Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-01-24
MAINE EDITORIAL COMMENT.
Mount katahdin Reservation.
.(Bangor Commercially

On. Of the most gratifying things in
connection with the new public spirit
which has been created in recent years
in behalf of forestry, the conservation
and reforesting of wooded areas and
the establishment of national forest
preserves in many states, is that the
efforts now being made in modest
way by the association or Federation Of
the Women's Clubs Of the State for the
preservation of Mount katahdin as 81
public forest park and state or national
reservation for the use of the people,
was first started by the Commercial
more than ten years ago. To this plan.
the women of the State-fOremO in
every good work--and also few of
the men of the state are beginning to
give earnest and serious attention; al
though when first started by the Com
mercial it met with little response.
At the meeting Of the womens clubs
OF Maine at Lewiston this week, the
subject of Mount katahdin state for
est reserve formed one of the subjects
OF greatest interest. 1t was urged by
Mr.. John Appleton and Mrs. Grace II.
Thompson of this city; by Miss Eliza
beth X. Hobbs, by Mrs. George D. Arm
strong and by other speakers. MIR.
Appleton said the region Of Mount
Katahdin is ideal for the purposes of a
great state forest reservation and the
way to maintain it's beauty and value
for the uses Of the public is to put It
under forest management as the only
way to preserve it from destruction by
the axe. Miss Hobbs favored the Gre
alton Of state reserve of Mount
Katahdin and the adjoining region. In
the course OF iler address Miss Hobbs
said
I'VE have in Maine in the region of
Mount katahdin a tract of land wholly
unsrited to farming. but well adapted
to the growth of timber. region. more
over. which is one of the pleasure
grounds not only of the state but Of
the nation. Can this federation under
take any better work than that of agi-
tation to make this territory including
Mount Katahdin State forest re-
Serve, not only for the sake of its
beauty, but as a source Of timber sup
ply for the State? / am told the sys-
tenn os stripping so we'll known to us
all is rapidly going on at Mount ka-
tahdin. The Maine Federation of Wo-
meE's Clubs should give it's support
to movement for making Mount ka-
tahdin and the adjoining region a
State forest reserve"
We are glad to see this movement
taking 70 itself greater unity, push and
spirit than has before been given 10
il. The state Of New York Is creating
IL magnificent forest reserve in the Adj
rondack region, and the general gov
eminent is also establishing natlonai
forest parks throughout the Far west
Noun: Katahdin, however, is more Ia
vor;.bly located for such great PARK.
forest reservation, Or pleasure ground
for. the people than con be any similar
region in the country. NO Eastern state
has that great area OF natural forest
lake, mountain and wild WOOD scenery
as is possessed by Maine. Mount ka-
tahlin. although beautiful and wild in
its virgin condition, is within easy
reach Of half q dozen Of the largest
cities of the Atlantic states whose res
idents can enjoy its delights as a nat
ural park for the entire year: while the
great national parks of the West are
SO far from the great cities as to be Of
little value to those who would most
enjoy them-thc people of the large
cities.
Miss Hobbs says the system of strip
ping the woods is going on rapidly at
Mount Katahdin. There is nothing I'M
reasonable in this. Its owners arc SIM
ply using their own property as they
have a right Being men of great
wealth. however, and of large public
spirit and devoted to the welfare of our
STATE. we believe they would welcome
any substantial movement having for
Fits object the purchase Of one or two
townships. including that of Mount
katahdin. for a public reservation to
be kept for the benefit. pleasure and use
Of the peopleof the nation, forever.