Georgia Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 1968 [1968]

GEORGIA COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN /1968
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GOVCIIINO,.

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June 10, 1968

Qllynm1t1J m. ;Jrlrin
EXECUTIVI: 11.CftETAl'IY

Dear Georgia Citizens: As Director of the State Planning Bureau, I am happy to sub-
mit to you as a citizen of Georgia, the revision of Georgia'~ Outdoor Recreation Plan.
This Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is a framework for the preservation and orderly development of the recreation resources and areas of leisure time values for all of Georgia.
This Plan is one part of the total state comprehensive development plan which includes human and natural resources, transportation and economic development.
Emphasis in this Recreation Plan is rightly placed on both environmental quality and recreation area values. Included are the natural beauty of the landscape, the open space, the active recreation areas, as well as the natural and historical areas which are a part of the heritage of all Georgians. We sometimes take these values for granted; but, like freedom, they are treasures in which each individual and each generation shares a very direct part of the responsibility to create and preserve.
By using this Plan as a guide to future action, and through sharing tn the responsibilities, Georgians will plan, acquire, and develop the community and state recreation areas which they need and deserve.
I commend this Plan to you for your serious consideration, dedication and support.
Sincerely,

LH:mb

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FOREWORD
It is the intent of this document to examine present and future outdoor recreation conditions in Georgia, assessing more accurately the problems which should warrant serious thought and action by State and local authorities. This plan should be instrumental in developing a more effective outdoor recreation program in Georgia. The extensive supporting data and background studies prepared in conjunction with the Plan should also be considered in making decisions.
A measurable indication of outdoor recreation's significance in Georgia is reflected in part by the numerous State agencies responsible for recreational pursuits. Through joint participation by these agencies, there are few problems which would remain unsolved. An inter-agency approach would be an excellent vehicle in subsequent planning and development for outdoor recreation.
Previously, few facts were available for planners and administrators, but a substantial information base has now been established as a result of this effort. The State will use the knowledge assembled here as a foundation for both immediate and long range planning.
Sincere appreciation goes to each agency and individual assisting in the project. It is impossible to mention them all, but special recognition is accorded the Department of State Parks and its director, John L. Gordon; James Champlin and the staff of the Institute of Community and Area Development, University of Georgia; the directors and staffs of the seventeen area planning and development commissions; and, finally, the project planning staff, D. John Beck, chief planner, and his associates John B. Woodlief and James C. McDonnell, who have pioneered a new and complex field.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION Objectives Legal Authority Planning Process
DESCRIPTION OF GEORGIA Geological Characteristics Climate Plant and Animal Life History
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION
Federal Agencies State Agencies Local Governments Private Interests
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND POTENTIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES
Existing Acreage Devoted to Recreation
Developed Facilities for Selected Activities Potential Areas
DEMAND Estimates of Demand Factors Affecting Demand Participation and Preferences Recreation Travel
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SUMMARY

It is increasingly apparent tnat Georgia's need for more and better outdoor recreation facilities is becoming critical. If the growing demand for residents and tourists alike is to be met effectively, all governmental agencies and private enterprise must be informed on the problems and the best solutions for them.
The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Program was created specifically to accomplish this purpose by giving government officials, planners and private interests a guide for establishing adequate outdoor recreation facilities in desirable locations at the appropriate time.
The quality of the environment directly affects the quality of the recreation experience of a region's visitors. The maintenance of restoration of water and air quality, the abatement of water pollution in particular, sediment control, forest fire prevention, antilitter programs and good maintenance of recreation areas and service facilities are all important to the quality of recreation opportunities available in each region.
The wide range of outdoor recreation activities desired by the American people requires specialized environments, both natural and man-made; therefore, a balance of types of recreation areas, developed with appropriate facilities, are necessary to meet the leisure time needs of Georgia's residents and out-of-state visitors.
Georgia's environmental conditions are well suited for a wide range of recreation activities. Physically, the state has one of the most varied topographies in America with six major geologic provinces sweeping from mountains to coastal islands.
Georgia's climate lacks extremes, permitting participation in many different recreation activities during most the year. Both number and variety characterize the state's plant and animal life, and this environment invites countless outdoor pursuits. History, too, is an important element, since historical sites draw thousands of visitors.
Governmental agencies and private development groups have separate responsibilities for recreation services, but for optimum environmental enhancement these groups should cooperate in developing a coordinated pattern of recreation areas and facilities. THE SUPPLY
Georgia's supply of existing and potential

outdoor recreation resources is great. There are now 29 federal, 335 state and 596 local outdoor recreation areas throughout Georgia, ranging in size from roadside parks of under one acre to a U.S. Forest of over 680,000 acres. These 980 areas occupy a total of 1,896,881 acres, of which 77.5% is administered by federal agencies, 21.8% by the state and 0.7% by local governments.
The possible uses of this land for recreation activities vary considerably. Only 0.4% of all public acreage is in high density recreation areas, 2.7% is in general outdoor recreation areas, 0.6% is in historic and cultural sites and the remaining acreage is in natural environment.
There are also 1,742 privately managed outdoor recreation areas within Georgia, occupying 758,486 acres of land and water. These, too, range from less than one, to thousands of acres. Although there are approximately two privately administered areas for each public one, they are located on about half as much land. Besides their smaller average size, private areas are more highly developed: 2.6% is within high density areas; 22.2% within general outdoor recreation areas; and 75.2% within natural environment.
In addition to the urban recreation areas, government should generally invest in the unique natural, the resource based, and major historic areas. The private sector should provide most of the food, lodging and other tourist services at locations complementing the major public recreation areas. THE DEMAND
The demand for outdoor recreation in Georgia has been rapidly in(:reasing. Resident demand is expected to rise to 509 million activity days in 1980, an increase of 66% over the estimated 306 million activity days in 1965.
Out-of-state demand, which is attracted to high quality types of areas, is also increasing and will augment statewide demand for weekend and vacation areas.
Georgia's recreation demand trends are similar to those throughout the South. Demand is still greatest for the simpler forms of outdoor recreation-playing games, walking, driving for pleasure and swimming.
Education, occupation, income and age are factors most effecting the frequency of participation in outdoor recreation. The

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state's population, . educational level, income, leisure time and mobility all indicate projected increases which will multiply recreation demands.
The need for outdoor recreation facilities is greatest in Georgia's metropolitan and urban areas where over 50% of the people now live. There is a general trend to urbanization with 61.1 % of the population projected to be living in urban areas in 1980. Population growth is expected to be most pronounced in the north central and coastal regions. By 1980, over one-half of the state's people are expected to reside in the north central region.
The three major flow patterns of recreation travel within Georgia are (1) to and from Atlanta, (2) to and from Florida and (3) to and from other states. Atlanta is the major tourist attraction in Georgia. Almost one half of the present out-of-state recreation travelers with an "in-state" destination visit Atlanta.
Through planning, travel promotion and the development of better facilities and services, a great vacation oriented image can be created for Georgia, with all regions throughout the state sharing in the benefits. THE NEEDS
The need for outdoor recreation facilities in Georgia is great. Demand continues to soar. Supply follows at a modest pace, and a large deficiency of outdoor recreation facilities exists. Needs are identified within three categories: urban, regional and statewide.
To meet the daily, weekend, and vacation recreation needs of people, a variety of natural and man-made types of recreation areas are required in urban, rural-regional and resource based locations.
High priority should be given to the development of existing active outdoor recreation sites, especially in urban areas. Communities should be encouraged to create a balanced day-by-day recreation program for their residents. Providing community recreation areas and facilities should remain a function of local governments.
Surveys should be made of the state's outstanding natural areas, with the objective of determining their relative significance and of conserving the most valued sites. These intermediate weekend and vacation attractions and scientific areas of statewide significance should remain a primary responsibility

of the state. The federal government largely supplies
the major "resources-based" public recreation areas and the historic sites of national significance. It is highly reccommended that the National Park Service proposal to create a Cumberland Island National Seashore be supported.
The aged and handicapped have recreation needs, and it is recommended that most general recreation facilities be designed to serve them as well as other residents.
Acceleration of the Highway Beautification Program, and the planning of highway locations in relation to regional recreation resources should be the primary responsibility of the State Highway Department. Planning coordination should be conducted in close cooperation with the State Planning Bureau, the State Parks Department and the Game and Fish Commission.
Georgia's historical sites, which range from archeological sites of 10,000 years ago through the antebellum and the Civil War periods, are recreational, cultural and educational attractions. The most significant historical sites should be preserved. A systematic survey and classification of these sites should be made so that important sites will be considered in future plans. AREA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
The State's Area Planning and Development Commissions should perform the important functions of coordination, through planning assistance and review of local government plans within an area framework.
Local governments should have the key responsibility for employing local zoning controls and subdivision regulations in order to increase the outdoor recreation resource supply. Zoning of flood plains, which are unsuited for structural development, can provide for the enhancement of the environment by authorizing development of parklike waterways. Subdivision regulations may also be used to assure that needed outdoor recreation parks will be provided in rapidly developing residential areas. PROJECTS COSTS AND PRIORITIES
Based upon estimates established by national standards, Georgia should invest $63,000,000 in capital improvements to meet additional state and local recreation facility needs through 1973. Land acquisition costs

will be $33,000,000 and basic developments $30,000,000. During the next 5 years, local governments will need 20,800 acres of high density type urban recreation lands. During this same period, the state government will need 48,000 additional acres in active outdoor recreation areas, natural areas and historical sites.
Recommended immediate acquisition projects priorities are:
-early acquisition of land in and near urban areas.
-acquisition of high quality lands for meeting statewide needs of active, natural and historical interest.
Recommended immediate development priorities are:
-projects that will enhance the state's existing outdoor areas to an optimum level for recreation and tourism.
-sites that will satisfy the immediate needs for day use recreation in and near urban areas.
-areas where joint participation can be achieved on an inter-governmental basis.
-sites which will optimize joint cooperation between the public and private sectors.
All agencies should cooperate and coordinate closely with the State Planning Bureau in its comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation program planning, particularly since a state department of natural resources does not exist. CONTINUED PLANNING
Continued planning is necessary to maintain eligibility to receive Land and Water Conservation Funds over the next 22 years. A continuing planning program has been outlined to identify environmental corridors, major natural and historic sites, complementary locations of key potential sites for private service investments, demand measurement, and other basic recreation elements related to state comprehensive planning.
Continued recreation planning through an lnteragency Recreation Council is recommended in order to best relate recreation and its physical elements to the state comprehensive development plan and to provide a consolidated state position for dealing with federally proposed recreation projects. All state agencies directly involved in outdoor recreation should be represented on the council.

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INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the demand for outdoor recreation facilities in Georgia has grown tremendously, yet an effective effort to meet the demand has not been made. Projections of current trends indicate that participation in outdoor recreation will continue to increase at an accelerating rate. Without proper" action now the existing gap between supply and demand can only widen.
Meeting the needs generated by Georgians is of primary importance to the State. However, concern should not be directed exdusively in this one direction. It is an accepted fact that tourism can be a major income-producing industry, and Georgia is in an excellent position to develop a prosperous tourist business. The state has a wealth of outdoor recreation resources and is also located in the mainstream of the Florida vacation traffic. Obviously, serious effort should be applied toward developing recreation facilities to tap the tourist market.
If the twin goals-resident demand for outdoor recreation facilities and development -0f the tourist industry-are to be attained, both governmental agencies and private enterprise must be aware of the problems and the appropriate solutions. The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Program was established specifically to identify the needs and recommend an action program to satisfy them.
OBJECTIVES
Summarizing, the single all-encompassing purpose of this Plan is to provide governmental officials, planners, and private enterprise with a guide for providing adequate outdoor recreation facilities in desirable locations at the right time. More specifically, it:
1. Makes available for public and private use an inventory and analysis of existing and potential outdoor recreation resources and programs related thereto; an analysis of demand; and statements of program and physical needs.
2. Informs the public of the need for outdoor recreation and its economic and social values to the state.
3. Encourages the protection, conservation and proper development of nat-

ural, scenic, cultural and historic resources in order that they may be enjoyed for years to come.
4. Formulates and recommends criteria for establishing acquisition and development priorities.
5. Suggests methods for coordinating public and private efforts to meet the statewide recreation program and facility needs.
6. Provides a structure for continuous guidance to government officials in effectuating the policies and programs to meet the present and future outdoor recreation needs.
7. Establishes firmly a foundation for a continuous Georgia Outdoor Recreation Planning Program.
LEGAL AUTHORITY
The Director of the Georgia Department of State Parks is the designated State Liaison
Officer for accepting and administering Bu-
reau of Outdoor Recreation Grants-in-Aid funds. As provided by State law, the State Planning Bureau is responsible for aiding the Governor and the General Assembly in planning the total future development of Georgia. The State Planning Bureau, therefore, has been logically chosen to undertake the Georgia Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Program.
PLANNING PROCESS
This Plan was prepared by the State Planning Bureau. However, many governmental agencies, private enterprises and individuals have assisted the planning staff. Their participation in the process was, indeed, indispensable in the development of this Plan.
PARTICIPATION
Participation in the planning process by non-Bureau personnel has been extensive. A continuous working relationship has been established between the Bureau and all agencies of government and private interest groups directly involved or concerned with outdoor recreation faci Ii ties and the conservation of natural resources. Others only

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distantly associated with the activities of the Georgia Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Program have been contacted for purposes of mutual assistance even though their involvement in the planning process is only slight.
Federal and State agencies have thus far been most deeply involved in the Planning process. Among these are: National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Federal Power Commission, Bureau of Public Roads, Appalachian Regional Commission, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Georgia Department of State Parks, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Game and Fish Commission, Georgia Historical Commission, State Highway Department, Tourist Division of the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade and the Georgia Recreation Commission. Meetings have been held with representatives of these agencies and, in most cases, each has designated a staff member to maintain liaison with the Bureau.
In September 1967, the Governor officially declared the Bureau the State's information center and agency for statistical standardization and coordination. The Governor further requested each agency head to name an official as Agency Planning Officer to serve in a liaison capacity with the Bureau. Each Agency Planning Officer is expected to play a major role in a continuous and comprehensive state-wide development planning process. Among other duties, he will coordinate program plans prepared for each area of program responsibility within his agency and become the key individual to relate and coordinate his agency's planning and programming activities to the Bureau. The implications of this action in statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation planning are very promising. Involvement of the several federal and state agencies has thus far provided the Bureau with information that is essential for the comprehensive planning program: inventories of outdoor recreation facilities and resources; descriptions of various programs related to outdoor recreation and conservation; and statements of ~ agency policy, especially as it relates to roles

and responsibilities and plans for future development.
Georgia's area planning and development commissions (APDCs) play an important role in the planning process. Each offers a means by which all political subdivisions are given the opportunity to participate in the planning process collectively. The APDCs have been sources for extensive knowledge concerning local activities and developments in outdoor recreation and disseminators of information from the Bureau to local governments and organizations. In the future recreation planning program the APDCs may assist their local governments in developing local action programs within an area-wide framework. They act as a local-area coordination point in submitting local projects to the state for consideration of matching funds.
In addition to the above mentioned agencies, numerous local governments, other public and quasi-public agencies and private interest groups have furnished the Bureau needed information. Specialized technical studies were prepared for the Planning Program by various consulting organizations.
METHODS
Throughout the planning process, a comprehensive, indepth, study was made of outdoor recreation planning techniques utilized and recommended by numerous public and private agencies and organizations. An analysis of this research provides the basis for formulating the planning strategy that was used in the development of this Plan. Standards and methods utilized for this study are based largely upon those recommended by professionals in the outdoor recreation planning field. Original standards and procedures were modified as needed to render them more realistic for conditions in Georgia.
Seven Outdoor Recreation Planning Regions (ORPR's) are delineated for planning purposes. In establishing the boundaries of these regions, the following factors were considered: natural geographic characteristics; the location of major outdoor recreation resources; and market areas of Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA's) and large urban areas. The comparatively homogeneous characteristic of the ORPR's makes them logical planning units.

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DESCRIPTION OF GEORGIA

Outdoor recreation is inseparable from the environment in which it occurs. Outdoor recreation activities require a certain type of environment, either natural or altered by man . For this reason, a knowledge of the environment and its relationship to the type, quantity and location of outdoor recreation facilities is essential for outdoor recreation planning.
Resource-based activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and wilderness camping require little more than unimproved, yet accessible, open space; although hunting and fishing are desirable only where game animals, fish and birds can survive.
Activities such as trailer camping, picnicing, and beach outings necessitate more developed facilities, tables, potable water and

improved tent and trailer sites. Some activities require certain physiographic and climatic conditions, for instance, warm water for swimmers. Still others demand ecological settings for unique natural, high quality recreational-educational experiences.
Many activities, are relatively flexible as far as enviJ)onment is concerned but the areas for their expression must be located in close proximity to the participants.
Georgia's varied environment affords ex-
cellent opportunities for engaging in a wider range of recreation activities than is available in most states. The opening stanza of the State anthem, "From the mountains to the sea .. ." suggests this diversity in natural conditions.

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GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. Her boundaries embrace an area of 58,274 square miles, 852 square miles of which are in water. Six major geologic provinces (Figure 1) characterize Georgia's terrain: (1) Ridge and Valley; (2) Inner Piedmont; (3) Outer Piedmont; (4) Older Coastal Plain; (5) Pleistocene Terraces; and (6) Barrier Islands.
The Ridge and Valley Province of northwest Georgia has magnificent scenery. Here, sedimentary rocks are folded into anticlines and syncines breached by erosion, leaving a series of sharp ridges and deep valleys developed in standstone, shale and limestone. The mountains, falls, gorges and caves in this province are especially suited for sight-seeing, hiking, climbing, spelunking and rock and fossil collection.
The Inner Piedmont Province also provides spectacular scenery, including such outstanding points of interest as Tallulah Gorge, Brasstown Bald (highest peak in Georgia), Black Rock Mountain, Unicoi Mountain and Gap, Amicalola Falls, marble quarries near Tate and barite mines in the Cartersville area. Cold, clear streams, wellknown for excellent trout fishing, flow through many gorges. Like the Ridge and Valley province, the Inner Piedmont offers almost unlimited opportunities for hiking, climbing and mineral collecting.
The Outer Piedmont Province, much larger than the Ridge and Valley or Inner Piedmont, is distinctive for low, rolling hills containing metamorphic and igneous rocks. The rolling, well watered topography is ideally suited for impoundment for almost any size lakes. Streams are rather deeply cut and have gradients of three to six feet per mile, increasing to almost ten feet per mile at the fall line. Variety and challenge created by frequent shoals make boating on these streams especially appealing. Points of geologic interest include Graves Mountain; Kennesaw Mountain; Stone Mountain, reputedly the world's largest granite monolith; and the old gold mines near Dahlonega. This province is excellent for water-oriented activities of all kinds, camping, sight-seeing and mineral collecting.
The Older Coastal Plain Province is primarily developed on unconsolidated sedimentary rocks. Both hills (the Sand Hills

near the Fall line) and relatively level coastal plains are developed on these unconsolidated sands, shales and limestones. This province offers excellent fossil collecting and also spelunking in unusual caves. Among the points of geologic interest are the unique Little Grand Canyons; picturesque springs, including Magnolia and Radium Springs (largest in Georgia); beautiful high bluffs along the major Coastal Plains rivers; and primitive, sub-tropical swamplands.
The Pleistocene Terrace Province is characterized by a low relief of unconsolidated marine sediments. Fossil collecting is the major earth science activity offered. The principal features are Okefenokee Swamp, springs and estuaries of the major rivers. Okefenokee, source of the Suwannee River, is famous as one of the largest and most primitive swamps in North America. With its estuaries, which extend into the Coastal Plains 25 miles or more, Okefenokee provides an extraordinary habitat for wildlife and plants.
The Barrier Islands of Georgia are essentially sand bars isolated from the mainland by broad marshes laced with tidal channels and covered with high grass. Live oaks and dense undergrowth cover the islands. Fossil and shell collecting is excellent here, along the intracoastal waterway and on more isolated beaches. The beaches, largely undeveloped at present, and shore waters constitute an immense resource for salt wateroriented activities.1
CLIMATE
Climate exerts an influence on man's actions through temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind and atmospheric pressures. It is therefore very influential in determining types, times and place of outdoor recreation activities. Water sports ordinarily occur only during sunny days of late spring and summer, and tobagganing during winter snows. Georgia's climate, with its lack of extremes, provides opportunity for many different outdoor recreation activities for most of the year. Practically the only activities limited by inadequate climatic conditions in Georgia are winter sports requiring snow and ice.
In Georgia, temperatures seldom rise above the 90s nor drop below 0F. On a

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typical July day in north Georgia the range is from 92F in mid-afternoon to 68 F at night; in January, it is 54 to 32. Summer brings more rain than winter, when precipitation occasionally falls in the form of snow in the extreme northern region. Southern Georgia rarely witnesses snow, and winter low temperatures average above 55 F, climbing to the 70s and 80s at mid-day, even during mid-winter. This region's climate resembles that of the central Florida area. (See Figure 2) .
A study of physicologic climactic factors in the eastern United States reveals some significant facts about Georgia's weather: (1) so-called "oppressive" summer heat for which the South has a reputation is not

limited to the South at all but extends through most of the eastern United States; (2) July nighttime comfort index is favorable throughout Georgia and over much of the Southeast; (3) daytime January comfort index is "comfortable" in more than one half of Georgia; and (4) July winds in mountainous and coastal areas of Georgia have ameliorating effects while the remaining area is described as "sultry." 3
Most of Georgia has a comparatively favorable climate for many forms of outdoor recreation throughout the year. The mountains and the seashore regions have a most attractive summer climate and Southern Georgia and the coastal area have an excellent winter climate.

