The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1913-11-06

y. G.. November rs. ~, ahd 70.
10 b. devoted iargely ~ forrest col
seryalon. because Of the nations
Importance on the subject la 1
many phases. Public Interest Ia d
yolyed. because upon the proper y
luton " the various problems a
pends the cost Of the wood wltho'
which our civilization would aeclin
the perTetaAtion Of the iimo'
supply. the development o. hydr
electric power: the utilization ,
non-agrieuiinrai lands; the availl
biliiy OF water Tor irrigation: ii
preservation Of forest areas Il
hcaith, recreation. and many oths
developments essential alike |
every citizen from the lumeermen
the man who owns neither a TIRE
nor foot OF land.
Here are some Of the reason
why the Congress puts forestry fors
most at this years meeting.
Forest fires continue TO destro
lives by hundreds and tangible as
sets averaging upwards OF fifty mi
lion dollars annually, and do IN
calculable damage TO soil. watei
and young growth.
Forest insects destroy enougl
timber every year 10 finance tn
construction program Of the navy.
Floods follow forest denudatior
and the disasters OF this year cal
be traced in part, at least, 10 non
forested watersheds.
We are using three times a
much timber as grows each year
and worst Of all, utilizing only for
~ 10 seventy per cent OF each tre'
cut down: while fire destroys th'
equivalent of each years new
growth.
The tax law in most states dc
not recognize 70 rests as crop u
be perpetuated. but act to destro,
the timber resources for the en-
richment OF the present TO tho
poverty of the future.
The preservative treatment OF
timber Is potent factor in conser-
walton. since 1t reduces the consump-
ton and makes inferior species
available. At present about 20 p,
c. of the cross-ties, but less than v
of / p. C. of the lumber used. is
treated
Despite the obvious public need,
there is strong opposition TO the
devlopmnt OF safe national forest
policy.
While the future Is not secure,
definite progress has been made In
the following ways
Forest fire associations among tim
berland owners, by publicity and
systematic organization, are mater
tally reducing forest fire losses.
The Federal Government con-
trolls, on the National Forests. about
OF the standing timber and
by proper utilization and protection
makes 1t present asset and a
perpetual resource.
A majority of the forested states
have organizations which are doing
effective work In forest protection
Ind education.
Two states, Pennsylvania and
have this year enacted
'orest taxation laws based on cor
'ect principles, and other states
ire agitating similar legislation.
While extensive forest management
IN the European plan, has not been
applied on private holdings, the lum-
,ermen are slowly realizing that
heir business is furthered by CO.
operation with public interests. For
stry and numbering are receiving
mutual recognition, which will make
or forest conservation under the
stimulus OF education and
economic development.
There is fairly well defined public
interest in forest conservation. but
must be stimulated to the point
I forcing necessary reforms,
The National Conservation Con-
ress seeks, through education and
to establish a sound
orest policy, both In the broad ma
Ional aspects and in essential de-
ais, and to support and strengthen
he progressive forest work now be-
ig done. The Forestry Committee,
trough its subcommittee and af-
iliation with the American Forestry
has unequaled facilities
Or effective investigation, and wide
ublicty and education.