I'm fairly certain that concept is still largely in vogue. The "wilderness", be it pasture, forest, or two-lane country road is seen as not being productive. Some folks feel that we must "help" these areas reach their full potential, which would be the economic gold mines of Wal-Mart, McDonalds, and strip malls. Huzzah!

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Ron
May
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 11:56 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: American open spaces


The entire concept of undeveloped land has been a cultural thing. Many  early 
settlers saw raw, natural land full of gnarly old trees as something to be  
feared, evil and metaphysical that had to be tamed by removing forests, grading 
 the land, and harnessing the waters. Ethnic roots of these odd ideas are  
fascinating in themselves.
 
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.