IN ANSWERING REFER TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
WASHINGTON
I ~ how ~ yw ~ &ari.ng yov brief vial'b to ~ aaa ~ tha'b - bMi nG ~- - 4180t1Sm 'tho lllgb • ..._ "84· ~p l ltMG NOel'IOCl 1'0W ~ relio- a'bivo '° l-9~ I em entsiNlr ia ~ fllVh ucnw ata~ idlat thaA) 1e 9 1.aok of UOObQl- ot tbfJ Bil.$ Slen& ve&d bl Wa tenlteeyff"
1 was uw.tous " ~ what mowo are belng mado by the ~ Se.Mee - e~ llft onl.111ble scotloa or bhG B!c.h 8:$ona 9'Y ~ .tbe cmbift> Pff39" flfC&. KeN D.t:vur iJo "*9G er ~. I '°I.I.eve 1*ab onr wo!l hlPraJ ou'btlng t~ougti 'the VGr/ ~ of tlhe OD'bt\n 81.ern. wl~i eountey la mt GBlV ~le Wis WOtllt.\ be o ~ AfllmdiW• Yem dll ~ .U tba-t. tltlGN wu e ftJeftlf!Eil~ bl ow l'latioiml P.eeou~ "'°" to ~ ~ tdlatt -- mp &ABR ~ PaWk be ~ etft wu1d ~ ~-- nmgta Uver ~ r._,!w ad '118 ~ moumt~ ~ abow ._.. msretal "'"""- lid.-. Whtie ouh a pnpnl1Jl&a b still on11 a 180mmtm,.,~ IWVG.»llhelen• tl'lld.- "'9 flOa8Bt ~'1 w&8'sw~l1lvlllmnsmdfi)'\iea~ lbe- 11.evo -= one ot the men ~- DBaDS d ~ t1h9 doVelop_.. of web a ,an wu1d be taa. ~ of iiho mp &l.Ol'N i1'0ati. av ~ ~. haB a VfAl'T NA1 in tend 1n ,_, nok propeuiidon• au&. vs.en,. ls tu~ wbloh I bad '"' mimi ·whH. l apn 1Jo veu a.bout tho pe1ai'ldlltr ot our diMUosing the '6ole '"'"'•
Bea L Thompaon. Ae'!ag OhW, Wll41Sle Divlalon.
BmtELG ce Mr. Wright Wildlife Division .. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON
June 4. 1935·
Mr. George M. Wright, 328 Hilgard Ball. Berkeley, California. Dear Georges
Enclosed are i1wo maps whioh Superintendent Thomson bas just sent, indioa.ti.ng the general course of the Sierra Way and its de- tailed route through Yosemite National Park. I thought these might be of value to yeu in case opportunity to deal with the matter should arise. I be1!9'10 you reoe!ved oopy reoeniJly ot our memorancimu to the Secret.fU')" ocm.oerning "the Sierra Wq. That memorandum and the one of May 2.5 oonoerzd.ng the Great Central Valley Project a.nd Kings Canyon have been noised by the Seoretary and returned. On the latter there ns a note appeacl.ed from 'the Seoretaey saying. 1'I would. like to see• at some convenient t:tm.e, Mr. Wright, Chief ot your Wil4lite Division". 'l'his ha.s been handled according to the copy of a memorandum whioh will be sent to y-ou.
Word hae reoently been received by the Serrloe that "the estab lishment of tour CCC camps at Isle Royale is desired. !o :f'a.oilitate this it will aeoessitate acquisition of the Island immediately. Options are being quieisl¥ sGOlU'Gd. It is probable that wi'bhin a couple of weks or leas a delegation from the Washington offioe will inspect the Island to dstermine ita proper development. It is believed that a wi~derness development will be preferred. lo information on this project is being given out at present. Would you please ask Dr. Murie to write aa eooa aa possible a oomplete report embodying his ideas about the development and cleeirable OOC activities on the Island? I would partioul&rq'ap preoiate a.'11.':f items which he oan suggeat that would provide emplOJlll&Dt and at the same time be of eoneervation iralue on the Island. Perhaps this should be sent airma.il.
Sincerely,
Ben u. Thompson.
Bnolosure 618298
cc Wildlife Division. Washington
BHT:ELG UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON
Memora.D.dum for THE SECRETARY:
Attention is called to the proposed Sierra Way, a $15,500 1 000 proposed Public Works project recommended to you by t)le California State Chamber of Commerce, April 18, 1935, and backed by the Forest Service.
The National Park Service believes that such a road would be an unjustifiable and destructive iIIVasion ot a great national resource, the primitive and unspoiled grandeur of the Sierra. A highway built parallel to the axis of the Sierra would destroy the seclusion and a large part of the recreational value of every watershed, canyon, valley, and mountain crest which it traversed.
An axial highway of this sort is psychologically wrong and physi cally wasteful. When one has driven the length of a mountain range, he has exhausted the recreational possibilities of the mountain in one, single, monotonous drive. At present, a dozen different highways cross the Sierra, each one of which provides a varied recreational experience, with constant variety of elevation, vegetative cover and scenic beauty. Each one differs from all the others. Consequently there are twelve Sierra trips instead of one, and there is still a great, primeval hinter land left for the camper, hiker, hunter, and the rest. A highway along the axis of the Sierra would inevitably produce great soars on mountain and canyon side. Arter we had suffered this destruction of wilderness and aesthetic values, the highway might~. not provide the human enjoyment for which it 'W8.S designed. The loss is definite; the gain is doubtful; the road is not needed, and there is not even a skeleton of the road in existence.
The Forest Service is interested in the Sierra Way for the same reason that it is interested in the development of Kings Canyon and Mount Olympus. The fate of proposed national parks hinges rather defi nitely on this project.
A. E. Demaray, Acting Director.
BHT:ELG !be DirH\or SatLoaaL Po.r~ ~oe laab.tq'8a, D. C.
l ae ao'L ba.il&n t.Ae.t u ne&d r1.=ut burlling om- .tin.pro 'bl halUag ea ac,1ve bafld la o~lq tJle j.>l'OJ208Gd ~nra 'fJaJ' froJen a\. W• t.iae. b• i".i.4.A 1• .a'1l.l ae lado1'1"1'8 o&d vitd\ ae IBUh suite over taa ~ pos~U>.Lo rout,ial.a ~iJ'OJl4>"4• it• ia quit.o U.aoq s.c-..1. oout.rw>tJ.ota ot t.M iroao wiii u\ \oh ~lun tor fatA.P1 :rsara t.o ~ 1l nt. all.
1 o.o be.U.•vo tiaa\ nr aod.tJl'li rovre~•'et t...t. Vlilil» anc.i-t.a.lc eoaai4.ler 1 t. iaoir o\lt7 ~o kff;;; ia toaeJl v1 ta \no ma'\t• 1a o.ni• ~aai \ho 6enie-e YJa1 lsht raatJy t.o t.do * DtaDtA at. a'1q ti.late tll\at a 4rU1ea.L aJ.Wa.Uo.a aev•io~:~.
U' ant ~ of \boa ionioe 1e ~ue.s~1oaccL on Wlie. auoJ@~"• I '°iu t,,ru. :. ha r.i~a bt1 •A"•tla.ree \o a\a\& tdlat, \Q& bt..i<>hl .~ tionico coas ao\ ~¥ ,...nve of axial. nade a\ .aip n.l \1 tu~&e .-.Loq r ...H of tJile tjOD.9ral ~bl ai~,;·h.i.G eaar~~ot.er ot ~ $1erra IPaci&.
Goors~ s. ~riih\ \Aicef ~1~6.J.i!o ~ivi»ioa
GlliA \\G... ttr. 1-. A. Jl1t,\i..r•Og4 ~''tt ~II@ ~-ir1' 1' Wl\1 \.8 J~'\ lio.s>"11DI su., '1- CO..l.iJ..aa / Mdlf~I~./
\ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON
September 3, 1935•
Memorandum tor MR. DBARAYc I find myself most contused on these points&
1. Vfhioh units of the proposed Sierra Way would make use ot already existing roads? ·
2. In suoh instanoee~ would the existing roads be reoon etrueted and 'bo what exten1::?
3. Which units would follow lines not at present ~raversed by existing roads?
4. What is the present status of the projeot, both as to the eouroe of eoll&truotion and maintenanoe funds and the actual allooation of suoh funds at present it any? Please note Mr. Kittredge•s oamment to the effect that this developed into a oritioal situation long ago.
If you or crther members of the staff share rq laok of accurate de'bailed knowledge of this projeot, I euggea~ that you ask Mr. KS:ttredge to submit a brief covering all important aspects of the ei1mation.
George 14. Wright, Ohief, Wildlife Division.
Enclosure 678091 f cc Wildlife Division. Washington
Wildlife Division1 Berkeley
GMW:ELG ,f i\ ::16_
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIERRA WAY
There is being developed in California a scenic mountain highway that will
take its place in history as pne -0f the world's most famous projects of this nature. It is called The Sierra Way. The road will be more than--- eight hundred (800) miles long, extnnding the entire length of the Sierra.
The project is located almost entirely within the National Forests of
California near the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the last and most formid-
able barrier encountered by the nation's hardy pioneers in their westerly trek in
search of gold and adventureo Scenic, inspirational and recreational values are un• i surpassed. The spirit of Kit Carson, Jolm c. Fremont. the Donner Party. picturesque
miners and immigrants pervades the atmosphere and depicts a good part of the
ror.antic and colorful history.or the Stateo \
There are now several high standard highways crossing the Sierra from cast to
west. None, however 8 ha~ been constructed or heretofore plam:?d in a northerly and southerly directiono There is unquestionably a need for such a. highway, and the
requirement can best be met at comparatively little cost by development of The
Sierra. ~1a.··.i.
