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

WYOMING

The population of Wyoming in 1930, next to Nevada, was the smallest of any of the States. There are only eight cities of over 2,500 population, of which Cheyenne, the capital, is the largest, with a population of 17,361 (1930 census). This population is unusually homogeneous, with 99.7 per cent white and 90.0 percent native born. Its mean elevation is 6,000 feet, and the highest point in the State is Mount Gannett (13,785 feet). The climate is dry, the air crisp, the summers moderate and the winters often severe. There are vast eastern plains broken here and there by buttes, dry runs, and great valleys between the principal groups of the Rocky Mountain system, comprising such ranges as the Big Horn, Medicine Bow, Wind River, Teton and others scarcely less magnificent. In the extreme northeastern section are the western peaks of the Black Hills.

The principal employment is provided by ranching, the production and distribution of oil, the accommodation of tourists; and occupations servicing these activities, including transportation.

Because of the aridity of certain portions of the State, it is necessary to impound water for irrigation, and projects for this purpose are contemplated. Planning for the recreational use of such waters should be an integral part of the preliminary planning, and, not as too often happens, an afterthought. This is especially important, since the opportunities for recreation associated with water are extremely limited in a great part of the State. The possibilities for fishing, swimming, boating, skating, wildlife, etc., should be given careful consideration.

Because of the present distribution of Federal, State and local areas of considerable size, and the fact that approximately 17 percent of the State area is in Federal ownership, there is not so great a need for a wsdespread system of State parks as in most other States. However, the State as well as the local units of Government should be concerned that there is adequate recreational opportunity in each locality, and since the life of the people centers to a great extent about the few larger cities, it is suggested that consideration be given to the formation of a small number of large recreational districts centering in principal trade cities like Cheyenne, Casper, Sheridan, Laramie, Rawlins, Lander, Thermopolis, etc. Under joint State, municipal, and county action, local recreational facilities and programs should be established for year-around, day-by-day use for the benefit of people living in communities and within a somewhat extensive radius from them.

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¹ Area under Federal Administration June 1938.

² Area developed for recreation as part of large project.

Last Modified: Mon, Aug 9 2004 10:00:00 pm PDT
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