198 THE FOREST SERVICE AND THE NATIONAL FORESTS 



Some 68 primitive areas with an aggregate area of over 10,000,000 

 acres have been set aside for future enjoyment. No further structural 

 improvements other than for fire protection and no commercial de- 

 velopments are permitted on these areas. Furthermore, hunting is 

 restricted or prevented on these areas. Under proper permit, leases 

 are given for hotels, camp sites, summer cabins, and other recreational 

 developments. 



Interesting wild life has attracted wide attention throughout the 

 country. It has also proved to be an important local resource, provid- 



FIG. 105. Sheep grazing in the Gallatin National Forest, Montana. Millions 

 of sheep and cattle graze annually on the National Forests. Forage is an im- 

 portant resource on many forests. 



ing substantial revenue for isolated settlers, licensed guides, and busi- 

 ness enterprises. There are over 60,000 miles of fishing streams in 

 the National Forests. Under proper protection and regulation, fish- 

 ing and hunting have been immeasurably improved. The former 

 serious conflicts between the grazing interests and those chiefly con- 

 cerned with better hunting and fishing have been largely reconciled. 

 It is estimated that since 1921 the number of antelope has increased 

 504%, brown bear 26%, deer 107%, elk 119%, moose 121%, and 

 mountain goats 102%, but grizzly bear show a decrease 'of 7% and 

 mountain sheep 12%. It is estimated that there are the following 

 big game in our National Forests: 5000 grizzly bear, chiefly in Alaska 