In many respects the Sierra Vii.y is suggestive of that old historic ·Roman high
way - the Appian .ytay - built about 312 B.C. "lhe.- purpose in each· ease · ~s substan- . . tially the same, except that the order of important use is reversed. The Appian Way
was constructed. principally for war, commerce and recreation, while . the Sierra Way·
will be co~structed principally for recreation, commerce and to facilitate the move-
ment of military forces if needed. but with a continually lessening probability
that it will ever be required ~or that purpos~.
This reversal or dominant use is as it should be. "It·~ is indicative of the
advance of civilization over a period of mor~ than 2000 years, but it is also an
. indictment against Jl18.llldnd for the slow pr9gress made during that per~od. ;i I . I"",
Actv=-c<> :Ln oon.struct:l.on methods xna.y a l.so be measured by a comparison o'f: ·che
two highways. Greater strides have been w.de in this respect than in the r...at ter of
usage . The Appian Way was constructed by hand labor ·of slaves , ·while the Sierra
Way will constructed 1ri.th powerful gas- driven shovels and other modern ;rr.chi;:iery
operateG :)~·· !:!.en who wi ll be transported to and fron the job in motor cars th.at
would be envied by the rulers i n the days when Appius Cl audius Ca.scus built the
Still more striking is the progress of development in the i nnnediate region of
the Sierra \'fay. In a period of l ess than 75 years, this area has developed f rom a
virtually unknown wilderness to one of the nost universally favored spots on earth.
It was in. -Ch~se motmtain regions that the ill f ated DoILYJ.er Party perished in the
winter of J.846 due to the absence of roads of any description and l ack of knowledge
of' the uii.c:xplored area before them. It 'NaS several years late r before e. service-
able r oad vro.s opened over the Sierra. In the meantime, the val ient im.'Tiigrants
prodded t~c ir ox teams through the rugged country following a path of l east re-
sistance • uhich rnay to this day partly be traced by portions of abandoned •'ragons
and other equipment that eould not withstand the strs.in of the long and t e dious two
thousand i:rl.le journey from former frontiers of civilization. Occasionally, evidence
is still found to show where the· entire wagon trains and pr ovisions were lifted
bodily by means of block and ·tackl e up precipitous inclines where even the o~~en
.could not find .footing.
Sone are still living who experi enced the c onditions in those early d~ys, and
one ca.l')not but wonder what their inner reactions ·would be i f they could now travel
the same rebion over the Sierra Way in a modern motor car.
The ro.:>.d will touch or make easily accessible most of the outstanding scenic
features of the Sierra. Leaving u. s. llighvray No. 99, knovm also as the Golden
State Hi:h·:.-ay, at the base of Mt. Shasta, that per,petua.l snow-clad s entinel of
northern California, the project will pass through a region of virgin timber .. I .
woodland ::-.nd timber, glimpsing c.t intervals green meo.dows and streams, the shore
of Lal::c :3ri"!:;ton is reached e.nd the Pit River is crossed on o. hugh c·oncreto d.:i.ra. con
structed to impound the vrater of the river to supply electric power for l :.: rgo cen
ters of population hundreds of miles ~.\'<7!.y.. A fe~v miles farther on bco.ut iful Burney
Falls, i;-: the McArthur Memorial Sto.te Pe.rk, can be seen, e.nd soon afterward., in
. strikin~: r.ontrast, the route enters an area devastated by molten l ava, f l owing from
Mt . L 1It. I.assen Volcanic No.tio"lo.l Park is then crossed, partly circlinr; the base of the now inactive volco.no enroute, and rising to an elevo.tion of over 8,000 feet on a. sectio:1 of the route r epl ete with scenes that are lllllrvels of no.turc. Th forests, woodlo.nds, meadows, lake and streams; through picturesque mount~in vil lages; passing Lake Alme.nor, one of tho world's l argest artifici~l lakes; then through the wonderful Feather River r egi on, past Donner Lake, and alon~ thi! Truckee River to Lake Tahoe. Marl:: Twain, s eeing Lake To.hoe for the first time, described it c.s "a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the l evel of the sea, and -rralled in by a rim of snow- clad mounto.in peaks that towered a.loft full three thous"-.nd feet higher still. It was a vast oval, o.nd one would haTre to use up eighty· or o. hundred good miles in traveling around it. As it lay there v:ith the shadows of '.:;he mounto.ins brillinntly photographed upon its still surface I thought it nmzt surely be the fairest picture the whole eo.rth affords 111 L0o.ving the Lake after twenty-five miles of trEl.·.rel a.long its shore , the route continues through the National Forests, emerging e.t interva ls to afford o. panora:nic view of the fertile o.nd productive Carson Ve.Hey on one side, with lofty and rugged mountaLJ. pee.ks on the other, while in the disto.nce rnn.y be seen the fe.mous Comstock gold and silver mines of early days. Then, continuing alonb the western · slope of the Sierr2.s 6 the route passes through Yosemite National Park, then into the Kings .. onoro.i errant nnct Sequ o ia. Na.t1onO.. l. P£-.rks o.nd dovm the Kern River to a connecti on with Golden State Highvt0.y at Bo.kersfiold. Mcs t of the points lact mentioned a re worl d known and need no description. other points of equal or even greater interest, especially to the sportsnnn, mo.y be found by taking side trips with pack o.nimnls or a.foot into the ~cor e or more of Primitive Areas s et aside by the u. S. Fore st Service for the enjoyment of those who wish to commune with n o.ture in the quiet of the for ests. Here may be found seclusion beside crystal clea r mountain streams and l~kes where the wily trout abound unmolested by man and unacquainted with artifici~l in- sects and other devices employed to lure them from their abode. The adjoining woods fu"1d mountain crags are the natural habitat of most every specie of i:tlld life knovm to the west,. Thos:-i who do not en.re to experience the joys and rigors of c, trip into these wilde rn3z::; c,reas IDC'.Y find idea l camping sites with good hunting and fishing adjacent to or within er.sy reach of the Sierra Way. The Fore st Service maintains a v &.. st system of low standard roads for administrntion and protection of the Fores·:·.s end welcome t l1cir use by the public for recreation and other purposes. Mo.ny of these roo.ds connect with the Sierr a ':ie.y and lead to the most secluded confines of the Forest, e ;~cept into the approved Primitive Areas where roads will not b e constructed,. Particular attention should be given by tho u. s. Forest Service, the State Highway Depc.rtment end the U. s. Bureau of Public Rouds, to restoration, pre servu- tion and development of no.turo.1 scenic values along the Sierra '.'To.y, -nnd when com:- . plete it will mold the principo.l attrc.ctions of the Sierra into one vast e:::cio..nse of o.lmost unbelievec..ble grandeur, adding one more attraction to the long list thD.t is now synonJI:l.OUs vrith Co.lifornin. . ------·-----c:-·-·-- ~ I '1 .. ~ I I ~ VALUE OF THE SIERRA WAY The completed Sierrn Wo.y constructed to o. satisfactory standard hns g r e ~t va. lue to the Nation as well as to the State of California. Scenic driveways c.re pla.nned or are bcin~ constructed in various sections of the Nation which a.re inviting the ~ttention of the touring public. Such o. drive is being developed in the Sheno.ndoo.h National Park which is receiving no.tiono.l publicity. The motoring public a.re continually on the lookout for scenic attro.ctions of high value, cs plo.inly evidenced by the number of foreign ca.rs registered o.s visit- ing tho ~rious nn.tiona.l po.rks. From the local Co.lifornia. viewpoint 1 the davelop- ment of this highly scenic route is extremely a.dvo.nto.geous. There a.re set f orth below certo.in fo.cts which prove beyond cny question of o. doubt the high v~luc of the Sforr:). Yio.y to the entire· Sto.te of Co.lifornin o.nd to the sections of the St o.te through vrh:i ch this route pusses. (a.) The population of California.. The United States Bureau of Census esti!ll!'.tes the populo.tion of Co.lifornio. I I >m.s 6 1 158,000 o.s of July 1, 1934. { .\ (b) Automobiles registered in Co.lifornio.. :\ The Sto.te Depnrtment 0£ Motor Vehicles reports 2,080,884 automobiles registered in California in the yeo.r 1934. (c) Travel to NO.tional Po.rks o.nd Uationa.l Forests., During the season of 1934 the No.tiono.l Po.rk Service reports the following number of automobiles o.nd persons visiting the four No.t .iono.l P2.rk5 t o be connected by the Sierro. Wo.y,- Parks Automobiles People Sequoio. 51,477 159,679 Gro.nt Pnrk 20,030 66,024 Yosemite 96,490 293,315 Lo.ssen 16;205 51,906 Toto.l 184,202 570,924 .... :;; •. J::. ·-·:.::.....:- ·- ·- .. __.: ______•w ;'I .. The U. s. Forest Serv:1ce reports that for the fiscal year ending June 30# i934 7 travel to the National Forests transversed by the Sierra Way was as follows:- Forest Forest Users Transient Travelers Total Thl:-oup.;h Fore st ...- Shasta 86,900 1,159$200 l,246jl00 Modoc 26,900 324;300 351,200 Lass on 62;913 2121350 275;,263 Plu:mAs 37,600 32,500 70,100 Tahoe 147,980 448,905 596 .. 