The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1935-07-25
Superior National Forest
Radio Address over WEBC
by RAY u. HARMON, Supervisor

destruction of primitive conditions typi-
cal of early American existence"
The development of camp grounds
along the canoe routes becomes an alb
solute necessity to preserve and pro-
tect this area. Annually several small
islands are burned over because Of
some campers carelesSneSs with fire.
Promiscuous camping must be stopped
and canoe parties must learn to use
the sites selected and improved if we
are to maintain this area in its pristine
condition. Adequate facilities will
therefore be developed ON the more
heavily used and more important
areas. There will always remain many
little used canoe routes where primeval
conditions will prevail for the more
hardy canoeiSt. Many lakes off the
main travelled routes, will remain in
accessible except to individuals capable
of following the unblazed trail.
In order to maintain the water
transportation facilities that make
canoeing in the country possible, the
water levels must be maintained. We
find, all too often. that some of our
canoe routes, used for ages, become i'm
paSSable when the beaver are trapped
out or move out of a stream because
of lack of food. The dams which
create the water table gradually de-
teriorate or are washed out by high
water. Beaver dams must be main
tanned in strategic places and often
reconstructed by man if many of the
canoe routes are to remain paSsable by
canoe.
Outside of the Primitive Area, or
within what we have termed the de-
yeloped area, broader public use poll
cy is in effect. Because the bodies of
water in this large area are scattered
and not connected the area does not
lend itself to the same type of usage as
in the Primitive Or Wilderness Area.
This portion of the Forest then becomes
like say other forested area, valuable
primarily for the production of timber
with other values considered as sec
ondary. Such recreational lands as
may be located within this area will
therefore be developed as most other
areas of similar nature are developed,
namely, made accessible by roads in
order that the greatest possible num-
Der of people can enjoy the recrea-
tional facilities. The objective is to
give preference to that form of &C.
cupancy representing the highest utili-
nation of the area, on the basis of
broad public service and interest. The
natural wooded border line adjacent to
all transportation routes, lakes, streams,
etc., shall be applicable to this area as
well as the Primitive Area Develop
ments will be permitted and the use
of the forest by the public will be en-
couraged. The priority of develop
mentS are listed as follows:
/. Scenic drives, trails, and water
ways for public use, touring, hiking,
boating.
q Picnic grounds, Fairgrounds, and
public camp grounds.
3. Summer schools or camps con-
Quoted by public agencies.
4. Hotel, restaurants, and camps
operated on commercial basis for the
accommodation of the general public.
5. Summer home sites for the ex-
elusive use of permittees and their
families.
The camp grounds and picnic areas
shall ha dauaInnad On n coola ,ov,,roo~
Surate with their use. Ample reserve
area shall be retained to allow for their
expansion at later date. The de-
velopments shall consist of tables, fire
places, tent sites, sanitation facilities,
and, where the site permits, scenic foot
trails, bathing facilities, Fairgrounds,
etc., shall be furnished. All improve
ments made shall be of native materials
and so placed as to blend into the ma
tural landscape.
The public use areas shall be policed
regularly and in as clean and sanitary
condition as possible.
In the development of resorts, sum-
mer homes, etc., native materials, such
as stone, logs, or log siding shall be
standard material for construction and
the improvements SO placed as to be
hidden from the water view.
The general policy of the Govern
ment will be to develop these areas but
not to the detriment of private in
terests. If private resorts are adequate
to take care of the existing useage, de-
velopment of additional facilities or
Government land will not be author.
lied. Summer home sites on surveye
areas may be leased for $500 pei
annum. The permittee constructs hi.
own home in accordance with estab.
liShed plan and standards. Taxes or
personal property are payable to tn.
local government units, but the lant
remains in Government ownership anc
is exempt from taxation.
Any developments which are mad,
are for the public's use and we exten,
an invitation to every one to pay us
visit. We believe the beauty of tn,
scenery to be unsurpassed in this re
gion, the many diversified forms of re
creation are at your disposal. From
past experiences We venture to say tina
visit this season will become one O
your annual trips. The only thin,
the Forest Service asks is that vol
leave a clean camp ground and b
careful with fire and aid us in keeping
the forests green.
S89, 900 Insurance Received
In This City During 1884