Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

National Forests as Recreation Grounds

1910; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 35; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/000271621003500203

1552-3349

Treadwell Cleveland,

American Environmental and Regional History

In extent, in variety of attractions, and in availability to the people of the country, the national forests form as a whole by far the greatest national recreation grounds in the world.Some of them, especially those near large centers of population, draw tens of thou- sands every season.Altogether, some 400,000 persons visit the forests annually for recreation.Most of these come from nearby cities and towns, but many come from other states and even from other countries.Moreover, the use of the forests for recreation has only fairly begun.It is increasing very rapidly-at least ten per cent a year on the average, and in some cases one hundred per cent a year.The national forests are maintained to conserve the vast natural resources of wood and water.These resources are located on the slopes, crests, and peaks of the Rockies and the Coast Ranges, which are the most picturesque and healthful regions in the United States.Thus, by geographic necessity, they include the highest peaks, the finest glaciers, the most interesting geological formations, and much of the best virgin forests in the United States.They are, as a rule, supplied with pure water in great abundance.They contain much of the best hunting and fishing country.Within them are many of the most striking and important historic and prehistoric landmarks, as well as natural wonders which do not suffer by comparison with those of the national parks.An endless variety of landscape and every natural charm are included in their boundaries.Recreation in the national forests usually takes the form of- summer outings devoted simply to camping out.Individuals and small parties, or clubs, come in by stage or wagon-in some cases, by automobile-bringing with them provisions for a longer or a shorter visit, make camp, and shift for themselves with true western independence and skill.Doing without many conveniences is not regarded as privation.In comparison with this western way of enjoying nature, the usual eastern summer vacations spent at boarding