885 Eldora.do 102,850 182j640 285,490 Mono 127,100 29,000 156,100 Stanis la.us 99;800 363,790 463;590 Sierra l44i300 334,300 478j600 Sequoia 128,900 82,400 211,300 In con:sidering the nbove figures, together with the fact that practically o.11 of the Mationo.l Forest and Nationfll Po.rk o.rens o.re o.t the present time reo.ched by roads which cross the Sierra-Nevada range from east to west, and which cross gen- erally at their narrowest dimensions, the conclusion is rea.ched that with the nve.il- ability of? a high standard north and south l{'t.teral vrhich would run lengthwise through the Forests, ~ great number of loop trips would be provided which, as clen.rly demonstrr.ted in the past, a.re exbremely attrnctive to motorists. The tourist and traveler visiting the National Forests or the National Parks at this time are, in most inst~nces, forced to return over the same rou"ce by '\Vh~ch they reached their original point of destination. Thei"O are tv;elve (12) state Higm1ays which, a.t the present time, directly cross the ~rational Forest and National Park areas which would be served by the II. Sierrc vlay, or, studying the problem from another angle, twelve ·State Frl.ghi~~ys now cross an area. approximately 800 miles long by 75 miles wide, and including within its boundaries l0,121,063 a.ores of national forest alone. L Tho Sierra Uay is of high value to the Forest Service in the matter of forest fire proteo~ion. Not only would this high standard road aot ns a direct fire break. but would also offer the Service a.n added facility for quickly reaching .... ·: ...... ·..:...-.-...... ,,_... ~ _...,._~__;,;,, .... .::...... (r .~ i· f'acili-ty be made £1.vail abl e i n order to quickly control forest fires. Unqucsti ono.b ly t he exp9nditure of the funds necessary to i mprove the Si erra -~·fc.y t o c.. high stando.rd will, wi.thin o. rensonabl e number of yea.rs, pay for i tself by preventing ~orest fire devnsto.tion. I (d) ·winter Sports. I I . ':iinter s ports o.re r o.pidly developing ns o.n added attr action of t:1e ~ . Cnliforni~ high mountnin e.reo.s, o.nd since the bulk of these winter s port s c~e c.s a r e ! within t l:e Nationa l Forests or Nc.t ional Pc.rl::s nnd the development of the Sierrr, Wc.y \rill open U:f c.dditionc.l e.reas , the FederaJ. Gover ll.1:l.ent should ho.ve e.n o.dditicnnl interest in. ·l:;he development of this route. Accuro.te figures are not available a s to the number of person s visi ting winter sports c.reo.s. The state Ch.umber of Commerce, ::i.s n r e su l t of a survey of t he s..?ason 1 931-32, i s a.uthority for the str.tement thnt approxi!ilC'.tel y 5 80 , OOO peopl e visited t he winter sports o.reo.s. Stc.tement by merchants hc,ndling winter sports equipment, together with statements of hotels, r estc.urc.nts a.nd other r esort~ i n winter sports o.rec.s, conclusive ly prove thc.t there ho.s been a. ll\D.r ked incrcc.se in the number of people visiting these c.reC.s since t he Stc..te Chambe r oensus. ! .. s nev., o.reo.s bec o~c nccessible, incr e ~sed tr~ve l will r esult. (e) Run.ting nnd Fishing. ~he high mounto.in Sie rro.s, extending from the Teha.chapi mountnins on t he south to Ut . Shusta. on t he north canto.ins the grentest hunting and fishing .::.re a. in Co.lifor::ic... No o.ccuro.te figure s e>.re o.w.ila.ble showing the number of d eer ~d.ll e d or the nu.,~b cr of fish t o.ken in the lo.rge Qreo.s embro.cing the t e rritory s erv ed by the Sierrc "Jo.y. There o.re in exoess of 5,000 lo.kes o.nd 10 1 000 miles of fishing streams in this o.rea.. (f) Co.mping and Recreation. The completion of the Sierra. Wo.y will open up to tho va.co.tio::iists , ns -- - · ~ ·--~-·...... ;..._:_ . __ ~. '·(• .• r, ):, ·~ r! well as the tourists, l!lD.ny n ei.•r a. r ec.s now i rw. ccess ible by the o.utomobile u The No.tiono.l Forest Service more po.rticulo.rly, c.nd the NQt iono.l Po.rk Service , to s ome degree, r ec ognize the n eed for cc.mping fc.c ilitie s c.nd both Serv i ces ho.vc spen,t c.on- side rn.ble sums in constructing o.nd I!ID.intQining c-.dequ,.".te c o.mp gr ounds. Tho full use of o.11 of these f~cilities co.nnot be compl et e l y r eo.lized until t he forc~~c o.nd t he p..."'.r!::i> on the western slope of t he Sierra. Neva.do. Mounto.ins a.re c.dequc.tcly con - ! . neoted by o. highwo.y of stn.ndo.rds sufficiently high to o.zsure so.fc. o.nd c omfortc.ble tra.vel. - 8 - ' - .. _..... ~. - ... · ..:;;..._ .....:..;.. ~ . :.··. .. · ··. . ..·. :...... ":. ·: · ··. ·- .. •....-. <:>. ··. ·--- - ... - .. . ____ UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF This Project fo.lls well within the cl~ssific~tion of those ~utlined in the President 1 s messo.ge. This project is permanent in every degree, nnd is of greet vo.lue to tho Federo.l Government ~s well ns to the people of the State of c~lifornia.. It ho.a been demonstr~ted beyond the question of ~ doubt thct ro~d work provides ~ higher porcentC-ge or lubor than o.ny other construction pr~ject which ?NJ.Y be under- tnken.. A project suoh a.s the Sierr~ Wa.y provides employment for o.11 kinds of lo.bor including skilled nnd ·~skilled. lhchinery, cement, lumber o.nd other mo.ter .. io.ls clo.ssod o.s heo.vy indust.ries would be extensively used. Also, lo.rge forces of ~o-ca.lled ''white collo.r11 workers# such e-s engineers, dro.i'tsmen, etc. would be em- ployed. Engineers fo.milio.r with the project a.re o.uthority for the sto.tement th~t should the entire sumneoess~ry to construct this project be mo.de o.v~ilcble shortly, the gre~t bulk of the work would be completed by the close or 1935 and the entire project completed in 1936. 115.6 miles of the proposed route ho.ve been surveyed, the plc.ns ere rendy o.nd contracts could be let almost immediately upon QUthoriz~- tion. other Burvey pa.rti~s could be plnced in the field immedio.tely upon receipt of this nuthoriza.tion and n ca.refully planned program of construction rlesigned to plnce the grectest number of.men ~t work could be undertaken. Consistent \nth the nbility of engineers to obtnin the necesscry types of lnbor, it is considered c con- serva.tive estimo.te tha.t the project con, vtith proper pla.nning o.nd execution, be entirely eompletcd by the end or l936G These snme engineers nre nuthority for the ata~em.ent th~t under such an expedited progro.m some is.coo workers oould be em ployed during the peo.k sea.son. It is impossible to sto.te definitely the e:xnot number of une~ployed persons in Ca.lifornio.~ owing to migrntory condi~ions, etc. However. we a.re told by those close to the problem tho.t npproximc.tely 400 1 000 a.re unemployed in Ca.liforni~ ~t this ~ims - this cc.n be sta.ted ns a. conservntive estimo.te • . . . - - .. . ·~. . -·~:~y·:_~ ··~:~-:_=~.-~·:.~·----~-.. ~~::.~::.·~--~·-'.~ ... : .. ~--.~·· __.. __ ...... -.-·:·:·:·~..._- ..~-'"; -~;;;·.~·,_::,:-..:..~_-.:.·. :: . :.:· :.~:.·.:.-· ··. . . . : .. "' _.... .---:. --- :·: . ' ..,, ..• ~ ..-.-..-..·;~:.:..::::::: ~ .:-.... - -- -- . .T IV., · FUTURE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF . THE SIERRA. WAY All of the proposed Sierrc Tib.y would be ndequntely mD.in• tained by present ngencies within the Stnte of Cnlifornin upon its co~pletion by the Federal Government. Over fifty (50) per cent of the route is ncn't in the Stnte Hi6hw':.-.y System and that portion would receive ndequo.te maintenance as do all other Ste.ta Highways in Calif.ornin today. Those portions of the route not in the Stnte Highwny System would be mainta.ined by the various counties through which the route tra.nsverses. Assurances ho.ve already been given by the coun'cies for the maintenance or these routes. Should the Federal Government desire it, the State Chamber of Commerce will foster legislation designed to place the remainder of'· the route 1 which is not now in the State Highway System, under the jurisdiction of the Stnte. -- - 10 - PRESENT STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE S I ERRA V>fAY - DISCUSSION BAKERSFIELD TO RIO BRAVO. 11 miles . State o.nd f ederal a.id highwo.y. Con structed to s o.tisfactory standard at an estimated cost of tsoo,ooo. RIO BRAVO TO BODFISH. 30 mile s. Stat e , feder a l aid and forest highvmy. Constructed to ao.tisfo.ctory standard at an appr oximllte cost of $1,500 1 000. BODFISH TO KERNVILLE. 8 miles. St ate higmn:>.y. Five miles in feder al aid systera. Constructed to satisfactory standard at e. cost of $ 300 1 000. KERMVILLE JUNCTION TO GLENVILLE ROAD . 13 miles. state o.nd fore st highway. Construc7.ed to inter mediate standard. Eventun.lly reconstruction will b e necesso.ry. Estimntod cost to dnte, $175,ooo. Estimated cost to relocate and construct to satisfactory standard, $400,000. This section is r eo.dy for immediate survey. GLE~NILLE ROAD TO SHEEP MOUNTAI N. Approximate l ength 50 miles. At preeent not i n Ste.ta or fore st higlnvn.y system. About 20 miles have been constructed to low stnndn.rd f'or protection nnd o.dmini stre.ti on ~f the no.tional forest. For 30 miles there is no road at o.11. It is highly desirable that this entir e section be o.dded to the £crest highwn.y system and surveyed to ulti.n:D.te location standard so tho.t progressive construct ion '!Nly be undertaken by any agency with assurance that money is being expended on proper loco.tion, thus ay.oiding waste of money end duplico.tion of facilitie3. Cost of construction to date, $50 1 000. Estimated cost of con- struction to complete to satisfactory stnndard, $1,2501 000. Immedintely ~ djo.cent to this section of the Sierrn way, an enormous nreo. of fine recreationn.l count ry may be opened to residents of Southern California. by the construction of short 1 low st::i.ndard later.a.ls, leuving the high scenic bnck country without roo.ds for the enjoyment of those desiring wilderness regio_ns. SITTEP UOUNTAIN TO GIANT FOREST • Approxim.o.tely 35 miles. Not in nny ap- proved hi::;m10.y system. No existing roads . Estimo.te of cost of constructi on to eatisfo.ctory standnrd, $1,750 1 000. At present there is no existing road over this . ~~~~- ~~-: :-..:::..:....:.:::._-=..