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Should all degraded landscapes be restored? a look at the appalachian copper basin
Author(s) -
Quinn M.L.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.3400030205
Subject(s) - viewpoints , structural basin , copper mine , rehabilitation , environmental planning , environmental resource management , geography , environmental science , geology , copper , psychology , art , paleontology , chemistry , organic chemistry , neuroscience , visual arts
Rehabilitation of degraded landscapes is generally regarded as the most appropriate objective. Occasionally, however, other aspects of the situation need to be considered and may lead to a different decision. This paper presents the case of the Appalachian Copper Basin, located mainly in south‐eastern Tennessee, USA, which was degraded years ago as a result of copper mining and smelting. A brief history of the site is given, along with a review of some rehabilitative efforts. Discussion then turns to the way visitors and residents perceive this landscape, the impact these two viewpoints have had over the years, and how they have (or have not) changed. Landscape values are also examined, the interpretation of which largely determines a person's opinion toward rehabilitation. The point is made that some degraded landscapes can have value as degraded landscapes, in this instance now primarily historical and cultural. The current situation in the Copper Basin is summarized and an alternative course of action suggested. It is concluded that rehabilitation is not always the only, or even the most important, goal and that degraded landscapes of long standing sometimes require special consideration.