Protection of soils and vegetation between individual camp or 
picnic units often requires controls, such as barriers of vegetation, 
wood, or stone. Even when protective measures are taken, however, 
wear and damage will occur. Gradual attrition of site values must 
be offset by scheduling regular and continuing maintenance—plant- 
ing, fertilization, or irrigation. Many of the principles of location, 
protection, and maintenance can also be applied to more extensive 
landscapes. Overdevelopment along scenic drives, for instance, can 
be avoided by grouping service and business structures close to large 
recreation site developments. 
Streams and lakes contribute immensely to the beauty of the 
environment, reflecting and serving as contrasts to surrounding trees 
and mountains, supporting aquatic life, or providing the means for 
many water-oriented recreational activities. Of primary concern 
is the purity and clarity of the water itself. If its beauty is to be fully 
realized, we must insure against abnormal siltation, and biologic, 
chemical, and thermal pollution. To this end, cooperation from the 
public and management measures well beyond the recreational at- 
traction itself are often necessary. In providing for appropriate 
access and use, special controls or treatments are often needed to 
protect delicate vegetation and unstable soils on the banks of streams, 
lakes, and reservoirs. Developments, roads, and trails must be 
located to minimize environmental disturbance. 
Water attracts a wide variety of activities: nature study, fishing, 
swimming, canoeing, power boating, water skiing—uses which often 
conflict. Each has its place. Full use and enjoyment of a beautiful 
setting often require the separation of uses as, for example, assigning 
appropriate areas or times for each activity. 
ACCENT ON HISTORY 
Trails and other recreation travel routes can be much more than 
a “way to get there.’ With appropriate signs, maps, and guide 
leaflets, travel routes can become an open book on the natural and 
cultural history of the countryside. New routes should be located 
so as to highlight points of interest and vary the range and content of 
the scenic view. Locating overlooks with the broadest possible view 
is not always advisable; rather, the point chosen should give the most 
meaningful or dramatic view. 
58 
Even in areas set aside for their natural or wild character, certain 
management or control measures must be applied. Dispersed use 
should be encouraged, for large groups tend to destroy the mood and 
character of wild surroundings as well as the resource itself. Man- 
agement of the area should insure that dispersed rather than con- 
centrated use prevails. And natural beauty can best be maintained 
by persuading visitors to keep the area clean. 
Much of America’s beauty is related to its cultural as well as its 
natural history. Points of interest should be identified. An individ- 
ual tree, a stand of trees, or a dwelling may commemorate some event 
in history. In such places, adequate space should be provided to 
meet the ecological and esthetic requirements of the site as an aid in 
recreating or maintaining the original mood and beauty. 
This walk-in picnic unit shows careful adaptation and use 
of native materials to maintain the beauty of the setting. 
F—468413 
