Parks for America

Cover

Contents

Foreword

Summary

Findings and Recommendations

Planning Elements

Parks for America

Charming old New England village scenes, typified by this one of Hebron, N.H., need conservation and protection through cooperative planning programs undertaken by State and local authorities. (NEW HAMPSHIRE PHOTOGRAPH BY DICK SMITH)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW HAMPSHIRE possesses resources for year-round outdoor recreation that have made it one of the Nation's important vacation lands.

Its population increased 13 percent from 1950 to 606,921 in 1960. Projections indicate there may be 710,000 by 1976. The urban population increased 13 percent during the last decade to 58 percent of the total in 1960. The statewide density was 67 per square mile, ranging from 17 in Carroll County to 200 in urban Hillsborough County. Urban sprawl in the southeast is an outgrowth of the Lawrence Haverill complex along the Merrimac River in Massachusetts.

Manufacturing is the leading source of income, with recreation income ranking second. Estimated tourist expenditures in 1960 were $200 million. The increasing number of out-of-State skiers is a factor adding to recreation income and assisting in spreading the recreation dollar over the entire year.

Completion of the Interstate System will place New Hampshire within a day's drive of the most heavily populated section of the Nation.

The White Mountains, streams, lakes and ponds, seashore and offshore coastal islands, a unique inland salt-water estuary, and a variety of wildlife—combined with a climate conducive to outdoor activities—make up the recreation resources of the State. The State is a favorite summer place for people in the eastern metropolitan areas. Winter sports activity has grown to major significance.

The State contains many historic sites associated with its development as one of the Thirteen American Colonies and with American Revolution events. The Macpheadris-Warner House in Portsmouth and the Franklin Pierce Homestead possess exceptional value in commemorating the history of the United States.

EXISTING PUBLIC AREAS

NATIONAL: The Forest Service administers 1 national forest of 629,013 acres in which there are 14 developed recreation areas. The Corps of Engineers operates four reservoirs totaling 10,104 acres.

STATE: The State Forestry and Recreation Commission has under its jurisdiction 58 park, recreation, and historic areas totaling 47,728 acres and having a 1960 attendance of 2,349,493; also 89 forest areas of 18,849 acres. The Fish and Game Department administers 1,700 acres in 9 refuges, and 4,244 acres in 12 game management areas. There are 175 wayside under the State Highway Department.

LOCAL: Belknap County administers the 1,000-acre Belknap Mountain Recreation Area.

QUASI-PUBLIC AND PRIVATE: Fifty-eight miles of the Appalachian Trail are in New Hampshire. Three historic monuments, two scientific monuments, and one nature preserve are open to the public.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: Private enterprise plays a major role in providing outdoor recreation facilities, including (in addition to motels, hotels, inns, tourist homes, and housekeeping cabins) such facilities as private campgrounds, organized summer camps for children, boat marinas, ski areas, hunting and fishing camps, and an outstanding private scenic road—the Mount Washington Toll Road. Several geologic, historic, and scientific areas are privately owned and open to the public. Some power companies provide recreation developments on their reservoirs.

PARK AND RELATED NEEDS

One pressing problem facing the State is that some of the best recreation resources are in danger of being engulfed by uncoordinated private development, and may lose those values that are attractive to out-of-State visitors. These resources deserve immediate attention while they still retain those values.

Also subject to improper exploitation are charming village and rural scenes for which New Hampshire, like its neighboring New England States, is famous. Preservation of this early New England atmosphere is important for esthetic, historic, and economic reasons, since it is a basic part of the State's attractiveness. To achieve such conservation, close cooperation and effective planning and programs by State and local authorities are in order, using such controls as zoning, easements, and regulation of outdoor advertising.

An immediate problem facing State officials is overuse of the present State park system. There is need for additional park and related areas; public access to, and scenic protection of, shorelines of natural lakes and large rivers; enlargement of mountain, seashore, bay, and beach facilities; acquisition of unique scientific and biological areas; preservation of free-flowing streams; and additional winter sports facilities. The State's new bond issue authorization will help to advance such programs. Further work is needed on development of an interpretive program for the State park system. Recent legislation will assist by providing additional funds for acquisition and development of new areas as well as expansion of existing facilities.

Existing State park and recreation areas contain 47,566 acres. Potential State acreage identified in this plan, if acquired, should meet the 1976 estimated demand.

It is estimated that around 8,900 acres in local nonurban areas should be provided by 1976. Further study is needed to identify potential local areas.

Isle-studded Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, where a State park is recommended. (U.S. FOREST SERVICE)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Existing recreation resources and many potential areas are shown on the accompanying tabulation and map. The following recommendations, calling for vigorous action on the part of the agencies concerned, are offered to help provide needed outdoor recreation opportunities for public enjoyment and use.

NATIONAL: Possible establishment of a St. Gaudens National Historic Site. Further study of the New Hampshire portion of the suggested Appalachian Parkway.

STATE: Enlargement of the State park system to preserve significant resources by the addition of 15 parks and 1 recreation area, and further study on 3 parks. Study of two possible nature preserves. Designation and protection of five free-flowing streams.

Supporting recommendations include:

1. A comprehensive statewide archeological and historic sites survey leading toward the preservation and development of important remaining sites.

2. Acquisition of permanent easements for the Appalachian Trail.

3. Study of recreation opportunities during the initial planning and development of reservoir projects.

(Table omitted from online edition)

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Last Modified: Mon, Sep 6 2004 10:00:00 pm PDT
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