MASTER PLAN FOR THE FUTURE 17 



be that in its type of locality the Monterey cypress will make its last stand, 

 saved only in Point Lobos Reserve from total extinction. 



All this, and much more, in the way of protective procedure is being 

 interpreted and explained to the visiting public, and embodied in a basic 

 publication. Artists, writers, students of flora and fauna, are encouraged 

 to make this their headquarters, so that steadily at Point Lobos there may 

 grow a tradition favorable to the established objectives. As to results from 

 the Point Lobos program, California park authorities are optimistic and 

 encouraged. Success thus far has been assured by the complete understand- 

 ing and sympathy of the state park administrators. Their plans have been 

 carried out ably by Park Supervisor R. A. Wilson. Scientists and others who 

 contributed to the plan, upon revisiting the area, are impressed by the prog- 

 ress thus far in maintaining and restoring natural conditions. Di.splays of 

 spring Avildflowers in the undisturbed meadows and on grassy slopes were 

 never more colorful. Marine life in the tidal pools along the coast remains 

 in undiminished interest. The pine woods inland are a refuge for the many 

 creatures whose presence gives meaning to the total spectacle. That "mosaic 

 of many elements" spoken of by Dr. John C. Merriam as representing im- 

 portant human values in a concept of nature and the primitive, is being 

 held intact, we hope, for countless generations to enjoy. 



Certain it is that the Point Lobos program has significance, not only in 

 determining the future trend here, but in setting the pattern for the admin- 

 istration of other possessions in the California system of more than 135 

 state parks, built up within the past 25 years to safeguard outstanding 

 natural features not already included in national parks and forests. 

 Notable among these are three mountain areas in southern California 

 possessing Sierran qualities, namely Mt. San Jacinto, Palomar and Cuya- 

 maea. Anza Desert, whose 460,000 acres contain a wealth of desert flora, 

 includes such unusual and interesting plants as the native fan palm ( Wash- 

 ingtonia filifera), ocotillo, smoke tree, cacti and the rare elephant tree 

 (Bursera microphyJla). Also preserved are the Calaveras Groves of Big 

 Trees, Burney Falls and Castle Crags ; and above all, the matchless forests 

 of Coast redwoods, {Sequoia sempervirens) , in Humboldt and Del Norte 

 Counties — the Bull Creek watershed with its majestic "cathedral-like" 

 groves in the flats, the primeval forest on Prairie Creek and along the Del 

 Norte Coast ; and the redwoods on Smith River and Mill Creek north and 

 east of Crescent City. 



Not all of California's state parks are destined to be "reserves." Some 

 have historic meaning, primarily ; some, of their very nature, will be de- 

 voted to outdoor recreation — such as the ocean beaches of the south. But 

 for the more perishable areas, the program at Point Lobos has pointed the 

 way to sound procedure, based on knowledge and appreciation. This lesson 

 has been learned: to protect the primitive properly takes time and thought. 



