August 1958 letter to Congressman Henry S. Reuss from Ray Zillmer

August 13, 1958

Dear Henry:

I have returned from my short vacation and find your latest release in the Congressional Record.  It contains a great deal of material that I cannot secure.  I am quite happy over the universal exceptance [sic] of our idea.

I have a letter from Mr. Voigt, of which I enclose a copy, showing that he was pleased by my letter of July 25^th to him.  His letter convinces me that it might be adviseable [sic] for us to ask Mr. Voigt to appoint someone like Clyde Smith to accompany us on our reconnaissance.  We must not permit them to feel ignored, as the Department can do much damage under a mask of good wishes.

I could not get to the Statement but have given much thought to it and of our approach to the park idea and this is more or less discussed below.

I note that the release from Washington by Leo J. Diederich, park official, suggests that “one or several sections” of the 500 miles might be included, but not the entire piece.  I realize that “present action” by park officials might start on that basis.  It is important, however, to keep our sights high and to keep the “whole plan – 500 miles” always in mind as a goal to which the federal government or the state, or both, would aim, with the thought of completion as soon as possible.  Therefore, if the park service proposes to commit itself to only parts of the project, we should endeavor to secure a statement of policy favoring the whole, although not commiting [sic] themselves to immediate development of the whole.

The Park Service shies from the idea of administering a long strip.  We should stress that most of the strip, long and narrow, should not be developed except by trees and access, and in this respect would involve no greater administrative problems than “forest” areas.  Only specific areas of special interest should have more intensive development.  This approach would make it possible to acquire the whole, except for the state portion, and to develop certain “knots” in the line, when, if, etc.  I would prefer an acquisition program of all the land against the development of only parts.  The development can come later.  The land will serve its purpose even if not improved, and will be cheaper if acquired now.

I have the following names to add to the Citizens Committee

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Next week starting Monday I continue on my reconnaissance and hope to almost finish the rest of the state before I return.  Hope you have a fine vacation.

Sincerely yours,

Raymond T. Zillmer