of any kind, accidents are frequent. That there have been no mortalities since the opening of the park to automobile travel is truly remarkable considering the great number of accidents that happen as a result of cars leaving the grades and frequently turning over two or three times before coming to a halt against a tree or rock. The Wawona Road, the heaviest traveled of any of the mountain roads, is for the most part wide enough to pass only at an occasional built turn-out, and yet over that road during the months from May to October between 30,000 and 40,000 automobiles pass. There are probably few roads on which Federal money has been expended that are as heavily traveled as this road. Considering usage as the best argument for expenditure of money on improvement, this road as well as other roads in the park is entitled to consideration, and it is to be hoped that early approval can be given to the general park road improvement budget. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZ. In the four years of its existence the Grand Canyon National Park has more than justified the action of Congress in setting it aside as a national park, not only because it exemplifies one of the Creator's masterpieces in world architecture but because its ready accessibility to the public by train and motor has been proven. Visitors are resorting to it in greater numbers and are using it more wisely and intelligently than at any time before. Probably the outstanding feature of the year is the fact that 102,166 persons visited the park last year, which is an increase of 170 per cent over the number of persons visiting it in 1919, the year of its establishment as a national park. Automobile travel to it has increased 300 per cent during the corresponding period. PLANS FOR FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER WAY. The heavy increase in travel has brought with it problems of administration and development which require early solution. The present excellent facilities provided by the Santa Fe Railroad and Fred Harvey for accommodation of the visitors are, nevertheless. going to be insufficient and will have to be expanded in the near future. The larger use of the park by motorists has brought prominently into view not only the need of increased camp grounds but also the necessity for more and better methods of sanitation, for better protection and care of visitors and property, and better arrangements for all service operations with the least possible friction between the various functions which exist in an all-year-round park, where, in addition to the large number of visitors monthly. there also of necessity exists a considerable community of essential employees and others who are entitled to live and work under modern conditions. An idea of the problems connected with the proper development of the park may be gained when it is realized that there are four distinct functions or activities that must be provided for. These are grouped under public and community areas, park operators' areas, railroad areas, and park service areas. |