Development and utilization of these resources is compatible and can be harmonized with use of the area for recreational purposes under multiple-use management programs carried out on national forest lands. The contributions of these resources to the economy of the counties concerned should be continued and increased.

The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks area is well suited for designation and development as a national recreation area. To fully realize the benefits the area can provide there will need to be additional consolidation of national forest lands and there will need to be accelerated development of facilities for outdoor recreation. If this is done, there will result large and continuing increases in public use. To accommodate these users and to service their needs, there will have to be developed privately owned facilities in substantial quantity.

A national recreation area as proposed, therefore, would not only provide greatly increased public outdoor recreation opportunities in an area accessible to large centers of population, but also would materially advance the local economy. The counties involved are in areas of continued and substantial unemployment and a relatively low rate of economic activity. A national recreation area will benefit this situation, both immediately and in the long run, through: (a) the inflow of funds for accelerated development and intensified administration, and (b) the upbuilding of a permanent economic base oriented heavily to outdoor recreation but including also utilization of timber, minerals, and other resources. Most of the lands, waters, or interests therein to be acquired for the proposed recreation area will be within the presently existing boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest. These may be acquired with appropriations from the land and water conservation fund. In order to facilitate the total acquisition program and permit purchase of the remaining areas with land and water conservation fund appropriations, we recommend that S. 7 be amended by adding the following sentence in line 17 on page 2 after the first sentence in section 3(a): "For the purpose of section 6 of the Act of September 3, 1964 (78 Stat. 897, 903), the boundaries of the Monangahela National Forest, as designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2 of this Act, shall be treated as if they were the boundaries of that forest on January 1, 1965."

We also recommend that in line 6, page 4, the word "renewal" be deleted. This will make it clear that the development of mineral resources in the area could also be permitted.

The boundaries of the area that we propose for designation are presently known and shown on a map on file in the office of the Chief of the Forest Service. We therefore recommend that these boundaries be definitely referred to in the bill by the following amendment: Page 2, delete all in lines 4 through S and insert in lieu thereof the following: "comprised of the area including Spruce Knob, Smoke Holes, and Seneca Rock, and lying primarily in the drainage of the South Branch of the Potomac River, the boundaries of which shall be those shown on the map entitled 'Proposed Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area,' dated March 1965, which is on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture; and" The Bureau of the Budget advises that the enactment of this proposed legislation would be in accord with the President's program.

DEAR SENATOR ELLENDER: This responds to your request for the views of this Department on S. 7, a bill to provide for the establishment of the Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, in the State of West Virginia, and for other purposes.

We recommend that the bill be enacted, with the amendments recommended herein.

The bill provides for establishment of an area of not more than 100,000 acres of land in West Virginia within and adjacent to the present boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest as the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. The area will include such unit or units as may be designated by

the Secretary of Agriculture, including but not limited to Spruce Knob, Smoke Holes, and Seneca Rocks.

We believe that the establishment of the proposed national recreation area is justified because of its geographic location, accessibility to large segments of our population, and outstanding recreation resources. The area meets the criteria for national recreation areas, set forth in Policy Circular No. 1, issued by the Recreation Advisory Council on March 26, 1963. The National Park Service of this Department, in its March 1961 report on West Virginia's recereation resources, identified the outstanding scenic, geologic, and recreation values of the area and recommended its establishment as a national recreation area. The report by the President's Appalachian Regional Commission, 1964 also specifically recommended the establishment of the area as a national recreation area. Approximately 40 percent of the proposed recreation area is situated within the Monongahela National Forest. The Secretary of Agriculture would administer the area in accordance with the laws, rules,and regulations applicable to national forests to provide for (1) public outdoor recreation benefits; (2) conservation of scenic, scientific, historic, and other values contributing to public enjoyment; and (3) management, utilization, and disposal of renewable natural resources to promote the purposes for which the recreation area is established. Significantly, the highest point in West Virginia, Spruce Knob, is located in the area. The mountains in this region have steep slopes, sheer cliffs, and large rock formations that rise spectacularly from the valley floor and mountainsides. Impressive geological exposures, limestone caverns, alpine-type high meadows, picturesque valleys, and an abundance of water in the form of clear mountain streams and large springs are a part of the natural scene. All of these features make the area ideally suited for outdoor recreation activities— camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, winter sports, canoeing, rock climbing, and the enjoyment of scenic and natural historic values.

The proposed national recreation area is located primarily in the watershed of the South Branch of the Potomac River. This branch of the Potomac and its tributaries offer white-water canoeing and excellent fishing; the high mountain country around Spruce Knob and Spruce Mountain, North Mountain, Cave Mountain, and other high ridges provides scenic vistas and varied opportunities for public recreation. Interesting and impressive geologic formations such as the Spires of Seneca Rocks, Blue Rock, Eagle Rock, the Smoke Holes, Seneca Caverns and other caverns and caves illustrate the power of earth-shaping forces and provide an inspiring backdrop for camping, picnicking, sightseeing, nature study, hiking, and mountain climbing.

