Relation of Wild Life to the Public 381 



Need of Formulating Policies, — At present our parks are in 

 great need of definitely formulated policies, even if they are of a 

 provisional nature (cf. Waugh, '18; H. S. Graves, '20). Recently, 

 in connection with efl:orts to establish new National Parks, the need 

 of bringing out the distinctive characteristics of such areas, com- 

 pared with National Forests and other public uses of lands, has 

 led the "Council on National Parks, Forests and Wild Life" of 

 New York City (an informal group interested in these problems), 

 to formulate their ideas. This has resulted in a policy leaflet revised 

 to Oct. 25, 1923, while in the same year the Boone and Crockett 

 Club, of New York City, formulated a policy with regard to the 

 protection of big game in the West, which includes the National 

 Parks. Such constructive efforts deserve hearty commendation, 

 but Ave should bear in mind their provisional character because 

 they have not been based upon the prolonged investigation which 

 their merit warrants. A recent valuable summary of the National 

 Park Service, outlining its history, activities and organization has 

 been compiled by Cameron ('22). The recently organized "National 

 Conference on Outdoor Recreation" is in a position to do excellent 

 work for this cause. 



The Forest Service has issued in mimeographed form, from the 

 District Foresters' offices at Albuquerque, Denver and Ogden, "Fish 

 and Game Handbooks," in which certain of the Forest Service policies 

 for wild life are carefully outlined. These policies are naturally not 

 the same as those of the National Parks, but they have much in com- 

 mon; and these handbooks will prove to be of much value to any 

 serious student of the whole park problem who wishes to work out 

 a similar manual for the different National Parks. 



A broad, general policy for the parks is not enough ; it should 

 be comprehensive, but at the same time it should be worked out in 

 as much detail as is possible, so that in time we will have for our 

 National Parks a manual corresponding, is some respects, to the 

 Use Book of the Forest Service. Each State Park or park ad- 

 ministration should have a similar policy, which should be published 

 and made a part of the educational data available to the public. 

 It will then be accessible for criticism and improvement. Of course, 

 as many park executives are without adequate help, are liable to 

 political interference, and their tenure short, they are frequently 

 liable to neglect the formulation of these policies, and depend solely 

 upon the laws establishing the parks. Without general policies we 

 can not expect detailed, well-worked-out plans for wild life. Todav 

 we have no such published program for the wild life of our Na- 



