they are commonplace. "Reverence for 

 Land" regulations could have a similar history and bring an even 

 greater benefit. Prevention of misuse of land would be preferable to 

 the expensive and frustrating experience of trying to correct the mis- 

 takes later on. Surely there is more than enough public interest 

 involved and a significantly great effect on the public welfare to 

 warrant the extension of the police power into this field. 