-::.:::.· -=-.:...... :.. -;::.:.::._·:·.--:": . .: .. =-··· -·--·- - : -··. · -·.1. -....;-:... ·..... , _____ :_,_. - ·-· --'t"~ ·-.. ·- ·:.... • ·-·--·-~---.. -·- - •. _.. __ _ ..:. ______: . region mosi:; desirable for retention in primitive state. It is urgent that a defi- nite dooision as to the location of this section be made at this time, since the designation 9.J.Ld location or the Sierra Way from this point south is dependent upon the decision of the routing in the Sequoia Park section. GIAN!r FOREST TO SEQUOIA------N..'\.TIONAL P.ARK NORTH BOUNDARY.--- 15.6 miles. A national park highway. Constructed to satisfactory standard. Cost $1,123,000. SEQUOIA PA.rue TO GRANT PARK. 14.2 miles. This section or the Siei.. ro. Way was officially approved as forest highway and also as a park approach road. It waG surveyed with forest highway money and constructed to satisfactory sta.nd~rd with Park Service money at a cost of $893 1 000. Its present principal .valu~ lies in Forest Service administration and nationa.1 park use. SECTION THROUGH GRANT PARK. National park highway constru~ted to s~tisfnc- tory standardo Cost approximately $100.000. There is some question about this section of the road being designated n part of the Sierra VE.y, some interests ad- vocntinE n routing westerly from nenr the south boundary of the no.tiona.l p~rk. 2-! miles long., GRANT PARK TO KIMGS RIVER AT YUCCA POINT. Length 9 miles. In Sta~e o.nd forest hi~hway systems. This section is a pa.rt of the highway into the· Kings River Co.nyon constructed by tlie State to n satisfactory standnrd nt a.n npproxima.te cost of OGoo,ooo. This section of the Sierra Wny •. together with the route through the na.tion.~l pnrk, ha.s not been definitely selected. It is highly desirable thc.t a decision be JDD.de in order to enable o.n orderly o.nd proper development of the road .systems in this region, and to avoid the possibility of ultimD.tely dupliont ing the Grant Park o.ppronch ro~d. YUCCA POINT. TO NORTH FORK OF KINGS RIVER. Length o.pproximo.tely 22 miles. This. section is not in e.ny o.pproved highwny system nt tho present timo, c.. lthough I I :· tho S-ca."te ..tl:1.gh"'\"n!\.y Dopartmont h..c. s nxid.o ~u.d.:3.. o :s o:t: tho route. Construc tion or th1~ section possibly may be more expensive th~n the nlternn.te route thr.oubh Dunlnp from Grunt' s Park, but it ho.s several distinct advante.ges. First, it is free from snow throughout the yeo.r , while the Dunlo.p route is closed for se ve r ~ l months , o.nd it __ ..__...... u. ---~~ - - . , .·. ""• ._ _. _ ____.,. • would therefore provide nn all-yeo.r route to the upper Kings River nre~ . S9cond,- it would provide :m o.pproo.ch roo.d to Grc.nt Pc.rk, eo.sy to keep open in winter and 'Id.th l ess adverse grades than the Dunlap route; o.nd, third, provides a s uitc.ble section of the Sierra Yny. Studies of this section should be made imme di~tely in orde• to c.void o. possible ultimo.te duplication of roo.d service with c consequent waste cf hloney. The estimo.ted cost of const ruction is $2 1 000,000. There is no existin: roc.d with the exception of ::i.. four mile section of low standarc1 ro::-,d o.t th13 wes·;:;ern end. !CE:GS RIT!.ill TO OCKElIDEN • Length, a.bout 35 miles. Not in State or Forest Higlwn.y System. This section of the Sierra. Yfo.y is po.ssible over a low st::-.ndc.rd Forest Service road nnd n So.n Joaquiu Light o.nd Power Company construction roo.d, which, of o. necessity, must be relocated ~nd r econstructed. There has been ex- pended to date 1 mostly by the Power Coopo.ny, :::.bout $300 ,ooo. Pc.rts of t!1.e pres- ent ro~d a.re steep, nn.rrow and crooked, rather dnngerou~ for generc.l public travel. The whole section should be o.dded to the forest highwny system, c.nd o. defhdte loco.tion esto.blished to enable o.n or ~ erly end proper development of c. mn.jor roo.d system. in this region. In o.ddition to its value ::::.s c. s ectio"n of the Sierrc. . Yfny for public t ro.vel o.nd recreo.tion, this s ection hlls c. high vo.lue c s n fire break o.nCl. t o enc.ble the ro.pid movement of men o.nd supplies for the protection of the nc.tionn.l forest, o.nd for the movement of timber !llld other forest resources. f'CKZNDEN TO BASS LAKE. 26i miles. In forest highvro.y system. This section is po.ssc.ble over intermediate sto.ndo.rd Forest Service roads and should be re- locc.ted. It is esti.mD.ted 0250,000 ho.s been spent on the section and the rccon- This section is re~dy for immediate survey • . - . --.-- - .. --- · - ·- - ·- · - 4...:.::::- • .-:....::._ .. . -- -=-.: .·. _ .,,.. _ ~ --- · ·- ---- a~ ...... ~~~~~~~ ~.s LA.KE :ro FOUR MILE.~ is~~ miles ~~;;;;;;~d-;t,long. For est and Sta;t;:~~~;;;:--t e h i ghvray systems .. ·-----· Constructed to a satisfactory standard at a cost of $730,000. FOUR EILE TO YOS EtiITE VALLEY o 33 miles long. National Pa rk higlr:;ay. Con- structed to a satisfactory standard. Cost npproximately $2,500,000. YOSEMITE VALLEY TO CRA.liTE FLAT. National Park road• 11.2 miles long. Y!e understc.nd this section definitely programmed and money allocated. Engineers es- ti:ma.te ) 1, 162 ,ooo. CRA1IB FLAT TO ELEANOR LAKE. Approximately 35 mil es. National park highway. Definite routing subject to the decision of the Bureau of Public Roads , who are now . studying the project. Estimated cost of the neeessa ry reconstruction $aSO,OOOe ELEANOR LAKE TO STRAWBERRY LAKE. 30 miles long. In approved fprest highway system. At present mostly travel~ble over lovr standard national forest and nat- ioIW..l park roo.ds. Estimated east to r econstruct . $1,000,000. STRAWBERRY LAKE TO WAGNER BRIDGE. 21 miles. In State and forest highway system. At present constructed to inte rmediate stnndard 0 Eventual reconstruction neeess~ry . Expended to dnte approximc.t ely $250,000. Reconstruction cos~ esti- mated at 0750,000. Six miles ready for construction. 15 miles ready for survey. WAGNER BRIDGE TO M.lillKLEVILLE ROAD .. 22 miles long. r~ forest highi=:uy systemo About 14 miles of this road is of n lovr stnndnrd, and is now being surveyed in order to bring it up to required standard. To date there .has been expended on this ro~d npproxiIJlately $15,ooo. It is estimn.ted tho.t it will cost an additional $735,000 to bring it up to c satisfnctory standard. MARKLEVILLE ROAD TO ECHO SUMMIT . 29 miles. There has been expended to dnte on this section of road $10,000 and it is estimo.ted it ~rill cost an additional $950.000 to bring it up to the required sto.ndnrd. Entire section r eady for eon- struction. ECHO SUMMIT TO TRUCKEE. 51 miles. State nnd forest highwn.y syste~. This section is constructed to n sntisfnctory stnndnrd, ~t ~ cost of ~2 .400,000. ~~-~~- ~-.:~_·:~~~_.:·. :. ··. : ·.~ · -·· ·. ·-- ···-. - ·--- -·· ·· · - .. . . . · -- -·----···'------'·"' ·· ·'~ . .: :. ·.··::~.= ···· - -··· --· ' '"-·- ---'-'--"--- - · -- - . . - :::c.:.:... .• - -·------• .:..;·-:...: ·...;;-:;:___ _;_ _ -=------, . . . ' . : .: ' ·· . ... - TRUCKEE TO QUINCY. 59 miles. In State and forest highway system.so 39 miles of this section has been constructed to a satisfactory standard; the remaining 20 miles is passable over a low standard road. There has been expended 0950;000.- and in order to complete the section to a satisfactory standard, it will require the e~penditure of an additional $725,ooo. 14 miles ready for construction and 6 miles r eady for survey. QUINCY TO LAKE .ALMA.NOR. 31 miles. In State and forest highway system. 8 miles of this road has been constructed to the desired standard ; the remaining 23 miles has been completely surveyed to desired standard, and is ready for construe- tion. There has been spent to date on this section approximately $778,000 and it is estLr.iatcd it will require an additional $900 1 000 to bring it up to the desired standard. LAKE ALMA.NOR TO MARIAN CREEK. 18 miles• In State highway system. Thia section has been built to an intermediate standard and eventually will need recon- struotion. It has cost to date about $150,000. The estimated cost to relocate and reconstruct to satisfactory standard is $40 0,000. MARIAN CREEK TO LASSEN PARK• 24 miles. In State and forest highway systemo This section has been constructed to desired standard at an approximate cost of $715,ooo. THROUGH LASSEN PARK, 30 miles. N ational park highway. This section has been completed to a ~atisfactory standard at an approximate coat of ~ 1 1 5 00 1 000. LASSEXJ PARK TO CASSELL. 30 miles. In State and forest highway system. This section ha s been completed to a satisfactory standard at a cost of ~325,000. CASSELL TO CLARK CREEK. 16.4 miles. In State and forest highway systems. Built to a low standard of Forest Service road. H as been surveyed to desired standard and is ready for construction. Cost to date about $25,000. Additional cost to constru9t to the desired standard approximately $375,000. CLAPJC CREEK TO Mc CLOUD. 