As already mentioned, the natural group of protected areas includes national natural monuments and reserves. Various wildlife sanctuaries prevail among the national monuments, the total number of which is about 800; zakazniks for migratory bird species are especially widespread. These also include selected natural attractions. For example, the famous Death Valley in California.
In 1964, the so-called “untouched territories” were allocated by a special law, i.e. areas of preserved wildlife, where all economic activities (construction, logging, mining, grazing, hunting) were completely prohibited. And in 1980, the category of a national reserve was introduced, which differs from a national park, first of all, in that hunting is allowed in it.
National parks annually receive from 1-5 million tourists each. Americans spend their vacations in them, travel, make study tours, and relax in the bosom of nature. For this, highways have been laid through the parks, the use of which is controlled by the federal authorities. Automobile travel is prohibited in areas of “untouched territories”. Usually, motorists concentrate on the periphery of the park. The routes are arranged so that visitors can see the sights from their cars. In the national parks there are water routes along which tourists sail by kayaks or motor boats. You can make horseback riding along the mountain trails designated for this purpose. In specially selected places, campings, recreation areas with coffee shops, rental points, shops where they sell goods necessary for travel, souvenirs and even charcoal for fires are arranged. It is strictly forbidden to cut trees in national parks, and to make a fire only in specially equipped parking lots equipped with a fireplace with metal circles. There are also special picnic areas with braziers, tables and benches (and the garbage must be taken away without fail). A strict requirement is imposed on the behavior of tourists on the routes – to take good care of nature. For violation of the rules, severe penalties are provided – from a large fine to imprisonment (in the case of malicious poaching).