TREASURES OF THE NATION

CONRAD L. WIRTH, J. H. GADSBY.

Many of the great and spectacular parks in the United States are included in the national park system, which preserves for always and for everybody the outstanding scenic, historic, and scientific treasures of the Nation and provides places for unusual experiences.

The national parks had their beginning in 1872 with the establishment of the Yellowstone Park. Gradually some other areas of paramount importance, such as Yosemite, Mount Rainier, and Sequoia, were set aside by Congress to preserve areas of scenic grandeur from commercial exploitation, because their special and unique qualities made them the concern of all the people. Also established were the national monuments the areas of diverse size and interest that are notable for scientific or historic reasons.

Congress recognized the need for coordinated administration of the areas in 1916 by creating the National Park Service in the Department of the Interior. Congress then stated the ideal when it enjoined the new bureau to "conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

The requirements of this dual function, providing for protection and for human use, have been observed even through a period of total war. The principle now seems firmly established that the features that make the areas worthy of preservation should not be sacrificed, even for purposes of war, except as a last resort.

The protection of these superlative areas naturally involves certain restrictions and regulations, which at times may interfere with their untrammeled use. Precautions against destruction by fire, carelessness, or vandalism must be taken. Locations, therefore, are designated for such uses as camping, picnicking, and making fires. Rangers are assigned to guard against misuse of the public's property and to assist those who need any direction or advice. The wildlife has to be protected from visitors and the visitors from wildlife.

On the other hand, the Service maintains a staff of naturalists, historians, and other persons to explain the wonders of nature and the notable events of our history to the end that people can have full use and enjoyment of the areas. Lecturers, campfire talks, and tours are available so that visitors can get the most information in a short time. Where advisable and practicable, museums are at hand to assist in telling the story.

In most parks, foot and horse trails, suitably marked with directional and explanatory signs, lead to points of interest. Those who are physically able to take advantage of trips on the trails find them an inspiring and satisfying recreation. Then, too, fishing is excellent in many places. Inland fishing is governed by regulations to fit local conditions; in some places only fly fishing is permitted, or creel limits are set, for example. In most cases State laws apply and State licenses must be carried.

Some national parks present opportunities for swimming and boating. Where such is the case, full advantage is taken of the fact, and necessary facilities are provided. Usually bathing is of small importance, but boating facilities will be found that vary from rowboats for fishing or pleasure to fairly large excursion boats.

Hunting is prohibited in all national parks and monuments because they are wildlife sanctuaries. But the gain is great: The camera enthusiasts and the many persons who want to see the wild creatures of the forests in their natural surroundings generally are well rewarded. Frequently, also, the increase in the numbers of animals spreads beyond the park boundaries, so that hunting is better in adjacent territory.

Winter in the parks where snow falls is often the loveliest season of all. The quiet, peaceful beauty and the witchery of soft snow on trees and undergrowth, the airy creations of frozen spray from waterfalls, and the snow sculpture of the winds combine with the superb surroundings to make a breath-taking scene. It is no wonder that some of the areas, the ones that are especially adapted to winter sports, are beloved of skiers. For them, roads are kept open all winter, the ski runs are maintained where it is possible to do so without detriment to fundamental park values, and lodges are in full operation. Some parks also offer opportunities for tobogganing, skating, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.

THE PARKWAYS are a new classification of areas that has been added in recent years to the national park system. Of particular interest to motorists, they are first-class motor roads with right-of-way in the form of elongated parks. They are located so as to reach points of great historic interest (such as Mount Vernon and Yorktown), to follow historic routes (like the Natchez Trace), or to provide an outstanding scenic drive (like the Blue Ridge Parkway between the Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks). Access to parkways is limited so as to promote the greatest safety and contribute to pleasure. The right-of-way is under strict control to preclude unsightly structures and damage to the growth. At appropriate locations there are provided parking overlooks, places and facilities for picnicking, and, along the longer, remote parkways, accommodations for meals and sleeping.

The congregation of large numbers of people in the remote wilderness necessitates arrangements for housing, feeding and the maintenance of health, and a reasonable degree of comfort. Most of these services are provided by concessionaires who have invested in buildings and equipment for the purpose. The accommodations include free public camp grounds, simple cabins, housekeeping cabins, lodges, and complete modern hotel service. In nearly every park are picnic grounds maintained free to the public by the Government for the benefit of those who only have a short time to stay. Boats, fishing tackle, guide service, mountain-climbing equipment, conducted automobile tours, pack animals, riding horses, and other conveniences are offered according to the particular needs of the area.

