Public Use of the National Park System MENU Cover Contents Foreword Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Conclusions Footnotes		Public Use of the National Park System (1872-2000) Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6 Functions of the National Park System and Public Use a. Before 1916. b. The 1916 Act. c. Public Use of Historical Areas. d. Public Use and Recreation. e. Public Use and Wilderness. f. National Heritage, the Unifying Theme. DIGEST This section reviews the evolution of concepts about public use of the National Park System from the Yellowstone Act of 1872 through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Public use is interpreted here to mean the actual physical activities of visitors in units of the System. Public use concepts embodied in legislation embrace a cumulative succession from "resort and recreation," through "park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people," through "enjoyment in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired," through the "inspiration and benefit" provided by historical areas, through various forms of public outdoor recreation in recreational areas, and concludes with "outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation" in wilderness areas. The unifying theme in this progress is that the natural, historical and recreational areas of the National Park System combine to present a superb expression of our national heritage. Public use of the System is an important unifying force for the people of the United States. Continue >>>
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