Most mass wasting, whether spectacular or subtle, is the result of circumstances that are completely independent of human activities. Very few landslides occur where they cannot be anticipated. In places where mass wasting is a recognized threat, steps can often be taken to control downslope movements or limit the damages that such movements can cause. If the potential for mass wasting goes unrecognized or is ignored, the results can be costly and dangerous. We should also note that althoug most downslope movements occur whether people are present or not, many occurrences are aggravated or even triggered by human actions.