Notes and Correspondence. 



197 



National Parks and Reservations. 

 (From Report of the Secretary of Interior, 1909.) 

 My inspection of the Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks 

 during the past summer convinces me that the Government should 

 adopt a more advanced policy respecting their maintenance, im- 

 provement, and operation, 



(1) A continued extension of roads, trails, and structures for 

 public travel and convenience are required to enable the tourist 

 to obtain the benefits of the scenic beauties of these natural 

 playgrounds — the most wonderful in the world. 



(2) These parks have ceased to be experimental as to the 

 operation of transportation lines, hotels, and other concessions, 

 because of the steady stream of travel frequenting them, and the 

 large profits in most cases should require the devotion of a 

 reasonable share thereof to the maintenance of the parks. 



I have therefore determined to impose upon all the conces- 

 sionaries, so far as existing contracts will permit, a franchise or 

 use tax, based upon their gross earnings, for the enlargement of 

 the maintenance fund, and where new leases are executed, to ad- 

 vance the rental and franchise charge proportionate to the privi- 

 lege enjoyed. A definite system of accounting and inspection will 

 be installed for the Government's protection in this behalf. 



The system of maintaining regular troops in the Yellowstone 

 and Yosemite parks is a highly satisfactory method of patrol. 

 The moral effect and the saving of expense in administration 

 alone justify their assignment. 



As to the park roads, I would recommend that future appro- 

 priations for their construction and maintenance be given to this 

 department for disbursement rather than to the War Department, 

 thus clothing the Interior Department with their control and 

 supervision. 



In the Yosemite National Park special attention is directed to 

 the necessity for the establishment of a permanent water and 

 drainage system to protect the health of the tourists and campers, 

 and those stationed in the park. A board of government experts 

 should be selected to submit proper plans for solving this pressing 

 problem. 



It is also advisable, as this is an "all-year" park, to establish a 

 permanent military post in the park, instead of the temporary 

 camp maintained during the summer months. The satisfactory 

 enforcement of park regulations can be carried out in no other 

 way. 



I would also urge that Congress authorize the acquisition of 

 private holdings in this park of both lands and toll roads. The 

 large private fenced areas in which cattle are grazed require con- 



