Evening star., 1923-12-16
NATIONAL PARKS in EAST
: DECLARED PUBLIC NEED
Director Recommends Such Reserva.
tions-Only One Now Exists-Problem
in Privately Owned Lands.


the east are at present limited to
number of forest reserves acquired
under the provisions of the Weeks
act authorizing the purchase of land
for the protection Of forests and the
headwaters Of streams, it appears
that the only practical way national
park areas can be acquired would be
by donation of lands or acquisition
of such lands from funds privately
donated. as in the case of the La
fayette National Park
While the Appalachian range from
the White mountains into Georgia
has many wonderful areas from
which selection could be made. no
particular areas have been chosen or
surveys made or estimate of cost
procured. This would all be left to
local initiative in proposing some
area for a national park or by con-
tribution of such an area.
AS it is not probable that the best
area, maintaining the high standard
set for national parks, would be do
mated, the most satisfactory proceed
ure to establish such a desired park
would be by federal purchase-and
that Is something Congress has never
yet done.
Leading conservationists in the
present Congress are considering this
matter very seriously.
National Parks Policy.
In this connection the policy Of the
~lr ye Y1xe n
showing the broad public advantage
of such reservations:
First, the national parks must be
maintained in absolutely unimpaired
form for the use of future genera
tions as we'll as those OF our own
times.
Second. they are set apart for the
use, observation, health and pleasure
of the people.
Third. the national interest must
dictate all decisions affecting public
or private enterprise in these parks.
Every activity Of the national park
service Is subordinate to the duties
imposed upon it of faithfully preserv-
ing the parks for posterity In essen
TALLY their natural state.
Every opportunity is afforded the
public wherever possible to enjoy the
national parks in the manner that
best satisfies the individual taste.
All outdoor sports that may be
maintained consistently with the
safeguards thrown around these
parks by law are heartily encouraged
mountain climbing. horseback rid
ing, walking, motoring, swimming,
boating and fishing are favorite
sports in these parks. Winter sports
also are a source of health and de-
light in those parks that are ac-
cessible throughout the year. Hunt
Ing is not permitted in any national
park.
Educational Advantages Encouraged.
The educational as we'll as the
recreational use of the national parks
is encouraged in every practical way.
University and high school classes in
science find special facilities for
their vacation period studies. Museums
containing specimens of wild flowers,
shrubs and trees and mounted an
imals, birds and fish native to the
parks and other exhibits Of this char
acter are established.
Low-priced camps operated by con-
cessioners are maintained, rs well as
comfortable and even luxurious hotels
where the volume OF travel warrants
the establishment OF these classes Of
accommodations. In each reservation
suitable free camp site is cleared,
equipped with adequate water and
sanitation facilities.
With the national parks perform
ing this great service of conserva-
ton, recreation, health promotion and
educational facilities, 1t is becoming
increasingly obvious to members of
Congress that something must be
done to provide several more national
parks in the eastern section of the
country. This subject will be given
at least committee consideration by
the present Connress