Note that these recommendations merely constitute improvements, not complete 

 solutions, and merely reflect engineering considerations pertaining to the management 

 and use of this and other similar areas. Future knowledge about the behavior of these 

 materials and the flow characteristics of surface and subsurface waters may require 

 alterations of and additions to these recommendations. 



Beyond these criteria, there are a great number of other environmental responses 

 which must be understood; and knowledge of these responses must be applied if these 

 lands are to be wisely managed. In addition, there appears to be a need for a subtle 

 philosophical change in the traditional engineering approach to problem solving and de- 

 sign. Usually, the integrity of a road, dam, or any other structure is viewed as the 

 primary goal, and thus natural processes such as erosion, seepage, and settlement are 

 considered as impositions on the structure which must be controlled or withstood. In- 

 stead, the road or structure might better be viewed as an imposition upon the various 

 natural processes, and location and design might better be oriented toward assuring 

 the continuity of, or at least compensation for changes in, these natural processes. 

 By so reorienting design philosophy not only should the integrity of roads and structures 

 be better guaranteed, but the chances for causing undesirable changes in the function- 

 ing of natural systems should be considerably reduced. Of course, by changing the 

 question from "What are the natural processes which will endanger the road's integrity?" 

 to "How will the road influence natural processes?" the designer is forced to consider 

 a broader spectrum of environmental factors. Thus, multidisciplinary cooperation and 

 teamwork become not only desirable, but absolutely essential to the completion of the 

 planners' and designers' work. 



34 



