656 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



Reclamation of the Landscape 



The Chairman, Mr. MOTT. The growth and development of the 

 Nation demands more and more coal, sand, gravel, crushed rock, 

 and lumber. Competition requires that these products be harvested 

 more and more efficiently. Large trucks and trailers next year will 

 move 2 billion tons of sand, gravel, and crushed rock to build bridges, 

 highways, and buildings. At this very moment huge trailers, tractors, 

 and power saws are bringing down with ease 200-year-old redwood 

 trees, 4 feet in diameter and 200 feet high. 



The scar on the landscape becomes larger and larger. Therefore, 

 a sense of urgency must be felt in the recommendations which my 

 panel wished to make. 



1. An all-out joint Federal-State-local effort is urgently needed 

 to restore the derelict landscape, with the Federal Government pro- 

 viding the incentive and leadership. The Federal and State gov- 

 ernments should participate by acquisition of certain despoiled lands 

 for public use ; and by grants, loans, and cost sharing with the private 

 sector and local subdivisions of government where the public interest 

 will be served. 



2. A Federal Commission is needed to establish standards and 

 criteria including economic values for the enhancement and 

 protection of the beauty and attractiveness of the United States. 

 The Commission should carry out national policy needed to effect 

 both rehabilitation and preservation of the landscape, including 

 rivers. The Commission should promote coordination of planning 

 and action among all levels of government. 



3. The study being made under the Appalachian Regional Devel- 

 opment Act of 1965, Public Law 89-4, on surface mining should be 

 carried forward at greater speed and with sufficient on-site study 

 of conditions and with a study in depth by professional people to 

 develop a meaningful action program. 



4. The Federal Government must take the initiative now on 

 government-owned lands to establish standards of land maintenance 

 and rehabilitation while it leads others into taking similar action. 

 The planning for this rehabilitation must involve the competence 

 and skills of all appropriate disciplines so that the total environment 

 of the region is recognized. 



5. Public investment in restoration efforts should be protected by 

 appropriate statutes. 