34 miles• In State and forest higlwray sys'.:cm. Con- ...... , . --·--- ...... - - --·-----·- PRESENT STATUS OF COMSTRTJCTION OM SIF.RRA WAY Agency Length Est.Exp.to Additional Satisf o Intermedo Low No Ready for Surveyed a Miles date or alloc. Exp.Needed Stand. Stand. Stand. Road Surv-ey ready to c State & Fed. Aid Hiway 11 $500,000 11 .. Bravo to State.Fed.& fish Forest Aid 30 $1,500,000 30 fish to State .Fed. Aid Hiway 8 $300,000 8 :ville Jnct. State & For- ·•! Glenville Rd. est Hiway 13 $175,000 $400,000 13 1, . :ville Rd. to ep Mountoin None 50 $50.000 $1,250,000 20 50 .p · Mountain iiant Forest None 35 $1,750,000 35 35 t .Forest to Nat.Park \\Oia. Pk.Boun. Hiway is.a $1.123.000 i5.a ioia Pk. to Forest & Nat. ·t Na. t. Park Park Hiway J.4.2 $6)2,000 14.2 Gro.nt Nat. !fat.Park Hiway 2.5 $100,000 2.5 t Mat.Park State & For., gs River- Hi.way 9.0 $600,000 9.0 'a Point to None 22.0 $2,000,000 22 22 ~ ·,, ;: - 17 .;. . i 'r i i I i i I l Agency Length Est.Exp.to Addit.Ex- Batisf. Intermed. Low No Ready for Surveyed 1 Miles date or alloc. pense Needed Stand. Stand. Stand. Roa.d ~~x_ dy to . ~ ~ : i gs Riv.June. Ocken den None 35.0 $300,000 $1 , 250, 000 35 35 kenden to Forest ss Lake Hiwa.y 26.5 $250,000 $850,000 26.5 9 ss Lo.ke to Forest &: r Mile St.Hiway 16.o ~130,000 16.o ur Mile to Nat.Park semi te Nat.Pk. Hiway 33.0 ~ 2,500,000 33.0 semi te to Nat.Park e Flat Hivray 10.2 $1,162,000 10.2 10.2 ..me Flat to Nat. Park · rk Boundo.ry Hiwny 35.0 $1,650,000 35 35 k Bound. to Forest Hi- ke Strawberry way 30.0 tl,:000, 000 30 30 rawber r y Lake State & For- Wa[;re r Bridge est Hiway 21.0 $250,000 $750,000 21.0 15 6 · 111er Bridge to Forest Hi- ·kleville Rd. way 22.0 $15 , 000 $735,000 1.4.o 8 22 deville Rd. Forest ; gcho Sunnni t Hiway 29.0 $10, 000 $950,000 10.0 19.0 14 15 iO Surrm.i t State &: Truckee For.Hiway 51.0 $2,400,000 51.0 ck ee to State &: For- . cy est Hiwo.y 59.0 $950,,000 $725, 000 "57. 0 20.0 6 14 ncy to Almanor St.& For- est Hiway ·. 3L,O ~~ 77A, 000 s900, ooo 8.0 23.0 23 - 18 - VC.,,L ~ .... PT O ·~.•,t' .,,,un 'AJeJq!l uoJ~u" it :.., .- ... J) UO'"'!l>L' '· 0 ,. PROPOSED SIERRA WAY DEPARl'MENT or l'HE INHRIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LEGEND MAP SHOWING ROUTE AND STATUS OF c2~~u NAT, o NA L r o R E s T s PROPOSED SIERRA WAY PROJECT MAIN TRAVELED ROADS OFFICE OF THE CHlff ENGINEER 5AN FRANCISCO, CALI F. NATIONAL HIGHWAYS 0(7. 1935 @ ' R 0 UT E N U M B E R S COM Pll(o' IN 'THE orricr or lHf CHl[f CNC.IN trR rROM INrORMA'TION fU RN l :'>HE O BY THr U . :> . f'ORC~T SCRVl(t MILES ANO TH( !,TATE C.HAMBtR O~ COMM(RCC. 0 :; 10 20 3 0 4 0 50 60 70 80 ~--=--~-· ... .,...__.... - _ :=;;§j LEGEND STATE ROAD ~ ro•t\l ~[.RVIC..C ROAD • ·_r .. ~ SlATC A NO F OR CST S t RV ICC rtOA D - NATIONAL PARK !>tftVIC[ ROAD PORTI ONS or ROUT[ CJ'\/Cf\ WMICH TMtPI[ I\ NO (.ll5T I HG ROAD AR[ IUDtcA..,tO ?>Y bl'.0111.CN LINC .J- 5136 ---· --..z...__ 9 M ILE$. RVtYED TO 0£:~~[0 STANDARD, 23 MILf5. !.AT'i5TICTORY . -.... ·..... · ,, :" • I1f-:.1 . ~·~ 0 "'!.".. z ~'"'"" ' M E x c 0 " !'"'I I ...... , . ' •; - . ~ '-':O L . .A. ,,, d! J-'~U!l-1 --iV os 1 :- , .. _c;,; ..... , u0[$~!LU 1 ~- C. i v .• .. .1._.1 iue1 ·qi] j JO". I .- ,. ,_;1 d 'tJO ! S~ !lU -Jao s:;=.. ·":J&Jq!/ JaUJC' U! P"''""' c.sn a:>ua.nJ ~. ·1 ,\;cm:;• ''·;.l WG.i.: :-.;:. ... .,_.- ' . ' U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE R. Y. STUART, FORESTER M~. NA-rl ONAL FORESTS ISF..ICTORY. OF 18 M ILES. TO DtSIR(O STANDARD. UNDER CONSTFIUCTlON. CALIFORNIA 19 3 1 ~~. r ~~ACTORY. National Forest 1u:. TRUCTION ' RASL(. Activities M ILE . ONSTRUCTION. Ii MILE . a; fACTORY. \ 9 MILES. J AT ISfAC.TORY. ., ;. (5 SURVEY>.O. MIL(S. 5 ISf'ACTORY. 8 MIL 5. VpATISFACTOF\Y. ~CONSTRUCTION . 13 M I L£.!). ~R UCTION DE51RASL(. 0 MILE . S \SfACTORY. 50 MILES .-1.'----'1 LOW STANOl\RD OR NON·E:l.ISTING. SU.RV(YEOTO OESllHOSTANDARD .. ), ;;•:.i.. " ... :'.-'~h Ja1..;1· 0 R E G .. 0 N .,- ·· -' asr1 :.uua •·· l ,• 5 1· 1.:.. M RECoiS Otj 1 I \ ... ·.·.·:·.: \. -- Wt.STERN AUTO r'5. •00. STORE P. 0. BO>Vfb· t nONE _,. .: AUTL REPROOUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES KERNVILJ.E. CALIFORNIA Revive Proposal for Sierra Way'Dream' Road PROPOSAL to create a 300-mile highway. Also, the "Western Divide" A scenic highway along the western road along the ridge, west of the Kern slope of the Sierra that would rival in River, has been considered a potential beauty North Carolina's Blue Ridge link in a continuous Sierra route and can Parkway and other famed drives is being still be viewed as an alternate to a considered again after lying dormant location along the river. since the thirties. Proponents of the Sierra Way see at Variously referred to as the Sierra least three major benefits: ..I Way, the Sierra National Parks Highway 1. Creation of an outstanding scenic I I or Sierra Park-to-Park Highway, it would mountain parkway that would rival the ' extend from Mojave to Mariposa and a nation's best. connection with State 49, the Mother 2. Provision of a major lateral for Lode Highway. circulation and distribution of recreation I Taking advantage of existing roads al traffic entering the Sierra via stub '• over about half its length, the Sierra Way portions of the statewide freeway system. would be constructed to modern stand This would make possible short, one-day ards for two-lane forest highways, tem "loop" trips into the mountains from pered, however, with more than usual city areas. consideration of the aesthetic. Planned 3. Adoption of such a proposal into access and controlled roadsides would be the planning of the several agencies that essential considerations. The Sierra Way would be affected could provide a high (ore would pass through areas already pene priority " back-bone" route for the ulti ,ure trated by roads, leaving primitive areas mate system of distribution roads. of undisturbed. Estimated construction cost of the Sierra The southern terminal in the Mojave Way would be between $50,000,000 and • ~.on, area would probably start near Red Rock, $100,000,000. Most of the mileage lies , of serve the Lake Isabella region, follow the within national forest boundaries. - upper Kern River, cross o"er to Camp Support for the proposed Sierra Way Nelson, thence to a connection with the comes from many sources, including na existing Ash Mountain Road into Se tional forest and parks officials, county quoia. From here it would follow the boards of supervisors, San Joaquin Valley park road to General Grant Grove down cities and several chambers of commerce. into Kings River Canyon, climbing again Many conservationists have expressed south of Shaver Lake, crossing the .San themselves in favor of the project, too, Joaquin River to Bass Lake and then feeling that emphasis on the Sierra Way entering Mariposa. could reduce pressures for alternate The present highway linking Giant Sierra routes which might pass through Forest in Sequoia National Park with the virgin areas. General Grant Grove in Kings Canyon If the Sierra Way becomes a reality, it National Park was originally constructed will be one of the 'scate's greatest scenic with the thought it would eventually and recreational assets ... and, indeed, become a pare of a continuous scenic one of the nation's. tsgd) John A. Carver,. Jr. REPRODUCED ~T rHE NATIONAL ARCHIVES c Affiliated with the '.!'hi' F'?·'iend to all Motorists since 1900 \ ~ : " ·';. .~ . f :\.. \ .A..-.:a. to~~il:et 1 ·::-G1-.:a. b o:f So-.::a.the:x-::n... Ca.1ifo:r::n...ia. American it µtomobilelA MAIN. OFFIC~ 1 ,flip~ ·;POUTH FIGUEROA STREET • LOS ANGELES 54, CALIFORN IA • RIC HMOND 8-3lll A s•ooiation r1AY 31 I 10 rM b: •,OHN W. McDONALD, Ill RECTOR F.NGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES May 28, 1962 Mr. Eivind T. Scoyen Associate Director National Park Service Washington 25, D. C. Dear Mr. Scoyen: As you are no doubt aware our effort to obtain a feasi bility study for the "Sierra Way" has succeeded to the point of having legislation introduced this year. Three bills, HR 11495 by Congressman Johnson, HR 11499 by Congressman Sisk, and HR 11530 by Congressman Hagen call f or such a study. Incidentally, thank you for supplying us with the estimate of cost for the study . It is my understanding that Congress will not take further action until t hey receive reports relative t o this legislation from the Departments of the Interior and of Commerce. I assume that the report from the Department of the Interior will be made b y the National Park Service and we would, of course, very much appre ciate an early favorable report upon t he three b ills . Enclosed are three copies of a map and my brief descrip tion of the " Sierra Way" which I hope may be helpful to you. If we can be of further assistance with respect to the report please let me know. Be} regards, r.