The George Wright Forum

In this paper, Douglas P. Wheeler advocates for the conservation of agricultural ecosystems as essential to sustaining America's food production capacity and rural vitality. Drawing from his experiences in places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Wheeler outlines how agricultural lands not only contribute to scenic and ecological landscapes but also serve critical functional roles within broader land-use systems. He critiques the incompatibility often found between agricultural needs and park management priorities, and instead emphasizes integrated land use planning. The article presents a comprehensive overview of public and private strategies for farmland conservation—including preferential taxation, agricultural zoning, land trusts, and the purchase or transfer of development rights—highlighting the challenges and innovations in protecting working landscapes. Wheeler also underscores the importance of selecting and supporting capable farm operators as stewards of conserved lands, framing agricultural preservation as both an environmental and economic imperative.

This paper explores the evolving field of rural cultural landscape preservation, emphasizing its significance as an intersection of natural and cultural resource management. Historically treated as separate concerns, natural conservation and cultural preservation are now converging through the recognition of landscapes as expressions of both ecological systems and human influence. Melnick presents a framework for understanding and evaluating cultural landscapes—particularly within the context of U.S. National Parks—by identifying thirteen key material components, including land use patterns, built forms, and circulation networks. The paper argues for holistic evaluation approaches that consider the synergistic relationships between these components rather than isolated features. It also critiques the practice of assigning rigid value rankings to cultural landscapes, highlighting the dynamic and subjective nature of these environments. Ultimately, the paper calls for adaptive management strategies that honor cultural continuity while acknowledging inevitable landscape change.

This paper explores the evolution and implementation of federal tax incentives aimed at encouraging the rehabilitation of historic buildings in the United States. Sparked by the 1976 Tax Reform Act and expanded by the 1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act, these incentives have facilitated the revitalization of thousands of historic structures across the country. H. Ward Jandl, from the National Park Service, outlines the practical and philosophical framework that guides certified rehabilitations, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical integrity while adapting buildings for contemporary uses. The article delves into the ten Standards for Rehabilitation, offering detailed guidance on issues such as compatible new uses, the treatment of distinctive features, storefront rehabilitation, window preservation, and the installation of mechanical systems. By providing technical advice and cautioning against common pitfalls, the paper serves as a vital resource for architects, developers, and preservationists seeking to balance modernization with historical fidelity in the adaptive reuse of historic properties.

This article presents the management approach undertaken by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve the rural and scenic character of the Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, a 75-mile corridor straddling the New York-Pennsylvania border. Unlike traditional federal land acquisition models, the plan emphasizes cooperative governance, local land use controls, and minimal federal land ownership. The 1978 legislation mandating this initiative focuses on intergovernmental coordination, citizen involvement, and the establishment of general land and water use guidelines. The planning process involved extensive data collection, public input, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address growing recreational use and its impact on local communities and natural resources. Key components include the creation of advisory councils, recreational facility development, river use regulation, and scenic preservation measures. Ultimately, the plan demonstrates an innovative model for landscape protection that balances private ownership with public recreation and environmental stewardship, potentially serving as a template for managing other rural scenic areas.

This article explores the complex and multifaceted meanings of the term Creole within the cultural, linguistic, and biological history of Louisiana and the broader Mississippi Delta. Larry Van Horn examines how Creole identity evolved through centuries of cultural interaction among diverse populations, including French, Spanish, African, Asian, and Native American groups. The term “Creole” is analyzed through three primary lenses: as a cultural label for colonial-born descendants of European settlers; as a linguistic term referring to contact languages, although rarely applied in the Louisiana context; and as a biological designation for racial mixing. The article also highlights the rich expressive traditions—such as music, festivals, crafts, and architecture—maintained by various ethnic groups. Van Horn underscores the role of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park in preserving and interpreting these dynamic local cultures through partnerships with community stakeholders.

An obituary of the National Park Service interpreter and photographer Natt Noyes Dodge.