152 FOREST OUTINGS 



in the livestock industry; they are not adapted by nature to the use of 

 domestic stock on an open-range basis as in the- West. Comparatively few 

 livestock are permitted on them. So herds and humans rarely get in each 

 other's way back East, and the same thing holds true over the greater part 

 of the national-forest area, for less than half the total area is now grazed 

 by domestic stock. 



Moreover, the Forest Service closes entirely to grazing certain virgin, 

 natural, and other special types of areas having definite recreational appeal; 

 and of the 14 million acres of wilderness areas, 6 million are not grazed by 

 domestic livestock or are used so slightly that essentially primitive conditions 

 of vegetation can easily be maintained. 



There are many who like to see flocks and herds on the open range and 

 count it a part of the pleasure of their outing. To them the sight of a band 

 of sheep scattered over a distant hillside, or of a lone camp wagon silhouetted 

 against the evening sky is pleasing. It seems a part of the romance of the 

 West. The dude ranches, many of which are located in or near the western 

 national forests, came into existence largely because of this desire of the 

 vacationist to share in what is left of the picturesque life of the range. 



But livestock and forest guests frequently get in each other's way in the 

 more accessible areas along roads and highways. People seek these spots 

 for recreation and, as might be expected, find that many of these easily 

 reached lands have long been grazed. Yet it is often possible to avoid discord 

 by planning more carefully the developments for recreational use. 



For example, if the grazing use of a very large area should be wholly de- 

 pendent on a relatively small water source, the location of a campground 

 or group of summer homes around this spring or lake would necessitate 

 the abandonment of grazing over the entire area. With a little advance 

 planning, however, the recreational concentration undoubtedly could be 

 placed elsewhere and the smaller amount of water needed for recreational 

 use obtained by wells or improvement of springs. Similarly, on many road- 

 side or near-roadside areas the recreational use often justifies the fencing 

 of the campground against livestock. The fences are usually hidden so 

 campers have no feeling of being "shut-in." The cattle-guard entrance is 

 made to merge attractively into the surrounding scene. Plans must also be 



