Ouachita National Forest

WATERSHEDS AND DRAINAGE AREAS

THE forested watersheds of the Ouachita National Forest exercise a highly beneficial influence on the flow of many important streams. Navigation on the lower Arkansas, and industrial power and domestic water use along the Fourche, Ouachita, Little Missouri, Poteau, Cassatot, Little, Kiamichi, Caddo, and the two Saline Rivers, as well as other smaller streams, are directly affected by the action of the forest cover and soil in receiving and absorbing the heavy annual rainfall and feeding it steadily into the springs and channels. Without this retarding influence the annual precipitation of 40 to 50 inches could only result in frequent damaging floods, excessive silting of channels and bottom-lands, and damage to property and improvements.

Forests of the area render an jnvaluable service in the protection of watersheds affecting the flood plains of the lower Mississippi Valley, and are minimizing agents against the recurrence of floods that menace the welfare and happiness of thousands of persons each year.

HUNTING AND FISHING

CONTINUED ravages of fire previous to Federal control of the forest, the wasteful destruction of game animals, and the lack of regulation or planning in the past have caused the supply of game to be seriously depleted. Destruction of the forest watersheds has decreased the stream flow and accounts in part for the disappearance of fish in large numbers.

Much has been done to improve the fish and game conditions. Federal refuges for wild game, embracing nearly 40,000 acres have been set aside by Presidential proclamation. These sites were selected principally because the areas in which they are located contain the various species of game. It is planned that the overflows from the areas will eventually restock the surrounding nonprotected territory, thus assuring a continuous supply of game for sportsmen. Such efforts on the part of the Federal Government should bring back the deer, bear, beaver, and other species of game which were once abundant in the forest.

Four game refuges have been established in the Ouachita National Forest. They are Oak Mountain in Saline and Perry Counties, Muddy Creek in Montgomery and Yell Counties, Pigeon Creek in Scott and Logan Counties, and Caney Creek in Polk County. All are in Arkansas.

Stream improvement work has been done mainly within the limits of the game refuges with the view of utilizing the waters to maintain the maximum of fish population for propagation. One hundred and fifty small dams have been constructed to increase the feeding places in the pools created.

Hunting and fishing within the forest limits, is governed by State and county laws. No Federal regulations have been imposed, except in the game refuges, where no form of hunting, fishing, or trapping is allowed.

STREAM IMPROVEMENT DAM Such dams should double the carrying capacity of streams for fish F—314396

SOCIAL VALUE OF RECREATION

WHILE the national forests are administered primarily to produce timber and protect watersheds because of the vital importance of these resources in the economic life of the Nation, they also contribute to the prosperity and welfare of the Nation through their social values. Recreation contributes largely to the health, happiness, and welfare of our people. The pace and strain of present-day living make especially desirable that form of recreation to be found along quiet, cool streams, on mountain tops and among green trees.

The Ouachita National Forest offers varied opportunities for pleasure and recreation for both young and old. It furnishes playgrounds and shaded resorts for picnics and excursions; it affords an opportunity for camping; its streams and lakes are the delight of the fisherman; its cloistered recesses are a laboratory for the naturalist. The beauty and splendor of the forest, its atmosphere of peace and quiet, and the glimpses of wildlife with its irresistible appeal may be enjoyed without any conflict with the growing and protection of timber.

The value of recreational development has not been overlooked. The outstanding feature which the forest offers to the ever increasing number of recreationists is mountain scenery. The Forest Service has made available pleasant places in the woods among the craggy mountains and along the roaring streams where enjoyment may be found and health restored. Through the Civilian Conservation Corps program much has been done in opening up new scenic wonders and developing recreation areas where special facilities are available for the use of the public.

A QUIET POOL IN A FOREST-SHADED STREAM F—261660