THE RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL 27 



program for scenic roads and parkways is now underway in the De- 

 partment of Commerce. Completion is expected this summer and 

 it will cover criteria for selection, relative priorities, methods of fi- 

 nancing and probably legislative proposals. 



The Council now has four important studies in progress, which 

 will likely result in policy recommendations. They involve: 



1. Procedures for measuring recreation use on Federal lands. 



2. Recommendations on the role of the private sector in providing 

 outdoor recreation. 



3. Non-Federal management of recreational facilities on Federal 

 lands and waters. 



4. Land management responsibilities of Federal agencies at Land 

 and Water Resources projects. 



Let me conclude with these observations : 



There is a close relationship between the development of outdoor 

 recreation resources and the program outlined by President Johnson 

 in his Natural Beauty Message. I believe the Executive Order estab- 

 lishing the Council gives it implicit duties with respect to natural 

 beauty just as it gives explicit duties in outdoor recreation. If there 

 is any question on this score, the Executive Order should be clarified. 



Like any advisory group, the Recreation Advisory Council has its 

 problems including effective participation by principals, financing, 

 staff services, and gaining acceptance and utilization of its recom- 

 mendations. 



Too, it must establish good relationships with related councils, 

 including the Water Resources Council that would be established 

 by pending legislation now in conference after passing both House 

 and Senate. 



The Council has under consideration the creation of a Blue Ribbon 

 Citizen Advisory Committee. 



The task before us, if for no other reason than it involves vary- 

 ing jurisdictions public and private, Federal and State and local 

 is monumental. At the same time, it represents a truly inspiring 

 challenge. 



Recommendations of this conference and how to increase the 

 Council's effectiveness in responding to the challenge will be grate- 

 fully received. 



779-595 Qi 



