Outdoor Recreation for America

The report of the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission1 is, for our profession, one of the most important documents to be published this year. It surveys our country's outdoor recreation resources, measures present and likely demands upon them over the next 40 years, and recommends actions to ensure their availability to all Americans of present and future generations. The facts presented and the proposals outlined will have far-reaching implications for our programs of outdoor education and recreation. Of particular interest and value are the strong statements upholding the contributions that outdoor recreation can make to the well-being of the nation and its people. Of some concern is the fact that, while emphasis is accorded the need for research, there is little attention given to the need for education for recreation. The ORRRC report is priority reading for the profession; its contents both deserve and reward study. Reprinted, here are some excerpts from the report which indicate the significance and usefulness of Outdoor Recreation for America.