PUBLIC POLICY, RESPONSE, AND PERCEPTION: EXAMPLES FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY LANDSLIDE HAZARD MAPPING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the North Carolina Geological Survey Landslide Hazard Mapping Program in 2005, nearly 4,050 km² in Western North Carolina (WNC) has been mapped for landslide hazards. In that time, we have responded to 330 inquiries relating to various aspects of the mapping. These have come from all facets of the community: property owners, local governments, emergency managers, the state General Assembly, home builders’ and realtors’ associations, lawyers, media, academia, environmental groups and even bloggers. The most common request has been for basic information i.e., where are the landslides and is there one on my property? Some inquiries have led to further discoveries of landslide hazards such as a slow-moving weathered-rock slide threatening a community in Haywood County. Inquiries from other state Geological Surveys, the USGS, and academia have led to scientific collaboration and investigations, enhancing the mapping program. Emergency managers have requested on-site assistance at landslide events and expert witness testimony has been required for litigation related to landslides. Inquiries from local and county governments often come as requests for technical advice and factual information to help in land use planning and formulating slope stability regulations. In WNC, two counties have comprehensive steep slope ordinances and these regulations can be a divisive community issue. As a scientific agency, it is imperative that we maintain our neutrality in these discussions and provide the best scientific information. One of the most difficult, but critical, aspects of the mapping is to translate complex scientific terminology into words that the public can readily understand. This process of educational outreach has led to over 130 talks and presentations. Thoughtful reflection on these public comments has caused us to reevaluate and improve our map presentation. We are currently streamlining our map delivery system by introducing a web mapping service so that anyone with Internet access can view mapped landslide hazards and their property at a scale of 1:6,000. Ultimately the work of landslide mapping does not end with the release of the digital maps; effective communication and education of the public on landslide hazards will continue to be needed to help reduce loss of life and property.