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Monthly Temperature and Precipitation (30-Year Averages)

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ILLUSTRATED BY CURVES AND AVERAGE PRECIPITATION BY BARS .
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NNAH
Figure 2

PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE
Georgia abounds with a wealth of plant and animal life. Approximately 93 percent of the State's total area is in open space, about 4,000,000 acres of this in dry land and 300,000 acres in water. A warm and moist climate, plus good soil, has covered most of this open space with an abundance of plant life which, in turn, supports an animal population large in number and variety. From an outdoor recreation standpoint, these resources are invaluable. They afford such activities as nature study, hunting and fishing, and provide the environment expected and needed for numerous other forms of outdoor recreation.
Plants native to Georgia range from the handsome and utilitarian pine to beautifully flowered azaleas. Due to the great variety of plants and short moderate winter, the state is adorned with brightly colored foliage and flowers almost the entire year.
Almost three quarters of Georgia is forested, and this proportion is growing as more and more cropland is converted. The greatest increase in forest land and timber volume is in softwoods. The remaining open space land is principally cleared for crop and pasture. Natural grassland is isolated in small areas, except for rather extensive marshes along the coast.
Trees most common in Georgia are pine, cedar, oak, sycamore and poplar. Maples, hickories, sweet gum, flowering tulip and redbuds are also found widely throughout much of the State. The magnolia with its broad waxy leaves and aromatic blossoms is quite famously associated with the South and Georgia. Flowering white and pink dogwoods, too, are famous and provide much color and beauty throughout the State.
The northern highlands of Georgia have an abundance of hard and soft woods. One of the most impressive trees growing in the highlands, the hemlock, reaches enormous proportions and sometimes supports a great trunk in the crevices of a rock formation. Between the highlands and the Fall Line, hardwoods are less plentiful, but pines are found almost everywhere. In the rolling hills south of the Fall Line, longleaf pines and wiregrass are typical. On the plains and islands the majestic liveoak, the official State tree, flourishes. Usually festooned with

Spanish moss, the liveoaks surround the traveler with an ageless serenity. In stream valleys and other wetlands of south Georgia are palmettoes, tupelo gum and beautiful bald cypress.
The highly colorful azaleas and rhododendron-pure white, brilliant red, orange and deep purple--enhance the state's spectacular landscape from early spring through the summer. Rhododendron covers most of the mountains, and mountain laurel reaches into the warmer regions of south Georgia.
The January Jasmine sends out its delicate yellow flowers, foretelling the first sign of spring. Daffodils, crocus and forsythia are common everywhere at winter's end, and the great white explosions of serpia add exceptional beauty to the spring season. The late flowering crepe myrtle and yellow ginkgo trees bring color to city streets in central Georgia during autumn. In southern Georgia, poinsettias, confederate roses and camellias abound.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Georgia's plentiful fish and wildlife attract sightseers, nature lovers, fishermen and hunters from all over the nation. Animal life ranges from bobcat to alligators, the type and number varying from one part of the state to another and influenced by topography, land use, soil conditions and climate.
Fish are found in most of the state and are especially common in the southern regions where the warmer climate assures their food supply. Georgia has several large reservoirs and major streams stocked periodically with game fish. Among the most popular fresh water varieties are bass, crappie, bream, pickerel, catfish ; and, in the cold water streams of north Georgia, all three species of American trout. The salt waters off Georgia's coast supports mackerel, bluefish, dolphin, bonita, sailfish, speckled trout, channel and striped bass.
Georgia's wildlife population presents a considerable assortment and number due to differences in the natural environment and hunting practices. Among Georgia's important species of wildlife are black bear, bobcat, white-tail deer, red and grey fox, possum, rabbit, raccoon , fox and grey squirrels, wood chuck, bobwhite quail, dove, grouse, turkey, woodcock, alligator and gopher (land tortoise) .

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HISTORY
Civilization in Georgia goes back about 10,000 years when wandering Indians first came into this section, trailing mammoth, camel and other now extinct game. By 900 A.D., certain tribes began building mounds where they had settled, the most notable being the Ocmulgee, Kolomoke and Etowah mounds. These works are among the oldest remains left by the Indians.
The arrival of treasure-hunting Spaniards made only a small impact on the environment which had been supporting organized civilizations for many years, for they moved on, leaving behind little more than an intense hostility for later explorers. Following the initial Spanish thrusts, the French made sporadic attempts to establish themselves along the Atlantic coast, but again left little evidence of their efforts. After 1565, Spain attempted to assert dominion over the whole southeastern United States. Repelled by Indians, Spain compromised by fortifying on the coast against the Indians' land attacks and sea assaults from French and English pirates.
It was not until the arrival of Oglethorpe in 1733, that Spain's rule was effectively challenged by any group other than the Indians. Oglethorpe's settlement was successful, and the difficulties experienced in maintaining this foothold proved to be the birthpangs of the present state of Georgia. By 1742, the Spanish threat was eliminated, but it was not until 1838, that the last of the Cherokee were driven from Georgia and resettled in the West.
Colonial Georgia was chartered under unique circumstances. James Edward Oglethorpe and John Viscount Perceval conceived of a colony which would serve as a refuge for English debtors and persecuted Protestants from continental Europe, and at the same time prove to be a profitable enterprise. A board of twenty trustees was granted the land between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers running westward to the "South Sea," (the Pacific Ocean). The objectives of the trustees were largely philanthopic, and many restrictions were placed on the settlers to prevent speculation, use of slaves and whisky, and to encourage communal organization. Pressure to relax the idealistic regulations became so strong that by 1750, the trustees had repealed most of

them, and by 1754, Georgia had entered the boisterous ranks of the young and vigorous royal provinces.
Although considered at first to be less than enthusiastic about supporting the Continental Congress and her sister colonies in the move toward independence, Georgia belatedly joined them. Somewhat isolated from the war, Georgians still figured prominently in it, and three were among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Several battles and much guerilla fighting took place within the colony.
The Antebellum period was a glorious era for Georgia. Prosperity was high, and at one time her territory reached all the way to the Mississippi River. The center of population moved steadily westward and the capital with it. From the Revolutionary to the Civil War, Georgia's population grew nearly tenfold, cities and roads were built, a public school system was established, and cotton was king. To add excitement, Georgia witnessed a gold rush in 1828, the forerunner of the California strike which opened the West.
Georgia played a key role in the Civil War and served as somewhat of a pivot for the Confederacy. The preponderance of historical markers in the state relate actions of armies and individuals in the conflict. If defeat did not produce bitterness, the rigors of Reconstruction certainly did, and it was not until the twentieth century that Georgia showed signs of recovering completely from the shattering effects of that postwar tragedy.
The mid-twentieth century point is proving to be promising and challenging. Recovery from Reconstruction is consummated and material wealth, more balanced and broadly based, is growing again. Georgians have the means and the motivation to look back, recalling, researching and restoring the evidences of the long, colorful history of the area they occupy. In doing so, they are discovering the worth of understanding their heritage.
Georgia's history is filled with events that have changed the destiny of the South and the nation. Many significant historic sites still exist, some of which have been protected, preserved or restored. But many others lie in ruin, almost forgotten. A large number of these sites could be outstanding attractions.

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ROLES AND RESPONSI Bl Lill ES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION

Governmental agencies and private enterprise both have important obligations in providing Georgians and non-resident tourists with outdoor recreation facilities and programs. Federal, state and local governments are involved in the outdoor recreation field because of their responsibility to have facilities, services and programs essential for the welfare and health of the people or demanded by them. Private individuals become involved for profit, to meet the needs of a select group of people or for public service.
Recreation in an outdoor setting is necessary and desirable, especially for those living in urban areas. Each governmental agency and many private interest groups have a responsibility for specific types of outdoor recreation facilities. These responsibilities are determined largely by established function and purpose. To assure a well balanced system of outdoor recreation faci Ii ties and programs, each public and private entity must exert optimum effort to fulfill its role. It is equally important that they act in concert through a coordinated regional plan.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Agencies of the federal government have traditionally supplied major resource-based, publicly-owned outdoor recreation areas. Georgia has 29 federally administered recreation areas containing 1,470,197 acres and constituting over 75 percent of all the public recreation land in the state. Approximately 99 percent of the water acreage in designated public outdoor recreation areas is under federal administration. Most of this land, however, is removed from urban areas where most Georgians live and where daily demand for outdoor recreation facilities is the greatest. Only 2.6 percent of total federal acreage open for public outdoor recreation is in high density and general outdoor recreation areas and historic and cultural sites. This land is largely undeveloped and primarily rural in nature, giving it the quality needed or desired for certain weekend and vacation types of outdoor recreation activities. These areas provide excellent opportunities especially for outdoor recreation activities requiring large and predominantly open space, such as camping, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting national history and

nature study. In Georgia, five federal agencies administer public outdoor recreation areas: National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority.
In addition to providing outdoor recreation areas, a number of federal agencies are also involved in planning, technical and financial assistance programs which have widespread influence and benefits for both government and private agencies involved with outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The National Park Service has two programs instrumental in accomplishing the federal policy of preserving outstanding natural and historical resources for the benefits and enjoyment of the nation: administration of parks, monuments and similar reservations established by Congress as a part of the National Park System; and administration of the Registry of National Landmarks, which encourages preservation of natural and historical properties under other ownerships. In addition to protecting these areas from destruction and injury, an integral part of the overall program is to provide for visitor needs. The Service conducts interpretive, informational and investigative programs relating to park resources and uses.
The National Park Service maintains five historic areas in Georgia: Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park, Fort Frederica National Monument, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and Ocmulgee National Monument. These areas occupy 17,483 acres of land and are classified by the Park Service as. historical areas possessing exceptional value or quality illustrating or interpreting the historical heritage of our nation. As primarily historic sites, these are especially appealing to sightseers. Complementary outdoor recreation facilities such as picnic tables and hiking trails, where they exist, are secondary attractions only.
Georgia has seven sites included in the National Registry of Historic Landmarks and two in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks. The Historic Landmarks are Etowah Mounds, Joel Chandler Harris House, Juliette Gordon Lowe Birthplace, Kolomoki Mounds, Savannah Historic District, Stallings

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Island and Travelers Rest. Marshal I Forest and the Wassaw Islands are the two Natural Landmarks.
The National Park Service is now giving serious consideration to acquiring Cumberland Island as a National Seashore. Upon Congressional approval, the service would develop the island as a recreation attraction of national significance. Should Cumberland become a National Seashore, it will be among the most attractive Park Service areas in the nation. Another site in Georgia, the Andersonville Prison complex of Civil War fame, is being evaluated by the Master Plan Study Team of the Park Service to determine the desirability of including it in the National Park System.
Another proposal of the Park Service is to extend the Blue Ridge Parkway 147 miles into the mountainous region of north Georgia. The parkway is an elongated "park" featuring controlled access designed for pleasure travel and embracing outstanding scenic, recreational or historical features.
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
The U. S. Forest Service is responsible for promoting conservation and best use of National Forest lands. It improves, protects and manages resources for orderly and continuous service and for maintenance of stable economic conditions in the forest communities. Forest Service land, although largely undeveloped, serves several purposes including recreation. Timber, livestock, wildlife habitat and assured water supplies for cities and industries are among the resources available from National Forest lands. Although recreation was recognized as a resource of the National Forest for many years, the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960 first named in a single statute the five major renewable resources of the Forest, including recreation.
Following the 1960 act, an Accelerated Public Works program provided an opportunity to step up construction of recreation facilities, access roads and trails and other work which directly improved recreation opportunities in the national forests. This measure, along with some earlier ones, has enabled the Forest Service to develop in recent years a larger number and variety of outdoor recreation facilities than ever before.
Georgia has two National Forests-the Chattahoochee National Forest extending

across the mountainous and hilly region of north Georgia, and the Oconee National Forest in the central part of the State just above the fall line. The two forests combined total 780,540 acres. Less than one percent is actually developed with outdoor recreation facilities which accounts for some of the most beautiful forested scenic vistas in the State. Since only a small fraction has been improved with facilities, these vast open spaces constitute a high quality resource for such activities as hunting, fishing, hiking, nature study and camping. Through cooperative wildlife programs with the Georgia Game and Fish Commission and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service is providing effective game management. Many lakes and streams located within the Forests afford excellent fishing. At various points along the 700 miles of trout streams in the Chattahoochee National Forest are formally designated "streamside" areas. The Chattahoochee waterways have as their primary management purpose the protection and improvement of quality water for downstream metropolitan areas. These waterways are especially suited for enjoyment by fishermen. The Chattooga River of the upper Savannah is recognized as an outstanding wild river potential.
The two National Forests have 41 developed recreation sites with tables, fireplaces, tent platforms, shelters, potable water and sanitary facilities. In addition, the Forest Service maintains selected scenic areas particularly attractive, interesting or unique. Unlike the developed recreation sites, only trails, roads and other improvements essential to access or the enjoyment of the scenic areas are permitted.
The two forests, located in close proximity to such metropolitan centers as Atlanta, Macon, Chattanooga and Asheville, afford several million people opportunities for one day or overnight outings. Neither of the forests provides overnight facilities other than developed tent and trailer camping sites. This creates a problem for many noncamping vacationers wishing to spend two or more days in the Forests. The need for overnight accommodations is especially acute in the vicinity of the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia where hotel, motel, lodges and cabin accommodations are very limited. This presents an investment opportunity by the private sector

to plan for these accommodations in the strategically located small communities in the forest valleys.
Outdoor recreation facilities of the National Forest are complemented with those located nearby and administered by other public agencies such as the Georgia Parks Department, State Game and Fish Commission, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, in the case of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Tennessee Valley Authority.
In addition to management and development of its own lands, the Forest Service conducts a balanced research program to help solve a multitude of problems facing American Forests and renders technical assistance to state and private forest owners. This assistance is given in: (1) the efficient processing of forest products at small plants; (2) the application of sound forest management practices; (3) organizing protection of forest lands against fires; (4) pest control; (5) flood prevention and river basin programs; and (6) the distribution of trees for planting woodlands, windbreaks and shelter belts.
U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife is instrumental in providing Georgians with outstanding fishing and hunting resources. The agency's major goal is to insure conservation of wild birds, mammals and sport fish both for their recreational and economic values, and to prevent their destruction or depletion while still encouraging maximum possible present use of fish and wildlife resources. To further this goal the Bureau manages: (1) fish hatcheries for propagation and distribution of various species of sport fish, and (2) wildlife refuge areas such as nesting, resting and wintering sanctuaries for migratory birds and range for big game.
Within Georgia, the Fish and Wildlife Bureau administers four fish hatcheries and six wildlife refuge areas comprising 394,451 acres of land. With conservation the major purpose of these 10 areas, actually less than one percent of the acreage is developed.
The hatcheries have little in the way of facilities developed especially for outdoor recreation but offer visitors an unusual opportunity to study fish life. While the hatcheries are almost entirely restricted to educational observation, some wildlife refuges permit active engagement in hunting, fish-

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ing, hiking, picnicking and camping. The refuges are most important as hunting areas. The 40,277 acres of refuge land open for hunting constitutes almost 30 percent of total public hunting land in Georgia. Among the refuges is the famed Okefenokee, one of the most beautiful sub-tropical swamps in North America. The Okefenokee is now being considered for designation as a "Wilderness Area," perpetually protected from undesirable development or use.
The benefits of hatchery and refuge programs are by no means confined to boundaries of these areas. By stocking streams, lakes and ponds and providing refuge for game propagation, the Bureau helps maintain fish and game population throughout the State at a desirable level.
Other programs of the Bureau pertinent to outdoor recreation include: (1) conservation of migratory birds; (2) services for determining usage and promoting the best methods of managing wildlife in their natural habitat; (3) administration of federal aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Acts which authorize grants-in-aid to states for investigation, acquisition of land, development and maintenance of fish and wildlife habitat; and (4) examination of effects on fish and wildlife resources of water use projects of federal agencies and public and private agencies under federal license.
U. S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
The Corps of Engineers' Civil Works Program of conserving, developing and using the nation's water resources is making substantial contributions to Georgia's outdoor recreation opportunities through construction, operation and maintenance of reservoirs, harbors and waterways. Although Corps projects are usually multiple in nature, recreation as a use is given full consideration. The Corps has made thousands of acres in land, lakes and waterways available for recreation in the State. The Corps administers 265,459 acres in Georgia, 63 percent of which is in water. Corps areas include 34.5 percent of total water acreage located within designated public outdoor recreation areas. Of the Corps' total acreage, only 4.8 percent is actually developed for general outdoor recreation. Much of the remaining 95.2 percent, however, is in water surface, open for boating, fishing or swimming.
Among the most significant water re-

sources in Georgia from a recreational standpoint are eight Corps reservoirs located either partially or completely within the State where the Corps administers facilities for such activities as picnicking, camping, swimming, boating and fishing. Governmental agencies and private groups have developed sites in the reservoir projects through lease agreements, making possible a variety of recreation facilities.
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was created to conduct a unified program of resource conservation, development and use to speed economic development of the Tennessee Valley Region. The TVA program includes improvement of navigability and control of floodwaters in the Tennessee River and its tributaries, generation of electric power, and advancement of agriculture, forestry, and industrial opportunities. The TVA development has resulted in three reservoirs in north Georgia - Blue Ridge Lake, Nottely Lake and Lake Chatuge. While constituting less than one percent (12,264 acres) of the total public outdoor recreation acreage in the State, these are among the most scenic reservoirs in the mountain region. However, their water fluctuations at times limit recreation use.
FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION
The Federal Power Commission's major functions include the issuance and administration of permits and licenses for the planning, construction and operation of non-Federal hydroelectric power projects on waters or lands subject to Federal jurisdiction. Policy decisions by the Commission have strongly encouraged recreational development at licensed projects. The Commission evaluates the recreational resources of all projects under its influence and seeks the ultimate development of these resources, consistent with area needs and the primary purposes of the project. The implications of this policy should have far reaching effects on Georgia's supply of recreation facilities since some of the major recreation resources would be involved, including the existing Lake Sinclair, Jackson Lake and Lake Blackshear and the proposed Laurens Shoals project.
DEPARTMENT OF THE DEFENSE
The Department of Defense, through its Military Welfare Fund, maintains outdoor

recreation facilities for military personnel. This is significant since Georgia has 12 military bases with approximately 112,000 personnel on active duty in 1967. By providing facilities for the military, the Department of Defense helps relieve local governments, located near bases, of a burden that would otherwise be substantial. Recreation facilities provided by the Defense Department, however, serve only part of the military needs. Base facilities are designed primarily to meet demand for daytime-use facilities in much the same way as city parks. Offbase facilities especially for week-end and vacation use, are also in great demand by military personnel.
Outdoor recreation facilities for military bases are ordinarily open to all military personnel, their families and guests. Should the base receive Civilian Welfare Fund money for recreation facilities, such facilities are also open to civilian employees at the base.
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) of the Department of Agriculture is responsible for developing and carrying on a national soil and water conservation program in cooperation with landowners, and with other agencies of government. The soil and water conservation program provides technical help to locally organized and operated soil conservation districts; local sponsors of watershed protection projects and resource conservation and development projects; and consultive assistance to other individuals and groups. Technical assistance is given in: (1) soil and water conservation to landowners and operators in soil conservation districts; (2) developing farm conservation plans required for cost-sharing agreements to convert cropland to other productive uses, including recreation under the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962; (3) the development of small watershed projects; (4) developing area-wide programs of land use and conservation to create additional economic opportunities for people in rural areas; and (5) planning resource development (including outdoor recreation facilities) for Rural Renewal Projects. The benefits of the SCS technical assistance program to outdoor recreation are great indeed. Through this program, governmental agencies and private individuals are able to obtain essential information and direction in carrying out projects resulting in the conservation of

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existing and potential outdoor recreation land and in the development of such areas for its best recreational use.
Under the Small Watershed Act, which is administered by SCS, the federal government may share with state and local agencies up to one-half the cost of land rights and minimum basic facilities for public recreation or public fish and wildlife development within Small Watershed Project areas.
AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION AND CONSERVATION SERVICE
The Food and Agriculture Act of 1965 brought the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) into the field of outdoor recreation by placing under the Service's administration a program of grants for the creation of community parkland. This program, known as Greenspan, provides financial assistance to municipal, county, state and federal agencies in acquiring undesirable cropland for preservation of open space and natural beauty, for developing wildlife or recreation facilities or for preventing air or water pollution.
Greenspan allows governmental agencies to buy cropland and receive financial help similar to that going to farmers under the Cropland Adjustment Program.
BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS
The Bureau of Public Roads works in cooperation with the State Highway Department of Georgia to build a system of highways which provides access to many outdoor recreation areas and facilitates a most popular outdoor activity-driving for pleasure. The Bureau seeks better roadside development and renders technical services regarding problems of public control over highway access and roadsides. Another objective is the proper treatment of public rest and recreation areas. The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 has been instrumental in accelerating these efforts.
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
The Appalachian Regional Commission was established to plan and coordinate the comprehensive programs for regional economic development in Appalachia. The Commission's programs can assist outdoor recreation by: (1) increasing the federal share of recreational development projects funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act from 50 percent to 80 percent; (2) constructing a network of Ap-

palachian development highways capable of serving potential recreation areas and bringing tourist and summer residents to the region; and (3) restoring lands damaged by mining, thus opening new lands for recreation and enhancing fish and wildlife resources.
The programs of this Commission apply to 35 counties in north Georgia located in the designated Appalachian Development Region.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The Housing and Urban Development Act declares that "the general welfare and security of the Nation and the health and living standards of our people require, as a matter of national purpose, sound development of the Nation's communities and metropolitan areas in which the vast majority of its people live and work." A system of parks and open spaces capable of meeting local needs is included in sound community development. Realizing this, HUD administers several programs which provide financial assistance to local governments for planning, acquiring and developing outdoor recreation areas. HUD's assistance programs in outdoor recreation include:
(1) Advances for Public Works Planningauthorizes interest-free advances to State and local bodies to assist in the planning of specific public works or facilities, including recreation projects.
(2) Community Renewal Programs-provides grants up to two-thirds of costs to communities for the preparation of Community Renewal Programs which assess present and future renewal needs, including community recreational and park needs, and provide an action program to meet them.
(3) Open-Space Land Program-provides 50 percent matching funds for acquiring and developing urban open-space lands and for creating small parks in buid-up areas.
(4) Public Facility Loan Program-provides loans to small communities for the construction and improvement of local public facilities, including recreation facilities.
(5) Public Housing Program - provides loans and grants to local housing authorities for the provision of low-rent

public housing, including recreational and other open-spaces within the projects. (6) Urban Beautification and Improvement-provides up to 50 percent matching grants to local governments for carrying out programs for the beautification and improvement of public lands throughout the locality. (7) Urban Planning Assistance Programprovides grants paying two-thirds (or up to three-quarters for redevelopment areas) of the cost of all aspects of comprehensive planning to meet urban needs, including outdoor recreation. (8) Urban Renewal Program - requires that a local urban renewal plan give consideration to the provision of adequate park and recreational facilities and the preservation of historic structures. Local expenditures for acquisition of land for parks and playgrounds serving a renewal area may be counted as local matching funds toward a Federal urban renewal grant.
BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation is charged as the federal focal point for coordination and development of effective programs relating to outdoor recreation. Activities of the Bureau include: (1) preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory and evaluation of the outdoor recreation needs and resources of the United States; (2) preparing a system for classifying outdoor recreation resources; (3) formulating and maintaining a comprehensive nationwide outdoor recreation plan; (4) promoting coordination of all Federal plans and activities relating to outdoor recreation; (5) cooperating with and providing technical assistance to states, political subdivisions and private interest; (6) encouraging interstate and regional cooperation; (7) sponsoring, engaging in or assisting with research relating to outdoor recreation; and (8) cooperating with and providing technical assistance to Federal departments and agencies.
The Bureau also administers the financial assistance program established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This program provides up to 50 percent matching grants to states and their political subdivisions for outdoor recreation planning, acquisition and development projects.

