Glacier County chief., 1939-04-07
GLACIER PARKS
VALUE GROWING
PRICELESS HERITAGE BECAUSE
OF PRIMITIVE CONDITION,
SAYS SUPERINTENDENT
In Connection With Erection of Hatch
cry, d. S. Libbey Says Larger Fish
VIII Be Planted in Future; Will Pro-
vide for Citizens Leisure.

Glacier park IN the years 10 come
will be regarded more and more as
a priceless heritage because it is a
natural, primitive area, one of the
great universities of the outdoors
where the results of natural forces
are portrayed to the seeker after
truth, D. S. Libbey, superintendent
of Glacier national park, said in
recent address. Libbey, in connec-
ton with plans for erection of
new fish hatchery for the park, an
nounced that it was the staff's inten-
ton to plant fish which would be big
much additional fish food in the battle
for survival in lakes and streams. Dis
cussing feeding of game he pointed out
that studies had indicated that where
animals were fed at concentrated areas
it was found that they were victims of
parasites and that those who foraged
for themselves were able to survive bet
ter, particularly in a natural area
Studies. he said. indicated that the
carryover was larger when they were
permitted to forage for themselves
rather than be fed at concentrated
areas.
Provide for Leisure
There is need for our present ma
tional reawakening concerning conser-
walton to result in far flung but also
well balanced plan to insure the pres
ervation of irresponsible. natural seem
cry and extend the national park ideals
and philosophy to all areas worthy Of
such designation. 1t is. challenge to
this generation to provide for the leis-
retain inviolate the irreplaceable sites
and life conditions for future genera
tons to enjoy and study.
ut was the exploration and designa-
ton of Yellowstone national park which
was a very significant event marking
the early activity of conservationists in
their efforts to preserve portions Of the
public domain for the national parks.
We should never cease to be grateful
to the members of the Washburn-
Doane expedition of 1870. who explored
the area in northwest wyoming, Mon
tana and Idaho. and definitely reject
ed the idea Of private acquisition and
preciate and render homage to Cor
nelius Hedges. an attorney Of Helena,
who declared the area was too grand.
too wonderful and that it should never
fall into private hands.
THE national park idea continued
to grow and in 1916 the national park
service was established as bureau in
the department of the interior, and to-
day the service is responsible for 26
national parks. 2 national historical
parks. Ct national monuments, II ma
tional military parks, 10 battlefield
sites. 4 miscellaneous memorials. IL ma
tional cemeteries and 3 parkways, to-
falling l5,58e8 2l acres, or 24,202 square
miles.
THE national parks serve, in an i'm
portant sense. as recreational areas.
but the primary use of the parks and
monuments really constitutes nation
al trust. The use Of our national parks,
to a very definite degree. integrates
into a fundamental educational expe-
rience-a real appreciation Of nature.
In the parks. beauty in its truest sense
receives expression and eXerts its in
fluence along with recreation and for
NAL education. Parks are not merely
places to rest, exercise and learn: they
are areas where discerning individuals
look through the veil of the past to
meet the realities of nature and under
stand the unfathomable power behind
the cosmic forces which rule the uni
verse"
Libbey. who came to Glacier park
several months ago. was head OF the
Hot Springs national park in Arkansas
before coming to Montana. Prior to
that time he served at national head
quarters in Washington and at Crater
lake national park.