Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Air quality impacts scenic vistas
Mountain vista, Harpers Ferry.
Photo: Greg Goodman, http://photography.universalexports.net
The natural landscape of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park includes major rivers, forested mountains, riparian habitats, old fields, grasslands, and agricultural lands. Panoramic views 
and spectacular landscape 
serve as context for the interpretation of other historic 
and Civil Rights events that the park commemorates. Degraded air quality and haze 
from regional pollution sources 
cause increased ozone levels 
that threatens vegetation and degrades views from scenic viewing sites in the park. Expanding residential development 
also adversely affects the historic and scenic vistas.
and spectacular landscape serve as context for the interpretation of other historic and Civil Rights events that the park commemorates. Degraded air quality and haze from regional pollution sources cause increased ozone levels that threatens vegetation and degrades views from scenic viewing sites in the park. Expanding residential development also adversely affects the historic and scenic vistas.
Natural and anthropogenic disturbances threaten historic resources
Harpers Ferry Flood, 1996.
Photo: Dale Nisbet, NPS
Flooding is a natural occurrence at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Located at the lowest point of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, flooding 
can have a devastating impact on historic buildings 
and archeological features. Gypsy moth 
infestations and unchecked populations of white-tailed deer 
have severely defoliated sections 
of the park’s historic Maryland Heights forest. Invasive exotic plants 
and acid rain 
threaten Civil War sites and historic geologic structures such as the Stone Steps and Jefferson Rock.
can have a devastating impact on historic buildings and archeological features. Gypsy moth infestations and unchecked populations of white-tailed deer have severely defoliated sections of the park’s historic Maryland Heights forest. Invasive exotic plants and acid rain threaten Civil War sites and historic geologic structures such as the Stone Steps and Jefferson Rock.