· JJ /) )~·~¥/J~ '(;.A./I.._, ,1 /1 /.iw. McDonald (pi-rector Engineering and Technical Services JWM:fs enc. J5 REPRODUC.ED ~ lltiE NATIONAi. ARCHIVES SIERRA WAY DESCRIPTI ON The proposed scenic Sierra Way would lie on the western slope of the Sierra and would pr obably extend f rom Mojave to Oakhurst and a connection with existing sign route 49 - the Mother Lode Highway . It might follow an alignment somewhat as shown on the atta ched map . The Sierra Way should be constructed to modern standards fo.r 2-lane forest highways, tempered, however, with more than usual consideration of the aesthetic. Planned access and controlled roadsides would be essential considerations in this type of improvement . Elevation of the road should be governed, insofar as practical, by an effort to avoid the extreme sununer .temperatures of the lower valleys as well a s to minimize snow removal. Full advantage of scenic potential should be taken in considering both elevation and final location. The Sierra Way would pass thr ough areas already penetrated by roads , leaving primitive a r eas undisturbed. In its initial stages , the Sier r a Way mi ght take a dvantage of existing improved roads over about ha lf of i ts l ength. Ultimate ly» however, relocation or improvement a long most of this existing mileage would be necessary t o meet desirable standar ds . The map does not represent a studie d location effort but is intended to i l l ustra te only the general concept of such a continuous road. BACKGROUND The Sierra Way is not a new idea although it has apparently lain dormant for some years . In the thirties , considerable interest was generated regarding such a road then referred to as the "Sierra National Parks Highway" 1 "Sierra Park- to-Park Highway", or simply as the "Sierra Way . " The people involved -- -···· ' "•~--·"'""""-' " ------....____ ----____ _ REPRODUCED ~T THE NATIONAL ARCHNES j' " ,. l - 2 - at that time included Chester Warl ow, Hi ghway Commissioner, Ernest Eas t , the l a t e Chief Engineer of the Automob i l e Club of Southern Califor nia, and others from the various San Joaquin area chambers of comme r ce, f r om the national forest and park agencies , and from county boar ds of supervisors . The interests of these peopl e were or igina lly brought t ogether through fonnation on J anuary 15, 192 7, of the Sierra National Parks Highway Associ ation. The "West ern Divide" roa d along the r i dge west of the Kern River has been consider ed as a potential l ink in a continuous Sierra Route and shoul d be considered a s an alternate to a location a l ong the r iver . BENEFITS OF A SIERRA WAY The benefits of a Sierr a Way would be several, including: 1. First, the creation of a truly scenic mountain parkway with poten tia l equal to the beautiful Blue Ridge and other par kways of Virginia and North Carolina. .. 2. Second, pr ovision of a ma j or lateral for circul ati on and distri bution of recr eational traffi c ente ring the Sierra v i a s tub portions of the established Freeway and Expressway System. Thi s later a l di stributi on should be most he.lpful to administration of the parks , particul arly in handli ng overflow condi t i ons dur i ng peak peri ods . , The very desi rable shor t " loop" trips into the mountains for a day' s drive woul d be possible. 3 . Third, adoption of such a pr oposal into the planning of the severa l affected agencies could provide a "back-bone" , high pr ior ity route for an :' ;. ultimate system of recreati ona l and other roads . I)' ,", ,y, J . W. McDonald ~ Director Engineering and Techn ical Services ll Automobile Cl ub of Sou thern California 2601 South Fi gueroa Stree t Los Angeles 54, Cali fornia February 23 , 1962 .. .. ·-·· -- ...... , _·~ ·· ------: REPRODUCED \f THENATIONAL ARCHIVES r--1A Wh!ll- Mtn. 'L, ( L ,., ... I _: J . , I ~ ~ I \. ,.J ....., 1 ~ I 'f' l 6 T - -;;T/ O~AL - < ...J' .... <"c:. -p "'+-.,. ,_ '1( (( Sombrero P\.. A "0 r --- 1 .. l~ /l•i - I 11if"· I 'I I . I ,•,lt:;j..;;.t.. I ) N~ POSSIBLE ROUTE OF SIERRA WAY LEGEND Portions Improved • • • • Portions Unimproved SCALE IN MILES 0 5 10 15 zo 25 AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2-16-62 ,., ,, ... CH U. Bf.IUI 6 '1. C:..ht..nte.... M tn. 34 ' ~: 11.n. 1149? ... A ~ :.'° ~We 1'0l" ao.c •~ r.4 a ~ ~ w e;xe~ ;y?,000 wltb ~ to -- ~\ su.~ .· ~a~- ·~ w~yt tii ·~~ct . ~~ 1 ;~. lf!.1.~~"5 ~~ at ~ 1 ~Md ~ vtovs ~ - nt~~ o~ li..!l. ll~. ~ ~~~~~!if.tee i~.._,,.J4$ ~ ~ ~~ !'~)' ~ ~ fJf ~ .lat:~~aA WS:tl(i ~~lltll ~ ~re ~~ it u tit •1 ~114 ~ w ~~- wi'4iltlW'r a ··w~ ,.,.,, ~ 4ff4:\i de•~ ~-1 ~~ :fac2l:it:tv$ ~ ~ 008aibl.t> ~ aavl.~ ~o ~ ~:r~t ~l~~ ~~ • Met10n ot CiJlilO~ ~1 t't.~ ttat ~ 1.-:~a ~. f.~jU.il.t ~, ri.~, * ~, ~ ~t:.rz tA ~".f~ v-~J.etl ....XV~ wic~.~ - ~~Wilt~i«i ot ·~~~ ~ty ~ ~ve·~~, •a wat~ ~~ :: i. ~~ ~ rtl'a'ik ~~ aad. ~'Otd. ~ t» ~~ ~ ~e ~ W..~ft~~." ~~mat tfttftc 1$ ~ ~tttd OU~~• t-.1 1i1Wtt tbO ~ ~ « tbfi ~Siena Vd;r • ~ tOr at.- 14 tilo l)Ul tho\d4 14Qt \i.o i.U v.l'ta ttiia ~ ~ti $~me~..,,. ·4t) ~ ~ ~ - \~ \Y ~ie;t ._. i:r1e:J.l M ~ ~ ~~ i>~4l. 'la ~~~ft.~ o"f '& lfetSCl14& ~ ~ ~ ~~ to .r~ c. y ' It ti> ~ tM &1!.W'q ~~ ~ :( ~n~plt~ vt~ta Uic ~ "t ~75 ~t>lo :1m1\t&Jd ill. 1·:.tt.. u4J)s.. - (Sgd) A. C. Stratton ACT\NG m... ..~:r ! I 1 l 1 REPRODUCED ~TTHE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Memorandum To: Regional Director, Western Region From: Superintendent, Sequoia a.nd Kin~ Canyon Subject: Proposed Sier~a Way As a result of a bill in~roduced in Congress to appropriate $75,000 to t~e National Pa~k Servic• to study the feasibility of a proposed Sierra National Parkway, considerable interest haa developed in San iJoaquin Va~ley co1lllmlnit~e~. Stemming from this intereat, the San Joaquin Valley Section of the California State ~hambe~ of COtllllle;c~ organized $ group to make a recormaissance of the uor~herp half' of the Sie;-ra Nevadas. which would be traversed by this scenic r9ute. Thoee i~ the par~y inciuded Duane Evans 91 Maaagel!' of CaU.forni.a State Cb$nber of C0mmerce Die~i-ict Office, 1?resno J Dalton P. Verry,' Tulare County Chamber of Connnerce Manager; W. A. Conrad, former Mai-iposa County Supervisor; William L. W~lch, DistTht !ngineer qf S· ~ate Highway Depar~men'(:'., Fr~eno; Riche.rd Bowler, Automobile Club 0£ Southern California which is spons.oring the bill; K41rl Kidder. reporter, Fresno Bee; Supervisor Walter J. Puhn, Sierra National Forest; Eldon E. Bail, Supervisor, Sequoia National Foreati G~anville Lil~s, Assistant Superintenden~, YosenU.te National ParkJ and John M: Davis, Superintendent, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. I It might b• well to ~ention here that outw41"dly t here is opposition to a National Parkway because of the restrictions that would be 'I levied on conmercisl. type traffic, such as logging trucks. Not dis cussed, but also basic in the opposition, is the fact that a National Parkway would be administered by the National Park Service and it would be carved, to a laige extent, out of National Forest lands. The opposition wants a "multiple use road" with adjoining lands administered under a multiple uee plan. REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES The group left Fresno the morning of July 17, and included such points as the Kings River canyon below Balch Camp, Wishon, Courtright, Hunting ton, and Shaver Lake Reservoirs, and along Stump Springs Road to an overlook on Mammoth Pool Reservoir, returning to Fresno July 18. The route discussed would include portions of many existing roads, including the proposed Mammoth Pass Highway. The entire route is now cluttered with many recreatiot1 developments both on Forest Service and privately owned lands. There are also large numbers of new and old Forest Service campgrounds and summer home sites along its entire route. It is for the I most part already extensively developed. -1 Frankly, it was difficult for me to visualize a National Parkway through \ Ii the country we viewed because of its already cluttered condition and var- \ iety of existing multiple uses. However, I realize that the reconnaissance \ was a very brief and superficial one and a more careful study could possi- bly prove the feasibility of a Parkway. The rouie we looked at ranged in \ elevation from 3,000 feet to about 8,000 feet. A route through higher elevations - say between 5,000 and ll,000 feet - would be much more scenic and could ha so located as to miss most of the existing developments. l Such a route would be prohibitively costly to construct and could be used vv-1 only sea.sonally because of deep snpw. . J My only comment to the group was that the region to be traversed by the proposed road was highly scenic, had a high potential for increased recreational use, and should no doubt be studied so that the recreational potential of this area could be developed to serve best the public interest. As you perhaps know, the Automobile Club of Southern California is the organization sponsoring the Bill for the proposed scenic route. I am confident that a request will be made during hearings, if n6t before, to amend the bill to include consideration of a multiple use road with reprel$entation of the Forest Service included in the proposed feasibility study. Copies of the Fresno Bee article dated July 21 on this reconnaissance trip were forwarded to you in yesterday's mail. Isl John M. Davis John M. Davis \ • ·road bacK 11 • .