The open nature of the forests, the slowness with 

 which they are reestablished, and the failure of 

 shrubby vegetation to hold the soil on deforested 

 slopes are evidence that a permanent forest cover 

 must be maintained to protect the watershed 

 values. This can usually be done without conflict 

 with other important uses if proper forest manage- 

 ment is followed. 



Water for domestic use in the larger cities and 

 towns is usually obtained from forested watersheds. 

 To protect the purity as well as the quantity of the 

 supply it may be necessary to prohibit or restrict 

 other uses, including timber production. The 

 area involved is not large. 



Recreation 



The forested areas are rich in recreational and 

 scenic values. The open, parklike ponderosa pine 

 and alpine forests are easily accessible, and the 

 mountain lakes and streams, alpine meadows, and 

 rugged mountain peaks attract vacationists, hun- 

 ters, fishermen, nature lovers, and alpinists. 

 Although the local population is sparse, the forests 

 of the region are extensively used, many visitors 

 coming from the coast. Outstanding scenic attrac- 

 tions, such as Crater Lake, Lake Chelan, the 

 North Cascade Primitive Area, and the Wallowa 

 Mountains, draw visitors from all parts of the 

 country. Crater Lake National Park is visited 

 annually by 200,000 people. Approximately 856,- 

 000 acres of the national forests have been set 

 aside as primitive areas and recreational areas. In 



addition the Forest Service has developed many 

 campgrounds and recreational facilities, so that 

 the innumerable forested beauty spots can be 

 enjoyed. Approximately 450,000 people use the 

 five national forests for recreation each year. 



Wildlife 



An outstanding attraction of the forested districts 

 is the abundant supply of fish and game. The 

 principal game animal is the mule deer and in 

 season hunters from the entire Pacific Coast pursue 

 this animal. Intelligent game management has 

 resulted in large increases in the mule deer popula- 

 tion. In fact the population on certain protected 

 and managed areas has increased beyond the capac- 

 ity of the winter range and in 1938 and 1939 it 

 was necessary to open the season on does in certain 

 localities. 



In addition to furnishing summer range for deer, 

 the forests also furnish food and shelter for elk and 

 many fur-bearing animals. Like the deer the elk 

 population is increasing, and each year hunting 

 of these animals which were once considered 

 vanishing is permitted under close supervision. 

 Mountain goats and big-horn sheep still inhabit 

 the more remote sections and are protected. 

 Antelope in limited numbers are found in the 

 desertlike southern part of the region. 



The lakes and streams are noted for their trout. 

 The forests are an important element in maintain- 

 ing optimum conditions for fish through their 

 protective influence on streamflow. 



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