This study addresses the long-term viability of scenic natural landscape of Moran State Park, Orcas Island, WA. In doing so, it examines three questions:

What is the landscape history of the Park?

What condition is it in today?

What are the implications of its condition?

The study traces human use of the area from Lummi Indian habitation through homesteading to designation and management as a state park. Six landscape components identified as fundamental to the Park's character are evaluated to determine the integrity and sustainability of the landscape. The study proposes a new analytical framework based on the integration of cultural and ecological histories. The study reveals critical problems and issues which stem from current management practices. Finally, the study initiates discussion of management solutions in the context of the Park landscape as a "cultivated" rather than a "natural" landscape. The study thus serves as a model for analysis of public and private forest, park and preserve lands.