Evening star., 1923-11-25

west of the Rockies publicly owned
! and only 3 per cent east of these
ranges Cotncidentally. and as the
seventh point. the committee adVo-
Gates large-scale planting by both
| federal and state agencies.
To carry out this ultimate program.
the committee advocates six imme-
dlate points for action by Congress:
A federal appropriation of not less
, than 81 100000 is asked for yearly
cooperation with the states in the
i work of fire prevention. The national
government should not expend in this
work more than the amount spent by
the individual state, inclusive Of that
| provided by private owners under
provisions of law, it was stipulated
| The largest appropriation adocated
| is for s5.00O.O0O each year to be devot-
| ed to the purchase of forest land on
| the watersheds Of navigable streams
An annual allotment of 100000 is
asked for research and investigation,
| including the question of forest taxa
ton.
| Starting with an initial appropria-
! ton Of 100000 the committee advo-
| Gates that the federal government
provide increases up to S1000O.000
year within ten years for forest
! planting in cooperation with the
states and otherwise.
| Funds for Cooperation.
In accordance with the recon-
! mendation of the Secretary of Agri-
, culture the committee urges appro-
! priation of s50,000 a year to start the
| work of cooperation between the
| federal government and the owners
| of forest land. The administ ra ton
of this work would follow the lines
! of the present cooperation with
| owners of farm lands
| AS a general and last plank in it's
| immediate forest program the COM
mittee advocates that the Secretary
: OF Agriculture be authorized to de-
| terlnine what lands now owned by
! the United States and not included
/ in the national park areas are valu-
able chiefly for the production of
| timber or for watershed protection.
He would be authorized, under this
! recommendation, to provide for their
! inclusion within the national forests
or to give them such other protection
| and administration as would promote
their best use in the public welfare
Forestry is the application of def
| mite scientific principles to the grow
| ing and using Of. timber crops, the
| committee explained in justification
| of Its program.
Forestry is not a law compelling
| the planting of a new tree for every
/ III
sizes and kinds of trees. Neither is
! it arbitrary control by any public
body over private enterprise for fire
prevention, although this is both i'm
| portant and necessary" Mr.. Pack said
: The committees conclusions are
| based on the ground that private en-
| terprise in forestry must be en-
| couraged and public activity fostered.
! 1t has recognized that because of the
| long time investment. hazards of fire,
| insect and storm, it will be necessary
| to maintain large areas of public
/ timbe rlands as a resource, although
| entire ownership is neither necessary
! nor desirable. In France. 1t is pointed
out. this proportion amounts to 35
4, per cent; in Germany. SO per cent;
/ in Sweden, "a per cent.
| Private initiative in timber grow
f, ing, therefore, must be encouraged
, by showing the individual that he
( can grow timber at profit. The
| committee Is convinced. Mr.. Pack as
| serts, that private ownership and de-
] yelopment can be attained by proper
leEielation and encouragement.