Cultural Landscapes in the US National Park Service: Next Steps

The National Park Service first officially recognized cultural landscapes as a resource type in 1981; the World Heritage Committee eventually recognized cultural landscapes in 1992. From the start the agency took a broad approach to defining cultural landscapes – from designed to vernacular to ethnographic landscapes.  An effective cultural landscape program is important for the National Park Service to remain relevant to underserved communities and to be fully representative of our nation’s history.

Designed landscapes have been a relatively easy concept to define. Vernacular and ethnographic concepts pose more challenges.  Providing the recognition and limited protection for these landscapes by listing them on the National Register of Historic Places has proved to be a complex process.  In ethnographic landscapes, such as Canyon de Chelly, the communities that value these places often hold the traditional and spiritual values represented by these landscapes close. 

This presentation will discuss the agency’s priorities including recognition of cultural landscapes as a distinct property type within the National Register criteria. Also the need for legislation to recognize National Heritage Areas as a system of cultural landscapes encompassing communities and their resources, connected by theme and geography, and supported as part of the strategic mission of the National Park Service.   The importance of recognizing in our management policies and our research practices that cultural landscapes are tangible, on-the-ground representations of human’s interaction with their environment and the need to update our guidance for identifying and managing cultural landscapes.