Chapter I - The Pacific Southwest

Document: Chapter I, The Pacific Southwest, "Pacific Southwest Water Plan", August 1963, page 12Other natural resources support the economy differently than do the extractive industries. The area is endowed with scenic and climatological attractions which are being enjoyed by more and more people. Tourist expenditures in the area are measured in the millions of dollars daily, and were estimated to be in the area of $1.5 billion in 1961. This amount is expected to increase as more leisure time becomes available. Recreational, Cultural, and Scientific Development People have thronged to the Pacific Southwest since World War II for economic opportunity, educational or scientific environment, climatic advantage, or retirement purposes. This migratory influx has created both a new standard of American life and a crisis in the state of Southwestern water resources. Recreation -- Climate and landscape have endless variety in the Pacific Southwest, making the area a recreational attraction of national importance. The California and Baja California seacoast provides miles of recreational area, and inland winter sports activities are available in the towering mountain ranges. Further to the east, Nevada and Arizona provide ever-sunny skies, desert resorts, and mountain playgrounds. The Southwest is served by modern transportation, and long distances are traveled by many people each year in pursuing outdoor recreational activities. National parks and State recreation areas provide low-cost and spectacular vacations. Hunting, fishing, and water sports are among the most popular leisure-time activities. Due to rapid population growth, many facilities are already strained to provide even minimum service for those who would like to use them. New facilities are being provided wherever water supplies can be made availabel under present water-use regimen, but the demand, at present, still outstrips the supply. Cultural -- The region has an abundance of prehistoric ruins from early Indian cultures, such as the Anasazi or Hohokam, and also pioneer relies, which should be preserved. As good highways have emerge, these points of interest have assumed a larger share of interest for both permanent and transient population. Investigations are being made, and methods of preservation studied in order that this national legacy be protected. In large and small communities the public has a keen interest in, and heartily supports, many types of cultural endeavors such as symphony orchestras and art museums. The people of the Southwest have a vigorous enthusiasm for their new cities and way of life, and its artistic expression has taken many forms. Many of the schools and universities have an international reputation and have attracted I-12Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 2,719,989 byte