THE WICHITA NATIONAL FOREST AND GAME PRESERVE 9 



appearance seems to bear out this assertion. Disintegration is far 

 advanced, and the countless strange and interesting formations 

 coupled with indescribably beautiful colorings resulting from the 

 pla} T of the elements upon the crumbling rocks, yield scenic effects 

 at once unique and of compelling attractiveness. 



VALUE FOR RECREATION 



Situated just aside from a main transcontinental highway, in the 

 center of a vast open-prairie country and yet within easy reach of 

 populous sections of the Southwest, the Wichita National Forest 

 and Game Preserve is rapidly becoming a public recreation center of 

 great value. The Forest Service recognizes that public recreation 

 is an important national-forest resource. It invites the public to 

 come, use, and enjoy the forests and places no restrictions upon such 



Fig. 7.— Wild ducks at Lost Lake, Wichita National Forest 



use or enjoyment except the ordinary common-sense requirements as 

 to sanitation and care with fire. 



The area lying to the south of the Scenic highway, known as the 

 Lost Lake and Camp Boulder region, is dedicated to recreational use. 

 Six choice areas have been designated as public camp grounds and 

 are being made more convenient and enjoyable as rapidly as funds 

 are provided to finance the necessary sanitation, water supply, and 

 playground improvements. The use of these areas is free to all. 

 In this work civic organizations of the towns and cities surrounding 

 the forest are taking a most important and helpful part. The 

 Rotarians, Kiwanians, the Chambers of Commerce of Lawton, Hobart, 

 Roosevelt, and Cooperton, and the Cache Improvement Society 

 have each undertaken to help finance the development and improve- 

 ment of one of the public camp grounds within the national forest. 

 At three of the camps swimming pools are provided and are the most 

 appreciated development that could be undertaken. From the camp 

 grounds interesting trails lead to the mountain tops, and hiking is 



