the National Forests 



landscape of the wide Forest areas has very great esthetic and 

 human value. The mountains, glaciers, lakes, streams, woods, 

 and natural parks contribute largely and effectively to human 

 health and enjoyment. This contribution has a demonstrable 

 value. The fundamental problem of the landscape engineer 

 would then be to release these values, to make the human 

 resources of the Forests accessible to visitors, and not merely 

 accessible but intelligible and effective. 



The moment that recreation (using this word in a very liberal 

 meaning) is recognized as a legitimate Forest utility the way is 

 opened for a more intelligent administration of the National 

 Forests. Recreation then takes its proper place along with all 

 other utilities. In each particular case these utilities are weighed 

 against one another and a plan of administration devised to 

 adjust and harmonize, to the utmost point practicable, the various 

 forms of use so that the largest net total of public good may be 

 secured. Where one must be subordinated to another, prefer- 

 ence is given to that of highest value to the public. 



With these general considerations in mind we may take a look 

 at the National Forests, observing the extent and nature of cur- 

 rent recreation activities. 



The simplest form of recreation is found in hiking, packing, 

 or automobiling through the Forests. There have already been 

 provided for administrative uses (fire protection, etc.), thousands 

 of miles of trails. These are built to stand - 

 Existing Recre- ardized specifications, the most popular type 

 ation Uses ("Class A trails") providing for a safe, clean 

 footway, 4 feet wide, laid at a maximum 

 gradient of 6 per cent. Admirable examples of this kind of trail 

 were examined in the Natural Bridge Area of the Appalachian 

 Forest in Virginia. Here, in a mountain country readily acces- 

 sible to the large eastern centers of population, these trails lead 

 through splendid forests with inspiring landscape outlooks, across 



