Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1922-02-02

full development agriculturally and in
idustrially and each have their scenic
marvels to lure the visitor on and on.
In our state remains one-ffth of the
istanding timber of the United States.
This timber is one of our greatest as
Isets from the scenic as we'll as from
the industrial standpoint. It is the
duty of the state, while not interfer-
ing with industry, to retain those re-
markable beauties. which to u large
degree are made remarkable by their
sylvan adornment, the greatest forest
stretches still left on the American
continent.
For many years | have watched
with regret the gradual eneroachment
on our scenic beauties made by the
advancing army of industry. Some of
our rarest and most beautiful scenic
roads have been marred by the de-
nudation of the sylvan growths from
the valleys and the hills through and
lover which such roads wended their
way.
Something over year ago some
public expressions emanated from this
Office as to the necessity for taking
steps to permanently preserve these
fbeautles as an asset to ourselves and
rich heritage to posterity. The re-
| sponse received was amazing when
one considers the Importance of tie
subject matter involved. From ey
cry section of the state, from every
city and hamlet, from nearly every
commercial club and civic organiza-
ton came offers of cooperation and
assistance. The people of Oregon re-
allied the value of their birthright
and were demanding it's retention.
To Retain Beauties.
Recomm endations from the execu-
tive office to the last Legislature
brought about the enactment of stat
utes which pave the way for doing
! same splendid work along the lines
mentioned. The state highway COM
mission under one act in empowered
to condemn strips of land along state
highways for the purposes of preserv-
ing scenic beauties and in another
statute it is made misdemeanor To
destroy or injure trees or shrubbery
along the lines of state highways with
out first receiving the written permis-
sion from the state highway engineer.
am informed that the state high
way commission is taking an active
interest in this phase of the develop.
ment Of the highway program and |
look for considerable good to come
from these statutes.
In addition to the operation of these
laws plans are being put under way
for conference within the near fu-
ture to be held in conjunction with
the executive office at which l expect
"a number of citizens to take part, in
cluding those who have evinced a
deep interest in this work The OBJ
ject of this conference will be to form
some sort Of a statewide organiza-
tion, with units in every county and
city If necessary, to watch after local
conditions and prevent as far as pos
|sihle destruction of beauty spots in
the various localities throughout the
state. With public opinion as it is in
favor of the preservation of scenic
beauties believe that this may be
capitalized with magnificent results
for the benefit of the whole state and
the benefit of the thousands of tour
lists and visitors who come to Oregon
annually.
Scenery and Dollars.
Our highways which are being
paved throughout the state, will lose
great percentage of their value, if the
country through which they pass is
denude5 of it's beauties Aside from
sentimentalism there is a dollar value
in this movement which means an I'M
mense material asset to the people of
the state.
| desire to see this movement go
ahead and gain an enormous impetus.
With the people of the state squarely
behind it as they are, see no reason
why Oregon cannot forever remain
one of the beauty spots of the world