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STATE AGENCIES
The State of Georgia plays a pivotal role in developing and managing "intermediate" outdoor recreation areas, those which usually fall in categories between national and local significance. The primary purpose of State recreation areas is to serve the needs of all Georgians. The Georgia Department of State Parks, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Game and Fish Commission, Georgia Historical Commission, Georgia Highway Department and various authorities created by State government have the major responsibility for providing such facilities. Combined, these State-administered areas constitute a system of outdoor recreation resources which are more diverse in type, more evenly distributed and developed for more intensive use than federal areas in Georgia.
Other State agencies also play significant roles in providing special purpose outdoor recreation facilities; technical assistance relative to recreation facility and program development; and comprehensive planning. The State Planning Bureau is responsible for the continuing Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Program and coordination of outdoor recreation facility development efforts of all government agencies and private interest in Georgia.
The State also provides local governments with legislative authority to issue bonds for financing recreation and to institute other action pertinent to local outdoor recreation programs.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE PARKS
The primary purpose of the Georgia Department of State Parks is to preserve for perpetual public appreciation and use, outstanding areas of active recreation, natural scenic and historic interest. State Parks were established under law to conserve scenery, natural and historic areas and wildlife in these areas, and provide for their enjoyment by visitors in such manner that will leave them unimpaired for future generations.
In recent years, the Department of State Parks has made great advances in providing Georgians with largely non-urban recreation areas of statewide and national significance. It is the only State agency whose primary purpose is development and maintenance of large outdoor recreation areas containing facilities needed for diverse forms of out-

door receation activities. Camping, picnicing, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking, nature observation and horseback riding are activities provided for in the 45 State parks. The Parks Department is the only State agency providing cabin and trailer accommodations.
To serve Georgians better, the Department has located parks within an hour's driving time from almost all residents of the State. All metropolitan areas, except Savannah, have at least one State park within an hour's drive. Atlanta has five.
GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION
The Georgia Forestry Commission is responsible for promoting and aiding forest farming and nursery work, planting, management and protection of forests, and marketing of forest products. The Commission does not directly engage in outdoor recreation programs but effects of its forest improvement programs are definitely beneficial in creating a desirable environment for outdoor recreation. More closely allied to outdoor recreation is the Commission's State Forest activity. Georgia's only state forest, Waycross State Forest, is a 35,879 acre public demonstration area for practical application of good forestry practice in the coastal areas. Part of this forest is located in the famous Okefenokee Swamp, making it a valuable recreation resource. In order to make some of this public land available for recreation, the Commission has leased a portion of the forest to the Department of State Parks for the Laura Walker State Park and another area in the Swamp to a nonprofit organization which operates the Okefenokee Swamp Park, a major tourist attraction.
GEORGIA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
The Georgia Game and Fish Commission is vested with policing and licensing control, management, restoration, conservation and regulations of the -State's fish and wildlife; acquisition, establishment and administration of hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and other property used for such purposes by the State.
In meeting its responsibilities, the Commission administers 23 Game Management Areas, seven fish hatcheries, and one game bird hatchery.
Over one-half million acres are in game management areas; most of this land is not owned by the Commission but is available

for public hunting through agreements with the Commission and other public agencies and private landowners (primarily pulpwood and timber companies). With few exceptions, the areas are not developed for outdoor recreation activities other than hunt.,. ing.
The fish hatcheries are primarily for propagation of fish but also serve as outdoor recreation areas, their chief attraction being their availability for the study of fish life. Complementary facilities are provided at some of the hatcheries for such activities as picnicing, fishing and boating.
GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
A major duty of the Georgia Historical Commission is to inform the public of Georgia's history through preservation and marking all objects, sites, areas, structures or ruins of historical or legendary significance. This includes locating, marking, restoring and operating historic sites, salvaging and recording historical materials, publicizing and explaining the State's heritage, making available results of its research and presenting Georgia's history as factually as possible to the public.
Seventeen of Georgia's more noted historical sites are administered by the Commission. These areas serve primarily cultural and sightseeing experience rather than general outdoor recreation. They are an important segment of the total public outdoor recreation system since many travelers visit historical sites as their primary destination or as a side trip.
Another important contribution by the Commission is erection of historical markers along public highways citing historic events. This is an important effort considering driving for pleasure is among the most frequent outdoor recreation activity.
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The State Highway Department's role in public outdoor recreation is quite significant. Access to recreation areas, highway beautification and scenic drives, roadside parks and rests are the major recreation service contributions of the Highway Department.
The system is a recreation facility in itself since driving for pleasure is an outdoor recreation activity. Criss-crossing the State are more than 17,000 miles of highways and roads that are administered by the High-

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way Department alone. Over 7,000 miles of the State system are in Interstate or Federalaid Primary highways.
The Highway Department administers the highway beautification program estabished by the Highway Beautification Act of 1965. This program controls use of outdoor advertising and junk yards with 660 feet and 1,000 feet respectively of Interstate and Federalaid Primary highways rights-of-way. The results will be more attractive highways making pleasure and vacation driving more enjoyable.
In addition to developing and maintaining highways in Georgia, the Highway Department provides roadside parks and rest areas for travelers' safety and convenience. There are 267 of these areas located throughout Georgia. Most roadside parks only provide picnic and parking facilities. Rest areas, on the other hand, are larger and more elaborate. They provide in addition to picnicing and parking facilities, potable water and sanitary facilities. Rest areas, however, have been constructed on Interstate Highways only.
AUTHORITIES AND SPECIAL COMMISSIONS
Seven authorities and special commissions have been created by the State to develop and administer some of Georgia's more outstanding recreation resources. Tow authorities and one commission already have intensively developed areas: Franklin D. Roosevelt Warm Springs Memorial, Jekyll Island State Park and Stone Mountain Memorial Park. Lake Lanier Island Authority has recently completed development plans for the islands being leased by them from the U. S. Corps of Engineers.
F. D. Roosevelt Warm Springs Memorial is the site of President Roosevelt's "Little White House" retreat. Complementary facilities such as picnic tables are available on this historical site for the convenience of visitors.
The chief attraction of Stone Mountain Memorial Park is the mountain itself, the world's largest granite monolith. On its sheer north face, Confederate heroes, among the largest and most unique works of sculptural art in the world, are being carved. Outstanding complementary facilities include the scenic skylift, Robert E. Lee Show Boat, Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad, and Battlerama. Such general outdoor recreation

facilities as camping sites, picnic tables, playfields, hiking trails and lakes for boating and fishing are also available.
Located in the coastal waters of the Atlantic across the intracoastal waterway from Brunswick is Jekyll Island, Georgia's finest beach resort. Jekyll Island first became popular in the late nineteenth century as the exclusive playground for some of America's millionaire business and social leaders. After occupying it for almost 60 years, they moved elsewhere, but left behind a part of their era in elaborate cottages and the Jekyll Club Hotel. Some of these historical structures have been preserved and are now open to the public.
The island today is probably more famous as a well-developed public resort area operated by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. Among facilities available to the public are over 50,000 feet of beach shoreline, lhree golf courses, picnic tables, camp sites and tennis courts.
Other recently created commissions are the: (1) North Georgia Mountains Commission, which is authorized to develop recreation facilitie~, tourist attractions and an outdoor recreation experiment station in North Georgia; (2) the Georgia Commission for Development of the Chattahoochee River Basin; and (3) the Georgia Coastal Scenic Highway Authority, which is empowered to construct scenic highways and other facilities to encourage recreation travel in the region. Of these three only the Georgia Mountains Commission has development programmed.
AGENCIES ADMINISTERING SPECIAL PURPOSE INSTITUTIONS
Various State-supported institutions maintain outdoor recreation facilities for exclusive use of the people associated with them. This is ordinarily the case where the institutionalized person is: prohibited from leaving the institution, mental patients and prisoners; in need of outdoor recreation equipment that is designed for the aged and handicapped; or a student in a school where many young people participate in outdoor recreation activities and create an unusually high demand for such facilities in one central place. It is usually essential that an institution have its own facilities. However, in certain cases, as with colleges, it is highly desirable that these be supplemented with

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other public facilities located away from the institution.
State agencies having institutions of this type discussed include Board of Corrections, Department of Education, Board of Regents, Department of Family and Children Services and Department of Public Health. TOURIST DIVISION, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE
The Tourist Division is charged with advertising, promoting and developing tourism in Georgia. Programs include: advertising in magazines, newspapers, radio, television and billboards; information distribution concerning Georgia's tourist attractions; exhibits at national travel shows; special tourismrelated projects such as "Make Georgia Beautiful Week" and "Miss See Georgia First" contests; and operation of Georgia Welcome Centers on major highways entering the State. GEORGIA RECREATION COMMISSION
The Georgia Recreation Commission is an advisory agency providing technical assistance to local governments for organizing local recreation departments, developing recreation programs and community recreation planning. The Commission also aids in recruiting, educating and placing recreation workers as well as promoting recreation institutes and conferences.
STATE PLANNING BUREAU
The State Planning Bureau is officially designated to execute the Comprehensive Statewide Outdoor Recreation Planning Program. This program includes: (1) preparation of the Plan; (2) preparation of special studies relative to outdoor recreation; and (3) coordination of outdoor recreation planning, development and conservation efforts being made by all levels of government and private interests.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Local governments are in a good position to know the needs and desires of their citizens and to evaluate needs for community and neighborhood recreation facilities. They have an important responsibility to identify, understand and meet local outdoor recreation needs. This task is especially difficult in both large urban areas and small towns where the need for outdoor recreation is acute and expenditures on the part of local government for recreation facilities is often a low priority item.

Community recreation areas are generally unlike federal and state areas. Large, and usually non-urban, federal and state areas are designed especially for all-day, weekend or extended visits; local areas serve comparatively short, day-to-day recreation needs, an afternoon baseball game or an evening picnic. Although local areas frequently are used for shorter durations than other public outdoor recreation facilities, they are used by more people more often. They must, therefore, be developed adequately to accommodate the high demand placed upon them. Important also, is the distribution of local areas. They must be located in close proximity to residential areas.
Local government has a further responsibility for recreation to determine future land use patterns through effective zoning controls and subdivision regulations which can materially enhance the outdoor recreation facility supply. Sound zoning can preserve open spaces in flood plains and other areas not suited for other development. Subdivision regulations may be used to assure outdoor recreation areas will be provided in rapidly developing residential areas. Utilization of these tools to their best advantage can greatly augment existing park and openspace systems. This is a key responsibility that only local government can provide.
PRIVATE INTERESTS
Privately ~dministered outdoor recreation areas are highly diverse both in types of facilities provided and in designed purpose. Comparatively few privately administered areas are extensively developed, but more are intensively developed with, for example, swimming pools, golf courses, tennis and horseback riding facilities.
Privately administered areas are designed to accommodate either the general public or select group only. They may be a profitseeking enterprise, like Six Flags Over Georgia or a non-profit service facility, like a YMCA playground. On the other hand, the latter may be a facility for a select group of people-a Boy Scout Camp, a company area for employees only or a participant-financed club. These areas are significant in helping meet the demand for outdoor recreation facilities. They often serve a special need not customarily met by public agencies, and they lessen pressure on public areas.
Privately administered outdoor recreation areas complement public areas. Although

the public sector presently satisfies more of the outdoor recreation demand, private endeavor is capable of making considerably larger improvements in this field.
The "Survey of Private Outdoor Recreation Enterprises," prepared especially for the Comprehensive Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan indicates that 13 percent of the semi-private administered outdoor recreation enterprises in Georgia are located near public areas. The study revealed that only a few private operators believed the presence of a public area was harmful to them, the major objection being competition with the public area. This may be desirable since the competitive facilities may create better quality.5
Participants in outdoor recreation activities enjoy an area or combinations of areas providing multiple activities in close proximity to one another. This is one way public and private facilities complement each other. Most private areas have limited ability to attract customers over long distances. Often private operators cluster around a major public attraction. This is especially common in and around the Chattahoochee National Forest and Corps of Engineers' reservoirs located in Georgia.
In general, the "typical" private outdoor recreation area in Georgia open for public use, has some or all of the following characteristics:
(1) Comparatively small in size. (2) Fishing, swimming and camping are
the most common activities provided in these areas. (3) Approximately 50 acres of each area are actually developed for outdoor recreation. (4) Average annual attendance of 2000 persons; most of which occurs in summer months. (5) Provides an average gross income of approximately $3,000; however 60 percent provide less than $550 gross income. (6) Low capital investment; 50 percent of all enterprises have a capital investment of less than $4,700. (7) Few paid employees; 77 percent have no employees. (8) Receive little or no Federal or State assistance. (9) Receive little or no promotion; only about one-third advertise.6

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GEORGIA'S PUBLIC OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS


D o
D M




U. S. FOREST SERVICE
DEVELO PED SITES
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
u.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
FISH HATCHERIES
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
GEORGIA PARKS DEPARTMENT
GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION
GEORGIA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
FISH HATCHERIES
U. S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Figure 3
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ANALYSIS OF EXISTING AND POTENTIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES

The types of resources, areas and facilities required for outdoor recreation, are numerous. Some forms, walking for pleasure or contemplating a sunset, require only pleasant natural surroundings or perhaps the more attractive features of our man-made environment. Other activities such as boating and golfing necessitate facilities expressly developed for outdoor recreation and serving either sole or dual purposes. This chapter concentrates on facilities which can be precisely defined and enumerated.
The following resources are analyzed in this chapter: (1) acreage presently devoted to outdoor recreation (Figure 3); (2) developed facilities for selected activities; and (3) potential outdoor recreation areas.

EXISTING ACREAGE DEVOTED
TO RECREATION
Acreage used for outdoor recreation in Georgia is analyzed by: (1) surface characteristics (land, wetlands and water-Figures 4 & 5); (2) use, including intensity of use; and (3) distribution of acreage by regions (Figure 6).
The following system is employed for classifying acreage by use: (1) high density acreage (usually highly developed with manmade facilities); (2) general recreation acreage (used less intensively and fewer manmade facilities; (3) natural environment (few or no man-made facilities); and (4) historic and cultural sites.

23

Classification of Acreage in Public Outdoor Recreation Areas: Statewide

ADMINISTRATION

Federal State

Local

Region Agencies Agencies Governments

Mountain North Central West Central
Central East Central
Southern
Coastal

709,945 48.3%
144,085 9.8%
34,160 2.3%
106,064 7.2%
131,689 5.6%
374,458 25.5%
19,796 1.3%

16,051 3.9%
72,714 17.6% 8,819
2.1% 80,667 19.5% 16,188
3.9% 174,722
42.3%
44,188 10.7%

577 4.3% 7,992 60.0%
586 4.4% 1,351 10.1%
640 4.8%
871 6.5%
1,318 9.9%

1,470,197 413,349 13,335 GEORGIA 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

SURFACE CHARACTERISTIC

Region

(Dry) Land Wetland Water

Mountain

706,338 - - - 20,235 52.9% - - - 4.2%

North Central

155,450 11.6%

360 68,982 0.5% 14.2%

West Central

19,285 1.5%

1,103 23,178 1.5% 4.8%

Central

186,130 13.9%

140 0.2%

1,812 0.4%

East Central

52,274 3.9%

38 46,204 0.1% 9.5%

Southern

187,594 39,280 323,176 14.0% 52.6% 66.6%

Coastal

29,826 33,713 2.2% 45.1%

1,763 0.3%

Georgia

1,336,897 74,634 485,350 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

LOCAL-0.7 %
FEDERAL -77.5 % 100% , 1,896,881 ACRES

Region
Mountain North Central West Central
Central East Central
Southern
Coastal
Georgia

High Density Areas
405 5.1% 4,953 61.6%
289 3.6%
624 7.8%
150 1.9%
765 9.5%
840 10.5%
8,046 100.0%

USE
General Outdoor Recreation
Areas
15,558 30.2% 7,658 14.8% 1,755 3.4% 8,332 16.1%
5,767 11.2%
8,517 16.5% 4,032 7.8%
51,649 100.0%

Natural Environment
703,007 38.5%
209,156 11.5% 41,480
2.3% 178,423
9.8% 92,587 5.1% 540,717 29.6% 59,874 3.2%
1,825,244 100.0%

Historic and
Cultural Sites
7,574 63.4%
3,024 25 .3 %
42 0.4%
703 5.9%
12 0.1%
32 0.3%
555 4.6%
11,942 100.0%

100%, 1,896,881 ACRES

HISTORIC-CULTURAL SITES-0.6% HIGH DENSITY AREAS - 0.4%

GENERAL OUTDOOR
RECREATION AREAS-2 .7%

Figure 5

100 % -1,896,881 ACRES

24

PUBLIC AREAS
A public area is defined as one which is administered directly and primarily by governmental agencies, but not necessarily owned by them, and open to the public. Privately administered areas located within a public recreation area are included in the analysis of semi-private and private areas. In such cases the privately administered area is owned by the public agency which administers and owns the adjacent land. For example, the Atlanta Boating Club area adjacent to Lake Lanier is privately administered but is owned by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The land leased to the Atlanta Boating Club is included in the analysis of privately administered areas and not publicly administered ones.
Georgia has a total of 980 public outdoor recreation areas; 29 federal, 355 state, and 596 local areas. These range in size from roadside parks and playgrounds of under one acre each to a U.S. Forest of over 680,000 acres. These 980 areas occupy 1,896,881 acres of land of which 77.5 percent (1,470,197 acres) is administered by federal agencies, 21 .8 percent (413,349 acres) by state agencies, and 0.7 percent (13,335 acres) by local government.
Of the total acreage, 70.5 percent (1,336,897 acres) is in land; 3.9 percent (74,634 acres) is in wetlands; and 25.6 percent (485,350 acres) is in water. The above acreage figures represent publicly administered acreage which can be used for various kinds of recreation activities. The use and extent of use to which this land can be put for such activities varies considerably. Only 0.4 percent of the total acreage that can be used for outdoor recreation is in high density recreation areas such as city parks and playgrounds, and only 2.7 percent is in general outdoor recreation areas such as camping and picnicking si_tes. The remaining acreage, with the exception of the 0.6 percent in historic and cultural sites, is in natural environment. This can be used only for the most basic forms of outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing and hiking. The primary reasons why such a small proportion of the total acreage is in high density and general recreation areas and such a large proportion in largely undeveloped areas are:

Classification of Acreage in Public Outdoor Recreation Areas: by Regions

North Mountain Central

High Density Area

405 0.1%

General Outdoor 15,588 Recreation Area 2.2%

Natural Environment

703,006 96.7%

Historic and Cultural Sites

7,574 1.0%

TOTAL

726,573 100.0%

4,953 2.2%
7,658 3.4% 209,156 93.0%
3,024 1.4%
224,791 100.0%

USE

West Central Central

289 0.7% 1,755 4.0%
41,480 95 .2 %
42 0.1%
43,566 100.0%

624 0.3% 8,332 4.4%
178,423 94.9%
703 0.4%
188,083 100.0%

East Central Southern

150 0.2%

765 0.1%

5,767 5.8%

8,516 1.6%

92,587 540,717 94.0% 98.3%

12 0.0%

32 0.0%

98,516 550,050 100.0% 100.0%

Coastal
840 1.3% 4,033 6.2% 59,874 91.7%
555 0.8% 65,302 100.0%

Federal Agencies State Agencies Local Government
TOTAL

ADMINISTRATION

North West Mountain Central Central Central

709,945 144,085 97.7% 64.1%

34,160 106,064 78.4% 56.4%

16,051 2.2%

72,714 32.3%

8,819 20.2%

80,667 42.9%

577 0.1%

7,992 3.6%

587 1.4%

1,352 0.7%

726,573 224,791 43,566 188,083 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

East Central Southern Coastal

81,689 374,458 19,796 82.9% 68.1% 30.3%
16,188- -17-4,7-21- --44- ,188-
16.4% 31.7% 67.7%

640 0.7%

871 0.2%

1,318 2.0%

98,516 550,050 65,302 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Land Wetland Water TOTAL

SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

North Mountain Central

West Central Central

East Central

706,338 97.2%
20,235 2.8% 726,573 100.o'oio

155,450 69.1%
359 0.2% 68,982 30.7% 224,791 100.0%

19,285 44.3%
1,103 2.5%
23,178 53.2% 43,566 100.0%

186,130 98.9%
140 0 .1 % 1,813 1 .0 %
188,083 100.0%

52,274 53.1%
38 0.0% 46,204 46.9% 98,516 100.0%

Southern
187,594 34 .1 % 39,280 7.1% 323,176 58.8%
550,050 100.0%

Coastal
29,826 45.7% 33,713 51.6%
1,763 2.7% 65,302 100.0%

100% 1.8% ,881 ACRES NORTH CENTRAL -224 .791 11.8% MOUNTAIN- 72b, 573 38 .3%

COASTAL - bS.302 H 'X>
EAST CENTRAL -98. 51b 5. 2%
Figure 6

25

Classification of Acreage in Private and Semi-Private Outdoor Recreation Areas: Statewide

SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

Region
Mountain North Central West Central
Central East Central
Southern
Coastal
Georgia

Land
15,066 2.0%
74,278 9.8% 9,968 1.3%
50,099 6.6%
55,255 7.3%
387,229 51.0%
166,591 22.0%
758,486 100.0%

Water
2,152 1.1% 8,133 4.2% 1,788 0.9% 111,967 58.3% 5,418 2.8% 61,369 32.0% 1,263 0.7% 192,090 100.0%

Region
Mountain North Central West Central
Central East Central
Southern
Coastal
Georgia

USE

High Density Areas

General Outdoor Recreation
Areas

Natural Environ-
ment

7,576 30.9%
4,945 20.1%
329 1.3%
5,348 21.8%
2,730 11.1%
3,140 12.8%
504 2.1%
24,572 100.0%

7,920 3.7%
10,548 5.0%
4,620 2.2%
89,136 42 .2% 12,438 5.9% 80,299 38.0%
6,378 3.0% 211,339 100.0%

1,722 2.4%
66,918 9.4%
6,807 0.9% 67,582 9.5% 45,505 6.4% 365,159 51.1%
160,972 22.5%
714,665 100.0%

HIGH DENSITY AREA-2 .6%

GENERAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA-22 .2%

100%950,576

100% 950,576
Figure 7

(1) the demand for intensively developed areas is much greater in towns and cities where the supply of open land is often more scarce; and (2) most acreage open for public outdoor recreation is actually in multipleuse, federally administered areas, at weekend distance from the urban populations.
The proportion of public outdoor recreation acreage located in each of the seven regions ranges from 2.3 percent in the west central to 38.3 percent in the mountain region . The wide difference is explained in part by variations in these regional characteristics: (1) size of region; (2) population; (3) extent to which the federal government has provided multiple-use areas.
All acreage data, whether reviewed at the statewide or regional level, becomes most meaningful when studied in relation to outdoor recreation demand. Only by correlating supply to demand can needs be determined. An analysis of demand and needs is made in the following two chapters.
PRIVATE
The inventory of privately administered outdoor recreation areas includes those open to the public, and those open only to a select group. Land ownership is not taken into consideration in classifying an area according to administration. Some of the privately administered areas are located on publicly owned land. This situation is most common on U.S. Corps of Engineers reservoir project lands.
Within Georgia are 1,742 privately administered outdoor recreation areas. Similar to public areas, they range in size from less than one acre to many thousands of acres. Generally, privately administered areas are smaller and, although there are approximately two privately administered areas for each public one, they are located on about one-half as much land. This is largely due to the fact that public agencies. open their natural and undeveloped lands for recreation purposes to a greater extent than do private interests.
Of the total acreage 79.8 percent (758,486 acres) is in land and 20.2 percent (192,090 acres) is in water. (See Figure 7). These proportions do not differ significantly from public areas. The apparently large proportion of privately administered outdoor recreation

26

acreage that is in water is attributed to the numerous farm ponds and the large privately administered reservoirs developed primarily for electric power generation.
Not only is the average size of privately administered areas smaller, they are more highly developed for recreation use. High density areas account for 2.6 percent (24,572 acres) of the total acreage administered for outdoor recreation by private interests. Of the remainder, 22.2 percent (211,339 acres) is in general outdoor recreation areas and 75.2 percent (714,665 acres) is in natural environment. Approximately 90 percent of this acreage serves as hunting areas.
The proportion of total privately administered acreage located in each of the seven

regions ranges from 1.2 percent in the west central region to 47.2 percent in the south. (See Figure 8). The large area in the southern region is explained partially by the extensive undeveloped acreage in privately administered hunting areas. The most significant difference between the amount of acreage in public and privately administered outdoor recreation areas is in the mountain region. Here, only 1.8 percent of all privately administered acreage is located as opposed to 38.3 percent in the case of acreage in public areas. This is largely explained by the immense holdings of the U.S. Forest Service which serve weekend and vacation recreation needs requiring large open spaces and protect important headwater supply sources.

