The copper era and Morenci leader., 1913-08-15
USERS MAY PARTICIPATE IN
 ADMINISTRATION
ed To Act In An Advisory Capacity.

WASHINGTON, July 21-To give settlers and other local users a larger voice in national forest administra- tion, Secretary of Agriculture Hous- ton has just promulgated a new regu- lation which goes into effect at once, providing a means by which the for est service may systematically CO., operate with duly organized associa- tionS of such users.
 Any association whose members in- clude a majority of the local resi- dents making use of the national forests may get together and select committee. to meet with the local forest officers. This committee will be recognized in an advisory capacity in settling questions which may arise between the forest service and the public in the use of the forests.
 The exact wording of the regula- tion is: M --9 -s
 Wherever any association whose membership including a majority of the local residents using a National Forest or portion thereof, for like purposes, shall select a committee, an agreement on the part of which shall be binding upon the association, such committee, upon application to the District Forester, may be recognized in an advisory capacity on behalf of the association, and shall be entitled to receive notice of proposed action and have ali opportunity to be heard by the local forest officer in refer ence to any proposed changes likely to materially affect the use or in- terest in the forest or portion there of enjoyed by such permittees. The general principles of recognition and responsibility governing cooperation with live stock associations are here with extended, so far as they are applicable, to the other regular lines of business conducted on the Ma tiona1 Forestsl"I
 The object of Ehfs regulation is to extend what may Be called home par ticipation in national forest manage ment. It is recognized that the best use of the forests in th6 interest of the general welfare means the pro- motion of local welfare, afid that the consideration for all local interests involved. It is recognized also that public confidence in the spirit of fair ness with; which individual citizens are treated is essential, and that local participation in the settlement of many questions is the best possi- ble safeguard against arbitrary or unwise decisions by local forest Of ficers. '-
 
 vent any local feeling that a western user in contact with the national forest administration system is up against a far-away bureau at Wash ington, represented on the ground by a forest officer, who can do as he chooses and against whose action it is impossible to make effective pro- test. In the case of the grazing regulations method of cooperation between the forest service and usersiI of the forest ranges has been devel oped which is said to have done away completely with any such feeling: Cattle and sheep growers associa- :, tions not only assist in the settlement1 of disputes concerning individual priv leges, but also join in the form ation of plans for the best use of local ranges and through their national as- sociations are given an opportunity to be heard before regulations which affect their industry as a whole are adopted. The local associations in- sure attention to complaints of un- fair action which are found to be justified, while on the other hand they automatically dispose of many cases of complaints that are found, when all the facts are considered, not well grounded.