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Foreword There is a need for a comprehensive program to reduce landslide losses in the United States that marshals the capability of all levels of gov- ernment and the private sector. Without such a program, the heavy and widespread losses to the nation and to individuals from landslides will increase greatly. Successful and cost-effec- tive landslide loss-reduction actions can and should be taken in the many jurisdictions fac- ing landslide problems. The responsibility for dealing with landslides principally falls upon state and local governments and the private sector. The federal government can provide re- search, technical guidance, and limited funding assistance, but to meet their responsibility for maintaining the public's health, safety and welfare, state and local governments must prevent and reduce landslide losses through hazard mapping, land-use management, and building and grading controls. In partnership with public interest groups and governments, the private sector must also increase its efforts to reduce landslide hazards. Dramatic landslide loss reduction can be achieved. The effective use of landslide build- ing codes and grading ordinances by a few state and local governments in the nation clearly vi demonstrates that successful programs can be put into place with reasonable costs. Numerous examples of responsible landslide hazard planning and mitigation by private developers exist but are usually overshadowed by impro- per development that ignores the hazard. Transfer of proven governmental and pri- vate sector landslide hazard mitigation tech- niques to other jurisdictions throughout the nation is one of the most effective ways of help- ing to reduce future landslide losses. This guide, prepared by the State of Colorado for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, builds upon the impressive efforts taken by Colorado state and local governments in plan- ning for and mitigating landslide losses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency hopes . that this guide and the accompanying plan for landslide hazard mitigation will stimulate and assist other state and local governments, priv- ate interests, and citizens throughout the na- tion to reduce the landslide threat. Arthur J. Zeizel Project Officer Federal Emergency Management Agency