Cover Page

Contents

Preface
Letter

SECTION I

Orientation
Summary

SECTION II

History
Needs
Geography
Historic Sites
Competitors
Economic Aspects

SECTION III

Federal Lands
State and Interstate
Local

SECTION IV

Division of Responsibility
Local
State
Federal
Circulation

SECTION V

Educational Opportunities

Climates

It is axiomatic that pleasurable outdoor recreational experiences require favorable climatic conditions, inasmuch as there is no recreation without enjoyment, and no one, except perhaps the eccentric, enjoys himself in an atmosphere of physical discomfort. Climates have a still more positive place in the recreation picture for the reason that the principal motive of many recreational outings is the search for a pleasurable climate.

Rainfall.—Rainfall is a climatic factor which affects and in many cases definitely determines the seasonal value of certain regions for recreational use. For example, in the coastal section of the Pacific Northwest, the recreational advantages of relatively mild temperatures during the winter months are offset by the heavy and often long-continued rainfall which that region normally receives during the same months. On the other hand, light rainfall in the summer is a factor in making this section one of the most delightful outdoor recreational areas in America; and light rainfall, during the winter months, contributes much to the outdoor recreational popularity of southern California, the Southwest, and Florida.

From the accompanying map (fig. 18), prepared by the United States Weather Bureau, which shows the range of average annual precipitation, it will be noted that 8 percent of the land area of the United States has a rainfall of less than 10 inches per year. This includes the great deserts of the United States. Many of these areas are warm during the winter months, have a high percentage of sunshine, and offer exceptional recreational possibilities during that season. Some of them may also be suitable for recreation during the summer months.

FIGURE 18.

Sunshine.—Areas having a high percentage of sunshine in the winter months are particularly attractive for recreational purposes. In the United States the winter sunshine regions are remote from the centers of greatest population density. This is most significant because it means that the majority of our people cannot reach this salutary sunshine at the time of year when it is most needed for good health.

The accompanying map of the United States (fig. 19), published by the United States Weather Bureau, shows the actual amount of sunshine expressed as a percentage of the total possible sunshine for the winter months. It will be noted that portions of Arizona. and southern California receive from 80 to 90 percent of their total possible sunshine for this period. Any area having 60 percent or more sunshine may be considered as possessing an important factor, which in conjunction with other advantages, will determine its popularity and desirability for winter recreational uses in the United States.

FIGURE 19.

Humidity.—Humidity plays a large part in determining the recreational desirability of certain regions. High humidity, much more than high temperatures, is responsible for the fact that the Chesapeake Bay region is not an ideal summer recreational area. Low humidity makes an important contribution to the winter recreational advantages of such regions as the Southwest.

The principal low humidity regions are the Southwest and the Great Basin regions. Although their dry atmospheres make them valuable as health and recreation areas, they are unavailable to the majority of the citizens of the United States because of their remoteness from heavily populated zones.

Temperature.—Temperature is an important factor in the geography of recreation. Generally, high temperatures are an adverse factor in summer and a favorable one in winter. Temperature exerts a pull of sufficient strength to cause many millions of miles of tourist travel every year.

Popularity of mountain areas in the summer, and of the southern areas in the winter, is determined largely by the relatively low summer temperatures of the former and the comparatively high winter temperatures of the latter.

The summer season is the period of the year during which the greater part of the people seek outdoor recreation. This is true not only of the more extended vacation period, but also of the shorter week-end vacations and Saturday half holidays. Summer evenings offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, whereas the winter evenings, usually, must be spent indoors.

The average July temperatures of the country are shown on the accompanying map (fig. 20). Average temperatures for this month, ranging from 90° to 100°, are found in the vicinity of the lower portion of the Colorado River in Arizona and in southeastern California. A large area in the Southern States has average July temperatures ranging from 80° to 90°. In general, this temperature is too high for comfort, and people of that region will seek cooler areas for their vacation grounds. Most of the Eastern and Central States have average July temperatures ranging from 70° to 80°. For people in this area also regions of lower temperatures are desirable for summer vacations.

FIGURE 20.

This map also shows the areas of the United States having average July temperatures of 60° to 70°. In this classification come the Northern New England States, much of New York State, areas in the Appalachian Mountains, the tier of northern States from Michigan westward, and large areas in the Western States.

For summer recreation grounds those areas having July temperatures averaging between 50° and 60° are at a high premium. These areas occur throughout the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Cascade Range.

The accompanying map of the United States (fig. 21) published by the United States Weather Bureau, shows average January temperatures. It will be noted that in a small area of the North Central United States average January temperatures below zero are found. Less severe temperatures occur southward from this area.

Winter sports are at their best in areas of heavy snowfall combined with moderately, but not bitterly, cold weather. Extremely low temperatures militate against the recreational desirability—for winter sports—of many northerly regions.

FIGURE 20.

Many people seek winter recreational grounds in the warmest areas that are accessible to them. It will be noted that all of the Gulf States, southern California, and Arizona contain areas where the average January temperature is between 50° and 60°. These States offer great recreational attractions in the winter to the people of the colder, Northern States. The southern half of the Florida Peninsula has an average January temperature of 60° to 70°, and is, therefore, a great winter recreational ground, convenient to the densely populated areas of the Eastern States.

Unfortunately, the regions of densest population, with only limited recreational resources available, have unfavorable summer and winter temperatures. Those who would seek cool summers and warm winters must travel great distances. The individual who does not have the time and money must forego long trips and endure discomfort, or at best seek such relief as is locally available.

Continued >>>

Last Modified: Fri, Sep. 5, 2003 10:32:22 am PDT
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