National Parks. 



6i 



first, because the problems of national forest administration have com- 

 manded my whole attention, and, second, because the parks are under 

 the jurisdiction of another department. I have, however, repeatedly- 

 expressed my opinion in public and to committees of Congress regarding 

 the necessity for a broad policy of park development and for the imme- 

 diate organization of adequate machinery for carrying it out. I have 

 been advocating the estabhshment of a Bureau of National Parks as 

 the first step. The subject is a great deal bigger than that of a single 

 park. It involves the question of a consistent, far-reaching and stable 

 poHcy touching the choice of areas for parks, the principles of locating 

 the boundaries, and the administration and development of the parks 

 to meet the needs of the public seeking to enjoy their benefits. The 

 question of establishing the boundaries is one not yet settled at all and 

 it is one which touches the fundamental principle of park administration. 



The park problem is a national one. We are going to Congress to 

 ask adequate appropriations to protect, administer and develop the 

 parks. With clearly defined policies and a fully organized administra- 

 tion, we can go before the country and ask the support of the whole 

 nation for the work. The establishment of new parks in conformity to 

 these established policies and financial support will then be forthcoming. 

 I have devoted my efforts in national park matters to these broader 

 phases of the problem and have deliberately urged delay on many indi- 

 vidual projects until they could be settled. I regard them as important 

 not only to put the park development on a more consistent and stable 

 basis, but also because of the practical question of getting legislation 

 to set aside the parks and to grant the Federal financial support neces- 

 sary for the proper administration. 



In regard to Colorado, I think that we should consider not only Estes 

 Park, but also other areas, as possible national parks. Colorado has 

 wonderful mountain scenery which is not appreciated by the country 

 at large. I am impressed by this in every visit. It will be the task of 

 the Bureau of National Parks to decide whether to recommend other 

 areas than Estes Park for special development under the park system. 



I am not opposed to the establishment of Estes Park as a national 

 park. I am unwilling, however, to embarrass the Department of the 

 Interior by making any recommendations until its officers have had an 

 opportunity to reach a conclusion. If the Secretary of the Interior 

 concludes that this area should be set aside as a national park, I shall 

 not only give my heartiest concurrence, but will aid in every way I can 

 to promote the project. 



I hope that some time you will permit me to ally myself with your 

 Mountain Club. Very sincerely yours, 



(Signed) H. S. Graves, 

 Forester. 



