The Cordova daily times., 1921-01-28
BETTER METHODS PUT IN USE BY FOREST COMMISSIONERS
 IN STATE OF WASHINGTON

OLYMPIA, Wash, Jan. 2S.-Some fifteen years ago a forestry policy was first adopted by the state of Washington. Since then it's scope and activities have been enlarged, and many better methods have been put into use. Portions of the law and some of our methods have been adopted by sister states, and also by the United States forestry depakt. ment.
 We reiterate the principles set forth in our letter of March IS, 1920. to the chief forester of the United States, and maintain that the national forests, and other forest lands under federal control, excepting military and scenic reserves, should be ceded to the state, and until that time the federal government should pay the taxing units of the state sums equi- yalent to the income which would be derived if such lands were privately owned. We are opposed to the eX- change of timber for logged-off lands as proposed by government officials, as it opens door for peculation and increases the governments holdings, already too great.
 We recognize fire protection as the primal need in successful reforesting. It should include all area where fire may occur. up-to-date methods, and the testing of all that appears useful and practical. We ask the co-opera- tion of the federal government in avia- tion, with a view to its utilization in forest protection. Methods and prac- tice in forestry and fire fighting must be adjusted to local conditions. It has been found that sowing grass seed in logged-off lands after first burning is a valuable fire protective measure, and we believe that seeding should be encouraged whether the land Is to be used for timber-growing, grazing, or agriculture.
 We recommend a measure that will prevent smoking in numbering opera tions and the forests, and also revi- sion of our laws to prohibit the start ing or use of fire in or near forests for idle or unnecessary purposes dur ing the closed season, except such places as may be prepared for camp ing and recreation purposes; and to this end, we further recommend a measure authorizing this board to- designate and prepare places for use as official camping grounds.
 We favor a careful study of for est taxation which will result in fixing fair rates and enable timber owners and timber growers to decide what policies they can safely adopt
 We favor a measure that will per init the purchase of logged-off lands from private individuals for the pur- pose of growing timber on non-agri-I cultural areas and in order that con- tiguous lands may be secured the state should have power to condemn such areas as may be required toI create a safety zone, or whererI needed by the state for growing tim Der. All mountainous and semi-moun-I tainous lands which show evidence of producing commercial timber, and which are too rugged for agricultural or horticuTaural purposes, do not need to be classified Such lands should be designated for timber growing pur-I poses and should be acquired in large, contiguous areas, by state. Additional adjacent lands should be designated for classification and when deter mined by competent classification to be more valuable for timber than for other purposes, they may be add ed thereto.
 To insure maximum yield of tim Der, the young growth artas should be carefully gone over and approved methods of replacement should be car ried out wherever natural seeding is insufficient. Also, where no reproduc- tion is visible, immediate steps should be taken to plant seed trees, partic- ularly on hillsides, ridges and places whese best opportunity is afforded for natural scattering of seed. Ex- periments should be conducted to de- termine best methods under various conditions.
 We favor extension of classification of lands as needed and each year we should add to the amount of such in- formation now in the records of the state land and forestry departments.
 1t is to the interest of all citizens of the state that thaV he kaDt advjcad