Classification of Acreage in Private and Semi-Private Outdoor
Recreation Areas: by Regions
SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

North Mountain Central

West Central

East Central Central Southern

Coastal

Land Water

15,066 87.5%
2,152 12.5%

74,278 90.1%
8,133 9.9%

9,968 84.8%
1,788 15.2%

50,099 30.9%
111,967 69.1%

55,255 91.1%
5,418 8.9%

387,229 86.3%
61,369 13.7%

166,591 99.2io
1,263 0.8%

TOTAL

17,218 82,411 11,756 162,066 60,673 448,598 167,854 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

North Mountain Central

High Density Areas
General Outdoor Recreation Areas
Natural Environment

7,576 44.0%
7,920 46.0%
1,722 10.0%

4,945 6.0% 10,548 12.8%
66,918 81.2%

TOTAL

17,218 82,411 100.0% 100.0%

USE

West Central Central

329 2.8% 4,620 39.3% 6,807 57.9%

5,348 3.3% 89,136 55.0% 67,582 41.7%

11,756 162,066 100.0% 100.0%

East Central Southern Coastal

2,730 4.5%
12,438 20.5%
45,505 75.0%

3,140 0.7% 80,299 17.9%
365,159 81.4%

504 0.3%
6,378 3.8%
160,972 95.9%

60,673 448,598 167,854 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

100% 950, 576 SOUTHERN-47.2%
EAST CENTRAL-6.4%
27

COASTAL-17.7%
Figure 8

DEVELOPED FACILITIES FOR SELECTED ACTIVITIES
An analysis is made of developed facilities
for those activities engaged in most frequently. The factors discussed include: extensiveness of development, administration and distribution.
DRIVING FOR PLEASURE
In terms of time spent and number of persons participating, driving for pleasure is among the leading outdoor recreation activities. This includes automobile travel both for its own sake and travel to and from recreation areas. Of course, driving for other purposes is often partially recreational in nature, the enjoyment of roadside scenery while on a business trip, for instance.
The facility needed for this activity is the multi-purpose highway and street system. Although driving for pleasure is more readily associated with scenic highways and country roads, there is scarcely a highway or street within Georgia that cannot be con-
sidered a facility for pleasure driving. The
scenery along some of the highways and streets is marred by litter, outdoor advertising, junkyards and untidy commercial and industrial development, but steps are being taken by state government, especially through the Highway Beautification Program, and local governments to help alleviate such conditions.
Georgia has over 96,000 miles of highways and streets. Of these, approximately 23 percent are in the State Highway System, administered by the State Highway Department and consisting of Georgia's major inter-city and inter-state highways. These are most suitable for long distance recreation travel. The remaining mileage is in local systems, which not only facilitate local pleasure driving but also serve as feeders into the state system.
A classification of Georgia's highway and street mileage, as of December 31, 1965, shows that there were 17,114 miles in the State Highway System. County roads totaled 71,170 miles and city streets totaled 8,535 miles.
The Federal government provides financial assistance for construction of the Federalaid Primary System, which includes the Interstate Highway System, and the Federalaid Secondary System. When completed, the

Interstate System in Georgia will have a total length of approximately 1,105 miles. Federalaid Primary highways in Georgia, other than Interstate routes, totaled 6,884 miles. Mileage in the Federal-aid Secondary system and the non-federal aid system total 19,820 and 68,995 miles, respectively.9
SWIMMING
Swimming ranks among the most popular
outdoor recreation activities and can take place in almost any body of water providing it is of sufficient quantity and of safe quality. However, for caution's sake, swimming conventionally occurs on designated beaches adjacent to rivers, lakes and the ocean, or in swimming pools. At such places, life guards are normally present and faci Ii ties are usually designed for the swimmers' protection.
Georgia has many fine lakes, rivers, streams and a lengthy ocean frontage; however, such resources are only available for swimming to the extent that they have developed swimming sites. In evaluating the supply of swimming facilities for planning purposes, this study concentrates on developed sites.
Only forty public outdoor recreation areas in Georgia have designated beaches on rivers, lake or ocean fronts. Half these are located in the mountain and north central regions, where almost 50 percent of the state's public outdoor recreation land is located. The remainder is distributed throughout the Georgia area. Some areas, however, have more than one beach. This is especially true for National Forest and U.S. Corps of Engineers' reservoirs. Because of the large areas provided by federal agencies in the mountain and central regions, they have more than half of the designated public beaches.
Most public beaches are in State parks or in major outdoor recreation resource areas administered by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Some of Georgia's most scenic lakes are found in these locales. Only 16 of the public outdoor recreation areas having beaches are administered by local governments. Only a few local areas have public beaches because of
the limited supply of clean lakes, rivers and
streams near population centers.
Outdoor swimming pools help compensate for this deficiency of beaches. Ninety-

28

four of Georgia's 105 public outdoor swimming pools are administered by local governments, primarily municipalities. This is understandable since the demand for swimming facilities is greatest in population centers. This type swimming facility is also more appropriate and economically feasible since the cost of land is high and the supply of lakes, rivers and streams suitable for swimming is scarce. Approximately 92 percent of the total square footage in public swimming pools is administered by counties or municipalities.
The distribution of swimming pools in the State varies considerably. The number of pools ranges from two in the central region to 54 in the north central region. This is partially explained by the fact that some regions have a higher population and more urban areas than others. In the north central region, for instance, 34 public outdoor swimming pools are located in three counties in metropolitan Atlanta alone. The number of public swimming pools in the other regions are mou ntai n-11; west central-3; east central-9; southern-18; and coastal -6.
A substantial share of swimming facilities in Georgia is provided by private interests. Two hundred and eleven privately run areas have beaches or swimming pools. The distribution of these areas by region is: mountain-36; north central-SB; west central6; central-53; east central-19; southern36; and coastal-3.
PLAYING OUTDOOR GAMES AND SPORTS
Outdoor games and sports is a favorite activity among many, especially children and young people. With the exception of swimming, outdoor games and sports are probably engaged in more often by more participants than any other type of outdoor recreation activity requiring facilities developed expressly for recreational use. The people involved frequently do not want to travel long distances. Since game and sport facilities can be developed in almost any environment, they are especially appropriate and in greatest demand within population centers.
In this analysis, all game and sport facilities are grouped into two classifications: (1) playfields, baseball diamonds and football fields; and (2) courts, tennis and vollyball courts. Golf facilities, are discussed

separately in the next section since the physical requirements for golf courses are significantly greater than they are for other sport facilities. As expected, a large majority of public game and sport facilities are administered by local governments. Of the 403 public outdoor recreation areas having playfields and the 218 areas having courts, 373 and 217 areas, respectively, are administered by municipalities or counties. Private interests also provide game and sport facilities, but not nearly to the extent that public agencies do. Only 84 privately administered areas have playfields and 54 have courts.
The distribution of areas having playfields and courts has a pattern similar to swimming pools. Playfields and courts are town and city oriented facilities as are swimming pools and their distribution is also influenced largely by the location and size of population centers. Playfields and courts serve primarily a very localized need, often only a neighborhood. Areas having playfields and courts are usually distributed throughout a population center to be easily available to residents.
Public, private and semi-private areas having playfields and courts are distributed by regions as follows (in respective order): mountain-29, 26; north central-207, 119; west central-18, 5; central-55, 19; east central - 57, 29; southern - 55, 35; and coastal-66, 39.
GOLFING
Georgia is endowed with an ideal environment for golfing. The topography affords diversity for rolling courses in the mountainous region of north Georgia and pleasantly flat or slightly hilly ones in the rest of the State. The mild climate permits golfing at least 300 days a year. To meet the great

demand stimulated by such a favorable environment, Georgia has over 1,300 holes for golfing (See Table 1).
Unlike facilities for many of the other forms of outdoor recreation activities, most golf courses are provided by private interests, and almost 78 percent of all holes for golfing are on privately administered golf courses.
Of the 23 public areas with regulation golf courses, 20 are administered by local governments. This amounts to 234 holes or almost 84 percent of the public total of 279 holes. In addition, two State Parks have 9hole regulation courses and Jekyll Island has one 9-hole and two 18-hole courses.
Due to their number, the privately administered golf courses meet a substantial portion of the golfing demand. Many of these courses, however, are open to members and, therefore, are limited in the extent to which they satisfy the need for such facilities.
BICYCLING
In Georgia, as elsewhere in the United States, bicycling is most frequently engaged in by children and young people. Unfortunately, Georgia's towns and cities as well as the countryside, are practically without bicycle trails. Children and young people must now bicycle on dangerous streets and roads in direct competition with automobiles and trucks. In 1966 alone, 212 accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles collisions were reported to the State Department of Public Safety. These accidents killed 19 and injured 200.
The few designated bicycle trails in Georgia are located in nine locally controlled parks, two State and one national park. There are none that simply transverse a city or the countryside.

Golf Facilities

Areas having u golf courses
..0
c:.:.J Number of
holes

Areas having

.Q...), .>r:d:
c..

golf courses Number of

holes

Table 1. GOLF FACILITIES

Regions

Moun- North West

East South-

tain Central Central Central Central ern Coastal

2

11

4

2

2

2

Georgia 23

18

144

45

18

9

63

297

8

26

2

20

13

15

6

90

81

279

27

225

171

189

72 1,044

29

PICNICKING Picnicking is similar to driving for pleasure
and sightseeing. Although it may be the primary purpose of many outdoor recreation trips, it is often a part of other outdoor recreation activities. Many people become picnickers if they spend more than one hour or two out-of-doors.
Unlike most other outdoor recreation facilities, there is an apparent demand for picnicking facilities at almost any place where people go to participate in other forms of outdoor recreation, and along any road having attractive surroundings.
Picnic tables are furnished in most public outdoor recreation areas, resulting in an even dispersion throughout the entire state (See Table 2).
Most of the 575 public outdoor recreation areas with picnic tables are roadside parks (266) which help meet the needs of the traveling public, and municipal and county parks 241 which serve local needs. The largest number of public picnic tables, however, is located in 42 State parks. The State park system accounts for 2,519 tables or almost one-fourth the total public supply. Approximately 75 percent of the remaining public picnic tables are in areas administered by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Georgia Highway Department, Stone Mountain Authority, Jekyll Island Authority and numerous local governments.
Only 215 privately administered areas have picnic tables. Such facilities are generally not income producing and are provided simply as a service to the public or to complement other facilities.
SIGHTSEEING Georgia is rich in scenic attractions, nat-
ural and man-made. This resource is not limited to the overlook from a mountain peak; it may be the unending vista of silky

like marsh grass, the awesome density of the Okefenokee, or the attractive expanse of a new, well-landscaped industrial park. What is scenic can be commonplace to one, but exotic and attractive to another.
Inadequate identification and protection of scenic resources, unclear directions, poor or no access, lack of sufficient walking and parking space, and deficiency of other developed points of interest or services to support extended visits make this one of the least exploited assets. An improving public awareness and appreciation of natural scenic values will stimulate better regional design, protection and use of scenic areas.
There are four basic kinds of scenic resources: (1) landscape vistas; (2) botanical and animal life; (3) unique sites and (4) sites of activities with contempory significance.
A listing of all scenic resources would be impractical, but a few are offered to illustrate Georgia's richness in all these categories.
Mountain Region-This region has a wide range of scenic attractions, lofty mountains, clear streams and lakes, deep gorges and valleys, large and beautiful caverns, some of the most picturesque waterfalls east of the Mississippi and significant historic sites.
The mountains covered with rhododendron and mountain laurel, become a collage of color during both spring and fall. Deep valleys are interlaced with clear mountain brooks and lakes. The Appalachian Trail crosses many of the region's prominent peaks. Brasstown Bald, 4,784 feet in elevation, is Georgia's highest mountain and has a park and museum at its top.
Hundred of caverns underlie much of northwest Georgia where Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain are located. Beautiful formations, waterfalls, deep pits, canyons and extensive hallways bring hundreds of spelunkers to these caves, many of which have several miles of passage.

Administration Federal State Local Total Public Private

Table 2. PICNIC TABLES

Regions

Moun- North West

East

tain Central Central Central Central

992

996

119

91

215

531 1,360

205

862

671

113 1,107

188

86

82

South-

ern Coastal

76

55

901 1,338

331

197

Georgia
2,544 5,868 2,104

1,636 197

3,463 1,004

512 1,039

539

699

968 1,308 1,590 10,516

135

406

120 3,100

30

This region witnessed some of the most bitter engagements of the War Between the States. The Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, largest military park in the nation, commemorates a major Confederate victory and preserves many sites and artifacts from the conflict around Chattanooga.
The entire area was once part of the Cherokee Nation.- Several monuments and restorations, including Chief Vann's House and the Cherokee capital of New Echota, recall this unique civilization.
Dahlonega has become famous as the site of the first gold rush in America, and the historic courthouse will become the State's Gold Museum. Nearby, Blackburn State Park offers visitors an opportunity to pan gold and see abandoned gold mines.
North Central Region-Large reservoirs, foothills and Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, are prominent features of the north central region. Aside from being the unquestioned center of commerce, finance, communications, transportation and industry, in the southeast, Atlanta's skyline, museums, parks, clubs and other attractions make her the tourist hub of Georgia.
Among the most significant points of interest in metropolitan Atlanta are Stone Mountain Memorial Park, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Lake Spivey, the Cyclorama, State Capitol complexes and Six Flags Over Georgia.
Lakes Lanier, Hartwell and Allatoona are among the most popular in the nation. In fact, Lake Lanier, with more than 9 million visitors annually, has the largest attendance of any Corps of Engineers area in the entire country.
Athens, Madison, Rome, Newnan, Roswell, Jefferson and Covington are famous for their beautiful old homes. This region is steeped with historic battlegrounds where Creeks fought Cherokees; Creeks and Cherokees opposed the white man's advances; and finally where Confederates defended their homes against invading Northern armies.
The Chattahoochee, Flint, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Savannah and Oconee rivers traverse the region, creating scenic river valleys.
Mining operations in Bartow, Cherokee, Hart and Elbert counties have left huge gorges and pits now frequented by sightseers. Large scale mining for granite, marble,

barite and other minerals is still a major industry in the region.
West Central Region-Erosion has created mammouth gorges in the rolling hills here, and the spectacular colors in the canyons, especially near Lumpkin, provide the region its most outstanding natural attraction.
The nearby Walter F. George Reservoir, with its white sand beaches surrounded by mountain laurel, wild azaleas and flowering trees, makes an ideal scenic area. Many vistas are located along the lake's extensive shoreline.
The Pine Mountain area has become a major tourist attraction and has several developed sites. The mountain contrasts with the gently rolling countryside as it crosses several counties and rises above 1400 feet. The presidential retreat of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Little White House near Warm Springs, has become a national shrine.
Callaway Gardens has been transformed from farm lands into a 2,500-acre attraction featuring one of the finest gardens in America.
The historical valley region has many antebellum homes in LaGrange, West Point and Columbus. An ironclad gunboat is displayed at the Confederate Naval Museum in Columbus, site of the last battle in the War Between the States.
Central Region-The central region gives Georgia its reputation as the "Peach State"; here in the rolling red hill Piedmont section lies the famous peach belt with Peach County in the center: During early spring, the peach blossoms color the landscape whitepink, and later the delectable fruit is available at numerous roadside stands.
This region has played a prominent role in Georgia's history. Early Indians built large towns and mounds here including the famous city and temple area at Ocmulgee National Monument. Milledgeville served as capital of Georgia until 1868, and the former State Capitol and Governor's Mansion are now part of the campus of Georgia College at Milledgeville. Eatonton is a major center of American folklore as home of Joel Chandler Harris' "Uncle Remus" and other famous folk characters. Nearby is Rock Eagle 4-H Center where early Indians constructed a unique stone effigy eagle.
The major agricultural crop in Georgia provides the theme of Swainsboro's annual Pine Tree Festival, an outstanding event at-

tracting several thousand v1s1tors. Another agricultural industry is recognized each year during Eatonton's colorful Georgia Dairy Festival.
Semi-tropical swamps, numerous springs and several major rivers are outstanding natural sights of the central region. Springs abound along the Altamaha, Oconee and Ogeechee rivers below the fall line. Large swamps and nat:Jral areas border these and other streams in the region, and spring brings a paradise of wild azaleas, magnolias and dogwoods.
East Central Region-The two most prominent physical attractions in the east central region are the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers. They provide excellent scenery although access is limited, especially on the broad, picturesque Savannah. These river valleys have witnessed the history of Georgia from her founding. Louisville and Washington were both early capitals of the State. Washington, Augusta, Waynesboro and Statesboro all have a large number of outstanding antebellum homes.
Several springs, including that at Magnolia Springs State Park, are in the area. Clark Hill Reservoir on the Savannah, one of the largest lakes in the southeast, offers several recreation areas and beautiful scenery.
Augusta is the metropolitan center of the region and home of many civic, cultural and sports activities, including the Masters' Golf Tournament. Screven County celebrates the popular annual Livestock Festival and Rodeo.
Southern Region-The southern region has a large variety of scenic resources ranging from caverns to swamps to antebellum homes.
Radium Springs, the largest in Georgia, and Yates Springs are among the many beautiful springs whose flow adds large volume and clarity to such major rivers as the Flint, Chattahoochee and Ochlocknee.
Some very beautiful, but undeveloped, caverns are located in Decatur and Grady counties.
The region contains numerous sinks, many filled by clear lakes and ponds; two of them, Open Pond and Ocean Pond, are among the largest natural lakes in Georgia. The biggest lake in the area is Lake Seminole, a Corps of Engineers project.
Several events attract thousands of visitors to the region, including Thomasville's famous

31

Rose Festival, the National Inland Port Festival at Bainbridge, Georgia Peanut Festival at Sylvester, Ocilla's Sweet Potato Festival and the Continental Field Trials for bird dogs at Quitman.
Many large plantations and antebellum homes are in the area, some of which are opened to the public on special tours. "Greenwood" in Thomasville, which was begun in 1835, is recognized as an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture. Glen Arven Golf Course, one of the oldest in the nation, is also located in the city.
Coastal Region-The semi-tropical Golden Isles, the inter-coastal waterway and mainland zone are among the most valued statewide recreation attractions in Georgia. Some of these islands, with their long beaches, tracts of palms and oaks, vast grass and marsh lands, have been developed: Jekyll, Sea, St. Simons and Tybee. Some fortunately remain natural with an undisturbed character at present, but none as yet have been designated for conservation as unique natural island areas for the future.
Historic sites abound in this region which has absorbed the influences of Indians, Spaniards, Englishmen, pirates, Confederates and early Americans during various periods. The lren Indian Mound and several other Indian sites are in the region. Early colonial fortifications include Fort Frederica, Fort King George, Fort Barrington, Fort Pulaski, Fort McAllister and Fort Jackson.
St. Marys, Brunswick, Darien and Savannah have numerous antebellum buildings and historic sites. Savannah is re-developing much of her historic residential and business districts. Midway's famous church and museum commemorate this settlement's prominence as a colonial center.
Rivers and streams in the coastal region have a wealth of natural beauty. Many artesian springs are also in the area.

