April 1954 (age 55)

National Parks Magazine this month published Sigurd's article, "The Challenge of Our National Parks." It was his first article in the magazine since his election a year earlier as president of the National Parks Association, which published the magazine. In the article he said the average American was not aware of the many problems in the national parks; he blamed much of this ignorance on advertising that ignored the true purpose of parks. Here's an excerpt:

They do not know that the National Park Service is fighting to hold the line in the face of reduced personnel and appropriations; that facilities are breaking down; that on account of unprecedented public use, it is no longer possible to give these superlative areas the protection they deserve....Half a century of travel advertising that has stressed the physical attractions of the parks without emphasizing the spiritual and intangible values has had its effect. As a result, many have come to regard the parks primarily as public playgrounds and recreation centers that merely provide opportunities for exciting holidays at picturesque resorts. Scenery and atmosphere have become only incidental commodities on the tourist market, and entertainment features have developed, which while appropriate in the usual vacation areas, are definitely not in keeping with national park standards....Awe inspiring spectacles are often seen merely as curiosities.

April 1969 (age 70)

Sigurd spends his 70th birthday on April 4 at home in Ely. Ten days later he has a thorough checkup and is disappointed to hear that, while his heart is recovering well, the doctor still does not want him to travel for a few more months. Even so, he spent the next two days being interviewed on Minneapolis-St. Paul area radio and TV stations, promoting the release of his new book, the autobiographical Open Horizons. But he has to cancel plans to attend key meetings in Washington and elsewhere, and he is not happy because with a new presidential administration [President Nixon] and a new Secretary of the Interior [Walter Hickel replaced Stewart Udall] Sigurd feels it is important to put in a strong word for wilderness and national parks.