• ne movn ~~ to see an other. The Sierra Way \ .iuld make it possible for a motorist to enter the Sierra from Mojave and visit them ail wi1hou1 leaving the coolness of the mounta ins. Since 1920s A Sie rra Way concept has been dis cussed since the 1920s. Many have ex plored the possibility of building such a road, but only recentl y has a concrete proposal been advanced. Congressme n B. F. Sisk, Harlan Hage n and Harold Johnson have introduced identical bi ll s asking congress to appro priate $75,000 to conduct a feasibili ty study of Sierra Way. Currently, their bill s still are in committee (i nteri or and FUTURE WILDERNESS-Far across this deep chasm be low Courtright in ~ u l ar affairs), bu1 should be. collcci out l.ikes lies tha Woodchuck :oun try, port of the prop<>teci acidit!on 10 the for hearings soon. High Sierra Wild Are•. A Sierra Way would give access to Courtright. The nine men who took the inspection trip represented the parks and forests bating the matter at Eckerts Lodge at Shaver Lake, was such a highway would serve; state high to "make the study so the area involved can bes t be ways, an automobile club, chambers of utilized to the public interest, and call it w hat you w ill, commerce and county gove rnme nt. They a parkway or a ge nera l use highway." are outspoken in their be li ef that such a The odyssey, unusual in that the men were looking study s hould be made, and made soon. for a highw ay that exists o nly in part, took them alo ng the shores of Lake Isabell a in eastern Kern County, Feeder Route along the recently.opened section of the Western Di vide Part of their thinking is based on slate Highw ay and into Sequoia National Park. SCAU IN MllCS plans to build a system of multilane thor t_ 'I I'! I~ ;:J ='l oughfares from va lley points to the parks Tie In Sectio ns .u .rro,,101111. l! CLUll Of' and forest boundaries. The proposed They found sections of poorly developed roads bOlTfllEUS C.A Ll l~Oll ~ I A Sierra Way woul d, in effect, tie in their which in some instances, carried them to developed stub ends to a major north-south highway sections built thro ugh the years along a preconceived to ~erve as a feeder route from mountains route which could, ultimately, tie in with the so called to valley, or vall ey to mo untains. "dream highway" along Sierra Way. Short mileage loop trips would be possible for val One such fores t road led them to a bridge across VALLEY OFFICIALS SEE ley dwellers to such po in ts as Sequoia-Kings Canyon the Kings Canyon below Balch Camp east of Fresno. SIERRA WAY POTENTIAL and Yosemite National Parks, and the Sequo ia and From there, they traveled along the dugways of the Sierra National Forests, always via Sierra Way. Black Rock Road lo Lakes Wishon and Courtright, w hich By Karl L. Kidder Th ere is some conflict of inte rest only in one aspect could, in time, be directly served by the future high of the bill 'submitted by Sisk, of the 16 th, Fresno, Ma way. A group of San Joaquin Va lley men have dera and Me rced Counties district; Hagen of the 18th They looked into the soft quiet of the McKinley completed a Sierra inspeclion trip more con southern va ll ey district, and Johnson of the second, Grove of Redwoods near Di nkey Creek, the n went to vinced than ever thal a highway generally tra mountain-valley district. Huntington Lake via Shaver. From Hu nt ington they versing the Sierra's western slope al about the Commercial Exclusion tou_red a completed section of the Stump Springs Road, 5,000 foot level is a recreatio nal must. a timber access road out along the canyon of the San Their proposed legislation calls for a study of a They started the trip at Mojave, in eastern Joaquin River overlooking highly scenic Mammoth Pool parkway type of highway. A parkw ay, by defini1ion, Kern County, and ended it at Yosemite National Reservoir a nd the back country of the Sierra. Park. En route they looked at h1ghiy scenic w ould exclude commerc;;:! vehicles. Since ;:: b ou ~ 9·j spots in two national forests and three national per cent of the total route would be through o r near Half Exists parks w h ich the proposed Sierra Way would national forest lands, the parkway designation was In_t heir lour, th ey found that about half of the Sierra serve. questioned. Logging trucks would have to use it, and Way already exists in roads e ither well developed to In almost every instance they had to return so would other commercial type vehicles. park and forest standards, o r adaptable to these stand to the valley from one spot, then take anothe r But the concensus, aft e r an evening spent in de- (Continued o n back page) • TULARE COUNTY () CHAMBER OF COMMERcf. SAN JOAQUIN DIVISION CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Expressly Invite YOU To a SIX-COUNTY MEETING Dealing with the Long-Proposed SIERRA WAY SERENITY- Maxson Dome, the cone shaped rock al the rear center, was Where: Tul are County Courthouse aloof and alone until Courtright Dam formed t his lake, and angler's Visalia, California parcJd ise. Pack trains wind their way acro55 the divide,. at right center, into rhe Inyo National Fores! and the storie d Minarets. When: Friday, November 8, 1963 l :30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ards. There were many wide gaps between road sec tions requiring detours, sometimes many mi les, to get back on another leading in the northerly direction they Why: To consolidate the thinking of in wanted to travel. terested parties and arrive at a course of action in presenting this All agreed with Sisk's statement, made recently project to the voters and taxpayers while in Fresno, that the study undoubtedly will prove in the areas affected. what the sponsors of the bill contend: Th at Sierra Way is entirely feasible from standpoints of economy, con struction costs and esthetic values. The study, they feel, will determine which type of PROGRAM highway is in the public's interest, and, after all, it is GIL SWfFT, Chairman of the Tulare County the public which has the biggest stake in the proposed Highway Committee, presiding. project. 1 :30 to 5:30 p.m. ROADS IDE REST- Se veral generations of deor hunters have scoured One-half hour devoted to background their prey from this vanlagc point high on Black Rock Road, a road sketch of Sierra Way proposal, including which conceivably could become part of Sierra Way. The view is heavy timbered slopes, a walcrfall. pictures. Balance of period to consist of d iscussion of projected action-OPEN TO AL L! 6:30 to 7: 15 p.m. No-host hospitality hour. 7:30 p.m. Dinner. $4.00 per person including tax and tip. R.S.V.P.: Tulare Co. Chamber of Commerce County Civic Center Visalia, California R'.;°printcd her'e~!th i~ an Cartidc ~ g In the July 21, 1963 editiob of the F o Bee. Wrilten by Karl L Kidder, ir prcse facrval background rnar·eriat on Sierra Way. Al10 s11gwn la a map of Sierra ~oy os ·ii no CALIFORNIA ROADSIDE COUNCIL 12 GARCES DRIVE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94132 Ma;y 8, 1964 Hon. JG>hn F. Baldwin, Jr. House Office Bldg. Washington, D. c. Dear Mr. Baldwin: The Ca.l..ifornia Roadside Council, a non-pro:fit, statewide citizen organization, with a roster including more than 200 member-groups, both local and statewide, in addition to approximately 1000 individual members, urges your f'avorable c0nsideration of the proposal of a "Sequoia National Parkwey". 11 The route proposed :for such a parkw~ would run from Lake Isabella in Kern County to Sequoia National Park in California. ~is route would be through a magnif'icent primeval forest and mountain area, :f'ollowing the course of the Kern River. We emphasize the essential difference between this plan and that of the :proposed :freewey ("Sierra W~") currently being promoted as part of the State Higb.wey System. Such a commercial thorough:f'are for fast tra:f':f'ic would ruin the pr:lmitive quality of the area and would need1essly destroy a great deal o:f its unique beauty. No other area in the United States is more worthy of National Parkwa;y development and of the protection of natural scenic beauty that such development involves. Ca.1.i:f'ornia has an excellent network of freew~ for high-speed, all purpose use. National Pa.rkweys, on the other hand, limited to recreational use and the more leisurely enjoyment of scenic beauty, are greatly needed. The need will increase with our rapidly growing pE>pulation and with increased recreation travel f:rom al.l parts of the United ststes. A 11 Sequeia National ParkwB\Y" will be one ef the most beautiful segments of the Natienal Park System and will be of inestimable value to all America. Sincerely, / s/ Wm Penn Mott Jr. William Penn Mott, Jr. President California Roadside Council -COPY--- \ 'Wm. Penn !ik>tt, Jr. 1etr 5/8/64 returned c.' t:' Cot. ..a:: Cll () 0 & ·· t.· •11ft c ·10.1 1 '''· l,...... ·=.'.• 1•. IF·' . . . ., .0.~ ~ct ct i 0" ..~ ; tRt~g- ..~ &rl •. , ~-· . ·1·~0 :.... ·1~a: t IIlf _ti.. .~' ~f~"' ~f ~.I~B1 .· I & 0 ~ ·i11' I. l' ':~.'".· ... • . '.. . @ l ! g e: !=.!i li ~ '_ ! · ( ·gH n . ~ 11 I a,_.: I -:) i"~:r:.; "fr _ ~!'l SP! x .. - R:i:: _p ~~ _ -~ - . ~' i ~f ~eJ . ·. ·!@; ljli'jfli~· !'~l-t: iit "I :"~ .... a .. ~ ... " . l•i 11 .·. . f • ·. ·I . -1· ., ~ -~ .;. _ ,.',···~· . ;.I. ·i+ .. ,.,-- , ··.,1 .··.·.. ': l;g;··· ··l:.t• ·. ' '· ~ ~ . ~ ~ '--' : .' ~, ...... "' .. ,. "' . .. f ; •a:- r" ..... c: :z lj VOL. II, No. 2 A NEWSLETTER OF THE SEQUOIA NATURAL December, 1985 HISTORY ASSOCIATION THE . SIERRA WAY From time to time items surface that we think would be of interest to you. Dr. Lary Dilsauer has unearthed such information and has written this ac count. Dilsauer, a historical geographer from the Uniuersity of South Alabama, has spent the last three months in the Parks doing research for an ad ministratiue history. After reading this article, we're sure you'll agree that National Park Seruice leaders made the correct decision a half-century ago . . . a decision that effects park ualues and influences our PROPOSED ROUTE ", liues euen more strongly today. OFTHE-- SIERRA WAY- During the 1960's and 1970's controversy raged ~CA..:.:.1...