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Show CHAPTER X CONSERVATION OF RECREATIONAL RESOURCES The Colorado River Basin lies directly across all lines of travel between the rapidly increasing population of California and the densely populated eastern half of the United States. To a large extent in the past, it was considered just a vast space one had to cross on the way to California. Now, with the Pacific Coast more fully developed, people seeking undeveloped, uncrowded areas are beginning to discover the Colorado River Basin. The increased consciousness of color, brought about by colored photography, is causing people to become aware of the beauties of the region. Moving picture companies have discovered that the clear air, the high percentage of sunshine, and the great variety of colorful unspoiled scenery makes southern Utah and Arizona ideal for taking colored photographs of outdoor scenes. The same features are attracting more and more vacationists. It is time for immediate action which will assure preservation of the many and varied recreational resources of the Colorado River Basin. It is also time to develop facilities which will enable people to see and enjoy the region. There are natural limitations on the amount of land that can be placed under cultivation. There is a limit, which has been reached in most sections, on the number of domestic animals that can be grazed. But the possibilities for the development of the recreational use of the basin are almost unlimited. Much has been done. Vast areas, chiefly the higher plateaus and mountains, were designated as national forests in the early 1900' s primarily for protection of the watersheds and for forage, timber, and wildlife production. Since their establishment, it has been found that many of them contain scientific and recreational features of national importance. A number of areas originally included in the forests have been set apart and dedicated as national monuments, while three other areas have been rededicated as national parks. These areas are 818271° 50- 15 now administered by the National Park Service. A number of other areas of major recreational value remain in the national forests. Some of these, in high remote sections of the forests, have been declared wilderness or primitive areas. Recreation is now recognized by the Forest Service as one of the important uses of the forests. In addition to the national parks and monuments originally included in the national forests, a number of other areas have been set aside as national parks and monuments to preserve their intrinsic qualities for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all people for all time. The establishment of these national forests, national parks, and national monuments has been the most important factor in insuring the preservation of the recreational resources of the basin. So far, only California, Nevada, and Arizona have established State parks in the basin. Utah, however, has recently indicated interest in this direction. This is fortunate, as there are many areas which, while not qualified for establishment as areas within the National Park System, nevertheless merit preservation as State parks or monuments. IMPORTANT RECREATIONAL AREAS AND SITES WHICH SHOULD BE PRESERVED AND DEVELOPED In addition to the areas of high recreational value described in preceding chapters, there are certain areas within the Colorado River Basin which contain outstanding existing and potential recreational resources. Some are believed to be of national importance. Others are primarily important to the State or region in which they are located. It is not recommended that all of the areas be set aside exclusively for recreation but that the preservation and development of the recreational resources be at least one of the major elements in 203 |