The Corps of Engineers has proposed the construction of a Royal Glen Dam on the South Branch of the Potomac which would create a 2,800-acre reservoir. This reservoir would cover about one-half of the Smoke Holes, an outstanding stretch of wild river particularly attractive to white-water canoeists. In his February 8 message on natural beauty the President asked the Secretary of the Interior to review the Potomac River Basin development plan now under review by the Chief of Army Engineers.

Hunting and fishing are important uses of the area. The river and streams are famous for their trout and bass and the land is high-quality habitat for deer, turkey, and small game. Forest game habitat improvement work is carried on in the Spruce Knob area under the Federal aid in wildlife restoration program, which is administered by the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Federal aid funds have been used by the State to develop game habitat for deer and turkey. The work consists primarily of game clearings, plantings of grain, grass, and legumes, waterhold development, and improvement of hunter access roads and trails.

The State department of natural resources also has participated in the construction of Spruce Knob Lake within the Monongahela National Forest. The lake has a surface area of 27 acres and cost about $27,000. The State stocks the lake annually with legal size rainbow trout which provide a very popular sport fishery.

Because of its location in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, proximity to large population masses, and outstanding recreation resources, this area will provide excellent recreation opportunities, particularly for the residents of Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. More than 30 million people, most of whom reside in urban areas, live within a 250mile radius.

We recommend the following amendments of the bill:

1. On page 2, line 17, insert after the sentence ending on that line the following sentence: "For the purposes of section 6 of the Act of September 3, 1964

46-047-65--2

(78 Stat. 897, 903), the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest, as designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 2 of this Act, shall be treated as if they were the boundaries of that forest on January 1, 1965."

This amendment will enable all of the lands, waters, or interests therein acquired for the national recreation area to be financed from moneys appropriated from the land and water conservation fund.

2. On page 4, line 6, delete the word "renewable."

This amendment will enable the Secretary of Agriculture to permit mineral development within the recreation area, in the event he wishes to do so.

The Bureau of the Budget has advised that the enactment of this bill, if amended as suggested in this report and in the report of the Department of Agriculture, would be in accord with the President's program.

Sincerely yours,

JOHN A. CARVER, Jr., Under Secretary of the Interior.

Senator MCCARTHY. Senator Byrd, if you have any other of the people from your State, we have plenty of room for them to sit around the table.

Senator BYRD. I do have the prosecuting attorney from Pendleton County, Mr. George Sponaugle.

And Mr. William McCoy who is a member of the West Virginia Legislature and editor of the Pendleton Times.

Also, Mr. Chairman, I have Mr. Robert Bowers, who is here to represent the Governor of West Virginia. Mr. Bowers is with the West Virginia Department of Commerce. Mr. Bowers will present a statement in behalf of the Governor and also a statement in behalf of himself.

With your permission, I would like for these gentlemen to sit at the table.

Senator MCCARTHY. Surely.

STATEMENT OF HON. ROBERT C. BYRD, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

Senator BYRD. Mr. Chairman, I introduced S. 7 in behalf of myself and Senator Randolph. He will submit a statement for the record, with your permission.

Senator MCCARTHY. I am sure there is no objection. We will file his statement for the record.

Senator BYRD. Mr. Chairman, in his inspiring message of February, 8, 1965, to the Congress on natural beauty of our country, President Johnson stated:

For centuries Americans have drawn strength and inspiration from the beauty of our country. It would be a neglectful generation indeed, indifferent alike to the judgment of history and the command of principle, which fails to preserve and extend such a heritage for its descendants.

In this message, also, the President proposed the establishment of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in West Virginia using appropriations from the land and water conservation funds to acquire the needed lands.

I believe that the principle embodied in the President's message expresses the desires of most Americans, but we must give it practical application through feasible and forward-looking programs.

The bill which I introduced and which is now before you, S. 7, is the same in content as the bill which I introduced in the 88th Congress, S. 1022. It is a desirable and practical application of the

President's program to conserve the natural beauty and the recreation resources of our country for the inspiration, enjoyment, and beneficial use not only for those of us who are living today but also for succeeding generations of Americans. S. 7 carries out the President's proposal for the establishment of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in my State and provides for its consolidation in public ownership, development for public use and enjoyment, and for the conservation and wise use always of its many natural resources. Additionally, it will help promote the administration's program for a clear and beautiful Potomac River.

