Most recreation work calls for a good deal of pre planning. This is particularly true in site selection. You must know before you start what the needs and objectives of your organization are; you must have a list of requirements on where, how many, and what type sites are needed. With such a program you can make constructive selections of the best sites available.

Begin the examination of a site with a good map and aerial photos if possible. These are becoming more and more available through the work of counties and other government agencies. The new editions of topographic maps being made by the federal government are excellent for orienting yourself to the natural features of the site. These are inexpensive and available from the U. S. Geological Society, washington 25, D. C.. In recent years many counties and the U. S. Forest Service have taken aerial photos which show features in detail and are very good for planning use. Most counties also have maps available from the county engineer showing roads and other features and from the assessor's office showing ownerships of land.

Inspect the site in the field during the time of the year when the area will be most heavily used for recreation. This gives you a better opportunity to get the feel of the climate conditions, the exposure to the sun and wind, the water interests, etcetera, which vary greatly with the seasons. It is usually helpful to make a sketch map in the field, showing the size and location of the features of interest and to take photographs at the site. These are a great aid for planning use back at the office.