CAMPING Camping, like picnicking, is often a part
of a recreation outing extending beyond one day. This activity is especially characteristic of over-night recreation trips in those portions of the state having a scarcity of motel and hotel accommodations. Although the demand for camping facilities is great throughout Georgia, such facilities are vital wherever a short vacation season makes it economicalaly unfeasible to operate motel and hotel accommodations capable of meeting the peak tourist season demand.
Governmental agencies and private interests both contribute substantially to the total supply of camping facilities. Since these are often income producers, many camping areas are privately administered.
At the public level, most camping spaces are provided by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Parks Department. The state park system, alone, has 1,377 tent and trailer camping spaces, contributing 35 percent of the public supply and 80 percent of the total provided by all state agencies.
The number of tent and trailer camping spaces provides a better index of camping facilities distribution in the state than does the number of areas having these facilities. ~ Some areas like the Chattahoochee National Forest, which has 562 camping spaces, are considerably larger than others and have a number of different camping sites. (See Table 3).
Most camping spaces are found in those regions where large national forests and reservoirs are located. Other regions are largely dependent upon state parks and private interests to meet their camping needs.
FISHING, BOATING AND WATER SKIING Georgia is fortunate in having a lengthy
ocean shoreline, many natural and manmade lakes, and numerous rivers and streams

Administration
Federal State Local Total Public
Private

Table 3. TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING FACILITIES

Regions

Moun- North

West

tain Central Central

Central

East SouthCentral ern

556

302

215

329

20

179

735

84

26

49

117

505

261

32

1

Coastal
150 250 109

Georgia
1,853 1,726
341

791

810

859

425

49

884

589

288

509 3,920

107

900

190

283 2,764

32

attractive to fishermen, boaters, and in the case of the larger lakes, water skiers. The state has 385 miles of ocean shoreline, almost one-half million acres of water located in public outdoor recreation areas, almost 200,000 acres of water in private and semiprivate areas, and 2,933 miles of major streams. These figures are impressively high and would possibly suggest that Georgia is adequately equipped to provide for all present and future fishing and boating needs. Actually, these numbers reflect only one part of the picture. Much of the state's water resources cannot be used for fishing and boating to the extent desirable for lack of adequate auxiliary facilities.
Fishing-Georgia is one of the few southern states having rainbow, brook and brown trout. More than 700 miles of rippling trout waters in 150 north Georgia streams attract thousal"lds of anglers from all over the South each year. The trout season generally extends from mid-spring to mid-fall except in wildlife management areas where it may be slightly shorter. In certain streams and lakes, trout fishing is permitted year round. Information relative to the exact period for trout fiishing can be obtained from the Georgia Game and Fish Commission. To further sound management practices, the Commission may change the trout season from year to year if necessary.
Although trout may be found in streams throughout northern Georgia, the best trout waters are located in the northeast portion. Fortunately, many of Georgia's finest trout streams and lakes are located adjacent to or within public outdoor recreation areas and are easily accessible. The most significant outdoor recreation area providing trout fishing is the Chattahoochee National Forest. Those portions of the Forest which are located in the Blue Ridge, Chestatee, Chattahoochee, Lake Burton, Coleman River and Warwoman Game Management Areas are particularly attractive for trout fishing. Three State Parks, Amicalola Falls, Fort Mountain and Vogel, are also good areas. In addition, trout fishing is permitted at many places where highways and roads cross trout streams.
All public streams, lakes and ponds in Georgia are open to fishing for other fresh water species throughout the entire year with the exception of the mountain trout waters of north Georgia. In addition to these,

there are several privately administered lakes and hundreds of farm ponds open for fishing.
These waters are stocked with many species of fresh water fish. The varied topography of the state determines to a large degree the distribution of the varieties available.
In addition to trout fishing, north Georgia has many lakes providing excellent opportunities for small mouth bass fishing. Some are also good for walleye fishing.
Large reservoirs, farm ponds and slow streams are the fishing waters in middle Georgia. Bass and crappie are the leading species, followed closely by bream and catfish.
South Georgia is the land of black water, slow streams and very large fish populations. Bass and bream are the leading species.
Whether fishing from the beach or shoreline, Georgia's coast has much to offer the saltwater fisherman. The immense complex of marshes, sounds, bays and tidal creeks, making up the lengthy coastline offers the angler a large variety of game fish from sheepshead to tarpon. Offshore fishing presents a challenge to the sportsman pursuing king mackerel, bonita, amberjack, red snapper, sailfish and other deep sea species.
Boating-The diversity of water resources in Georgia permits boating of all types.
One index of boating resources available in Georgia is inland water acreage available in outdoor recreation areas (as given in the acreage analysis section of this chapter). The 677,440 acres of inland water located within public and private recreation areas apportioned in percent among the regions are mountain-3.3; north central-11.4; west central-3.7; central-16.8; east central7.6; southern-56.8; and coastal-0.4. Additional launching facilities are needed for access to the water. Georgia has 208 public boat ramps and almost three-quarters of these are administered by federal agencies. All but ten of these ramps are located on U.S. Corps of Engineers reservoirs which contain 95 percent of all the water acreage in public outdoor recreation areas in Georgia. The distribution of ramps varies greatly from one region to another, depending upon the location and size of these reservoirs. Public boat ramps am distributed among the regions as follows: mountain-15, north central-95, west central-11, central-15, east central33, southern-35, and coastal--4.

33

Water Skiing-For safety, quantity and quality of participation, water skiing requires larger bodies of water than do other forms of water sport activities. Those most suitable are provided at the U.S. Corps of Engineers, TVA and the private power companies. Nearly all water skiing activity in Georgia occurs on these lakes.
WALKING FOR PLEASURE, HIKING AND NATURE STUDY
Walking for pleasure and general nature study are activities which can be experienced almost anywhere, in urban areas as well as the country-side. Almost any sidewalk, or pleasant marked trail suffices for walking and virtually any space with vegetation and animal life can provide an opportunity for nature study, especially if the observer is knowledgeable in the subject. With foresight through planning, needed trails can be located in the flood plains of stream valleys and other open space dividers in urban areas.
However, sidewalks and roads will not satisfy the demands of the average hiker. The hiker is looking for designated hiking trails which penetrate large open spaces, scenic and natural areas. The student of nature is seeking a place where plant and animal life are identified and explained. Unless such facilities are available, the demand will virtually go unmet.
Most of Georgia's hiking trails are concentrated in the mountain and north central regions. Fortunately, the famed Appalachian Trail extends into the northeast part of the state. Here week-end and vacation visitors from throughout the nation enjoy hiking the Georgia mountains. The vast Chattahoochee National Forest through which long segments of the trail wind, contains just over 50 percent of the miles of public hiking trails in Georgia. The remainder of the state has comparatively few hiking trails.
Distribution of miles in public hiking trails by regions is: mountain-203; north central-45; west central-18; central-8; east central-2; southern-4; and coastal-39.
Very few designated nature study areas providing interpretative aids are available

anywhere in Georgia. National Parks, Forest and Wildlife Refuges contain among the most important nature study resources that do exist.
HORSEBACK RIDING Because horseback riding generally costs
more than many other outdoor recreation activities, most facilities in Georgia are privately administered, either as clubs or profit making enterprises. Only 10 of the 72 areas offering horseback riding are public.
North Georgia has some of the most attractive and challenging features for horseback riding in the state. Approximately 50 percent of the areas having riding trails are located in the mountain and north central regions of Georgia.
VIEWING OUTDOOR DRAMA, CONCERTS AND SPORTS
Facilities for viewing outdoor drama, concerts and sports range from small open-air park theaters and lighted school ballfields lined with modest bleachers to the 55,000capacity Atlanta Stadium used for professional sports and concerts With few exceptions, these facilities are located where the people live. Again, with few exceptions, they are publicly administered, usually by local governments. Of all the public areas having facilities for viewing outdoor drama, concerts or sports, approximately 93 percent are operated by municipalities or counties.
HUNTING Through joint efforts of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, the state's game population is distinctive for both its variety and number. The amount of land available for hunting in outdoor recreation areas is great. This set of circumstances affords good hunting opportunities throughout the whole state.
Governmental agencies and private interests both make substantial contributions to the supply of hunting land (See Table 4). Public areas contain 1,126,239 acres for hunting. Much of this land is administered by more than one governmental agency, and

Table 4. ACREAGE OF HUNTING LAND

Regions

North West

East

Administration Mountain Central Central Central Central Southern

Public

677,181 92,440 160 172,642 10,000 134,700

Private

970 51,934 7,329 38,662 47,091 339,943

Coastal 39,117 158,899

Georgia 1,126,239
644,828

34

a considerable portion is privately owned but has been made available for public management of the hunting activities occurring thereon. The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Georgia Game and Fish Commission administer almost 100 percent of all the public hunting land in Georgia. The Chattahoochee National Forest is the largest single contributor of public hunting land.
POTENTIAL AREAS
Virtually any plat of land or body of water developed or undeveloped, constitutes a potential outdoor recreation area. If it is not suitable for recreation in its present state, it can be altered with the aid of modern technology to any form necessary or desired. However not all areas are conveniently located to the resident population or the trav eling tourists nor can they all be developed at a reasonable cost. Two factors are important in determining realistically the potential of an area for recreation: (1) accessibility and location of the area relative to the residences of the people for which the area would be designed to serve; and (2) the degree of development that would be necessary to transform it into the type of area for which it is most suitable from an environmental standpoint and most valuable in satisfying a public need.
Georgia's potential outdoor recreation resources are purposely dealt with in a very general manner. To treat each significant potential resource in detail would necessitate special study, including field surveys of each one and this is not presently possible. Generally speaking, potential areas are of two types: (1) those which are already designated as outdoor recreation areas, but can or should be developed more intensively; and (2) those which are not presently designated as outdoor recreation areas, but have characteristics desirable for outdoor recreation use.
High priority should be given to assuring the best use of existing outdoor recreation areas. This means developing existing areas more intensively where demand warrants and when such development would not be detrimental to the character or primary purpose of the area. Most presently designated recreational areas in the state are large, multi-purpose sites located in the rural en-

vironment. Collectively, those existing areas which offer the most potential for further development are the National Forest, U.S. Corps of Engineers and power companies reservoirs and the Georgia State Parks. Because of their proximity to the urban centers and their rural environment, these places are most suited for further development with facilities for whole day and wee-end outings, primarily water sports, camping, picnicing, hiking and nature study. Other major recreation resource areas, the state administered game management areas and historic sites, for example, do not offer as much potential for more varied facilities. Further development could be incompatible with the intended or primary purpose of the area. Many other recreation facilities, especially municipal parks, are already intensively and in some cases, overly developed. Under such conditions, additional improvements may ad-versely affect the quality and thus, the attractiveness of the area. Not all areas, even in large cities, should be completely developed with man-made facilities for undisturbed natural environment is desirable as an end in itself and can be of incomparable intrinsic value.
The second type of potential area includes those areas which are not presently designated as outdoor recreation areas but which have characteristics that are desirable for recreation use. In the large urban areas, potentials are almost any open lot or field located in a residential district wherever large numbers of people congregate, even downtown. In resource based regions, whole sections of the state constitute potential recreation areas. This is especially true in the case of Georgia's mountains and seacoast. The state also has many navigable and scenic rivers and swamp lands, located near the coast; canyons; caves and beautiful wooded areas that are potential outdoor recreation areas.
Wherever there are areas having a potential of meeting existing or future demands for outdoor recreation facilities, efforts should be made to preserve them until they can be properly developed. Various techniques for preserving potential recreation lands and waters from incompatible development include: preferential property taxation, acquisition of easements, outright purchase, lease and eminent domain.

35

36

DEMAND

As previously noted, the demand for outdoor recreation facilities in Georgia is rapidly increasing. Resident demand for 17 selected activities is expected to increase from an estimated 306 million activity days in 1965 to 509 million in 1980, a gain of 66 percent. The demand created internally by Georgians is only one part of the total. There is also the out-of-state vistor demand, difficult to measure for a given state since it is largely directed towards types of facilities. If a resident of one state goes to another for purposes of recreation, he will go for the facilities that state provides. Non-resident demand, therefore, is largely created by supply of recreation attractions and for this reason cannot be approximated quantitatively. Demand is used in this report to mean the pattern of participation that would occur on the part of Georgians, given the opportunity and availability of facilities. Resident demand can and is, to a degree, satisfied in other states.
Socio-economic characteristics of the population are the main factors upon which demand estimates are made. The unit of measure used in expressing demand is "activity day," defined as one day or part thereof during which a person is engaged in an outdoor recreation activity one or more times away from home.
In addition to an analysis of demand, information relative to recreation participation, preferences and travel is presented in this chapter. This is closely related to and reinforces demand data.
ESTIMATES OF DEMAND
The "activity day" method of expressing demand can be applied to all forms of outdoor recreation. Only by employing a system that uses the same unit of measures for all types of outdoor recreation activities can the relative importance of one over another be rationally estimated.
Essentially, demand expressed in activity days is derived by multiplying the per capita participation rate by the estimated population. Using various adjustment factors, demand can be estimated by day, week-end, week or any other unit of time. A distinction must be made between where the demand originates and where it is served. The activity day method expresses demand in terms of where it originates. It is important that this distinction be recognized.

Parti'cipation rates, expressed in activity days, are based on the 1960 Outdoor Recreation Resource Review Commission study for the South Census Region. Georgia participation rates are judged to be generally typical for the South because of the state's median ranking in the South in per capita income, her central geographic location, and her varied developed and natural recreation resources. The 1960 rates were adjusted to 1965 based on user preference surveys taken in Georgia and a 1965 user survey made by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Projections of future demand are based upon: (1) projected population increases; (2) projected changes in socio-economic population characteristics; (3) trends in outdoor recreation tastes; (4) user preference surveys in Georgia and (5) National trends in outdoor recreation activity participation (See Figure 9).
In Georgia, the resident demand for outdoor recreation facilities is greatest in the north central region, where an estimated 46.6 percent of the demand originated in 1965, and lowest in the mountain region, which accounted for only 67 percent. The north central region is also expected to experience the largest increase, 84 percent, in total participation during the period of 19651980 while the southern region is expected to experience the lowest, an increase of 43 percent (See Figures 10 and 11).
Of those activities studied, the most popular is walking for pleasure and the least is hiking. Figure 9 illustrates, from highest to lowest, the anticipated popularity of the 17 selected activities in 1980. By then, playing outdoor games and sports should be number one in demand, as walking for pleasure moves into second place. Hiking is expected to retain its 1965 rank. The two activities likely to increase most significantly, although still not attaining a high rank when compared to the others, are boating and water skiing.
FACTORS AFFECTING DEMAND
Of the many factors affecting demand, it is possible to isolate several which are most influential: (1) numerical population; (2) urbanization; (3) income; (4) occupation; (5) education; (6) age; and (7) leisure time. Resident demand estimates for Georgia are based upon these considerations.
Georgia's statewide demand trends are similar to those throughout the South. How-

37

Participation in Selected Activities: By Activity

HIKING ATTENDING OUTDOOR CONCERTS, PLAYS, ETC.
WATER SKIING
CAMPING

46%

1980 1965

HORSEBACK RIDING

HUNTING

NATURE WALKS

BOATING

PICNICKING ATTENDING OUTDOOR
SPORTS AND EVENTS
BICYCLING

42?/o

FISHING SIGHTSEE ING

68%

SWIMMING DRIVING FOR PLEASURE WALKING FOR PLEASURE PLAYING OUTDOOR GAMES
0

62%

56% 86%

8

16

24 32 40 48

56 64

72 80

Figure 9

38

Participation in Selected Activities:
By Region
1980~ 1965-
520 480 440 400 360 320 280 240
200
160 120
40 0
Figure 10
39

Percent of Annual Participation Occurring During Peak Season: By Activity

DRIVING FOR PLEASURE

WALKING FOR PLEASURE
PLAYING OUTDOOR GAMES AND SPORTS

SWIMMING

BICYCLING

FISHING

SIGHTSEEING
ATTENDING OUTDOOR SPORTS EVENTS

PICNICKING

NATURE WALKS t-----------____JLIL-_ ____Jil..:== ~

HUNTING

BOATING

HORSEBACK RIDING

CAMPING

WATER SKIING

HIKING

ATTENDING OUTDOOR

CONCERTS, PLAYS

0

10

20

70

80

90

1 0

figur 11 40

ever, there are significant demand variations among the ORPR's. These differences are primarily caus~d by variations in population characteristics among the ORPR's.
NUMERICAL POPULATION Everything else being equal, the demand
for outdoor recreation facilities increases almost proportionately to population growth. Georgia's population is expected to jump by almost 1.8 million persons, a 42 .2 percent rate of growth, during the period of 1965-1980. The effect this will have on total demand is immense (See Figure 12).
Population growth will be most pronounced in the north central and coastal regions. By 1980, over one-half of the state's people will reside in the north central re-

gion. The central, east central, mountain and southern regions are expected to have noticeably lower population increases.
Because demand increases with a growing population, a knowledge of population density is valuable in locating the source and intensity of demand. In 1965, the average population density for the whole state was 72 inhabitants per square mile, ranging from 39 per square mile in the southern region to 150 in the north central region . By 1980, the overall density of Georgia is expected to increase to 103 inhabitants per square mile, the southern and north central regions still representing the two extremes in the density range, 49 and 275 inhabitants per square mile, respectively (See Table 5) . Trends indi-

- GEORGIA MOUNTAINS

NORTH CENTRAL

I

WEST CENTRAL

CENTRAL

EAST CENTRAL

SOUTHERN

-COASTAL

41

cate additional concentrations in urban areas and a continuation of sparse population for the remainder of the State. Counties within or near a metropolitan area will gain population and rural counties will tend to lose.
URBANIZATION The rapidity with which Georgia is urban-
izing is remarkable. In 1940, only 34.8 percent of the state's population was considered urban-living in communities of 2,500 or more persons. The proportion increased to 56.5 percent in 1965, and if present trends continue, 61.1 percent of the population will be residing in urban areas in 1980 (See Table

6). Georgia's six Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA's), alone, will account for 94.4 percent of the state's total population growth during the period 1965-1980 (See Figure 13). Virtually all population growth from the present to 1980, will occur in or adjacent to the large metropolitan areas.
Rapid urbanization in Georgia has some very pertinent planning implications. Major emphasis must be given to meeting the needs of an expanding urban population concentrated in only a few metropolitan areas.

Table 6. POPULATION RESIDING IN URBAN AREAS'"

Percent of Total Population

Region

1965

1980

Mountain North Central West Central Central East Central Southern Coastal

26.3 63.3 61.2 51.0 55.0 52.4 71.1

33.5 63.6 68.7 64.8 68.6 58.0 74.0

GEORGIA

56.5

61.1

TABLE 5. POPULATION DENSITY: BY STATE AND REGION"

Total Population

Inhabitants per sq. Mile

Region

1965

1980

1965

1980

Mountain

282,068

329,678

54

63

North Central

1,816,760

3,010,282

165

275

West Central

310,750

409,918

75

99

Central

657,421

758,758

45

53

East Central

288,205

338,220

55

65

Southern

536,059

663,719

39

49

Coastal

331,038

491,761

67

101

GEORGIA

4,222,301

6,002,328

72

103

Region
Mountain North Central West Central Central East Central Southern Coastal
GEORGIA

Table 7. GEORGIA PER CAPITA INCOME: BY REGIONrn

Constant 1957-59 Dollars

Change 1965-80

1965

1980

Numerical

Percent

$1,518

$2,921

$1,403

92.4

2,150

3,026

876

40.7

1,902

2,952

1,050

55.2

1,519

2,747

1,228

80.8

1,692

2,980

1,288

76.1

1,501

2,301

800

53.2

1,781

2,673

892

50.1

$1,851

$2,868

$1,071

54.9

42

Income

Generally, participation in outdoor recreation activities increases with income. This is particularly true for those activities requiring comparatively expensive equipment, boating, golfing and horseback riding, for example. Data on income, therefore, provides not only an indication of overall participation but also the intensity of participation by activity. (See Figure 14).
Per capita income in Georgia is expected to rise from $1,851 in 1965 to $2,868 in 1980, a 54.9 per cent increase (See Table 7). Even more significant, median family income will be over $10,000 in 1980 compared to only $4,208 in 1960 and $2,287 in 1950 (all income figures given in constant 1957-1959 dollars.) The greatest increases in per capita income will occur in the mountain, central and east central regions along with a corresponding gain in per capita participation in outdoor recreation activities. However, these same three regions will also experience the least population increase during the period of 1960-1980, off-setting somewhat the net effect on total statewide demand.

Figure 13
Population Residing in Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Areas
1.Q 9 8 7 6

OCCUPATION

5_

Occupation, like income, has definite and
4_
measurable effects upon an individual's rec-

reation habits. The influences income and

3_

occupation have on recreation participation

2_

are closely related since occupation deter-

mines, to a large extent, one's income. But

1

the effects of a person's occupation on his

0

..

recreation preferences is by no means linked entirely upon the income from his work. Occupation has profound affects upon individual values and social standards, and, since recreation preferences are greatly influenced by social environment, the relationship between the two is very distinct.

<zr <
...J
~

z 0 u <
~

V')
;:)
C0
~
;:) ...J
0 u

:r:
<zz
~ <
V')

>z <
C0 ...J
<

~
V')
;:)
lJ

o o l<J--:--
Ou

;:)
<

Z'
<r ~_,

~~

u:r: ~

Generally, farm workers participate in out-

door recreation activities least of all occupa-

SMSA AS PERCENT OF STATE

tional groups; professional people, the most.

This is understandable since one purpose of

recreation is diversion from the ordinary.

Self-employed persons participate less than

others due to long, irregular hours and a

lack of paid vacations. Employment trends

in Georgia indicate that the most rapid oc-

cupational growth will occur among professional, technical, clerical and sales workers. (See Figures 15 and 16) . These are the same

1965 TOTAL 4,222 , 301

1980 TOTAL 6,002 ,328

groups which demand more in the way of

outdoor recreation facilities.15

43

Effect of Family Income on Participation

7

6

--'-- - 5
~4
rel "C

.>.,-

;;

-.;:;

u
rel

3

2

1 .----
0 Less than $3,000

$3,000 - $4,999

,

.-_.-.-
- --

-------- --------- --------

CAMPING
HOllSf.BACK

$5,000 - $5,999 $6,000 - $7, 999

$8,000- $9, 999

$10,000 -$14,999

Figure 14 44

Effect of Occupations on Participation

Figure 15

PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND KINDRED WORKERS MANAGERS, OFFICIALS, AND PROPRIETORS, EXCEPT FARM
CLERICAL AND SALES WORKERS (WHITE COLLAR) CRAFTSMEN, FOREMEN, AND KINDRED WORKERS OPERATIVES AND KINDRED WORKERS, LABORERS SERVICE WORKERS INCLUDING PRIVATE FARM WORKERS NON LABOR FORCE 0

10

20

30

40

(activity days)

Occupations of Georgians

PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND KINDRED WORKERS MANAGERS, OFFICIALS, AND PROPRIETORS, INCLUDING FARM
CLERICAL AND SALES WORKERS (WHITE COLLAR) CRAFTSMEN, FOREMEN, AND KINDRED WORKERS OPERATIVES AND KINDRED WORKERS, LABORERS SERVICE WORKERS INCLUDING PRIVATE HOUSEHOLD
LABORERS EXCEPT MINE 01 2 34 56
(hundred thousand activity days)

Figure 16

1965 1980

45

Occupation also determines when an individual participates. Service workers, an expanding occupational group in Georgia, often have staggered hours leaving them with leisure time when most others are at work.
The degree of manual labor influences activity choices. Farmers and laborers generally seek less strenuous and more relaxing recreation pursuits during their leisure time. Clerical and professionals desire more active forms of exercise after a week behind the desk.
The average work week and the amount of vacation also vary among occupational groups. This, however, is discussed in the sub-section on leisure time. EDUCATION
Generally, the more education a person

has, the more he will participate in outdoor recreation . Higher education generally results in higher income, a greater diversity of interest, and more acquired recreation skills. Participation in games and sports, swimming, walking and driving for pleasure increase most with increases in education.
Regionally within the State, the percent of population completing one or more years of college varies considerably. Most notable are the north central and mountain regions where 7.9 percent and 3.4 percent of the population respectively have some college education (See Figure 17 and 18) . AGE
As expected, the older people get, the less they engage in outdoor recreation activities. This decline is sharpest for the most strenu-

Effect of Education on Participation

10 9

8

~>V'-I >-
t-
>
u <

7

,,,,, i't,,,,,,,,, ,,- ..&.,... tHIUM

6

__,,,, ,,.,,,,,,

~ _,

~--- ---- 5

..,,,.. ,.-,-

.. 4

---- -~---- --. 3

,,4' ......,-

-- -- - -- . ;,-/ 2 ,..~ ,...~'

__....

,-

~
__ .. ," ~' ,,-~ ... ...- i-

i,

,

L...,.-oo -~~ 1 -

~. ~' / ...

-- ------ --- 0 ~

-

5 '/1 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4
V'I
w -'

w ~"' GRADE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

WALKING FOR PLE.ASURE

""""" DRIVING FOR PLEASURE

PLAYi G GAMES

SIGHTSEEING

-

SWIMMING

I

I

. !
I :I

i

I

I

~

I
i

i
I

ALL PERSONS 25 YEARS OR OLDER

Figure 17

46

Education of Georgians
COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL
1965

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL
1980

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Figure 18

47

Iffect of Age on Participation

CAMPIN

BICYCLIN

SWIMMI G

HIKIN
48

ous activities such as bicycling, swimming and horseback riding (See Figure 19). Interest in sightseeing, walking for pleasure and similar pursuits, on the other hand, usually lasts a lifetime.
By 1980, the most significant changes in Georgia's age structure will be an increase in the high school and college age group (1224 years) and the population that is 65 and older (See Figure 20).
The active age group (12-44 years) participates more in vigorous activities such as swimming, playing games and sports, and water skiing than the passive age group (45 years and older). The passive age group engages in less strenuous activities such as driving and walking for pleasure. For the state as a whole, the active age group, is increasing at a slightly faster rate of growth than the passive age group and it will almost double during the period of 1965-1980. Among the ORPR's recreation planning regions, the differences in age structure will change markedly (See Table 8).
LEISURE TIME
If any single factor was selected as the most significant in determining per capita participation in outdoor recreation activities, it would be "leisure". Rising productivity has increased man's material standard of living, while simultaneously making it possible to have more time for play, relaxation, enjoyment and personal self-fulfillment. Leisure should not be mistaken as mere idleness. In some primitive societies today, many people are idle during much of the year. Lacking sufficient funds for maintaining even a subsistence level of existence, they have neither money, energy nor ideas for using

this time as purposeful, chosen leisure.
Leisure is time to spend as desired. One use is outdoor recreation. As life spans lengthen, work weeks shorten and paid vacations become longer. More leisure time becomes available and greater is the demand for outdoor recreation facilities. The proportion of leisure spent for outdoor recreation has risen greatly in recent years and presumably will continue to do so for some time.
The average work week has declined from 61.9 hours in 1890 to 40.7 hours in 1963."3 Total free time during this period rose by approximately 1,220 hours per year, with the shortened work week accounting for 1,100 hours of the gain. However, in recent years this factor has been diminishing in importance. The sharpest drop occurred between 1900 and 1920 when the average work week fell from 60.2 to 49.7. During the next two decades the decline was 5.4 hours and between 1940 and 1960, only 3.5 hours. Furthermore, estimates of changes in the length of the future work week indicate only small decline over the next two decades. A decrease of less than two hours per work week is expected by 1980.
This reduction in the work week will probably not be evenly spread among the several industries. Such groups as farmers who now work a longer-than-average week are expected to experience the greatest decline. However, these occupational groups are also diminishing in relative proportion making this factor less significant in estimating demand for outdoor recreational facilities.
Another trend, very important for planning leisure time activities, is the many

Table 8. REGIONAL CHANGES IN ACTIVE AND PASSIVE AGE GROUPSw

Percent Change 1965-80

Region

Active Age Group
12-44

Passive Age Group 45 & Over

Total Population Growth

Mountain North Central West Central Central East Central Southern Coastal
GEORGIA

11.7 69.7 28.4 12.7 19.0 20.5 48.0
43.0

29.3 51.4 29.7 18.4
9.9 27.3 45.5
36.7

16.9 65.7 31.9 15.4 17.4 23.8 48.6
-~~-
42.2

49

"fixed costs" associated with a working day such as money and time spent in commuting. It is likely that future reductions in the work week will be utilized to provide more days off and longer weekends rather than shorter working days. For example, a 36hour work week could mean a three day weekend every two weeks, a development that would certainly increase the demand for recreational services.
A gradual increase in vacation time is certainly to be expected. According to a U.S.
Department of Labor study, in 1940 only
one-fourth of all union members (and a smaller proportion of other employees) received annual vacations with pay, and for most the maximum period was only one

week. The average number of paid holidays was about two per year, although some workers received additional ones without pay.
The post-war period has seen a great expansion in both paid holidays and paid va-
cation time. Vacations of three, four and five
weeks have become the established standard for longer-service employees in many industries, and the number of paid holidays has increased to six more. These developments, as interpreted by most observers, reflect a desire by employees for sufficient time to permit longer periods of leisure activity. Increased paid holidays and paid vacations are expected to add two or three additional weeks of leisure for the average worker by
1980.

Georgia's Population by Age Groups

1.8
1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3
1.2 1.1 1.0 .9 .8 .7 .6 .5 .4 .3
.2
.1 .0
0-11

1980 1965

12-24

25-44

45-64

65 & over

Figure 20

50

Participation and Preferences The state's diverse geographic features and mild climate enable year-round participation in a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities in Georgia. In terms of total participation, the most popular activities appear to be walking for pleasure, playing games and sports and driving for pleasure. Generally, activities requiring the least preparation or special equipment are most popular: a stroll in the park, a walk around the block or a drive in the country. While these activities do not require elaborate facilities, the attractiveness of the surroundings in which they occur is very important. Preserving and enhancing the quality of the outdoor environment is as vital as providing recreation facilities.
INCREASING VISITOR ATTENDANCE
Additional information on outdoor recreation participation habits and preferences of Georgians is needed. Visitor attendance records and a few sample surveys of user preferences give some indication of prevailing attitudes and trends.
Increases in attendance at most recreational areas in Georgia are impressively high and reach capacity at many areas on holidays and week-ends during peak season. Use pressures are particularly high at popular camping areas and beaches during the summer and at public game management areas in winter.
Attendance at selected major recreation areas administered by Federal and State agencies increased by almost 75 percent from 1960 to 1965, the most significant increases occuring in the National Forests (See Table 9).
USER PARTICIPATION SURVEYS
Surveys of outdoor recreation users at State Parks and other major recreation areas were made during the summers of 1965 and 1966. The results provide additional insight into the demands created by those who seek a rural environment for weekend and vacation outings.
Since respondants were interviewed while visiting a recreation area, many are probably outdoor recreation enthusiasts having an above average rate of individual participation. Also, most of those questioned were campers, which accounts for the high par-

ticipation rates for camping (See Table 10). A study undertaken in 1960-61 by the
University of Georgia included a survey of 1,488 vacation-recreation travelers on Georgia highways with destinations in the state. The findings of this survey support the previously stated conclusion that sightseeing, swimming and picnicking are high in demand.
RECREATION TRAVEL
Georgians are traveling more than ever before for purposes of recreation. Higher incomes, more leisure time, better roads and transportation facilities and greater tourism promotion make recreation travel more attractive. The Bureau of Business and Economic Research of the University of Georgia

estimates that 9.4 million vacation-recreation trips involving over 28 million travelers were made by private automobiles on Georgia Highways in 1965. This represents a 31 percent increase over the number of trips made in 1960.
Most recreation travel in Georgia occurs on north-side routes and highways connecting the six metropolitan areas. North-south traffic flow is lowest in January and highest in June, July and August. The peak flow in July is 85 percent higher than the lowest month and about 23 percent higher than the yearly average.
There are several predominating patterns of recreation travel in Georgia: travel to and from Atlanta, travel to and from Florida, and travel to and from other states.

Table 9. ATTENDANCE AT MAJOR PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS

State Parks U.S. Corps of Engineers
Reservoirs National Forest Recreation
Areas TVA Lakes
Georgia Historical Commission Sites
F. D. R. Warm Springs Memorial
National Park Sites
TOTAL

1960 3,449,000
11,857,000
281,000 310,000
31,000
80,000 1,571,000 17,579,000

1965 5,551,000
21,968,000
568,000 534,000
58,000
104,000 1,777,000 30,560,000

%
Iner. 60.9
85.3
102.1 72.3
87.1
30.0 13.1 73.8

Table 10. USER PARTICIPATION SURVEY RESULTS (Degree to which respondants indicated participation during the year)

Frequently

Sightseeing Swimming Camping Picnicking

Often

Boating Fishing Horseback Riding Hiking

Occasionally

Golf Water Skiing

51

TRAVEL TO AND FROM ATLANTA
Atlanta is unquestionably the major tourist attraction in Georgia. Of 673,700 out-ofstate recreation travel parties (cars) having destinations in Georgia during 1960-61, 311,000 had Atlanta (or a nearby area) as their destination. Just over 46 percent of all recreation travelers coming into Georgia with Georgia destinations come to the city. Atlanta's attractions include professional and college sports, theater, fairground events and nightclub entertainment. Although visitors may come primarily for business purposes, these attractions are influential in drawing hundreds of thousands of travelers to the Atlanta area each year.
Over one-fourth of Georgia's population lives in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and far more than one-fourth of the recreation travel originating in Georgia comes from Atlanta. The increasing proportion of population in large urban centers and the higher income they make are two major factors behind the growing demand for outdoor recreation. The study of recreation travel in Georgia for 1960-61 found that 65 percent of all Georgia residents taking recreation trips to various places in Georgia are from the Atlanta area.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM FLORIDA
Although the recreation travel flow to and from Atlanta ranks first in volume, a close second is the flow to and from Florida.

More cars and recreation travelers enter Georgia from Florida than from any other state. Of a total 28 million out-of-state resident vacation-recreation travelers on Georgia highways during 1965, almost 10 million were traveling to Florida and 14.3 million to Georgia. The remaining 3.6 million were bound for destinations outside these two states. Additionally, more Georgia residents who take recreation trips to other states, go to Florida than to all other states combined.
Travel to and from Florida follows two major. paths through Georgia. The coastal route's most heavily traveled roads are U. S. 17,301, and 1. (In 1972 or 1973, Interstate 95 will replace these as the favored north-south coastal route). The second major corridor is Interstate 75, going past Chattanooga, Atlanta, Macon and through the central area of south Georgia. Non-resident tourists passing through Georgia to Florida on this road are predominantly from the Great Lakes and Plains States and Canada.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM NEIGHBORING STATES
Georgia residents made over 10 million recreation trips on Georgia highways in 1965. Of these, an estimated 2,420,000 were made to neighboring states (over one half to Florida). While two million Georgians took vacation-recreation trips in other states, some 1,320,000 residents of other states had Georgia vacation-recreation destinations.

Table 11. PURPOSE OF VACATION/ RECREATION TRIPS ON GEORGIA HIGHWAYS4
(Number of Trips Sampled: 1,488)

Activities

Percent

Viewing Scenery

40.2

Swimming, Beaches

38.1

Picnicking

30.5

Fishing

27.2

Boating or Water Skiing

25.7

Visit Historical Places

16.3

Attending Sports Events

15.2

Camping

8.2

Hunting

4.7

-----------------------~~----- --------

52

NEEDS

For many, outdoor recreation is a wholesome and personally rewarding way of using part of their available leisure. Social scientists are keenly aware of the ramifications of mass leisure. While free time can be a major means of self-achievement, it can also be wasted or put to misuse. Idleness, without constructive outlets, is likely to have negative consequences for the individual and consequently for his society. A major part of our population demands outdoor recreation, and two basic needs must be met to satify the demand: 1) physical and 2) program and planning.
PHYSICAL NEEDS
The need for outdoor recreation facilities in Georgia is indeed great. The demand continues to soar; the supply follows at a modest pace, and a sizable deficiency of outdoor recreation facilities exists.
Determining the need for outdoor recreation facilities, is, by its very nature, subject to value judgements. What constitutes needs can be what people will settle for or what satisfies their total demand. In setting forth the needs in this report, it was determined that they should fall somewhere between these two extremes and that facilities should be provided to meet as much of the demand as possible within limits imposed by the economy. Although need commonly refers to existing facilities plus deficiencies, in this report it includes only the difference between that which exists and that which can adequately meet a reasonable portion of the demand. Everything presently existing is considered necessary. This, however, is not intended to imply that all existing facilities are qualitatively acceptable. Many are avoided due to poor maintenance or improper development and cannot meet as much of the demand as their quantity indicates.
Needs are expressed, for the most part, in general terms rather than in specific quantities. Means for determining adequately the specific needs for all types of outdoor recreation facilities on a highly refined level for statewide outdoor recreation planning purposes are yet to be devised.
Physical needs are grouped into the following three categories for purposes of discussion: (1) urban; (2) regional; (3) statewide.

URBAN NEEDS
The deficiency of outdoor recreation facilities is greatest in Georgia's metropolitan and urban areas. Approximately 50 percent of the state's total population is located in seven SMSA's alone. Not only is demand greatest here, but the problem of providing adequate facilities in such centers is considerably more difficult to solve than in rural areas because of the shortage of desirable open space and the comparatively high cost of acquiring land. Because of these factors, efforts must be made to acquire and preserve, for later acquisition, land to meet existing and further outdoor recreation facility needs. Furthermore, such land, when acquired, must be developed to the extent necessary to provide for its optimum use without detrimentally affecting its quality. Generally, the outdoor recreation facilities most required in urban areas are for playing games and sports, walking for pleasure, bicycling, swimming, attending outdoor sports events, picnicing, nature study, hiking and attending outdoor concerts and drama.
Standards are given to assist planners and government officials to estimate the needs at the local level, but they should be construed as guidelines. Communities vary both in population characteristics, land form and existing patterns of development. Standards should be flexibly applied to account for community variations (see Tables 12, 13 and 14).
In order to provide a general indication of outdoor recreation needs for the state's urban population, the standards mentioned have been applied to the urban population of each region. Estimates of needs based on these standards are given for 1968 and 1980. Supply and demand figures were adjusted to account for changes that have occurred since the initial survey to determine them, was made. The estimates given should be construed simply as relative and generalized needs of the region to which they apply. In order to obtain a more accurate assessment it is necessary to correlate the location of existing facilities to the origin of demand. However, this is only practical for local planning purposes. It is very possible that the estim-
ates given here are over or under the actual
need due to an improperly balanced distribution of existing supply. Those for 1980 as-
sume no increase in supply.

53

Table 12 STANDARDS FOR URBAN OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS

Types of Area

Minimum area needed (acres/population)

Desirable (Acres)

Population Accessibility Served

Playlots or Tot lots Playgrounds
Neighborhood Parks Playfields Major Parks Reservations
Golf courses

0.05-0. 10/300-800e:;
1.25/1,000e"
1/1,000 1.25/1,000
2.5-4/1,000
depends upon availability of desirable land. 18 holes (approx. 100 acres)/50,00027

0.12-0.25
5
7-10 20-30
100
5005,000
9-hole: 50-80 18-hole: 100-160

1 block or 1/s mile 025-0.50 mi.

Five years & under All ages but primarily 5-15 yrs.

0.5 miles 0.5-1.0 mi.
30 min. travel time 60 min. travel time 30-60 min. travel time

all 15 yrs & over all
all 10 yrs & over

Table 13. FACILITIES RECOMMENDED FOR URBAN OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS

Type of Area

Recommended Facilities

Playlots or totlots Playgrounds

Swings, slides, sand boxes, play and climber structures, open area for free play, a shelter with benches for mothers, small wading or spray pool. Playlot (see above), open space for informal games and play activities, paved area for court games, field area for games, shelter house,

Neighborhood Parks Playfields

shaded passive area for older people, landscaping with a small garden or picnic area. Open lawn area, trees and shrubbery, tables and benches, walks and shade areas, multi-purpose court area, wading or spray pool. Game courts (tennis, volleyball, hand ball, basketball, horse shoes, and shuffleboard), sports fields (softball, baseball, football, and soc-

Major Parks Reservations

cer), picnic areas, landscaped park, children's playground, and outdoor swimming pool. Natural landscape and landscaping, larger picnic areas, athletic fields, playground, numerous play areas, archery range, nature trails, and bandstand. Facilities only for those activities that are primarily incidental to the maximum enjoyment of nature, e.g. camping facilities, picnic areas, swimming facilities, boating, and fishing.

Table 14. STANDARDS FOR URBAN OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES

Facility

Facility/Population

Swimming pools Basketball courts Tennis courts Handball Courts

one pool/10,000 one court/5,000 one court/2,oooes one court/10,000

Baseball diamonds

one diamond/6,000""

Softball diamonds

one diamond/3,000""

Football and Soccer Fields

one field/20,000

Band shell

one shell/25,000

Par-3 Golf courses

one 9-hole course/50,000"'

54

REGIONAL NEEDS Due to their geographical, climatic and
cultural differences, the several regions of the state have certain needs which are either unique or outstanding. It is the purpose of this section to discuss these briefly. Needs which are generally held in common by all regions or which cannot be identified with specific regions follow in the next section (See Table 15).
Mountain Region-The mountain region of Georgia is, due to its unusually attractive natural features, one of Georgia's major tourist attractions. Consequently, the facilities needed to satify the demands of tourists are at least equal to and probably much greater than the needs to satisfy the demand of the region's own population. Existing conditions support this very strongly. Approximately seven percent of the state's total population reside in the mountain region, and these residents account for just over six percent of the total resident demand as expressed in activity days. Yet, approximately 5 percent of the public land in high density outdoor recreation acreage, 30 percent of the public land in general outdoor recreation acreage and 38 percent of public land in natural .environment are located in this region.

Tourists flow into the mountain region from all parts of Georgia and from many other states, either en route or headed for a destination in the region. Just over 40 percent of the vacation-recreation trips made in Georgia are for the purpose of viewing scenery. This partially explains the popularity of the Georgia mountains as a tourist attraction. The greatest influx occurs in this region during the summer months when the climate encourages more active forms of outdoor recreation activities, and during autumn when the leaves are changing colors.
In this region, the greatest attention should be directed toward satisfying the demand created by tourists. The demand is largely for facilities that provide passive recreation activities, primarily sight-seeing, hunting, fishing, wilderness and those requiring large open spaces. Facilities for passive activities would include nature trails, roadside vistas with parking facilities, roadside picnic areas and scenic highways and parkways. Additional accommodations are also needed for those who prefer to "rough it" while in the mountains. More and improved facilities are needed for: swimming, hiking, fishing and camping. Land is generally available for public use in the region but certain tracts should be acquired by the national forest

to assure preservation of key natural values. Those facilities most suitable and attractive for activities commonly associated with mountain-oriented recreation should be appropriately developed now. The Georgia Park Department and the U. S. Forest Service working closely with the Georgia Highway, Department are the appropriate agencies for fulfilling most of the needs. Developing scenic parkways, such as the proposed extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway, would fall within the responsibilities of both the National Park Service and the State Highway Department.
Several major projects proposed, planned or programmed for this region are so important that they should be given special attention. Carters Reservoir, now in the final stage of construction, is closest to realization. Lands adjacent to the reservoir should be developed for swimming, boat launching, camping and picknicking, and agencies of federal, state and local governments will be given an opportunity to accomplish this.
Plans have recently been announced to make Unicoi State Park an experimental laboratory where various outdoor recreation facilities would be tried and studies of participation made. The proposal offers a unique method to study the relationship between

Needed Facilities Acreage
Baseball, Softball, & Football Fields
Tennis, handball, & basketball courts Swimming Pools (5,000 sq. ft+) Regulation Golf course
(in no. of holes)

Table 15. ESTIMATED OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES NEEDS FOR URBAN AREAS: 1968 AND 1980

Regions

Mountain North Central West Central Central

East Central Southern

Coastal

1968

329

6,557

1,581

2,240

1,158

2,224

1,516

1980

629

12,867

2,362

3,850

1,818

3,824

2,586

1968

21

1980

37

371

74

134

717

117

222

46

90

49

83

178

107

1968

46

744

151

244

101

162

139

1980

64

1,249

214

372

152

289

222

1968

0

76

18

30

10

13

21

1980

0

140

26

49

16

29

31

1968

9

315

99

0

0

0

9

1980

27

657

117

0

0

36

63

Georgia 15,605 27,936
785 1,461
1,587 2,562
168 291
333 837

55

supply and demand.
The Lanier Island project is still in the planning stage. A state authority was created in 1962 especially for planning, developing and operating a major recreation complex on a group of islands in the southeast portion of Lake Lanier. This development is badly needed to serve the many people living in the vicinity of Atlanta, Gainesville and Athens. As soon as final detailed plans are completed, a request will be made for financing the project.
Bills before the U. S. Congress recommend that the Chatooga River of northeast Georgia be studied for inclusion in a proposed system of National Wild Rivers which would be protected from detrimental uses. A wild and scenic rivers system for Georgia should be endorsed. Every investigation possible should be made to find means of preserving some of Georgia's outstanding rivers for recreational use.
A major problem facing the mountain region is the lack of overnight accommodations for tourists. Motels and hotels conventionally have been and should remain in the province of private enterprise. However, private enterprise has not yet met the demand for such facilities in this part of the state. One reason is that the influx of tourists is largely seasonal, usually lasting only during the warm months, and private interests are reluctant to invest in accommodations used to capacity for a comparatively short periods of the year. The Chattanooga-Atlanta traffic corridor-which presently includes all of U.S. 41 and portions of Interstate 75-does offer good possibilities for profit-making concerns. When completed, interchanges on 1-75, especially south of Chattanooga, would provide excellent sites for overnight accommodations since this highway is expected to have substantial traffic flow throughout the year. Another route which should be considered for the development of overnight accommodations is U. S. 441, the major road connecting the Smokies with 1-85. Clustering developments in the small communities should provide the greater multiplier benefits.
In lieu of motel and hotels in the mountain region, emphasis should be given to the alternative of providing camping and trailer facilities. This can be accomplished by the joint efforts of both public agencies and

private enterprise. Any detrimental competition likely to arise between publicly and privately administered camp grounds can be avoided if governmental agencies maintain their policy of providing only the most basic forms of camping facilities, leaving private enterprise to provide the more elaborate ones.
North Central Region-The most pressing need in the north central region is for facilities that can meet the demands of urbanites. Approximately 63 percent of the people living in this region reside in urban areas. The magnitude of the problems created by such large numbers of urbanites is apparent, considering that 43 percent (1,816,760 persons) of Georgia's total 1965 population lives in this region and that this population is expected to increase approximately 66 percent by 1980. Almost 28 percent (1,179,161 persons) of the 1965 state population resided in the Atlanta SMSA alone and this should increase approximately 96 percent by 1980. Furthermore, almost 47 percent of all total outdoor recreation demand as expressed in activity days originates in this region and by 1980 will increase to about 52 percent. The Atlanta SMSA not only has high internal demand but also a substantial external one. Countless numbers from all over the state come to Atlanta for a recreational purpose and just over 46 percent of all out-of-state recreation travelers coming into Georgia with Georgia destinations are drawn to the attractions in this metropolitan area. It is quite clear that this region should concentrate its efforts on providing facilities to meet the needs of its urban populations, and, especially in the case of the Atlanta SMSA, the needs of tourists.
The facilities most critically needed are the urban-oriented types discussed in the foregoing section, and rural-oriented that would be located within close proximity to urban centers, preferably within one or twohours driving time. This would mean convenience for one-day or week-end outings.
The major rural-oriented outdoor recreation areas in the north central region now answering much of the demand for one-day and week-end recreation trips are Allatoona Lake, Lake Lanier, Hartwell Reservoir, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain and nine
State Parks. These areas and a few others have a potential for satisfying most of the

unmet demand for specific types of outdoor recreation activities. Most of the above areas, especially in the case of the reservoirs can and should be further developed to satisfy as much of the demand possible for such activities as sight-seeing, swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing and camping. The demand for waterbased activities is particularly high. Among the purposes of vacation and recreation trips in Georgia, 38 percent are for swimming at beaches; 27 percent for fishing; and 26 percent for boating and water skiing. The capacity of the reservoirs could be increased to accommodate most of these demands. Two additional reservoirs have already been authorized for this region: Trotters Shoals, to be located between Hartwell and Clark Hill Reservoirs, and Laurens Shoals, south of Athens near the northern segment of the Oconee National Forest. These reservoirs should be capable of filling any gaps in the supply of major resource areas.
Reservoirs administered by the U.S. Corps af Engineers are exceptionally valuable resources in that state agencies, local governments, and, in certain cases, private groups and organizations are encouraged to develop sites thereon. State and local agencies should take advantage of such opportunities whenever the arrangements are practical and desirable.
West Central Region-The major needs for the west central region are for facilities to meet the demand of its own population. Columbus, where an estimated 63 percent of the region's population resided in 1965, generates most of the demand for outdoor recreation facilities. Trends indicate that the 1965 population of the Columbus SMSA will increase 61 percent by 1980, and, at that time, this metropolitan area is expected to contain 77 percent of the region's total population. A need for additional urbanoriented facilities for the Columbus SMSA's is indeed urgent.
The west central region is comparatively small (just over 4,000 square miles) and Columbus is centrally situated. Any rural-oriented facility in the region would be within an hour or so drive from Columbus. There are already several major recreation resource areas; most of which, however, have not been developed extensively for recreation
use. The most significant of these is the

