Unique Sites Threatened

NEW YORK, NY

Three cultural landscapes and four historic city centers are included on the World Monuments Fund (WMF) 1998-1999 List of 100 Most Endangered Sites.

Landscape Architects are certainly aware of the threat commercial development poses to unique landscapes like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; the South Pass Cultural Landscape in Wyoming; and the Abava Valley Cultural Landscape in Latvia. Now, an organization which has traditionally rescued buildings and monuments acknowledges the precious nature of certain landscapes.

The New York-based WMF, with funding from American Express, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, and other groups, provided $3 million in grants to 48 sites on the first list, prodding governments to join community groups in rebuilding them. Nearly 75% of the sites have been removed from that first list because of successful repair. "It's tremendously important to let people know that the World Monuments Fund has been a success," said Bonnie Burnham, WMF president.

Photo by Gini L. Wagner, provided courtesy of the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau.