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Show former levels of the lake. North of the delta and west of Yuma is an extensive area of large, well- developed sand dunes. PLAN RECOMMENDED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN RECREATIONAL FEATURES IN THE PLATEAU PROVINCE In writing of the remarkable scenic features of the Colorado Plateau, Capt. C. E. Dutton stated in 1884: " Great innovations, whether in art or literature, in science or in nature, seldom take the world by storm. They must be understood before they can be estimated, and must be cultivated before they can be understood." This penetrating analysis of the problem that is faced in obtaining maximum recreational value from a region of exceptional and unique scenic character is the basis of a plan that follows. Information available to visitors in the plateau region should not be confined to unrelated ideas concerning the immensity, the beauty, or the marks of erosion presented by such spectacles as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, or Grand Canyon. Such features are truly great and inspiring, and normally have a profound influence on the thinking of those who see them, but as a source of mental stimulation they are surpassed in greatness by the history of the earth which is illustrated through them. To one who has not studied the geological processes this history will not at once be apparent, but with a very little explanation it may become understandable to any person of normal intelligence and will thereafter remain a source of great pleasure and inspiration. Earth history as represented in the Colorado Plateau is not significant merely because of the chronological record that it represents, but also because it serves as a means of conveying certain great concepts to the human mind. These include the magnitude of geologic time, the reality of crus- tal movements and mountain uplifts, the evolution of life, and the never- ending processes of deposition, erosion, and volcanism. Such concepts are responsible for great mental stimulation and lead, through thought, to attainment of one of the highest forms of recreational enjoyment. Events representing the history of the earth undoubtedly are more closely and simply illustrated by the record of the rocks in the Colorado Plateau than anywhere else in the world. In order that this history be skillfully and artfully presented to visitors of this region, emphasis must be placed on original materials. Facts must be dealt with and presented in a way that will guide people's thoughts toward a realization of the principles. By way of illustration, consider the result of calling attention to sea shells and corals in rock layers now some thousands of feet above the sea. In most cases, a concept of crustal movement and uplift will come to the visitor, evolved through his own thinking and not because of a theory advanced to him by some scientist. The thrill and satisfaction of discovery will be his. From the preceding analysis it appears that the task of the planner is, first, to lead people to the best possible illustrations through a skillful development of roads and trails and, second, to make available, without forcing upon them, data necessary to a correct interpretation and correlation of facts. In the Colorado Plateau the normal flat- lying attitude of the rock layers and the orderly succession of beds according to age greatly simplify this problem. There are three principal routes used today by visitors crossing the plateau region and, fortunately, each of these routes offers opportunity for seeing evidence of the normal succession of events in geologic history. One of the routes is from Grand Canyon northward, through Zion and Bryce. Another ( which probably will be much used in the future) is from Grand Canyon northeastward through Tuba City, Kayenta, and Monument Valley. The third is from Grand Canyon eastward by way of Petrified Forest and Gallup. Visitors traveling any of these routes from Grand Canyon will pass through rocks from oldest to youngest or, taking the routes in reverse order, will start with the youngest layers and end with the oldest. Thus a unified story may be obtained and the history made appealing if it is properly explained along the route by wayside observation stations, markers for exhibits- in- place, and literature covering the routes. It is clear that at each place of interest and significance along any of the main routes of travel not 54 |