56

Chattahoochee River which forms the western border for the region. Nearly all the Chattahoochee flowing through the region is, or soon will be, impounded by dams, the largest being the Lake Walter F. George which was completed in 1963. This area has more potential for further development in the near future than any other major resource in the region, and could easily meet most of the immediate needs for non-urban facilities.
The West Point Reservoir, scheduled for completion in 1971, is presently under construction. The Spewrell Bluff Reservoir, has recently been authorized. If developed intensively, they should be able to meet most of the future needs for non-urban oriented facilities in the west central region. Because of their close proximity to the Little White House and Callaway Gardens the reservoirs would also complement these two major tourist attractions. Numerous canyons located near the Chattahoochee River south of Columbus are among the most unusual natural features in Georgia. They are privately owned and are virtually untouched by development. Although there may not be an immediate pressing need for developing the canyons as recreation areas, they should be kept in their present natural state until such time as needed. If properly developed, the canyons could become a major tourist attraction.
Central Region-The central region occupies approximately one-fourth of the state's entire land acreage. In 1965, the regional population was an estimated 16 percent of Georgia's total. Although its popu lati on is expected to increase 15 percent for the period 1965-1980, the proportion of the state's population residing here will decrease to 13 percent by 1980. Greatest population gains will occur in urban areas. The Macon SMSA population is expected to grow 69 percent for the 1965-1980 period, and almost 46 percent of the region's population will be living in the Macon SMSA by 1980.
The greatest needs in the central region are for facilities for urban residents, especially those living in the Macon SMSA, and for facilities to attract the high volume of northsouth through traffic. Non-urban oriented accommodations, designed to serve both the demand created by residents of the region and tourists, are highly desirable. Interstate

75 and 16, when completed, will divide the region into three almost equal parts, and almost everyone living in the region will be within an hours drive from one of the Interstates. Facilities located in close proximity to the Interstates could, thus, serve a dual purpose. Picnicking and camping areas and developed historical sites are likely to be the most sought after attractions on the part of tourists passing through. Existing outdoor recreation areas located in close proximity to the Interstates, Oconee National Forest, High Falls State Park, Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park and existing outdoor recreation areas could be further developed to meet much of the anticipated demand. Additional rest areas accessible only from the Interstate are most suitable for the traveler wishing to stop only for a short time to picnic and rela~. One of the major historical sites in the region is the Andersonville complex which i.ncludes the ruins of a confederate military prison and the Andersonville National Cemetery. This area, presently owned by the U. S. Government, should be preserved for posterity and expanded for public use. Any development, however, ought to be compatible with the historical character of the area. One way of insuring this is to make Andersonville a National Park.
Major recreation resource areas in the vicinity of Macon, including the Oconee National Forest, Lake Sinclair and Jackson Lake, should be further developed to provide added opportunities for one-day and overnight recreation outings. Along with Lazer Creek Reservoir, which has been authorized by the Corps of Engineers, these could meet most of the needs for non-urban facilities in the Macon area.
East Central Region-The greatest need for facilities within the east central region will be in the Augusta SMSA; the Clark Hill Reservoir vicinity; and along Interstate 20 which, upon completion, will join Augusta and Atlanta. In 1965, almost 80 percent of the region's population resided in the Augusta SMSA alone and this figure is expected to increase 62 percent by 1980.
Preservation of open space along the Savannah River is of paramount importance in the Augusta SMSA, and along the Interstate for rest areas within the rights-of-way. Further development of existing project land adjacent to the Clark Hill Reservoir is also

recommended. Additional camping, picnicking, boating and swimming facilities would be especially desirable.
Southern Region-The southern region occupies almost one-quarter of all the land in Georgia. Being predominantly agricultural, the population density is comparatively low -39 persons per square mile in 1960 compared to 68 persons per square mile for the state as a whole. Unlike most regions, the population of the southern region is not heavily concentrated in any one urban center. Albany and Dougherty County, the only SMSA in the region, contained only an estimated 18 percent of its total population in 1965. The proportion residing in urban areas, however, was just a little below the average for the state in 1960-47 percent compared to 55 percent.
To meet daily resident needs in the southern region, cooperative effort between counties and their municipalities is recommended for the provision of community recreation facilities.
Most of the locally created demand for non-urban facilitie~ can be met by developing more extensively Lake Seminole, Columbia Lock and Dam and the region's 11 State Parks. Additional rest areas for Interstate 75 would be desirable, as would small parks with camping and picnicing facilities, provided they are located in close proximity to the Interstate 75 interchanges. Such facilities could serve both the local people and the large volume of north and south through traffic.
The single, most significant tourist attraction in the southern region is the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most beautiful and famous swamps in all of North America. One of America's most famed rivers, the Suwannee, flows through the Okefenokee. Natural beauty is its main attraction, and to scar the swamp with excessive development would destroy its intrinsic qualities. It is imperative that development within the swamp be kept to a minimum and the Suwannee protected from pollution and incompatible riverside exploitation. The preservation of the Okefenokee and the Suwannee can be insured by having them officially designated, respectively as a Wilderness Area and a Wild River.
Coastal Region-Marine-oriented recreation facilities are needed in the coastal re-

57

gion on the off-shore islands, the coastal sounds and inlets, and estuaries of river!i flowing into the Atlantic. The major obstacle to use of the coast for recreation ii lack of accessibility. Completion of the Interstate Routes will greatly resolve the statewide access problem. A balanced regional plan of conservation and development is most desirable for the coastal region. Swim-
ming, sunbathing, surfing, surf casting and camping are among the most popular activities of people seeking marine-oriented recreation experiences. Providing access to certain off-shore islands and developing them within their limitations for such activities enumerated above, should be given high priority. Those islands with exceptionally attractive natural features should be protected from over-development and commercialism. Islands can be exploited for extensive outdoor recreation use and still retain their natural character by developing them as public parks, either state or national. Cumberland Island, one of Georgia's most beautiful, is currently being considered for development as a National seashore. It is highly recommended that proposals to create a Cumberland Island National Seashore be supported. A state or county park on one of the islands near Savannah is also desirable and should be intensively developed to meet the large demand created by residents and tourists coming to Savannah. An attractive beach would complement Savannah's tourist allure. A combination of public and private investments should be considered for developing a seaside park near Savannah. The State Parks Department is currently making plans for a state park on Skidaway Island, and every effort should be made to see that this is carried out.
Additional and improved facilities are needed on inlets and estuaries for boating and salt water fishing. Ideally, they should be located within an hour's drive from either Savannah or Brunswick. Also, an effective estuary management program should be instituted to insure the proper maintenance and protection of the facilities.
If well developed for outdoor recreation, the coast of Georgia could become a major attraction for residents and tourists from many other states. Interstate 95, when completed, will extend the entire length of the region and increase the tourist potential of

the area considerably. Exceptionally attractive marine resources found along Georgia's coast would create a substantial demand if wisely tapped. Georgia is fortu_nate that most of her seashore resource have not yet been spoiled by misuse. Efforts should be made to preserve this wealth until a special outdoor recreation management development plan can be prepared.
Another major attraction in the coastal region is Savannah. Here, two hundred years of exciting, lively history is still fresh in the homes, buildings and sites upon which the city has built a successful tourist trade. The preservation and restoration of its heritage must continue.
Equally important to the people living in the coastal region are facilities for fulfilling their own day to day outdoor recreation needs. Tourist developments can or, hopefully, will be able to meet most of their nonurban recreation needs and emphasis should be directed toward creating an adequate system of urban-oriented opportunities. Facilities are most keenly needed in the Savannah-Chatham County and Brunswick-Glynn County areas where almost three-quarters of the region's population resided in 1965.
STATEWIDE NEEDS AND SPECIAL PROBLEMS
There are certain needs, or special problems relating to needs, that are appropriately identified with the State as a whole. They may exist in all parts of the state or in a few places but not necessarily in one particular location. It is with such needs as these that this section is concerned.
Quality Facilities Needs-The quality of outdoor recreation facilities and of their environment must be maintained at a relatively high level if they are to meet the demand for which they are quantitatively designed. The higher the quality of an outdoor recreation area, the higher the demand that will be generated. Quality is a demand creating factor. Also, the hig.her its quality, the greater the proportion of the total demand the area is likely to satisfy. The existing supply of outdoor recreation facilities and areas in Georgia most likely to meet more of the demand must do so by improving quality. Many people would rather have their demand for recreational experiences go unmet than recreate in unpleasant surroundings. Upgrading the quality of existing facilities and areas

where needed, before developing new ones is a reasonable approach. There are few exceptions where qualitative improvements would be less economical than the development of new outdoor recreation facilities.
Preserving the natural environment for present or future use as outdoor recreation areas is another important quality need. Conservation programs which stress wise utilization and management of natural resources are essential for an attractive supply of outdoor recreation areas. Forest fire protection, erosion control, prevention and abatement of stream pollution, maintenance of soil fertility and the development of new and better fish and game management techniques are all vital for the quality recreation conservation program. There is als(? a great need to keep existing recreation areas clean and the man-made facilities located therein in good useable condition.
Water Quality Control-Water quality deserves special attention. Streams, lakes and the ocean are among the most sought after outdoor recreation resources in the state, and, at the same time, the most abused. The seeming abundance of water in Georgia, particularly in the case of rivers and streams, is an illusion, since much of the state's river water cannot be safely used for recreation due to serious concentration of industrial and domestic wastes. Severe pollution renders public waters aesthetically unpleasant, unsafe for swimming and deadly to fish and other natural water life. Rivers emptying into the Atlantic have deposited refuse along what would otherwise be some of Georgia's most attractive beaches and have seriously endangered the acquatic life in estuaries and sounds. On the reservoirs and lakes, other types of water pollution are becoming more prevelent; oil slicks from water boats, sewage discharge from houseboats and litter are spoiling the water for certain forms of recreation, especially swimming.
Since water oriented activities are growing rapidly in the state, every attempt should be made to encourage appropriate action to eliminate water pollution. It is necessary to abate existing pollution and prevent further degradation of our waters through enforcement of adequate waste treatment requirements; and obtain equitable use of the water resources for all beneficial purposes. The Georgia Water Quality Control Board is al-

58

ready taking positive steps toward cleaning up Georgia's waters. Further efforts should be made to continue pollution research and to work closely with the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration in the abatement of water contamination.
Access to Water-Lack of adequate access to water, whether for boat launching, fishing or sightseeing, is another problem common throughout much of the State. Georgia has numerous lakes, reservoirs and streams, as well as the Atlantic coast, but these obviously cannot be of recreational value unless they can be reached. Reservoirs administered by the Corps of Engineers and TVA have, as a group, the best access of water resources in the state. The most crucial problems exist for the Georgia coast, (already discussed), reservoirs administered by power companies and the state's rivers and streams. Emphasis should be directed toward providing additional access to these particular water resources. The Georgia Game and Fish Commission, in conjunction with county governments, has already embarked upon developing a "system" of public boat access areas on several bodies of water. This statewide program, if carried out as planned, will increase the capacity of the state waters for boating and fishing from boats considerably. Other governmental agencies should make concerted efforts to provide access to waters for fishing from shore and swimming. The U. S. Corps of Engineers, U. S. Forest Service, Georgia Parks Department and county governments are the most logical entities to do this. These governmental bodies should also supplement the efforts of the Game and Fish Commission by developing additional boat access ramps.
Facilities for the Aged and HandicappedThis category is generally considered to include all those people 65 years or over, the widely accepted age for retirement. In 1960, Georgia had 291,000 people (7.4 percent of the total State population) 65 and over. It is estimated that by 1980, the State will have 444,000 senior citizens, a growth of 153,000 people in twenty years. The handicapped, on the other hand, are those in society who cannot maintain normal living experiences either for a brief or extended period of time.
Included in this group are the blind and deaf, the mentally ill and retarded, the physically disabled, the cardiac, the tubercular, the

orthopedically handicapped, the neurologically handicapped and the homebound. The exact number of handicapped person is unknown. However, it has been estimated that approximately ten percent of the children in the United States have an appreciable physical or mental disability. Both the aged and the handicapped experience the basic needs and drives as everyone else and require the same satisfactions for a happy adjustment in our society. It is important to the aged and handicapped and to the whole society, that outdoor recreation facilities especially adopted for their use be provided where needed. This can be at parks or recreation areas in close proximity to the places where most of these people live or where they could and would most likely frequent. The location of faci Iities can vary considerably for each particular group requiring special out door recreation facilities. The aged, for instance, make up about the same proportion of the population all over the state. The narrow range is from 6.7 percent in the coastal region to 8.8 percent in the central region. The need for recreation facilities used by the aged is greater where their number is highest. Mowever thought should be given to the needs of the elderly. At the other extreme, a large portion of the population inflicted with psychosis in institutionalized and therefore, concentrated. For these people, recreation facilities must either be provided within the confines of the institution or in close proximity thereto. With few exceptions, most existing outdoor recreation activities, areas can be easily be adapted for use by the aged and handicapped, and it is often desirable that special facilities for the aged and handicapped be interegrated with facilities for everyone else. This reinforces their involvement with society.
The types of special facilities needed for the aged and handicapped, of course, vary. Professionals most familiar with the needs of the aged and handicapped should always be consulted when planning facilities for them.
HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION
Driving for pleasure is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities, and the highways are used daily by millions of people. It is desirable that the environment in which driving takes place be a pleasant as possible. This requires a comprehensive

highway beautification program. The State Highway Department is the most effective agency in dealing with highway beautification problems since it has most of the legal authority and purisdiction. As highway use increases and the development of land ad~ jacent to rights-of-way soars, keeping the highway environment beautiful becomes more difficult. In light of this fact, it is recommended that the Highway Department escalate its activities relative to litter removal from rights-of-way, landscaping rights-ofway, close supervision of the Highway Beautification Act, especially those provisions concerning the presence of bill boards and junkyards in the vicinity of the Interstate and Federal Primary highways. Efforts should be made for the development of federally aided parkways through some of the state's more scenic areas. The land adjacent to Federal Parkways is closely regulated in order to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Specific Facility Needs-Estimates of facilities commonly identified with, but which are not necessarily limited to, the rural environment have been made on a statewide basis (See Table 16). Unlike urban facilities which are used predominately by the population of the community in which they are located, rural-oriented ones are frequently used by people from long distances. Due to a lack of adequate data on both intra-state and inter-state recreation travel patterns, quantitative estimates of need for non-urban oriented facilities could only be made for the state as a whole and not by regions. Unless otherwise stated, estimated needs as given in this section have been derived by: (1) estimating by activity total participation on an average week-end day during the peak season; (2) establishing daily capacities of outdoor recreation facilities; (3) quantifying the facilities required to meet the estimated demand; and (4) contrasting existing supply to total facilities required to obtain deficiency or need.
Distribution of existing facilities within the state was not considered in determining need. One section of the state may have a surplus of facilities while others have virtually none. Because of this, the needs as given are more conservative than if they had been estimated by regions.

59

PROGRAM NEEDS
If the physical needs are to be met, governmental agencies must have effective administrative machinery and plans for development. Furthermore, the agencies must work together toward developing complementary facilities and avoiding unnecessary duplication. It is with such needs as these that this section is concerned.
ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION Providing for outdoor recreation facilities
is primarily a matter of state and local concern. Coordination of programs and actions by state agencies must precede effective policy formulation before substantive improvement can be realized.
Local governments look to the State for direction, since this is their source. A primary purpose of the comprehensive plan is to identify and suggest a practical program of action leading to the desired objective of greater and better recreational opportunities

for Georgians and out-of-state visitors. The present dispersion of recreational programs must be surmounted before this goal can be realistically approached. No single agency is vested with the executive authority necessary for defining or implementing a comprehensive outdoor recreation policy. Instead, more than 25 separate agencies are charged with various responsibilities related to recreation (See Figure 21). Of those having some degree of legal responsibility or concern for outdoor recreation, many are only remotely involved; a few are vested with primary full-time responsibilities in outdoor recreation.
Prerequisite for a successful action program is the creation of a common forum, through which understanding and cooperation can be effected. This vehicle, representing the major interested agencies, could bring together for the first time all the dispersed attitudes and viewpoints bearing on outdoor recreation. Not only would such a

Table 16. ESTIMATED STATEWIDE NEEDS FOR SELECTED OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES: 1968-1980

Activities Swimming
(beach)

Standards

1968 Needs

- - - - - - - -------- ---- - - - - - -

1SO user days/25 ft. of

53,000 feet.

shoreline
sq. -s,ooo ft:-o-f beach1.2s~-243acresof-beach

1980 Needs
--------
128,000 ft.
- ---- ------
587 acres

feet of shoreline
---------
1,000 sq. ft. of water/25 48 acres of water

of beach 177 acres

ft. of shoreline

of water

-------

Bicycling Picnicking

1,000 user days/mi. trail
suser days/table

62 mi/trail 15,720 t-a-b-le_s___ -

92 mi/trail 24,720tables-

------- -------------------

Nature Walks

320 user days/mi. trail

304 miles of trail

473 mi. trail

- - - - - - - - - - --- -----

- ------------- ------ - ---

Hunting

1 user day. 20 acres of

248,933 acres

1,248,933

land

acres

Camping

4 user days/space

6,316 spaces

_B_o_a-ti_n_g_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _1_r_a_m_p/125 registerecr- 320 ramps

18,316 spaces 584 ramps

boats

Fishing and

Boating: 9 user days/4 water acres

water skiing

Fishing: 1 user day/1.5 water acres

Skiing: 7 user days/1

water acre

Hiking

100 user days/mile trail

----------------;-cc---;~------

25 acres of land/1,000

Acreage for

population for local areas

outdoor rec-

65 acres per/1,000

reation use

population for state inter-

mediate areas

110 miles 32,791 acres

-

------- ---

-

155 miles

68,391 acres

forum be able to direct a comprehensive plan of action, it would be ideally suited to minimize duplication of effort where it now occurs. (Both overlaps and gaps in current responsibility could be eliminated by amicable agreement.) Through administrative arrangement, the resulting liaison could produre a unity of financial effort and fiscal efficiency. Such a forum could effectively deal with the federal and local governments and with private enterprise.
The need for action to develop outdoor recreation facilities is immediate. An interagency approach provides the most practical means to do this effectively, and it is recommended that an lnteragency Council for Outdoor Recreation be established by executive order until a more formal and lasting arrangement is found necessary.
The creation of an lnteragency Council for Outdoor Recreation (ICOR) wol!lld not require formation of a new department or additional staff or quarters. The lnteragency Council for Outdoor Recreation should serve as a policy-prescribing body. Program responsibilities as they now exist would remain undisturbed until such time as the General Assembly might see fit to change them.
The membership of this committee should consists of the following agencies: (1) Department of State Parks; (2) State Game and Fish Commission; (3) Tourist Division, Department of Industry and Trade; (4) Historical Commission; (5) Recreation Commission; (6) Soil and Water Conservation Committee, (7) State Health Department and the Water Quality Control Board; (8) State Highway Department; (9) State Planning Bureau, and (10) State Budget Bureau.
This council would have authority to establish recreation policy, within prescribed legislative limits, based upon and implemented through the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.
Execution of the plan, including the administration of the various grant-in-aid programs made available to federal acts, would be carried out by the various line agencies.
The State Planning Bureau should serve as the staff agency to the council in developing a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan through the coordinated efforts of all interested agencies.
An lnteragency Technical Coordinating

60

Existing Organizational Structure of Agencies Concerned with Outdoor Recreation
Figure 21
VOTERS ELECT

~--------------~--------------r--------------r-------- ----------r--------------~--------------,

'

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

- - -

I

I

I

- - - I

I

I

Appointive and Control Power

~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -,.. - - - - - - - - ---- ---- -----,

I

I

I

I

I

I

Appointive Power Only

< 0\\\\1,\l<J'J ON ACINC

l,A Rl(RlATION lOM\'

Ex Officio and Appointive Commission and Authorities

l ,!1 lf..:<.I \ I ii\ I( lf..:I( \I \ ( l\\\1:-,\I( l'.

l ".I\ I f..:\I 11 '-1 \I\\\ l'.l 111 ll'.(, \l ill< Jf.:11 '1 '1] \Ii \{ IH J( JI IH'II [1["-,( \l 1111 lh::i'i

\( \\'<lf..:111 I \f._l \l lll<ll-:l:l .., I \I l 1 ( ll '..( II I I W 11 ii !'f..:I \)I-:\\] I( I', \ ll '. \I l 1-.: \I l ,I ( lk( ,I \ \ < l \" I \I '-( I '.I\ fill ,11\\ \'r \l I I H Jf,; I 1

\t-'.I \s.,

"( 111 \ '.[ l \\ \ I 11\ ( < l'. -,J 1-:\ \l I( l'-. \ I l\\ \II I 11 I ! I l ~ \\ \f..: \\ '-l'f..:1 '.{ ,\ \ tl \ H lf..:I \l \ ',\( H I \I I\ l'-..

