The Daily Alaska empire., 1940-03-31
GLACIER BAY DEVELOPMENT IS PLANNED.
Department of Interior 10 Build Wharf, Hotel in
 Unique Region
Bv FRANK T. BEEN Custodian, Glacier Bay Nauonal
 Monument


 formation aud iisappearance. glac- fer advance and recession, as Gla- cier Bay exposes to the inquiring mind. Here among the palmated branched bays formed by many glaciers now in every stage Of &C., tivity and quiescence, the record is open to be read and interpreted Intriguing to the scientist, puzzlng to the layman but interesting to all - Glacier Bay National Monu- ment has a genuinely unique right to a. place among National Park areas. The existing glaciers, too, contrib ute their share to the fame Of Gla- cier Bay which was named years ago when large glaciers were de- bouching into the ocean. In fact, the ice masses which now impress the beholder are insignificant rem nants from a mammoth ice stream that terminated in Icy Strait. Since the Revolutionary War, that enor- nous glacier has melted back until there now exists in it's place beau- tiful bay of clear green water.
 Active Glaciers
 Although the remaining glaciers are small compared to the original they are nevertheless worthy spec tacles. Those like the Muir Gla- cier, Reid Glacier and the Johns Hopkins are active demonstrations of glacial activity Each is fronted by ice fields formed by ice chunks which break off as the glacier creeps into the ocean.
 Where glaciers have receded from the water and are retreating into the mountain snowfields whence they come, there remain gorgeous ly beautiful bays of various SlzeS shapes and intricacies. These love lv branches contribute beauty as well as leaves for the glacial record book
 Spruce forested shores and scat tered islands add to the scene but forests dwindle and eventually dis appear as the upper bays and mos recent glacial activity is reached.
 Mountain Girded
 Commanding the entire aspect f the spectacular Farweather Range Eto. named Native explained, Be cause when we see the mountains ue know lt's c'ng 10 b. fair weatF CT
 Glacier Bay k ais0 sanctuary f hunting an trapping Of many C. Alaska characteristic animals a4d birds. Included are the Alasks brown bear black bear of which th rare glacier bear is phase, the mountain goat, deer marten, gees swan, many kinds of ducks an scores of. ocean dwelling water birds 5. Hence, Glacier Bay Nationa Monument is an area for unusua scientific research, imposing and beautiful scenic attraction and re- serve for many kinds of native ami naals and birds.
 Tourist Development
 A Glacier Bay is just off the regular steamer lanes and has scenic appeal coupled with natural inter- est, t will become 9 regular tourist goal The Department of the h. terlor through the National Park Service. the Forest Service and oth- CT interested agencies, is studying Glacier Bay to formulate plans for tourist accessibility and housing. The Coast and Geodetic Survey is now mapping and sounding the entire bay so that with the com- pletion of that assignment, within the next two years, Glacier Bay will be completely charted for navi- gation.
 The combination of these activi- ties points definitely toward install Iation of facilities for visitors con- yenience and enlightenment. The type of development will be de- termmed with the completion of studies now in progress.
 Hotel, Wharf Planned
 Taking other National Park areas as an example, we may expect a hotel to be constructed, or cabin accommodations with hotel service; construction of wharf for large boats; a small boat harbor; sight seeing boat trips; trail construction to vantage points reasonably ac- ceSSible from the shore and possibly horses for park parties or day trips
 AS Glacier Bay development de- bends upon Congressional approp- riation of funds for that purpose the time is problematical. Never theleSs, the natural attraction anc tourist appeal of Glacier Bay vii eventually result in it's becoming the outstanding ocean stopping place for visito-to Alaska Witt that realization, the National Parl Service will provide the facilities and functions which are its respon sibility = and Alaska will prof through another magnet for touris travel.