CONCESSIONS PROHIBITED ON OVERSEAS PARKWAY LINK

A forthright decision governing the preservation of natural features along a 44-mile section of Florida's new Overseas Parkway, which leads for 100 miles over ocean and islands to the Key West terminus, was announced recently when commissioners of the Overseas Road and Toll Bridge District rejected all applications of firms and individuals seeking permission to install commercial and amusement enterprises. Protected by the new guarantees is the scenic link which extends from Lower Matecumbe to Big Pine Key. It includes Long, Grassy, Vaca, Knights and Boot Keys as well as a long stretch of the tropical, over-water route just west of Marathon.

Commenting on the ruling, The Miami Daily News said editorially: "By a notably intelligent and courageous decision of the Overseas Road and Bridge District Commissioners, the incomparable marine highway to Key West has apparently been saved from becoming a Coney Island. . . In so doing, [the Commission] decided to follow the standards set by the National Park Service in regard to similar natural wonders.

"Perhaps it seems strange that the Commission would even consider the flood of propositions to superimpose commercial sideshows upon one of the world's most unusual engineering enterprises and most compellingly beautiful bits of natural scenery. This will not, however, be the conclusion of anyone who is familiar with the power of the pressure that would-be concessionaires can bring to bear on such projects. . . May the Commission's attitude suffer no relapses."

The National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps are cooperating with four Florida state agencies in a development and protection program which is being carried forward along the unique parkway. Plans provide for conservation fundamentals rather than for structural and recreational undertakings. (v. Regional Review, Vol. I, No. 1, pp. 5-7).

ROADSIDES LIKE THIS WILL BE PROTECTED ON THE KEYS

STORM HAVOC AT BEACH POND RECREATIONAL DEMONSTRATION AREA, RHODE ISLAND

The two views shown above are typical of conditions against which Service-supervised workers are contending in the rehabilitation program being carried out in the hurricane-torn states of New England.