Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1927-04-21
AMERICAN FOREST WEEK
SET ASIDE BY PRESIDENT

American Forest Week, which will
be observed throughout the whole ma
ton on April gath to 3Oth, is not just
another one. of the weeks" set aside
Ito be observed on account of some in
cidental or. local interest. This week
has become II real. American institu-
tion proclaimed and observed in prac-
tically every state and community in
this country and Canada. .Unfailing-
ly, the President Of the United States
proclaims this week. The proclama-
ton of President Coolidge, recently is
sued, is such as to command the at
tention of every good citizen. Therein
he states "One- fourth Of our soil is
better suited to timber-growing than
anything else. I can not escape the
conviction that our industrial and
agricultural stability will be strength
ened by bringing into full productive
use this great empire of land. AL
though much progress has been made
in public forestry and hopeful begin
nings in private forestry, we still have
vast aggregate of idle or semi-idle
forest land, and another large aggre-
gate of poor farm land that might
more profitably grow timber instead
of adding to the problem Of agricul-
tural overproduction.
Consider what blessings the use Of
this land for intensive forest culture
would bring to our country. Our mi
gratory forest industries would be
stabilized and made permanent. Rural
industry would be greatly strengthen
ed and vitalized. Agriculture would
find in silviculture strong ally, pro-
viding markets for farm produce and
for surplus labor. Our farms them
selves contain nearly third of our
woodland-an enormous potential
farm asset If handled for continuous
timber crops. With widespread for
est culture, new wealth would spring
up for the support of roads, schools,
and local government, and the rural
regions would enjoy a larger share of
the national prosperity. For some Of
our surplus capital now seeking in
vestulent abroad, new outlets would
be found in forest production. Our
people would then have an assured
supply of timber and would see the
hills and the waste places reclothed
with forests for their pleasure and in
spiration.
American Forest Week gives a use
full opportunity for taking counsel
on what can and should be done to
bring these neglected and waiting
lands into USE 1t also gives an OPP
portunity for each citizen to consider
his own responsibility in the common
task. 1t is not enough that the Fed
eral and State governments have join
ed hands with the landowner in the
first step toward forest rehabilitation,
protection against fire. Every citizen
whose thoughtless act may endanger
the woods has the obligation of re-
specting the forest and guarding it
from its worst enemy, fire.
/ Il recommend to the Governors of
the several States that they likewise
designate this week for special OBJ
esrvance, and that where practicable
and not in conflict with law or Gus
tom, Arbor Day be observed on some
day of the same week"
West Virginia, one of the leading
forest states, so dependent upon it's
forests for timber supply and pure
and plentiful water supply, so rich in
scenic beauty, SO rare in it's life of
forest and field, and 50 diversified in
its industry, could not afford to be
Other than leader in the practical
observance of this week.
We most earnestly urge that schools,
boy scout organizations, civic clubs,
girls and women's organizations,
sportsmen's clubs and other groups
throughout the state engage in some
suitable observance of American For
est Week, such as the planting of
trees forest protection, and special
exercises. The President suggests that
the press of the state, which is so
effective and necessary in the field of
education, "give consideration to the
forest needs of their respective COM
monwealths"
Our office, in order to stimulate
and assist the observance Of this week
is supplying material in the way Of
publications, suggested programs for
schools and clubs and other informa-
ton, and is prepared to cooperate
with every interested. agency to the
end that the public shall be aroused to
the vital conservation needs of West
Virginia.