Treasures of the Nation 



545 



The requirements of this dual func- 

 tion, providing for protection and for 

 human use, have been observed even 

 through a period of total war. The 

 principle now seems firmly established 

 that the features that make the areas 

 worthy of preservation should not be 

 sacrificed, even for purposes of war, ex- 

 cept as a last resort. 



The protection of these superlative 

 areas naturally involves certain restric- 

 tions and regulations, which at times 

 may interfere with their untrammeled 

 use. Precautions against destruction by 

 fire, carelessness, or vandalism must be 

 taken. Locations, therefore, are desig- 

 nated for such uses as camping, pic- 

 nicking, and making fires. Rangers are 

 assigned to guard against misuse of the 

 public's property and to assist those 

 who need any direction or advice. The 

 wildlife has to be protected from visi- 

 tors and the visitors from wildlife. 



On the other hand, the Service 

 maintains a staff of naturalists, histo- 

 rians, and other persons to explain the 

 wonders of nature and the notable 

 events of our history to the end that 

 people can have full use and enjoyment 

 of the areas. Lecturers, campfire talks, 

 and tours are available so that visitors 

 can get the most information in a short 

 time. Where advisable and practicable, 

 museums are at hand to assist in telling 

 the story. 



In most parks, foot and horse trails, 

 suitably marked with directional and 

 explanatory signs, lead to points of in- 

 terest. Those who are physically able 

 to take advantage of trips on the trails 

 find them an inspiring and satisfying 

 recreation. Then, too, fishing is excel- 

 lent in many places. Inland fishing is 

 governed by regulations to fit local con- 

 ditions; in some places only fly fishing 

 is permitted, or creel limits are set, for 

 example. In most cases State laws ap- 

 ply and State licenses must be carried. 



Some national parks present oppor- 

 tunities for swimming and boating. 

 Where such is the case, full advantage 

 is taken of the fact, and necessary facil- 

 ities are provided. Usually bathing is 

 of small importance, but boating facil- 



802062 49 36 



ities will be found that vary from row- 

 boats for fishing or pleasure to fairly 

 large excursion boats. 



Hunting is prohibited in all national 

 parks and monuments because they are 

 wildlife sanctuaries. But the gain is 

 great : The camera enthusiasts and the 

 many persons who want to see the wild 

 creatures of the forests in their natural 

 surroundings generally are well re- 

 warded. Frequently, also, the increase 

 in the numbers of animals spreads be- 

 yond the park boundaries, so that 

 hunting is better in adjacent territory. 



Winter in the parks where snow falls 

 is often the loveliest season of all. The 

 quiet, peaceful beauty and the witchery 

 of soft snow on trees and undergrowth, 

 the airy creations of frozen spray from 

 waterfalls, and the snow sculpture of 

 the winds combine with the superb 

 surroundings to make a breath-taking 

 scene. It is no wonder that some of 

 the areas, the ones that are especially 

 adapted to winter sports, are beloved 

 of skiers. For them, roads are kept open 

 all winter, the ski runs are maintained 

 where it is possible to do so without 

 detriment to fundamental park values, 

 and lodges are in full operation. Some 

 parks also offer opportunities for to- 

 bogganing, skating, snowshoeing, and 

 other winter sports. 



THE PARKWAYS are a new classifica- 

 tion of areas that has been added in 

 recent years to the national park sys- 

 tem. Of particular interest to motorists, 

 they are first-class motor roads with 

 right-of-way in the form of elongated 

 parks. They are located so as to reach 

 points of great historic interest (such 

 as Mount Vernon and Yorktown), to 

 follow historic routes (like the Natchez 

 Trace), or to provide an outstanding 

 scenic drive (like the Blue Ridge 

 Parkway between the Shenandoah and 

 the Great Smoky Mountains National 

 Parks). Access to parkways is limited 

 so as to promote the greatest safety and 

 contribute to pleasure. The right-of- 

 way is under strict control to preclude 

 unsightly structures and damage to the 

 growth. At appropriate locations there 



