The national park idea represents a far-reaching cultural achievement,
for here we raise our thoughts above the average, and enter a sphere in
which the intangible values of the human heart and spirit take
precedence. Mingled with the landscape of McKinley Park is the spirit of
the primeval. The region is dedicated to the preservation of wilderness.
Here we try to refrain from the coarser uses of nature legitimate
elsewhere.
All the plants and animals enjoy a natural and normal life without human
restrictions. Freedom prevails—the foxes are free to dig burrows where
they will; to hunt ptarmigan, ground squirrels and mice as the spirit
moves; and they share in the ownership of the blueberry and crowberry
patches. The grizzlies wander over their ancestral home unmolested; dig
roots and ground squirrels, graze grass, and harvest berries according
to whatever menu appeals to them. The “bad” wolf seeks an honest living
as of yore; he is a respected citizen, morally on a par with everyone
else. His hunting of mice, ground squirrels, caribou and Dall sheep is
his way of life and he has the freedom to follow it. No species of plant
is favored above the rest, and they grow together, quietly competing, or
living in adjusted composure. Our task is to perpetuate this freedom and
purity of nature, this ebb and flow of life—first, by insuring ample
park boundaries so that the region is large enough to maintain the
natural relationships, and secondly, to hold man’s intrusions to the
minimum.
Most of us feel with Thoreau that “The wilderness is near as well as
dear to every man.” We come to McKinley to watch; to catch a glimpse of
the primeval. We come close to the tundra flowers, the lichens, and the
animal life. Each of us will take some inspiration home; a touch of the
tundra will enter our lives—and, deep inside, make of us all poets and
kindred spirits.
Our national parks, here in the north, are set aside, not only for
Alaskans, or for Americans, but for all humanity. To preserve the
delicate charm and the wildness of the region our thoughts must be
guided by a morality encompassing the spiritual welfare of the universe.
[Illustration: Tundra in the foreground and on the far side of
Thorofare Bar. Muldrow Glacier shows at the foot of Mount McKinley.]