-\90 ~..a-..; over proposals to build an elaborate ski resort at Mineral King. One of the chief points of contention was the road through Sequoia National Park which would have to be widened or rerouted to handle a large amount of winter traffic. Ultimately, of course, the proposal was defeated largely on the grounds of the road expansion and its inconsistency with park goals and policies. This was a narrow miss for Se quoia and Kings Canyon - a major development that almost happened which would have radically altered the face of the parks. Although this controversy is still fresh in our minds, few realize that this is but a later episode in a string of grand schemes to develop large parts of the park which are treasured today as wilderness. One of the most hotly-contested and nearly successful ven tures was the Sierra Nevada National Parks Highway 20 or popularly the "Sierra Way." MILES I The Park Service was still young and Sequoia Na tional Park had just been enlarged to the Sierran crest when, in January 1927, an association of Map Showing The Proposed Location The Sierra Way businessmen, city and county officials, engineers and others from the San Joaquin Valley formed an association to promote a road from Isabella in Kern County to Yosemite connecting Sequoia and General Grant Parks along the way. By 1931 the scheme had expanded to include Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta. Later, Cplonel John White, superintendent of Sequoia and General Grant Na tional Parks, speculated that it was the plan fqr the {Continued on Page 2) Sierra Way - Continued section was linked with proposals to run another ap proach road up the Middle Fork of the Kaweah to Generals Highway connecting his two parks that had Redwood Meadow and back to Giant Forest from the suggested the whole road. Thus, he reasoned, the east. This "Micl,dle Fork Road" was bitterly opposed Park Service was itself indirectly responsible for the by Directors Mather, Albright and ultimately by proposal. Superintendent White himself. In the early meetings. of 1927 and 1928, en Pressure on the Park Service to do something and thusiastic backers plotted most of the Yosemite to urging, by White and Regional Chief Engineer Kit Isabella route and allocated responsibility for construc tredge, to play a low key moderating role in route tion and maintenance to seven counties, the state, planning rather than· outright opposition finally led to the U.S. Forest Service and the Natio.nal Park Ser a Park Service financed survey of the potential routes vice. The road was to maintain an elevation of 6,000 in 1931. Engineer W. P. Webber concluded that the feet or more for most of the route. so-called "high route" over Paradise Ridge was One section of the road presented a planning prob undesirable. After this survey, interest apparently died lem. The route from Giant Forest to the south boun down for several years due, in part perhaps, to the dary of Sequoia Park in either the Kaweah or Kern deepening national depression. Although sporadic drainages was topographically difficult and sliced work on other portions of the road continued, the through highly valued wilderness. Initial response southern Sequoia National Park portion lay dormant. from the Park Service was mixed. Director Stephen By late 1934, however, the availability of Public Mather, prior to 1927, had on principle outlined his Works Administration money and CCC labor revitaliz opposition to a road in :Kern Canyon and to one from ed interest in the Sierra Way. Again, San Joaquin Mineral King over Tar Gap to Hockett Meadows. Valley enthusiasts initiated activity and, led by men These routes, particularly the latter, subsequently such as Fresno lawyer Chester ·Warlow, succeeded in became key segments of the proposed Sierra Way. convincing the Forest Service, the California Meanwhile Colonel White, who attended the legislature and many local government and private organizational meeting of the Sierra Nevada National groups of the project's worth. In December of 1935, Parks Highway Association and most subsequent the San Joaquin Valley Council passed a resolution meetings, heartily endorsed the project as a boon for favoring the "high" or Paradise Ridge route. fire protection and recreational development. The The Park Service, this time, was nearly road would open the southern portion of the park, he unanimous in its opposition. Superintendent White claimed, and take pressure off the Giant Forest. and Chief Engineer Kittredge vehemently opposed Mather was unmoved. The Kern Canyon route the Paradise Ridge section and bemoaned the intru-· was hastily dropped and two alternate plans devised sion into a wilderness area of the Atwell Mill to in connection with the Hockett Meadow - Tar Gap - southern border section. Director Cam merer dismiss Atwell Mill route. The one favored by San Joaquin ed the entire Sierra Way scheme as something that, Valley backers took the road over Paradise Ridge up "might be appropriate in 25 or 50 years." to or near Redwood Meadow and then veered Still the pressure built as White cautioned westward to link with the Generals Highway near the diplomacy, the Washington office ridiculed the pro Sherman Tree. The other, suggested by Colonel ject, San Joaquin Valley businessmen grew more White, brought the road from the south boundary to challenging, and external groups became involved. Atwell Mill and then followed the East Fork to Ham The Sierra Club and the Commonwealth Club of mon cl and then along . the Generals Highway. California opposed a high route, preferring as did Throughout the growing controversy White repeated White, that the park exit of the General's Highway at ly cautioned the director not to oppose the whole Ash Mo'untain be the terminus of the Sierra Way. project for fear of alienating powerful local interests. Finally, after considerable agitation, the Bureau of Rather, he suggested, the Park Service should sup Public Roads, as a theoretically non-partisan group, port the idea of the road and subtly and slowly consented to undertake another survey in 1935 from apP..lY pressure to alter plans that would threaten Giant Forest to the road terminus at Isabella. To the wilderness areas. Sierra Way proponents this survey was a telling blow. From 1928 to 1931, meetings continued, parts of Although the BPR favored the high route, they the road were accepted, and construction actually estimated the cost from Giant Forest to Isabela at begun. The road from Yosemite Valley to and $6, 000, 000. 00. Half of this money would be spent through the Wawona Grove was incorporated into blasting their way through the rock of southern Se the system. Meanwhile the argument over the Giant quoia National Park, leaving scars visible from Moro Forest to south boundary route continued to be-devil Rock and the High Sierra Trail. backers and opponents alike. A new aspect of the . The cost was staggering, especially as the problem was added when the Atwell to Giant Forest' availability of CCC labor steadily dwindled. The cost ------..-.... to wilderness and Sie1 ra esthetics was staggering as well. Although loundly touted by automobile clubs, BUTIERFLIES som e Valley businessmen, and others for several A survey is now being made by Ken Davenport, more years, proposals for the Sierra Way from the Field Associate, L os Angeles County Natural History Giant Forest to the southern boundary simply Museum to determine which species of butterflies occur dissipated as Director Cammerer reiterated his claim within the Park boundaries. Eighty-seven species have that it might be approporiate, perhaps in another 25 been identified to date but the survey should reveal a years. total of at least 125- 130 species. One hundred and Thus, a development plan of potentially profound forty-three species have been identified from Tulare impact on Sequoia National Park quietly died. Had it County (much of the Parks are in that county) and future discoveries should add to that total. Specimens succeeded there would now be a forty mile per hour collected are being deposited at Park headquarters or highway (as planned by the BPR) opening up all the in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. H ockett M eadow, Mineral King and Redwood Several highly prized species occur w ithin the Meadow areas to heavy traffic and high visitation. Parks. One of these is one of the nation's largest Although resolutions in favor of the Sierra Way pro species, the Two-Tailed tiger Swallowtail (Papilio mised that no roads would extend east of it, the multicaudatus), which may have a wingspread of up pressure to develop in what are now valued to six inches. It may be seen in side canyons near Pot wilderness zon es would have been intense. One can wisha Camp in April, May and. August. Hikers may only speculate o n the repercussions of such a prefer to see alpine butterflies like Behr"s Sulphur (Col development. ias behrii) or the lvallda Arctic (Oeneis ivallda) A s an ironic postscript to the north-south moun along trails accessible from M ineral l