WSP04067

• File Number: 8027
• Description: Section D General Correspondence - Federal Agencies - US Department of Agriculture-Forest Service
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 5/21/1964
• Author: American Forestry As
• Title: A Conservation Program for American Forestry - Policy Statement - American Forestry Association
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

U U .L G '1 '.. ....
ments for river basin planning, de"velopment, and
management.
10. That river basin planning encompass the en-
tire watershed, including headwaters as well as down-
stream programs, keeping in mind the development
of the full water pr.oducing potential of the entire
basin while also giving due consideration to the im-
pact on the relationship to other resources and uses
of the land.
11. Acceleration of a program of .physical science
and economic research designed to provide the basis
for pollution abatement practices and policies which
will foster the best use of the nation's water re-
sources.
12. That development of water conservation fa'.
cilities coordinate primary purposes with the desir-
able subsidiary purpose of recreational use of associ-
ated land and water resources. Efforts to achieve
stich recreational' use should give due consideration
to the impact of public land acquisition upon the
local tax base.
13. That private interests be encouraged to under-
take development of recreational facilities at water
. resource projects.
14. That where water conservation facilities are
developed .with public funds, it be public policy to
acquire lands, or easements on lands, for public
recreation and to seek reimbursement through user
fees levied upon those for whose benefit such recre-
ational values are preserved or. enhanced.
C. Recreation
Demands. for recreational use of private and pub-'
lie forest lands and associated water areas are ex-
panding at phenomenal rates under the pressing
stimuli of an increasing population, widening' niobil-
ity, rising standards of living, increased personal in-
come, more leisure time, and better appreciation of
the out':'of~doors. Concerted action is required if
present and future demands are -to be met. .
The need for such action was recognized by the
Outdoor Recreation - Resources Review ConunissioD
in its reeonunendations to the President of the
United States on January' 31, 1962 -that:
"It shall be the national policy through the
conservation and wise use of resources, to
preserve, develop, and make accessible to
all American people such quantity of outdoor
recreation' as will be necessary and desirable
for individual enjoyment and. to assUre the
physical, cultural, and spiritual benefits of
outdoor recreation."-
This statement of national policy is endorsed by
The American Forestry Association. AFA also con-
CUfS in the recommendations of ORRRC for (a)
adoption of such a policy, (b) intensification and
realignment of present programs to meet necessary
needs, (c) protection of designated recreation areas
from encroachment and replacement of any such-
land taken for another public use with comparable
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land, (d) adoption of user fees where special recrea-
tion facilities are provided in order to recapture
some of the costs of operation and maintenance, and
(e) federal grants-in-aid or loans for planning, ac-
quisition, development, and administration of sta.te
outdoor recreation lands subject to extensive use by
the general public.
, Responsibility for implementation of these recom-
mendations should be ;divided between the federal
government, the states' and their political subdivi-
sions, and private inter;ests as follows:

. (A) Federal
.1. The management of recreation resources on
all federal lands.
2. The preservation :of scenic areas, natural WOD-
ders, primitive areas, 'and archeological and historic
sites of national interest and importance.
3. Cooperation with'the states through technical
and financial assistance and the promotion of inter-
state arrangements, including federal participation
wher.e necessary.
4. Assumption of cooperative leadership in a
comprehensive and constructive nationwide recrea-
tion effort toward the development of a nationwide
pattern of outdoor recreation areas. In such a nation-
wide pattern of recreation areas, the federal govern.
ment should be responsible for the acquisition, de-
velopment, and adminisfration of only those recrea-
tion areas that are of national significance. In
appropriate areas, federal lands should' be made
available to state or local governments for parks and
recreation areas.

(B) States and their political subdivisions.

1. The acquisition, development, and a~inisti'a-
tion of lands necessary for state or local parks and
recreation areas.

2. The management <if all ,"State, county, an.d
municipal lands for recreation use when. 'such use IS
compatible with the priniary purpose for which the
land is held.
3. The working- out of interstate arrangements
wherever utilization of. recreation resources - extends
across state -boundaries.
4. The provision of guidance .~pd ass'ist"ance to its
political subdivisions in the planning, development
and administration of recreation- areas for .Jocal use.
5. The use of legal powers' to ione' areas for
maximum recreation benefit, to ensure public safety
and to reconcile conflicts between. recreation and
other uses and conflicts between various recreation
uses. Enabling legislation in many state$ may be
necessary to- meet these objectives. .,
6. The provision for and development of the
many types of recreation values available .inand
adjacent to highway and other public construction
programs. . . . .
7. The encouragement of the public use of pri-
vate lands by negotiating leases or similar arrange-
ments such as easements - to permit hunting and fish.
ing and to protect scenic or water values.

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