Anyone desiring general information regarding the national park system can get it by writing to the Director, National Park Service, Washington 25, D. C. Many private enterprises, among them oil companies and several western railroads, distribute excellent literature concerning the national parks and monuments. Some will plan complete trips on request. Such agencies as the American Automobile Association are well informed on the subject and can give complete directions to their members. Information and tourist bureaus of various States gladly supply pamphlets concerning those areas within their boundaries. For the latest complete information in regard to prevailing conditions and rates in any particular area, however, it is best to address the park superintendent directly.

STATE PARKS, recreation areas, and monuments also offer opportunities for recreation.

About 80 years ago the first State park was established in the Yosemite Valley in a move to save that outstanding scenery from despoliation. For many years thereafter other State parks were set aside for similar reasons. When automobiles came into general use, the need became more urgent to seek out and preserve some of the remaining wild areas for the crowds who were beginning to travel afield in the quest for places of relaxation and recreation. The decade 1920-30 was a period of great expansion of park systems in the States that had accepted the new concept and were aware of their responsibility to meet the growing demand. It was not until the advent of the Civilian Conservation Corps and other emergency agencies, however, that many of the States found themselves financially able to inaugurate park systems. With the Federal assistance then available, the growth of physical facilities began to catch up in some measure with the needs. New areas were rapidly acquired and new facilities provided in the older parks until at present most States have some provision for out-of-door recreation in natural, forested surroundings.

In the beginning, State parks, like national parks, were created to preserve some scenic or scientific marvel, but the changed attitude brought about by transportation by automobile resulted in the selection of new areas so situated as to serve centers of heavy population. Scenic quality was a secondary consideration in many of these, but water for recreational use was a requirement. Consequently, many of the most heavily used areas represent average, rather than outstanding, segments of a State. They were chosen for accessibility and adaptability, although frequently a happy combination of scenery and recreational usefulness was attained. One of the main considerations, perhaps, was that there should be trees, at least in those regions where trees grow. The finer the trees, the more favorable is the park.

In the State parks that were established primarily for the protection of exceptional resources are some of the finest stands of remaining virgin timber. Thus are preserved some outstanding redwoods, Douglas-firs, white and southern pines, and other native trees of species that elsewhere have been so relentlessly cut to fill the needs of industry. Many other State parks are notable for some natural attraction, such as an exceptional waterfall, gorge, beach, or mountain, but usually it has also been possible to preserve or restore the forest cover.

One of the strongest contrasts between national and State parks is in the forms of recreation provided. State parks and recreation areas, being intimately associated with the locality, are heavily used by those bent on a day's outing or at least a visit of short duration. Depending on the character of the reservation and proximity to concentrations of population, they have facilities for swimming, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, organizational camps, vacation cabins, horseback riding, hiking, small games (such as volley ball, badminton, horseshoe pitching), dancing, and winter sports. Frequently there are outdoor theaters, that are used for various celebrations or festivals, and sometimes golf courses, tennis courts, and polo fields have been provided. It is being increasingly recognized that nature study in State parks is of interest to many visitors, and the employment of naturalists and the establishment of museums for this activity is becoming common.

Overnight accommodations vary so greatly that it is possible only to mention some of the types here. One of the most popular features of many State parks is the vacation cabin, which can usually be rented at a reasonable rate, either completely equipped for housekeeping or lacking only linens and table silver. In regions where tent camping is favored, camp sites are available usually with individual outdoor cooking arrangements as well as community bathing and sanitary facilities. Closely related are areas set aside for parking trailers, where it is possible usually to Plug into an electric outlet and connect to a running water system. Such conveniences, however, are not uniformly to be found in all cases. In the effort to provide for all classes and conditions of visitors, hotels and lodges have been erected in some parks where they seem warranted. Accommodations in those, while comfortable, are generally simple in character and moderate in price. Some of them are suitable for use in winter. For those who do not desire to do their own cooking and for casual visitors, many State parks have refectories or restaurants.