University of North Carolina, Elizabeth City, United States
This project, which builds upon earlier work by Mitchell (2004) explores the unique cultural geology and geomorphology along the various trails used by the explorers on their journey. The approaches employed to arrive at the results were two part: 1.) Site visits to geological field sites and 2.) Geological data review from both recent data and 200 + year old historical data journals. Several of the trails followed by the explorers were used by indigenous populations for centuries. Today, many of the geological features noted in the journals written by the explorers exist as observed whereas others have been changed. The project identified hundreds of changes which were categorized into two groups: Natural geomorphological or anthropological in scope. Changes were further categorized as major or minor. Examples of major changes include those that have left geological features unrecognizable or reduced to remnants. Examples of minor changes are ashfalls, or cosmetic, such as graffiti. Changes have taken place along the entire length of the trail. Twenty five sites were visited by the researchers to document changes. Two important outcomes were produced: 1.) A map of the changes along the trail where research identified at least one geological feature in each of the 16 states along the 4,900 miles of trails walked paddled, floated, or rode upon by the explorers.The second is a set of suggested guidelines stakeholders and government entities can use to protect important sites for future generations. The researchers feel it is important to note as we are losing our natural and anthropological history as these landmarks change or are lost to time. Just as many conservationists looked to maintain habitats and natural area into the many national parks we have today, these landmarks should be remembered to ensure a significant part of US history can be relived and observed by future generations.
