Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1910-08-31
TO PLANT TREES.

1
The Chicago Post tells us that an
| idea has recently originated In chi
| cago. IL is that an organization he
| formed OF boys. particularly farmer
boys. for the purpose OF rehabilltatins
| the forests Of the country. The plan,
| il Is said, has the hearty support ct
President TAFT MIR. Roosevelt. Clifford,
Pinchot and others.
The idea OF forming the farmer boys
OF this country into well organized
army Of tree planters, fostered by the
federal government and encouraged by
the individual state, county and town
ship governments. according to the
Chicago Post. was first suggested by
Austin A. Burnham, general secretary
of the National Business League OF
America. He was a farmer boy at
ono time. and so were a number Of tho
members OF the leagues board Ot d.
rectors.
The letter of Secretary Burnham 10
Mr.. Pinchot explains In a general way
the plan OF organization, and, although
II bears the date OF Feb. H. 1909. 1t has
been withheld from publication until
the time was ripe for the PRONUNCIATION
OF the plan 1t IL understood that the
matter will be one OF the things for
discussion at the St Paul convention.
The letter presenting the plan Is in part
as follows:
THE schedule OF inquiries concerning
the conservation OF natural resources,
prepared and presented the American
people by the national conservation
commissions IL of such vast scope and
copiOus dotail that 1t Is extremely DIFF
fcult for one mind TO thoroughly grasp
every phase of this supreme question
of the hour or wisely advise as to the
proper policy and means for Its ra-
tional solution.
Assuming, then, tho probable cor
rectness OF this statement. and in ac-
cordance with your request that sonle
suggestions from me, I'm general or par
ticular would be welcome, l beg 20
roughly submit tentative plan directly
in reply TO a question propounded by
the commission, in the division of for
ests. schedule OF inquiries. viz: What
rnea sures must be adopted TO insure the
perpetuity OF our timber supply by in
dividuals?'
Combining myself to one measure, my
reply Is. Reforestaton by the farmer
boys OF America through a great ma
tional organization to be known as the
Tree Planters Of America,
"All farmer boys from IL 10 20 years
OF age. both Inclusive. should be ellg-
ihle to membership in the Tree Plant
ers
There should be systematic tree
planting In proiltless pastures, hooks,
rayines; on hillsides and house lawns
on useless or worn out spots or partly
denuded forest acres on the farm, and
IN every place where the soil Is not
Welding a reasonable contribution 10
the general warfare.
prom time to time. through publica-
lions and by personal visits OF experts
from the United States forestry serv-
ice. the Tree Planters should be in |
str1lcted in scientific forestry I'm all |
its branches. |
Tho national government, or the state. |
or both. should confer medals, badges |
or other tokens OF recognition for
ucrltorious work This viii strengthen |
the ambition Of the boys and Increase |
their interest and activity in the task \
OF tree planting.
THE plan suggested Is to organize the |
Tree Planters Of America largely |
through tho agency or cooperation OF |
IN rnei-s' oranges clubs. Institutes. cdu-
rational and cooperative unions, state |
and other agricultural associations.
The organization should be COM
posed OF groups; each state group 10
l,e known under the state name. as the
ohio Group. with the governor Of tho
STATE as president, and other state nf-
ncials as officers. Then county groups.
With the county commissioners or other
officials nj the head; then township |
groups under control Of the trustees:
nm to be under the direction OF the
United states forester or the chair
man OF the national conservation com.
mission.
1T H. suggested that the President OF
ihs United states set the machinery for
organization In motion hv issuing A
Of recommendation to the
governors. who are 10 be the presidents
NJ tho state groups the governors tn
issue proclamations recommending or
ganizstion Of the county and township
groups as above Indicated
There is no doubt that it is good