11 f- 'r 11 l\l \ "-.I J \l 11 l( >RI 11

,IIl<.....I \\(ll'-.1\I'-. \'il\\ll!-:1\l \',',(Hl\lH)',

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(,l(>h:Cl\{\l\1\\l's'>l(l'-. i()f,: Ill! )J!\'!\(Jl'\\i'-.1 (JI Ill! <11\11\fl(HHIII! KI\IR ll\'il<.....

<.....( W 1ll (,I< Jh:(,I\ \\( ll '-. l \I"" l < l\\\\l's'sl( J'-.

61

Committee comprised of representatives from other agencies concerned with outdoor recreation should be created and called upon to participate in developing and implementing the comprehensive plan.
STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING NEEDS
Three prerequisites of an effective statewide recreation planning program are: (1) an atmosphere of understanding among state agencies regarding the benefits which may accrue to each individually (2) the active participation of each agency in the planning process; and (3) the structuring of the comprehensive technical planning studies to contain elements responsive to the needs of each participating agency.
Comprehensive planning must take into account not one but four levels of planning; (1) a comprehensive development policy plan; (2) functional plans; (3) program plans; and (4) a biennial development program.
Comprehensive Development Policy Plan -The comprehensive development policy plan must be concerned with the total range of state interest in its broadest economic, social and physical context. The policy plan tends to look ahead 20 to 30 years and identify future problems, opportunities and goals for the state.
Functional Plans-Functional plans cut across programs and often across departmental lines. They operate within the general framework of the comprehensive development policies plan. Functional plans, of which outdoor recreation would be one, establish more specific goals for a specified area and relate on-going or needed programs at all levels to the accomplishment of the objectives. (A functional plan sets up the direction, magnitude and thrust of departmental program plans by providing a framework for the location of projects, a sense of timing and strategy, an examination of program obpectives and alternatives.) Functional plans are coordinative decision-making tools cooperatively arrived at, and, as such, they should be carefully related to the state budget as yardsticks for state fiscal policy.
Program Plans-Preparation of its program plans is the responsibility of each department. The departments may have several programs, all geared to one or more functional planning areas, requiring coordination

at the departmental level for optimum use of fiscal and personnel resources.
Biennial Development Program-A biennial development program would present the legislature a proposed recreation development plan of the state in the years immediately ahead. The biennial development program should cover a six-year period divided into three bienniums and should establish and recognize short range development program objectives. The biennial development program should be updated every two years for the succeeding six-year period in the light of then existing conditions. It is one of the major bases for biennial budget formulation.
Through the process of comprehensive planning, proper relationships can be given to outdoor recreation functions and to statewide planing in other areas, such as water resources and transportation. The process should evolve in such a way that each participant would benefit in the cooperative undertaking and still become a major contributor toward the preparation and development of the comprehensive statewide plan for outdoor recreation. In this manner departmental planning is strengthened and becomes a working and cooperative process.
Technical work programs can be developed and implemented on a continuing basis. This would simultaneously yield immediate products which can become instrumental in the decision making process at both the technical and policy decision-mak- ing levels. Through this process, the testing of development standards and other methodology can be carried out and consistently improved.
RELATED PROGRAM NEEDS
Based on an analysis of the background studies carried out in support of this planning effort, two related programs are needed to keep pace with the growing demand for outdoor recreation, a health program and a metropolitan affairs program.
Health-There are two areas of concern in the field of public health which relate to outdoor recreation: (1) the need for a uniform statewide environmental health code directly applicable to recreational areas and facilities; and (2) facilities for the aged and handicapped.
Virtually all aspects of environmental sanitation are present at outdoor recreation

areas. Each visitation to a recreational fa-

cility introduces the participant to a situation

where environmental sanitation has a direct

bearing on his recreation experience. As-

pects of concern to him are water supply,

sewage disposal, insect and rodent control,

solid waste storage, collection and disposal

and water pollution.

The use of sound sanitation practices in

recreation areas has not kept up with the

rapidly increasing number of visitors. The

Georgia Department of Public Health is

studying proposed regulations applicable to

outdoor recreation areas in Georgia. This

particular program (needs further emphasis

and) will necessitate considerable coordina-

tion with other agencies.

Operating agencies should adopt general

design criteria and development standards

that would result in a modification of recrea-

tional facilities to accommodate the aged

and handicapped. Need is greatest in provid-

ing facilities permitting the free integration

and movement by this segment of society at

outdoor recreation areas. It should not be the

intent to design special areas and isolated re-

treats for the aged and handicapped. Rather,

the need is to design and provide simple fa-

cilities which will allow a full range of par-

ticipation with the family unit or other

groups.

Metropolitan Affairs-With the rapid ur-

ban growth that Georgia is experiencing

there is the need to institute a program to

provide for 'high density" regional recrea-

tion areas within easy access to the massive

population concentrations.

This is identified as a program because it

means a sharing of responsibilities by both

the state and local governments. Both fiscal

and statutory changes in existing programs

will become necessary.

Currently, there is no effective means for

inter-jurisdictional participation at the local

level to finance, develop and maintain a

system of regional parks necessary to sup-

port a major metropolitan area. Conversely,

there is not sufficient statutory latitude that

would allow the state to satisfy this need,

adequately.

Therefore, it is necessary to evolve a pro-

gram to fill the void in the existing "responsi-

bility gap". Metropolitan affairs is high pri-

ority matter for early study and action by the

proposed Inter-agency Council for Outdoor

Recreation.



62

ACTION
63

A basic purpose in providing information set forth in previous chapters is to offer guidance in determining future action. It is not possible for an administrative bureau to commit policy-determining institutions of government, as in the case of the agency responsible for preparing this plan. However, a program of action should be formulated which would help governmental agencies meet identified needs.
The action program should be instrumental in keeping pace with the rapidly increasing needs confronting Georgia. Because a significant amount of time is required for an evolving planning program, a determination of complete and detailed actions is difficult to arrive at now. To specify actions in greater detail, the planning program should be realized whereby actions, based on needs, can be identified as a part of the planning and budgeting process.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
It is difficult to calculate the magnitude of funding required to meet the outdoor recreation needs in Georgia. A factor which poses even greater difficulty is determining how sufficient revenues can be generated. With the exception of special authorities, the sale of bonds is constitutionally prohibited. Therefore, revenues must be appropriated by legislative process. Other funding sources can be realized from various federal assistance programs. However, these are usually contingent on the ability to provide matching funds.
Based on the best estimates obtainable $63,000,000 will be required to provide for additional state and local outdoor recreation facility needs through 1973. This amount is considered necessary to keep Georgia's programs abreast of reasonable needs, as established by national criteria. PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES
Projection of annual expenditures required to fulfill the needs indicated by this study should take into account three pervading factors: (1) time required by the process of land acquisition; (2) the impact factor involved in meeting the immediate needs for upgrading existing recreation facilities; and (3) the expanding population, which will create a greater demand for recreation facilities and a greater revenue capability for financing the program in each of the next five fiscal years (See Table 17).

LAND AND FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
An estimated $63,000,000 will be required for meeting the local and state share of the needs as determined for the five-year period of 1968-1973. Of this, land acquisition will consume $33,000,000 and basic development will absorb the remaining $30,000,000.
Over the next five years an additional 20,800 acres of high density land will be needed by local governments, most in or near major centers of population. Smaller communities that will experience population growth are going to need a proportionate amount of land. The state will need an estimated 48,800 acres for general outdoor recreation purposes and historical and natural sites, excluding an estimated 670,000 acres for hunting.
Estimates of developed facilities needed are shown on Table 18.
The projects enumerated will be undertaken by the State Parks Department, State Highway Department, State Historical Commission and State Game and Fish Commission. In addition to the acquisition of land through purchase, other areas will be sought through lease and donations. In several instances, development will occur on federal reservoirs or other federal lands.

There are other significant undertakings which will be carried out by special authorities, in addition to those previously mentioned. Among those are: the Lake Lanier Island development; the North Georgia Mountains Commission project near Helen; Stone Mountain Authority's land acquisition; and additional development by the Jekyll Island Authority.
LOCAL PROJECTS It is virtually impossible to identify the
projects that will be carried out by local governments during the next five years.
PLANNED PROJECTS
As previously indicated, the planning process has not developed to a level sufficient for determining a detailed investment program for the next five years. In order to accomplish this objective, further refinement of the planning and budgeting process will be required.
There are, however, project actions that will be undertaken or initiated in the coming five-year period. These actions will fulfill some of the previously identified needs.
STATE PROJECTS Table 19 presents the known programs, by
category, to be undertaken during the years immediately ahead.

Table 17. PROJECTED SCHEDULE FOR EXPENDITURES

Land Acquisition

Land Development*

YEAR

Local

State

Local

State

68-69 69-70 70-71 71-72 72-73

$4,000,000 $4,500,000 $5,000,000 $5,500,000 $6,000,000

$1,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000

$2,800,000 $3,000,000 $3,300,000 $3,700,000 $4,200,000

$2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $3,000,000

*Cost is based on facilities required as derived from the needs chapter. Expenditures for other types of development is not included.

Table 18. ESTIMATED STATE & LOCAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS:

1968-1973

Activity

Units of Supply

Swimming Pools Swimming Beach

100 pools 10 miles

Trails, Bicycle Trails, hiking

75 miles 40 miles

Play Fields

950 fields

Play Courts Picnic

1,600 courts 13,000 tables

Boating Camping Golf

225 ramps 3,420 spaces
110 holes

64

Means for implementation of local projects will be sought for those identified in the comprehensive community and areawide plans.
Local and areawide planning agencies initiated various projects of regional significance. Included among these are:
Implementation of metropolitan plans, such as the Open Space and Nature Preserve Plan for the Atlanta Metropolitan Region.
Kinchafoonee Lake and Recreation Project in West Central Georgia.
Mud Swamp Recreation Area Project near Valdosta.
Red Clay Council Springs Historic and recreation areas in Northwest Georgia.
Lauren's Shoals Planning and Development Projects in the North Central Region.
Tired Creek Reservoir and recreation area in the Southern Region.
The Groveland Project at the junctions of the Central, East Central and Coastal Regions.
In the Southern region, the Big Satilla Creek and other projects will be considered.

SOURCE OF FUNDS
Under existing conditions in Georgia, it is virtually impossible to predict what funds may become available. Budget for state agencies are contingent on legislative appropriation. Local governments must seek a comparable avenue to financing; although they enjoy greater latitude in regard to bonding at the local level.
Table 20 indicates revenue sources to be sought during the ensuing five years.
It is anticipated that local governments will utilize numerous federal programs which provide financial assistance for outdoor recreation. Local governments may directly benefit from the Open Space Program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and continue to share the Land and Water Conservation Fund on a 50-50 basis.
PRIORITIES
In order to assure a balanced system of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities throughout Georgia it is necessary to establish priorities. To help achieve the goal of

providing for the needs of the public, this priority system is recommended:
LAND ACQUISITION
Early acquisition of land in and near urban areas.
Acquisition of high quality lands for meeting statewide needs.
Acquisition of sites possessing unique historical, cultural or natural characteristics.
Acquisition of sites which would be enhanced by adjacent development.
DEVELOPMENT
Development of projects that will further enhance the state's existing and outdoor recreation areas to an optimum level for recreation and tourism.
Development of sites that will satisfy the immediate need for day-us-e facilities, especially in and near urban areas.
Development of multiple use areas. Development of areas where joint par-
ticipation can be achieved on an intergovernmental basis. Development of sites which will maximize joint cooperation with the private sector.

Table 19. OUTDOOR RECREATION PROJECTS PLANNED FOR DEVELOPMENT BY THE STATE AGENCIES

Mountain

North Central

Central

East Central

West Central

Coastal

Southern

Beautification

7

5

Water Access

30

32

Swimming Facilities

3

1

Trails, Overlooks and

Playgrounds

9

8

Visitor Centers, and Rest

Stations

3

2

Picnicking Facilities

9

4

Camping Facilities

19

8

Group Camps and Cottages

9

5

Basic Development (new)

1

2

Land Acquisition

2

Amphitheater

1

2

Golf

Historic

1

Fishing Areas

2

2

Fish Hatcheries

1

1

Coastal Fishing Reefs

Hunting Areas

1

1

Highway Rest Areas

3

5

5

30

33

2

6

5

1

2

7

7

9

7

2

4

3

2

1

1

1

3

2

2

1

3

1

1

8

28

30

1

1

9

2

2

2

8

3

2

14

1

1

8

2

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

5

1

2

2

1

2

Note: This table indicates the extent of project activity anticipated. Each project will conform with the development plans of the respective

implementing agency. Total capacity provided must be determined by the respective site plans.

65

RELATIONSHIP TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR
One function of the continuing planning program will be to seek a clearer definition for the division of responsibilities among the public and private sectors. At present, it is apparent that the private interests should undertake development having a profit incentive. Further detailed study should indicate strategic private investment sites in relation to regional public attractions and access roads.
CONTINUING PLANNING PROGRAM
Since the enactment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, added impetus has been given to comprehensive state planning for outdoor recreation. Initially, an "interim plan" was prepared in direct response to that Act. Subsequently, building a base of knowledge through studies related to carrying out the planning process has been stressed.
This planning document is based on work begun after compilation of the "interim plan". Studies and planning tools developed during the course of this most recent undertaking will have significant value in carrying forth a continuing program for comprehensive outdoor recreation planning.
The state intends to develop a more effective inter-agency approach to planning. Planning at the various levels should then be of greater value to decision-makers for more action in providing additional outdoor recreation opportunities. Improved program coordination and greater understanding of the existing and emerging problems should result. Desired factors to perpetuate the planning process are outlined in the following paragraphs.
PLANNING ADMINISTRATION
It is important for the State to maintain a professional planning staff to carry out the

coordination necessary for a continuing program. This function should be accomplished in a manner commensurate with statutory obligations.
The State Planning Bureau has the responsibility for state planning coordination. It is anticipated that the Bureau will be instrumental in providing staff leadership to an Inter-agency Technical Coordinating Committee and an lnteragency Council for Outdoor Recreation. There will be an increasing effort to bring about interagency participation and efforts will be made to better communitcate with the private-sector.
A key responsibility is development of a coordinating function among the many agencies at the federal, state, and local levels as it relates to planning. This would be a primary staff function in the continuing comprehensive planning program.
INFORMATION During the past 18 months, many studies
have been undertaken in support of the outdoor recreation planning program. These data will be assembled and disseminated in a manner most beneficial for continuing planning purposes.
To make the best use of the planning base already established, workshops, seminars and other meetings are to be scheduled. The purpose of these meetings will be to inform technicians and policy makers of Georgia's outdoor recreation planning situation. Major emphasis regarding this information program will be directed toward planning and its resultant benefits. Attention will be directed to plan implementation and how planning data and information can be instrumental in decision making.
COORDINATION Coordination, on a sustained basis, must
be realized to relate properly those planning activities being carried out at the state, federal, and local levels. This function will continue to be a major responsibility of the

Table 20. REVENUE SOURCES SOUGHT

1968-1973

State Government

$19,500,000

Local Government

15,000,000

Land and Water Conservation Fund

7,500,000

Dingell-Johnson Fund

1,500,000

Pittman-Robertson Fund Open Space Fund Other Federal Programs

2,500,000 7,500,000 10,000,000

66

State Planning Bureau. Major federal program coordination to be
undertaken will include: the Appalachia Highlands Study and Water Resource Study made by the Appalachian Regional Commission; the Study of American Islands; the Coastal Plains Regional Commission activities and other federally stimulated programs that may be initiated. Coordination will be established with state and local agencies as a matter of course. Provisions for flood plain zoning, open-space and recreational land acquisition will be coordinated with comprehensive planning at the local and regional levels.
A test for measuring the effectiveness of planning coordination will be largely contingent on the establishment of an lnteragency Council for Outdoor Recreation within state government. Through an lntergency Council, many areas of conflict can be resolved before they become public concern. A council would also provide a vehicle for presenting a consolidated state position in regard to federally proposed projects.
PLAN MAINTENANCE A prominent factor in establishing the ini-
tial plan was building a foundation for a continuing program. Continued plan maintenance is necessary to retain Land and Water Conservation Fund grant eligibility. One of the planning elements, therefore, provided for the design of a continuing planning process which concerned itself with a broader scope of the outdoor recreationtourism planning function.
The planning design study was built upon the work already undertaken during this initial planning endeavor. Primarily, it is structured to broaden the scope and allow departure from the minimal requirements and methodology suggested by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. The latter approach stands to operate in a closed system and consequently, has limited value in the making decisions.
The plan calls for focusing attention on the Coastal and Mountain Regions which have abundant resource potential. Also, the structuring of a continuous statewide demand function will be initiated and become a key tool measuring the recreation values of Georgians.

As a means of affording an opportunity to enhance, preserve and wisely utilize Georgia's abundant endowments, the following considerations are recommended:
Evaluation of unique natural, scenic, historic and cultural values and relating them to various resource development proposals,
Comprehension of the present outdoor recreation-tourism situation,
Establishment of ways to measure recreation values - particularly in the Mountain and Seacoast Regions,
Discernment of policy gaps and making provisions for regularized policy formation to guide state action and establish relationships between the state and federal levels and between the state and its local governments.
Ability to forecast the effects of alternative policies and actions,
Measurement of the effectiveness of policies, programs and actions as they relate to the prinicpal variables identified.
The following work program, organized in four major parts reflects: (1) the need for statewide supply-participation interrelationships, (2) application of these relationships to the physical, social and economic environments of the mountain region and coastal region, (3) the establishment of development strategies for the two regions consistent with statewide outdoor recreation-tourism policy, and (4) the translation of the strategies and policies into the requisite comprehensive statewide planning process instruments.
Part A Statewide Foundation Component A.1 Refinement of Supply Data
Element A.1.1 Formulation of Grid and Coding System
Element A.1.2 Data and Capability Inventory
Element A.1.3 Facility Inventory and Coding Studies
Element A.1.4 Resource Inventory and Coding System
Component A.2 Measurements of Preference, Participation and Use
Element A.2.1 Study of Motivational Factors

Eiement A.2.2 Georgia Outdoor Recreation Survey
Element A.2.3 Continuous Users Survey Design and Testing
Part B Mountain Region and Seacoast Region Analysis
Component B.1 Physical Development Alternative and Priorities
Element B.1.1 Corridor Analysis Element B.1.2 Use and Design Standards Eiement B.1.3 Physical Development and
Expansion Paths Element B.1.4 Land Ownerships Element B.1.5 Formulation of Alternative
Resource Use Arrangements
Component B.2 Institutional Compilation Element B.2.1 Activities of Local Governments Element B.2.2 Special Government Entities Element B.2.3 The Effects of State Statutes on Local and Regional Governments
Component B.3 Economic Patterns Element B.3.1 Economic Base Studies
Element B.3.2 Outdoor Recreation-Tourism Patterns
Component B.4 Analysis
Element B.4.1 Analysis of Supply, Demand, and User Data
Element B.4.2 Gains and Losses
Element B.4.3 Existing Policy Definition and Analysis
Part C. Formulation of Development Strategy
Component C.1 Development Strategy and Implementation Planning
Element C.1.1 Outdoor Recreation Policy and Development Strategy for the State, Mountain Region and Seacoast Region
Element C.1.2 Preparation of Functional Plans for Outdoor Recreation Tourism
Element C.1.3 Preparation of Program Plans
Part D. Implementation Instruments Element D.1.1 Annual or Biennial Development Program Element D.1.2 Legislative Program

67

LITERATURE CITED
IHeyl, R. James. Environmental Resources for Outdoor Recreation-Unpublished research study prepared for the State Planning Bureau. Athens: Institute of Community and Area Development, University of Georgia, 1967, pp. 18-28.
2/bid., p. 3.
3/bid., pp. 2-17.
4 /bid., pp. 71-74.
5Chilton Research Associates. Survey of Private Outdoor Recreation Enterprises. Atlanta: State Planning Bureau, 1967.
6Thompson, John R. and Robert E. Tritt, Role of The Private Sector, Unpublished research study prepared for the State Planning Bureau, Athens: Institute of Community and Area Development, University of Georgia 1967, pp. 30-31.
7State Planning Bureau. Inventory of Public Outdoor Recreation Areas. Atlanta: the Bureau, 1967.
8/bid.
9State Highway Department of Georgia. Georgia's Highway Needs. Atlanta: the department, 1967, p. 6.
IODanielsen, Albert L. and Charles F. Floyd. Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Population to 1980. Unpublished research study prepared for the State Planning Bureau, Athens: Institute of Community and Area Development, University of Georgia, 1967, p. 11.
I I/bid., p. 5.
I 2/bid., p. 15.
I 3/bid.
I 4Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission. Outdoor Recreation for America. Washington: U. 5. Government Printing Office, 1962, p. 38.

I 5Op. cit., Danielsen, pp. 40-41.
I 6 /bid., p. 37.
I 1Op. cit., ORRRC, Outdoor Recreation for America p. 41.
I 8 Op. cit., Danielsen, p. 67.
I 9Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission. National Recreation Survey. Washington: U. 5. Government Printing Office, 1962.
2oop. cit., Danielsen. 2IOp. cit., ORRRC, Outdoor Recreation For America p. 36.
22 Op. cit., Danielsen, pp. 20-21.
23National Commission on Technology, Automation and Economic Progress.Unpublished Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. 5. Department of Labor.
24 Keeling, William B. Georgia Travel Industry. Research Study prepared for the Tourist Division, Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. Athens: Bureau of Business Research, University of Georgia.
25National Recreation Association.
26 1nternational City Managers' Association. Local Planning Administration. Chicago: The Association, 1959.
27National Recreation Association. 28 /bid. 29 /bid. 30 /bid.
3 IWoodlief, John B. Coif Courses in Urban Areas. Unpublished Master's Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1966, p. 18.

Preparation of this document was financed, in part, by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
For information contact John L. Gordon, Liasion Officer for Administration, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Director of the State Parks, 7 Hunter Street, 5. W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30334.

68

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