Rural cultural landscape analysis applied to a historic mining landscape: The Chisana-Gold Hill study

The Chisana-Gold Hill Landscape is a complex vernacular landscape that typifies placer mining in Alaska. This study documents and evaluates a specific but typical placer mining landscape of Alaska: the Chisana-Gold Hill Cultural Landscape. Unlike many other placer mining areas successive examples of placer mining remain evident in this landscape. Here, the limited gold source and the remote location contribute to the preservation of this placer mining landscape.;In the study, this placer mining landscape was analyzed as a cultural landscape. Character-defining features of physical characteristics and landscape processes were used to define the landscape. Changes in the landscape history characterized the evolving landscape, one which was clearly acted upon by cultural and natural processes. The Chisana-Gold Hill Landscape proved to be a historically significant mining landscape.;Also examined is the process put forth by the National Park Service to evaluate historical cultural landscapes. Individuals interpret landscapes differently and a systematic unbiased method is required for analysis. The NPS evaluation process proved effective for historical analysis however, the process lacked elements normally required to produce a design treatment plan.