Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-11-15
Seek Legislation
to Safeguard
COuntry'S Forests

Washington, Nov. 1EWhen Congress
meets in December a bill will be in
troduced for a national forest program
including better fire protection for the
forests. This step. following an agree
ment by all the industries interested,
marks the first united move in this
direction in this country" says Char
les Lathrop Pack. president of the
American Forestry Association, which
announces the outline Of features 20
be embodied in the proposed legisla-
ton. The plan calls for national ap-
propriations Of at least Sill, 10000 a
year.
The provisions of the proposed meas
ure are two-fold-for a considerable
extension of direct federal activity in
forest ownership and production, and
for the development with federal all
and encouragement of systematic poll
cies in the several forested states to
bring about adequate forest produc-
ton and reproduction.
The program provides specifically.
through cooperation between the gov
eminent, the states and owners of
timberlands. fer adequate protection
against forest fires. for reforestation
OF denuded lands, for obtaining essen
tial information in regard to timber
and timberlands. for extension of the
national forests and for other steps
essential to continuous forest produc-
ton on lands chiefly suitable for this
purpose. The following legislation is
proposed:
Authorizing the Secretary Of Agricul-
ture. after consulting appropriate To-
cal agencies, to approve an adequate
policy for each state. covering fire
protection, reforestation. cutting and
removing OF timber crops. Not less
than 100000 annually available for
such cooperation with states.
A survey of forest resources. forest
production and forest requirements of
the nation.
Provision for studies and expert
ments in forest reproduction methods.
wood utilization, timber tests, wood
preservation. development of by-pro-
ducts and other steps to bring about
the most effective use of the nation
forest resources
Provision for study Of forest taxa
ton. to assist states in devising tax
laws which will encourage the con-
servation and growing of timber.
Also of methods of insuring against
forest losses by fire.
Provision for more rapid replantine
Of the vast areas Of denuded lands
within the national forests.
Appropriation Of $4,000 900 a year for
five years for the purchase of lands.
which should be added to the nation
al forest system, whether or not on
the headwaters Of navigable streams
as such purchases are now limited.
Authorizing the addition to national
forests Of lands now in other forms
of government ownership but found
chiefly suitable for permanent forest
production.
The very great Importance of this
program and the suggestion outlined
cannot be overestimated," said Mr..
Pack. They effect every state in the
Union and the business interests of
every state which means that every
man who wants to build home, who
wants to get along, will be affected by
this important legislation.
1T 80 happens this united move for
national forest policy continues
Mr.. Pack. comes at an opportune
time and its Importance. 20 the welfare
OF every citizen cannot be overestimat-
ed. The plan ties up with water pow
err development and the coal situation.
When we put the millions of waste
power to work. the coal situation will
begin to right itself. Water power de-
velopment and reforestation should go
hand In hand. We are at the door of
great commercial development Let us
open that door,"
The meeting which decided upon a
national forest policy was attended by
John -Poiey. representing the. Associa-
ton OF Wood Using Industries: Char
Lee lAthrop Pack and p. g. Ridsdaie OF