Abstract:
This research seeks to understand the influences of perception on land use around
the Mount Hood area of Oregon and evaluate how it has evolved over the past 4,000
years. The study addresses three specific questions:
1) How has the study area evolved over time into the modern landscape?
2) What land use practices have developed in response to various public perceptions of
Mount Hood?
3) How have the land uses impacted the landscape and physical environment?
This in-depth analysis of the historic landscape describes the effect of external
environmental stimuli and local culture on land use in this region of Oregon. This study
develops a classification system to describe how perceptions of Mount Hood have
changed over time, and also investigates associated land use within each of these
categories. Eight perception categories are employed: Reverence, Respect, Obstacle,
Exploration, Livelihood, Economic Development, Conservation and Preservation, and
Research.
This historic landscape reconstruction employs comprehensive acceptance,
integration, and comparison of various source materials to minimize bias. First, primary
sources and commentary on these sources allow for an understanding of the local
population’s general attitude toward the landscape. Second, perceptions of the local
landscape were inferred through an analysis of land use activities. The various
perceptions of the local population towards Mount Hood and the landscape within the
Mount Hood Land Use Planning Unit Boundary have guided land use choices through
time. These uses have resulted in significant changes to the landscape over the period of
recorded history.
