New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-09
THE ADIRONDACK PARK.

It is pleasure TO commend the Legislature
for passing the Forest bill in which Governor
Flower has taken a constant and intelligent
interest. and to express strong sense 81 0bll-
cation to the Governor himstl for using his
influence wisely to bring about this result
The working force of this measure has yet 10
be demonstrated; but its provisions seem 10 be
sagacous and practical. and we have little
doubt that it is capable Of accomplishing most
valuable purpose. The movement to preserve
the Adrondacks from destruction began long
ago. Its progress has been slow and often IN
terlupted and the task to be performed Is now
more difficult and more costly than 1t would
have been had it been undertaken earlier, but
vot during this interval by investigation and
discussion strong public opinion has been de-
voloned which we may hope will be influential
in carving the work forward. The new enact
mont nrovides for the care of the forest lands
now owned by the State within the boundaries
Of the proposed Adirondack Reserve for the
ACQUISITION of other tracts, ana for the prescrVa-
ticn of large area owned by private 'ndi-
viduals.
This last feature of the plan novel, and
has been somewhat criticised. 1t would, I'M
doubtedlv. be better if the state could own
outright the whole of the proposed park. But
financial and other obstacles would almost GER
tainly delay the execution of the plan II such
exclusive ownership were attempted, ana mi5h'
ultimately defeat it altogether. The Min thing
is to secure an adequate area OF wooded lana
against the manipulation OF spectators ana inc
ravages Of despOerS, and TO do this al the
earliest possible moment. For this reason we
commend the adoption of the dual system "a
p,o.ccticn Assurances have been received from
nerscns owning large tracts OF forest that they
will gladly cooperate with the state III pre-
serving them in all essential respects III con
sidoration Of their exemption from taxation. II
is believed that half a million acres can thnS
he rdled to the half million now Owned by the
State within the lines OF the park. IL j. prop
able. moreover, that as time goes on the 1ta'c
NAV become the owner of a considerable part
Of these private holdings and in the mean
time the protected area will certainly be en-
larpod by purchase and exchange. II Is hoped
that a considerable income can be derived Tor
this purpo<e from the sale of timber exceeding
twelve inches in diameter. The provision IN
the bill permitting this is sensible, ard II non
estly administered, unobjcctionablc. The the
DRY that the way 10 preserve loi'SV II ~ NV
lect it is untenable. A forest can best be pre-
served fer purposes of use and beauty by care
full cultivation, and when so managed can be
made to Weld a steady and handsome revenue.
To carry out the provisions of this act the
Governor is to appoint and the Senate 10 con
firm now Board of Forest Commissioners. five
in number to hold Office for five years without
salary. but with an allowance OF $500 Tor
travelling expenses. The Governor has IN
timated that he will not appoint to the new
board any member OF the old, and in making
this decision we think he has done wisely. lie
can unquetionably secure the services OF other
men better qualified to work together hlrmoni-
ously and efficiently. Upon his choice CT Off
Gals to carry out the extremely important task
which the bill imposes the success Of the under
taking must chiefly depend. The Governor
has shown so cordial and 50 intelligent an APP
preciation of what the welfare OF the state re-
nuires in the North Woods that we may rca-
sOnably trust him 10 make no mistake at this
stage. At last the prospect FIR the enforce
ment of comprehensive and rational forest
policy is encouraging and for this cred'ablc
and fortunate fact Governor Flower Is entitled
IN mich credit.