The National Park Service has been involved in a multiyear planning and public input process to craft a comprehensive plan for the National Mall and has now released a preferred alternative plan that is open for public comment. The plan deals with both deferred maintenance issues and provides a long-term vision for managing and protecting the Mall’s civic purposes and cultural resources.
ASLA has participated in and provided comments throughout the planning process. What do you think of the plan?
Go to asla.org/nationalmall to learn more.
I’m in favor of using private funds. Public money should not be used at this time when so many Americans need the basic necessities. Landscape architects should consider becoming Unionized so we can get better pay and benefits.
The Draft Performance Benchmarks and Guidelines from the Sustainable Sites Initiative include criteria for organic materials management. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to include a recommendation for composting of plant waste materials? Should this be integrated with D.C. public works functions? Can the National Arboretum be involved? Wouldn’t a local composting program be a valuable support to the plant fertility program, and also, have educational benefit?