Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-10-08
WILL THE STATE ACT,

The heated discussion Of the national
campaign issues should not lead Yer
monters to forget that our own Legis-
lature has Just convened and that
there are local issues OF paramount
Interest for consideration None Of
these is OF more far-reaching import
ance to tho State than that of the de-
velopment of a State forestry policy.
representative Of the national bu-
reau Of forestry has recently visited
Governor Proctor and others in the
situation and assurances have been
given that the United States will CO.
operate in substantial way. If the
State will take tho lead The forestry
plank In the state platform of the Re-
publican party Is clear and specific in
urging more careful attention to the
great question OF forest preservation"
II says. I'VE believe that larger ap-
propriations should be made for tho
nursery for forest seedlings and for
educational and organizing work along
the lines OF Intelligent forestry. and
that beginning should he made in
State forest reserves.
Everyone recognizes there are large
areas in Vermont which, both for tho
good OF the State and the immediate
locality. should be placed under wise
forestry management. In most cases
private owners are. or will become.
eager 10 follow improved practices. If
only they can have the henent Of ex-
pert advice. AZ frst step the state
must secure the most highly trained
expert forester It can get TO study our
conditions md to educate and advise
as to their betterment. Moreover. lust
as soon as the State is ready to caro-
for them properly and pledge itself
10 do so In perpetuity public -spirited
individuals will offer 10 turn over to
the state considerable areas Of foros,
land for state forestry and park pur-
poses to be administered for the pub
lie good.
That this Is no idle conjecture IS
proved by the following extract from
letted addressed under date of SEN
TENDER IS. to Governor Proctor and
Governor elect Prouty by one Of the
large practical lumber men Of the
State, Mr.. NJ. J. Hapsood Of Peru;
Il dare say that you will refer to
forestry matters In your messages. Mt
least hope so, for no time should he
lost or effort spared In the protection
Of our forests and In encouraging own
ers to put them In the way Of perma
nent preservation, In case the state
viii OFFER sufficient guarantees be-
lieve that many owners OF extensive
tracts will put them under the abso
lutte and perpetual guardianship Of the
state. the revenues accruing either TO
themselves or their heirs or to be de
voted to some public purpose
In my own case ] desire TO give ah
solute deed either to the State or ma
ton Of the Bromley mountain tract
comprising about 1000 acres, most OF
II large growth timber. having been
cut over many years ago. and now be-
ing in most desirable condition for
watershed and game covert purposes
| should wish to condition that none OF
Gods wild animals shall ever be kin
ed on this tract. that there be no open
season here, to the end that thera may
no a laaat nlaCA
for these good friends OF ours. | de-
sire also that any revenue shall be
used for the benefit Of the town OF
Peru, under the direction OF the Gov
ernor or the President or his repre-