Arizona weekly enterprise., 1890-11-01
Forest Policy for the Rocky Mountain
 States.
In furtherance of the forestry interests of this region we are glad to publish the

Of this region we are glad to publish the following letter:
 U. s. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
 FORESTRY DIVISION, WASHINGTON, D. C., October II, 1890. J Col. E. T. Ensign, Forestry Commissioner,
 Colorado Springs, Colo
 DEAR SIR-Your request to express briefly my views in regard to a forest policy for the Rocky mountain states in the immediate or near future has been received.
 My views are very simple and decided. I start on the basis that the forests, situ- ated on the mountains, not on agricul- tural soil. are of paramount importance to these states both for their material and for their influence upon soil and water flow. especially for the latter reason, and that the treatment of the forest cover affects interests far distant from the forest itself.
 My second premise Is that over a large part of the Rocky mountain region re- forestation is very slow to take place, Ii the original growth is irrationally treated. Nay, it can be and in parts has been made impossible by clearing, subsequent burning and washing of the soil.
 My third premise is that private inter est, especially in newly settled countries, is concerned only in satisfying present wants without much thought or care for future emergencies. Besides the intiu- ence of clearing a mountain side asserts itself often so gradually, that in the ab- sence of immediately noticeable conse- quenees for the agricultural interests In the valley, arguments to influence the ac- ton of the private individual in the treat ment of the forest are useless, but require the more the attention of the community. And if restriction of private ownership rights appear necessary for one reason or another, it will always be found difficult and obnoxious to exercise such restrlc- tion. Hence, draw the conclusion, ownership by the community IS the only rational forest policy, wherever the above described conditions exist.
 The next question is that of deslgnat- ing the part of the community which should be the owner of the mountain forests. It might be the county, the ln- dividual state, the general government.
 It may be argued that the community making up the county has necessarily the most immediate interest in the preserva- ton of favorable conditions and can best guard it's own interests. Yet there are often conflicts of interests arising which can be better adjusted under state owner ship, and before well settled county ad- ministration exists state ownership would be preferable.
 But even state ownership, while per haps desirable at later stage of devel- opment, would not be expedient now, and ownership by the general government for the present is preferable.
 First-The general government does own the lands. and the difficulties and complications attendant upon wholesale transfer of the property can as well be avoided. If such transfer were to be effected it would necessiate almost a revolutionary change of the existing land policy of the government, which at least at present seems neither necessary nor advisable.
 Second states with scanty pop ulation as yet, and with all parts of their economy still to build up, had better not burden themelves with this additional duty of forests conservation except so far as they can aid in it without cost to them.
 Other political considerations, which need not be elaborated here, lead to the same conclusions, so that altogether the expediency of retaining the public timber lands in the hands of the general govern ment for the present IS conceded by the unbiased students of the question, pro- vided the general government will do what Is necessary to preserve and keep in permanent forest condition this property.
 To do this, above all things, 1t is neces- sary to properly regulate the disposal of the timber product to those that need 1t, to protect against fire and trespass, and to so regulate the cutting that reproduc- tion is assured,
 At present the government forces the people of the region to trespass upon its timber lands by not allowing them to ob- tain the needed material in legal man. ner; nor does the government employ adequate means to protect it's property against loss by fire, and thus its posses sions become a menacing danger to all adjoiners.
 Two things are required to change these conditions, namely, well organized for est administration. fully equipped, such as is provided in the bill introduced in the Forty ninth congress by MT. $. V. White; and secondly, proper laws en- acted by the states, under which not only the efforts of the general government could be seconded, but which will enable the general government to protect its property.
 For with the creation of sovereign state hood the United States has abandoned its jurisdiction and cannot enact or enforce criminal legislation on its propery in those states; it takes, in regard to its landed property in the states, exactly the same position as any private owner and can therefore, protect it only under the laws of the state.
 If, then, the Rocky mountain state: propose to do anything ill the interest ot forest preservation, there are three ways open to them, immediately or in the neal | future.
 First-To bring all their influence tc bear upon the general government, tc force it to proper care and rational man agement of its own timber property.
 Secondly, to pass such legislation a; will enable the owners of timber lands and the United States as such owners to protect their property efficiently agains fire and theft.
 Thirdly, to delegate to a responsible and well paid officer the duty of assist ing in the carrying out of the law for tht prevention of fires, and to care for tht forestry interests of the state in general. | Sincerely YOurs R. F. EERNOW,