Redwood History Basic Data

E. FINAL COMMENTS and RECOMMENDATIONS*

The long and difficult campaign of almost 60 years that ended in October 1968 with the establishment of the Redwood National Park is a story that can thrill the visitor. Many groups and individuals were involved. In interpreting the struggle to preserve significant stands of redwoods, the Service can teach valuable lessons in conservation and of man and his environment.

The memorial groves in the three California State Parks are valuable resources. In each a memorial grove served as the nucleus around which these magnificent areas grew and developed. To secure funds to acquire additional redwood acreage, the Save-the-Redwoods League, encouraged benefactors to designate groves as living memorials to deceased members of their families, friends, or in honor of individuals whom they admired. Thus in the three state parks authorized for inclusion in Redwood National Park there are a number of memorial groves.

Because of its significance to the conservation movement, the site off the Bald Hills road, overlooking Prairie Creek, where Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated the Redwood National Park on November 25, 1968, should be designated Class VI Land.

While events are still fresh in their minds and before death takes its toll, an Administrative History of Redwood National Park should be prepared. This history would begin with the inception of the movement for a Redwood National Park, trace its evolution through the passage of the legislation of the 90th Congress, and conclude with the establishment and development of the Park. Such a document will be invaluable to future superintendents and their staffs.