In the year 2000, state parks will be
more beautiful than ever. They will
have a diversity of natural environ-
ments, unique geologic features and
clean lakes and rivers. Facilities will
meet public needs while blending
with natural beauty. The parks will
serve a variety of users and look for-
ward to requirements of future
generations.

A variety of means will be used to
improve the landscape: planting, pre-
scribed burns, erosion control and
limited tree harvest to encourage
larger trees. Work will continue
toward the maintenance and improve-
ment of air, groundwater and surface
water quality.
Aesthetic design of the parks will
match facilities to the resource and
to human use. One of the goals will
be to preserve samples of native
plants, landforms and outstanding
scenic beauty.
Since funds for acquiring and
maintaining lands will be limited, the
park system must be selective in its
acquisitions. Park users and policy
makers will have to answer this ques-
tion: To what extent should land pur-
chases concentrate on densely popu-
lated or heavily used tourist areas of
the state where land is more expen-
sive? Overall, it is important that not
only park users, but all taxpayers
have some responsibility for manage-
ment and perpetuation of the state
park system.

While there have been many
changes in outdoor recreation during
the park system's 87-year history,
some things have remained remarka-
bly unchanged. People still enjoy hik-
ing and relaxing in a natural environ-
ment and gain physical and emotion-
al benefit from doing so. They love to
see rock cliffs, wide vistas, water-
falls, lakes and wild animals.
But growing proportions of the pop-
ulation now engage in action sports
like running or cross-country skiing.
Interest in adventure sports such as
hang-gliding and rock climbing is on
the rise. This means increased pres-
sure from single-purpose interest
groups for special areas and protec-
tion from incompatible or conflicting
uses. And parks will have to be re-
sponsive as new types of recreation
are developed.
More people than ever will be serv-
ed by the year 2000, but the parks will
not seem crowded. Users will be more

K     ' j*.!~~  J~

By William Moorman

Lower Wi5consin River

By David Aslakson