Editorials. 



207 



Proposed Extension For many years it has seemed wise to ex- 

 OF Sequoia tend the boundaries of the Sequoia Na- 



National Park. tional Park to include the headwaters of 



the Middle and South Forks of the Kings 

 River and the Kern as well. It has also been suggested that 

 Evolution Basin at the headwaters of the South Fork of the San 

 Joaquin should be added. This region embraces the famous 

 Kings and Kern River Canons, Tehipite and Paradise Valleys, 

 the highest and most rugged portions of the crest of the Sierra 

 extending from beyond the Palisades (over 14,000 feet) on the 

 north to Mt. Whitney (14,501 feet) on the south, wonderfully 

 beautiful lakes, cliff and canon scenery, and also Golden Trout 

 Creek, the only stream in the world where the Roosevelti variety 

 of trout are native. This region has very little commercial forest, 

 is not suitable for residence or agricultural purposes and its 

 main value to the nation lies in its wonderful park-like character, 

 which is annually attracting increasing numbers of campers and 

 tourists. Except for a few grazing areas, on which stock can 

 still be allowed to feed under permit, there is little reason why 

 the inevitable should not take place now instead of later on, and 

 the Park be enlarged to include this area. 



The area is now included in National Forests, but the main 

 reason for the change is that the Forest Service funds are not 

 adequate to open up the region with much needed new trails, 

 not to mention repair of the old. 



Under park administration considerable sums of money would 

 be spent on these improvements. Each year as the Club has 

 visited the Kings and Kern High Sierra regions, it has found 

 the trails in worse condition. This is not any reflection on the 

 Forest Service. Its main interest hes lower down the slope of 

 the range where the commercial forests and greater danger from 

 fire exist. It has done splendid work, but is handicapped by lack 

 of funds. We urge our members to aid in having the Kings- 

 Kern area brought under Park administration so that the region 

 may be opened up for the increasing numbers of persons desiring 

 to visit its wonderful attractions. 



