French Broad hustler and Western Carolina Democrat. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1915-1916, 1916-02-10
PARK
IS OPENED TO
VISITORS
SOUTHERN RAILWAY CO., TO CO.
OPERATE WITH GOVERNMENT
IN INDUCING TOURISTS.
HOME SITES LEASED
Mount Mitchell National Reserve to
be the Play Grounds Of Thou
sands of Campers.

Mount Mitchell National Forest in
the very heart of the Southern Appa-,
lschian Mountains, one of the mos.
beautiful and picturesque spots in the
Western World, is to be opened to the
people for camping and recreationaI
purposes. In climate, in wonders OF
natural resources and in accessibility
Of location it will be the most wonder
ful park in America
In protection Of the superb prime
Val forests and the vast natural Wate-
sources, the Government acquired the
area Of the reserve. After mature
consideration. it was decided to con-
vert it into a recreation park-a mag
nthcent playground for the people OF
the entire country.
In conformity with this plan. the.
Forest Service and the Southern Rail-
way are preparing literature and maps
descriptive of the reserve to place at
the disposal Of those who may desire
permanently or temporarily to locate
within the park. 1t is the purpose Of
the Government to place within the
reach Of all either locations for cot
tages or sites for camps. Here they
may spend all or any part of the year
il an environment unsurpassed in
beauty and healtnfuInaas.
a recent letter writ ten Mr.
S. Graves, Gnief Forester of the Unit
ed States, fo Woe. Pas
senger gaT sof the soifth-
.ern Railway, outlines the plans which
the Government will make effective in
the Mount Mitchell National Park.
Il am very much interested" writes
Mr.. Graves, ''in the development of
the Appalachian national forests for
recreational purposes. The enjoyment
by the public of the national forests
for all sorts of outdoor recreation is
recognized as one of the important
uses, and ample regulations exist fer
the purpose of facilitating this use to-
the fullest extent The roads ard
trails built primarily for the purpose
o. administration and protection are
open to all who desire to tramp or
ride through the national forest, and
the only restriction existing are that
travellers observe the ordinary precau-
tions against the burning Of woods or
the destruction or injury of timber o.:
other property
Free permits may be obtained for
temporary camping purposes and it Is
required only that necessary precau-
tions be taken in building and extin-
gushing the campfire, and that the
cutting of green timber be avoided and
that the grounds be kept in clean and
sanitary condition.
'The most important problem II,
connection with the cereation deyel-
opment of the Appalachian national
forests is to provide means for bring
ing the opportunities. offered to the at
tention of the public, and making it
easy for people who are interested in
or in building permanent
summer homes to find the exact loca-
tions which will best suit their needs.
In bringing this about the Southern
Railway can, I am confident, be OF
great assistance through the facilities
offered by the organization for the dis
semination of detailed information
concerning the recreation attractions
Of the country tributary to its lines.
Chief Forester Graves has author
Lzed the District Forester to prepare
maps and reports upon the Mount
National Park which will dis
close in detail its recreational fea-
les auu oAptdIu 10 the PUBIC the
afforded. The maps
will indicate the main. routes of travel.
hose parts of the tract of special in
crest from a scenic or other recrea-
icnal viewpoint, and the localities
which have, special advantages either
OF temporary camping purposes or for
'ermanent cottage SITES
It is explained by Mr. Graves that
for camps of a permanent nature, or
or summer cottages permits will be
equired and charges are fixed in ac-
crdance with the exclusive privileges Z
hus granted. The charges, however,
re substantially snegIig igible. AS flr-
her explained by Mr.. Graves. the
rimary object OF the term permits Ii
OF to secure ;azEevenue. bllt to pro-
tote the use ofSNatfonal forest lands
1r recreation. poses. The annual
barge for srfnlne home permits IS
OF less than $1,000. The rates for
permits for summer homes
lay be as. low as 800 per annum =
temporary camp sites, Of course, are
zee. =
In the Mount Mitchell National Park
lmpers may live a delightfully."- care