The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1910-06-24
THE WESTERN FORESTRY AND
CONSERVATION ASSO.
CATION


Washington, Oregon and California
contain half the merchantable timber
in the United States today fac,
OF startling economic significance. II
means not only that here is an exist.
ing resource of incalculable local and
national value, but also that here lies
the great field of production for all
time. The wonderful density and ex.
tent of our Western forests are not
accidental. but result because climatic
and other conditions are the most
favorable in the world for forest
growth. In just the degree that they
excel forests elsewhere, it is easier to
make them continue to do so.
The lumber production of these
states increases as other states be-
come exhausted. Already it is fifth
or the entire country, bringing
at least $4,000, 900 a year, mainly
the wages of labor, into circulation
among their population. There is no
reason why this tremendous factor
in the prosperity of the country, and
of these five states especially, should
not be made permanent. We have on
ly to profit by the experience of less
fortunate regions, and here, where
our forests are still virgin and vast
and where Nature surpasses herself
| in encouraging reproduction. protect
them from fire and cut them so wisely
| that new crop will be ready when
the old one is gone. And with the
forests we perpetuate the waters and
the industries dependent on both.
The Western Forestry and Conser-
walton Association is a central med
lum for facilitating their work rep
resenting and maintained by the sew
eral local conservation and forest pro-
tective organizations of these five
states.
Its purpose is to promote forest
flre prevention. conservative forest
management, reforesting of cut-over
lands not more valuable for agricul-
lure, Improvement in taxation sys-
TENS, preservation of stream flow,
and all of the other things compre-
hended by the word conservation.
It's meetings enable representatives
OF the allied associations and of state
and government to exchange ideas
and devise ways and means for car
rying on these movements in harmony
along practical and effective lines.
II also affords means of collecting and
distributing trustworthy information.
1t believes in the use of every legit-
innate means of publicity and educa-
ton to interest lumbermen, legisal-
tors and public, not only in paving
the way for future advance, but also
n IL L..
measures as can be put into practice
Immediately.
TO this end, believing action speaks
louder than words. it practices what |
it breaches. While fully recognizing
the great value and necessity of as
sociations devoted entirely to propa-
ganda it sees also need of reducing
theory to a sound business basis. The
forest protective associations which
1t represents already spend over
900 annually for fire patrol. One
of the primary objects and ambitions
of the association is to extend this
effort until all the timber owners in
the five states do their fair part, pay
ing on the basis of acreage owned by
each for highly trained and organi-
zed service. If the states themselves
end aid and backing this can be made
the most efficient fire service in exist
ence, as the most magnificent body
Of standing timber in the world de-
serves.
The association also employs
,rained forester to assist it's members
who control timber to install and
maintain improved methods of pro-
ection, cutting and reforestation. In :
his way it not only helps those who
Will to really accomplish the end in
'iew, but by publishing experience
ables of cost and result can make
he experiments serve as object les
ons to others.
But although it believes in this
lose working relation with those who
ontrol a large part of one of our
'reatest resources, because more
han any they are in position actual
y to practice conservation, the associ-
ton represents the timber interests
long such lines of distinct commun-
ty good only, in harmony with the
overnment, the state, and the public
observation organizations. Nor are
IS activities by any means limited to
orestry. 1t welcomes and tenders
ssistance in bringing about wise use
f all our natural resources.
The western forestry and conserva-
ion association has no individual
membership. 1t hopes for greater
ublic support of the local associa-
ons it represents, also for the organ
alton and cooperation of many
lore in fields still uncovered. If you
ave only the general interest in the
Inject which every good citizen has,
gu are urged to join a conservation
ssociation and give it your active
lpport. If you are a timber owner
ou should do the same thing, for z
side from moral purposes it is to
our direct interest, and also investi-
ate the possibilities of cheaper and
ore efficient fire protection through
Operative forest fire associations.
either case your views on the prob
ms before us will be greatly appreci
ed by the association. We would
so like your address so as to keep
~ in touch with our work from
me to time.