A NATIONAL PLAN FOB AMERICAN FORESTRY 53 



watershed protection. The proposed shift in ownership in the area 

 of major influence is shown in figure 24. 



The lands already under Federal, State, or other public ownership 

 but without administration are a special case. In their present con- 

 dition they are a public disgrace. Formal reservation as national or 

 State forests or other units permitting administration is the first 

 prerequisite to management and administration. 



LANDS UNDER PRIVATE OWNERSHIP 



The lands that remain in private ownership will be put in a much 

 more satisfactory condition for watershed protection by the fire pro- 

 gram recommended and this should be done with public aid. Further 

 improvement depends largely upon the owner, although here also the 

 public aid recommended in such ways as planting stock at low cost, 

 advice, etc., will be helpful. 



ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR FOREST RECREATION 



The use of the forest for recreation has received so little attention 

 and the need for it is and should be assuming such proportions that 

 the first requirement is for a survey to determine what types of forest 

 recreation are particularly desired and how much land should be set 

 aside for each. 



Although almost any forest may be used for recreation, the follow- 

 ing types require especial consideration: 



Superlative areas. Those with unique scenic values so surpassing 

 and stupendous in their beauty as to be of unusual interest and 

 inspiration. 



Primitive areas. Tracts of old growth timber in which human 

 activities has never upset the normal processes of nature. 



Wilderness areas. Those without permanent inhabitants or means 

 of mechanical conveyance, and of sufficient size to permit a week or 

 two of travel without crossing one's own tracks. 



Roadside areas. Timbered strips adjoining important roads. 



Residence areas. Those set aside for private homes, hotels, etc. 



Campsite areas. Those set aside for campers, etc. 



Outing areas. Those not seriously impaired scenically on which 

 one can get away from the sounds of the highway. 



For most or all of these it will be necessary to consider and provide 

 in varying degree for such things as : 



Finding suitable areas; 



Setting them aside under suitable auspices, or for public purchase 

 or acceptance as gifts; 



Making suitable plans for their administration, including the 

 enforcement of necessary regulations, the construction of needed 

 roads and trails, or other forms of improvements, or the barring of 

 roads and trails ; planting ; prohibition or restriction in timber cutting ; 



The elimination of billboards, etc., and objectionable private im- 

 provements such as buildings; and 



Provision for protection against fire, insects, and fungi. 



Federal, State, and local legislation and appropriations will be 

 necessary. The most needed legislation may be congressional 

 authorization to develop and safeguard the recreational, educational, 

 and inspirational value of the national forests. 



