Later, a group of prominent citizens, artists, including Ansel Adams, and politicians had designs on making Big Sur a National Park. But, that local conservation mentality raised up and convinced the well meaning politicians they could preserve the area better than park bureaucrats. Throughout the construction, the highway was the source of disgruntlement, as much devastation was caused by the dynamiting and bulldozing. Great scars still persist from the massive project, and subsequent repairs. I n the 80 years since the project began, great damage has occurred from landslides directly related to the road building or repair.
Winter storms cause a lot of damage, too.
The Highway has been closed several times for extended periods. Historically, the state department of transportation has used ecologically unsound repair methods that exacerbate the problem. This has allowed the invasion of nonnative plants, like the Pampas Grass, that choke out native flora and weaken the soil. These terraces remain long after grazing is stopped and are familiar patterns on many hillsides above Highway 1 and in the backcountry. Grazing compacts the soil in some areas and accelerates erosion.