Five Ways of Looking at Landscapes

There are many types of landscapes. Some are more usable than others. The natural state of the land may prevent people from using it. Human actions can limit the use of land as well. Then, there are some lands that are unique or just too beautiful to use. Whatever the case, the types of landscapes that surround us can determine what we can do with them.

Preserving a Landscape

Sometimes a habitat area is taken out of production so that it can retain its natural state into the future. Often these landscapes are publicly owned land held as national parks and preserves. States, counties, other private organizations, and even private landowners can also own preserved landscapes. A preserved landscape is not completely protected from outside influences. For example, the Everglades National Park in Florida is a preserved wetland area, but has suffered severe ecological damage—water that historically flowed into the area has been rerouted, drained, and used up, severely changing the ecology of the area.

Ignoring a Landscape

At times a habitat area is largely uninhabited by humans and is not used for economic gain. Most, if not all of these ignored areas exist in remote areas where economic opportunities have not been identified and the conditions are unpleasant for people. The salt flats of Utah, the arctic tundra, and the desert areas in the southwest are three examples of this type of landscape.

Destroying a Landscape

Often a habitat area has been changed so much by human actions that it no longer can support native organisms, or human economic activity without the importation of raw materials, or both. Examples include the deforested areas of tropical rainforests, the Meadowlands wetlands complex outside of New York City, and large feedlots found throughout the Midwest.

Controlling a Landscape

You are probably most familiar with habitat areas that are impacted by humans, but are not directly used for economic gain. We control what grows and lives in these areas. They can be actively managed to provide the necessary habitat for some plants and animals. Examples can include the yard around a house, the side of a road, and city parks and recreation areas.

Working a Landscape

There are habitat areas that are inhabited or used by humans. These areas are used in such a way that native plants and animals are able to continue existing in the area. The plants and animals live in sustainable populations while at the same time the landowners achieve economic gain. These areas successfully combine the ecological, social, and economic parts of a landscape.

Web Links

The National Park Service's Everglades National Park.
The National Park Service's Redwoods National Park.
Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats.
Central Park in New York City.
Superfund sites throughout the United States