Water Resource Projects and Outdoor Recreation

It is estimated that major water resource projects constructed in this nation provide approximately 10,000,000 acres of water surface and that this resource, together with related lands, accommodated some 500,000,000 visitors in 1965. Current projections indicate that it will be necessary to construct, by 1980, about double the reservoir storage capacity in existence 20 yr earlier and at least triple the 1960 capacity by the year 2000. Projections for outdoor recreation demand are of similar magnitude. The growing uses of the recreation resources associated with water resource projects reflect their great contribution to the outdoor recreation environment and make it imperative that future needs be fully considered in planning, developing and administering our water resource projects. The problems and objectives of providing and maintaining a high-quality recreation environment at these projects should be clearly understood by all people who have water resource development interests and responsibilities. Through mutual understanding, much can be done to shape and assure the future of water-based outdoor recreation in this nation.