The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-02-15
COUNT MITCHELL FOREST
THE BEAUTIFUL PLAYGROUND

the very heart of the Southern Appa-
.achian Mountains one of the most
Jeautiful and picturesque spots in the
Western world, is to be opened to the
people for camping and recreational
purposes. In loveliness Of scenery in
,alubrity of climate, in wonders OF
latural resources and in accessibility
II location it will be the most Won
derful park in America.
In protection of the superb prime
val forests and the vast natural wa
ter sources, the government acquir-
ed the area of the reserve. After ma
ture consideration, it was decided to
con- ert it into a recreation park-a
magnificent playground for the peo-
pie of the entire country.
In conformity with this plan, the
forest service and Southern railway
are preparing literature and mays de-
scriptive of the reserve to place at
the disposal of those who may de-
sire permanently or temporarily to
locate within the park. 1t is the pur-
pose of the government to place WITH
in the reach of all either locations for
cottages or sites for camps Here
they may spend all or any part of the
year in an environment unsurpassed
in beauty and healthfulness.
A recent letter written by Mr.. H.
S. Graves, chief forester of the United
States, to lMr. W. H. Tayloe, passen-
ger traffic manager Of the Southern
railway, outlines the plans which the
government will make effective in the
Mount Mitchell national park.
'T am very much interested writes
Mr.. Graves, "in the development OF
Appalachian national forests for re-
creational purposes. The enjoyment
by the public of the national foTests
for all sorts of outdoor recreation is
recognized rs one of their important
uses, and ample regulations exist for
the purpose of facilitating this use 20
the fullest extent. The roads and
trails built primarily for the purpose
of administration and protection are
open to all WHO desire to tramp or
ride through the national forest, and
the only restrictions existing are that
travellers observe the ordinary pre-
cautions against the burning of woods
or the destruction or injury Of timber
or otner p~operty.
Free permits may be obtained for
temporary camping purposes and it
is required only that necessary pre-
cautions be taken in building and
cxtinguishing campfire, and that the
cutting Of greeh timber be avoided
and that the grounds be kept in clean
nd sanitary condition.
"The m5st important problem in
connection w:tl the recreation de-
ya;oyment OF the Appalachian nation
al forests is to provide means for
bringing the opportunities offered to
the attention o: the public, and maxi
ing it easy for people who are inter-
ested in camping or in building per-
manent summer homes to find the eX-
act locations which will best suit their
needs. In bringing this about the
Southern railway can, l am confident,
be of great assistance through the fa-
cilities offered 5v the organization for
the dissemination of detailed informa-
ton concerning the recreation attrac-
tions of the country tributary to its
lines.
Chief Forester Graves has authorize
ed tae district forester to prepare
maps and reports upon the Mount Nit
chell national park which will dis
close in detail it's recreational fea-
lures and explain to the public the
opportunities afforded The maps viii
indicate the main routes of travel,
those parts of the tract of special in
terest from scenic Or other recrea-
tional viewpoint, and the localities
which have special advantages either
for temporary camping purposes or
for permanent cottage sites.
1t is explained by Mr. Graves that
for camps of permanent nature, or
for summer cottages, permits Will be
required and charges are fixed in ac-
cOrdance with the exclusive privileges |