A Study of the Park and Recreation Problem of the United States

Cover

Contents

Foreword

Supplemental Foreword

Introduction

Recreational Habits and Needs

Aspects of Recreational Planning

Present Public Outdoor Recreational Facilities

Administration

Financing

Legislation

A Park and Recreational Land Plan

A Study of the Park and Recreation Problem of the United States

WEST VIRGINIA

THIS STATE'S POPULATION is principally concentrated in the mining section of the south-central part of the State, in the panhandle section, and along the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. It is principally urban and rural nonfarm in character. Negroes number only 7 percent of the total population. A majority of the people are in the lower economic brackets. The State is exceptionally endowed with recreational resources. Its mountains, which cover the most of the State, offer both fine scenery and excellent summer climate. Properly conserved and developed, they should become a vacation Mecca for the millions of people living in the heavy industrialized States to the Northwest, North, and Northeast. Immediate attention should be given to the elimination of stream pollution which now seriously impairs the recreational value of many of the State's finest streams. All of the State's present parks are beyond convenient holiday travel of its principal urban centers. There is, therefore, a great need for natural parks located in the heavily populated sections as outlined above. Attention should be given to protecting the recreational values of the State's highway system through the enactment of regulatory legislation. Federal participation in the conservation and development of the Appalachian Plateau region, which straddles the three States of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, should be given early consideration.

(click on image for an enlargement in a new window)

¹ Soil Conservation Service area leased to State for administration.

NEXT >>>

Last Modified: Mon, Aug 9 2004 10:00:00 pm PDT
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/park_recreation/west_virginia.htm