The Daily Alaska empire., 1947-01-04
Recreation Sites in Alaska Affording Fairgrounds for
 Tourists Lofaied by Forrest

Following the close of World War II, the Alaska Development Board was flooded with requests for in- formation on locations suitable for future development Many of the ! inquiries originated from individu- i als and concerns interested in i building resorts, lodges, and other types of recreational facilities in the Territory. Since it is the Deve- 1 lopment Boards intention to en- l courage investment of private capi- tai in the establishment of sorely needed food and lodging enter priseS, the Board realized that a thorough study of areas ready for expansion must be undertaken as quickly as possible.
 The problem was discussed with U. s. Regional Forester B. Frank Heintzleman, who offered the loan" of one of his most capable men. Linn Forrest, for the job. Prior to his utilization with the Forest Service in Alaska, Forrest was already wellknown in the field Of architecture. Among his many outstanding achievements was an important role in the designing of Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood, Oregon Timberline is gen. erally regarded as one of the fin est examples of mountain resort architecture in America.
 On his assignment, Forests main objective was to determine areas and select sites favorable for new accommodations and within req sonahle accessibility to nearby towns and transportation. His sur vey did not duplicate work previ- cusly done by the National Park Service
 Blue Print" Trails
 Forrest started out from Juneau to blaze a blue print" trail into areas where accommodations were most needed with particular ref erence to present and prospective highway development His route led to Cordova and from there to Anchorage. He mapped cut likely spots along the Glenn and Rich ardson Highways where business enterprises were needed and made the return trip via the Alaska Highway and Tok Cutoff.
 Tn this part of the country, For rest found many highly suitable places all but crying out" for needed development Many of the existing accommodations are small, inadequate stop-overs of the old dog-sled days and still being used for lack of anything modern The architect discovered real need for facilities all along the highways in the Fairbanks and Anchorage areas to accommodate the present traffic and inevitable tourist influx of coming yeas.
 Kcnai Peninsula
 Gcing into the Kenai Peninsula, Forrest was especially impressed with the possibilities Of Kenai Lake, about 25 miles from Seward, and a number of excellent sites for re- sorts was selected there. Now un- der construction is new road leading into Homer from the pres ent highway system on Kenai Pen insu!a. When this is completed, many Of the more interesting Pen msula localities will be accessible by land, air and water
 Farming Tracts
 Tn addition to excellent possibili- ties as @ resort locality, Homer and the nearby country contain some of the best farming tracts in the Territory Soil fertility equals that of the Matanuska Valley and the land needs only cultivation to repay in uneXcelled produce. With rare scenery, fine trout fishing, and such outstanding game ami mals as Dall sheep, brown bear and the largest of all moose, the Kenai country is made to order" for rec reational development.
 Across Kachemak Bay from Hom- CT nestles Seldovia, a picturesque fishing village of 1000 population, white and native. Around Seldo- via and southward the waters con- tain an abundance of King crab and the expansion of fish and shell fish processing offers this section of the Kenai it's best opportunity for increased development
 Long Tourist Season
 The weather conditions prevail ing throughout the Territory cov- cred by Forrest in his survey are favorable to very long tourist season. The present network of airlines and the possibilities of expanding the routes of local Alas ka air carriers in these particular areas add greatly to the advantage of resort site locations.