the National Forests 23 



San Diego and El Centre Now the Imperial Valley, though 

 highly prosperous agriculturally, does not enjoy a salubrious 

 summer climate. Rather is it noteworthy for its aridity and 

 its consistent warmth. The citizens therefore, living below 

 sea level, look longingly to the mile-high mountains, 70 miles 

 away on their western horizon, where great trees give benevolent 

 shade, where brooks of sweet water run singing over the stones, 

 and where quiet lakes reflect the dark shadows of the pines. 

 On the good roads now provided, these delectable heights can 

 be reached by automobile in three or four hours. Is it any 

 wonder that the dwellers in the hot valley should covet these 

 well- watered mountains as a place of summer residence? Many 

 of the people of San Diego, to whom the tract is equally acces- 

 sible, would likewise be well served by summer homes on 

 these same mountains. 



Apparently these plain needs can be fully met in the Cleveland 

 Forest without the slightest sacrifice of other Forest utilities. 

 This means, however, the development of a practically permanent 

 community on virgin land. Streets must be laid out, lots sur- 

 veyed, water supply protected, sanitary precautions insured, and 

 provision made for public buildings, playgrounds, and all equip- 

 ment of a full-fledged and active community. In short, we have 

 here presented a most fascinating problem in town planning. 



Having now enumerated the principal forms which recreation 



assumes on the National Forests, and having in view the question 



as tti what policies should prevail in the admin- 



Valuation of istration of these interests, it seems desirable 



Recreation to form the clearest possible conception of the 



extent and value of this recreation. 



In the summer of 191 6 forest officers in the field were directed 

 to report upon the number of recreation visitors with a rough 

 classification of their activities — camping, fishing, hunting, motor- 