The projected national recreation area is located in the upper reaches of the Potomac River. It embraces portions of the South Branch of the Potomac, the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac, and some of the attractive tributaries of these streams. These are beautiful and unspoiled waterways, and they should be kept so in line with President Johnson's urgent desire to make the Potomac River, "rich in history and memory, which flows by our Nation's Capital," a model of scenic and recreation values for the entire country. The lands which adjoin this river system are rough and rugged in large part, high in scenic beauty, productive of wildlife and forests and waters, and replete with numerous and varied opportunities for great numbers of our citizens to obtain healthful and enjoyable outdoor recreation.

The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area is, as its name suggests, comprised of two units operated in close proximity, but it also has a third part, of impressive natural beauty-the Smoke Hole country. The Seneca Rocks, a spectacular formation located in the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River, are known throughout the Eastern United States. These rocks form one of the most interesting natural wonders east of the Mississippi, and many travelers who view the formation as it rises more than 900 feet above the river say that it looks like a ruined ancient castle. In this connection, Mr. Chairman, I should like to read into the record an excerpt from the Cleveland Plain Dealer Sunday magazine of May 17,

1964.

And as you will note, this article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer is captioned "Twelve on a Mountain," "Cleveland Climbing Club Trains at Seneca Rock."

This tells the story of a climbing club organized in Cleveland. And it also states that these mountain climbers who come from Cleveland have as their favorite Seneca Rock, about which I have just been reading. And I will read one paragraph which says:

A favorite of the local group is the Rock of Seneca, a 1,000-foot quartzite formation at the mouth of Seneca, W. Va., near the Maryland border. It is considered by climbers to be the best rock climb in the East and it becomes an objective for climbers every weekend. A frequent climber there is Barry C. Bishop, a member of the American team that conquered Mount Everest last year. During the World War II, it was the training ground for the Army's mountain troops. In fact, they left so many pitons embedded in on her face that it is called "The Face of 1,000 Pitons."

I would like to leave this with you, Mr. Chairman, for the committee to examine if it cares to.

Senator MCCARTHY. Very well.

Senator BYRD. The rocks are themselves a gleaming, bulky mass of Tuscarora quartzite a thousand feet high, and rest on the western

shoulder of the North Fork mountain that forms the western boundary of the Smoke Hole Valley. This area was once the scene of many annual gatherings of the Seneca Indian Tribe, for which Seneca Rocks was named, and legends of the area are a famous part of the Indian folklore of our country.

In the same vicinity are Seneca Caverns, one of the famous West Virginia caves open to the public. And I say to you from my own. personal experience, Mr. Chairman, that these caverns are very delightful caverns, and they are well-lighted with electricity, and many people throughout the country come to the caverns every year to view their picturesque halls.

The land area to be included with Seneca Rocks totals 74,000 acres of which 20 acres are now a part of the Monongahela National Forest, having been acquired under the Weeks law over the years.

Spruce Knob, 4,860 feet above the sea, is West Virginia's highest mountain and is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Seneca. Rocks. I would like at this time, if I might, Mr. Chairman, to show you a picture of the top of Spruce Knob. You will see the scene here. The elevation is 4,860 feet. This is the highest point in West Virginia.

Now, in my Appropriations Committee, I intend to seek an appropriation to establish an observation tower and supporting facilities for the many thousands of tourists which come to see Spruce Knob every year. And of course, this will be located within the national recreation area which is to be established by the bill which we are discussing.

Spruce Knob lies slightly elevated above the general level of the crest ridge of Spruce Mountain in Pendleton County. The recreation area would encompass 26,000 acres adjacent to Spruce Knob, of which 19,000 acres have been acquired as part of the Monongahela National Forest. In total, the national recreation area boundaries would encompass 100,000 acres, of which 39,000 are now owned by the United States. Most of this country was logged over prior to and during World War I. About that time, the restoration program of the Forest Service was launched with protection against forest fires, timber stand improvement, forest plantations, wildlife habitat improvement, and other measures which have rebuilt and enhanced the attractiveness of the area and the natural resources it offers. The restored cover in the Spruce Knob area is a testimony to the effectiveness of this problem because as late as 1929 it was almost barren from fires that swept over it.

As I have indicated, the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area will include two major tributaries of the Potomac Riverthe South Branch and the North Fork of the South Branch. Feeding into these tributaries are dozens of clear, cold, spring-fed streams flowing from forested watersheds, creating scenic attractions as they cascade out of high mountains into the valleg below. To view these forests and streams is to become absorbed in their beauty.

Many features of public interest, in addition to Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks, would be included in this recreation project in the area known as the Smoke Hole country. The Smoke Hole is actually a canyon, an S-shaped slice gouged through the Allegheny Front for 22 miles, and drained by the South Branch of the Potomac River. It has long been noted for its extraordinary geological formations.