The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1928-08-17
NEW POLICY FOR
STATE FORESTS

AUDITOR CHASE SUG G. s T S
CREATION OF DEPARTMENT TO
HAVE FULL CONTROL OF STATE
FORESTS.
Creation of state department of
forests to take over complete control
of state timber lands, relieving the
state auditor of all connection with
its administration, and an elaborate
forest program, was recommended late
Saturday by State Auditor Ray p.
Chase.
In a letter to the Minnesota re-
forestation commission, he suggested
that it "cut to bedrock, excluding
from mind all nonessentials whether
personal, political. or merely trivial,
in its work and sketched an outline
for completely revamping the states
methods.
The office of state forester, now oc-
cupied by Grover M. Comet, whom
Chase recently suggested should resign
would be absorbed by the new de-
partment of forests which would have
four divisions devoted to management
protection, research and public rela-
tiOnS
More Logical Assignment.
Chase argues that administration of
state forest lands is incongruous to
other duties of the auditor, and also
recommends that the commission pro-
vide "a more logical assignment of
responsibilities tor administering the
mines and mineral lands, farm lands,
parks and monument sites and provide
for supervision by the state of the use
and control of public waters within
the state"
He suggests land owned by the state
be classified according to purpose and
the economic destiny determined.
Settlers clearing lands for farms which
are found to be suited only for forests
should be removed and reimbursed and
counties and other units be compen-
stated for their loss in taxes. He also
advocates consolidation of forest lands
in large. areas for timber production,
preservation and propagation of wild
life and for recreation.
An outline of the proposed depart
ment's organization and a chart OF, the
legal route necessary to bring about
its establishment including a conSti-
tutional amendment was furnished by
the auditor in his communication
which answers the last of 40 questions
asked of him by the commission.
Recommendations q Surprise.
His recommendations are expected
to occasion surprise in view of recent
exception he has taken to criticism of
his departments administration of
timber. In answers to other questions
he repeatedly offered evidence to show
that present administration has been
successful as far as the auditors work
extended.
There is. no logical reason for en-
numbering state fiscal office with
administration of lands, mines, timber
and parks and no reasonable excuse
for burdening it with that respon-
sibility," MIR. Chase said. There
never has been. 1t just happened"
Mr.. Chase continues: ut is improb-
able that Minnesota ever will have a
more competent superintendent of
timber" lotto Diercks) than the
present one, forester" (Grover M.
ConzeD inspired by better motives
than the present forester, or an audi
tor who will try, harder than the pres
ept auditor to reconcile conflicting
ideas and forces. Yet all three are
dissatisfied.
Need Broad Vision.
81 am convinced that no minor
change in employees or laws would
remedy the situation. Your real prob
lem would remain unsolved. Build
on permanent foundation the ma
chinery which can administer best
state forests and forest lands.
"You are building" Mr.. Chase says
to the commission, mot for this gen.
Grafton but for century ahead. Let
the breadth of your vision, the sin
certify of your purpose match the mag
nitude of your task" Sd
His recommendations consisting of
IA points, are:
l. Amendment of section 2, article
VIII of the state constitution. This
section deals with administration of
state lands and forests.)
2. Repeal or revision of laws based
thereon or passed pursuant to the
provisions thereof, through enactment
Of forestry code which shall cover
administration of state-owned timber
and timber lands and protection of all
timber and timber lands within the
state.
8. A complete land classification of
the coniferous area of Minnesota,
based on a thorough land economic
survey, including careful and un-
biased study and determination of the
fitness of the lands for agriculture,
and other uses to determine
exactly the best purpose of the land,
whether for forestry or farms.
Find Economic Destiny.
4. That the economic destiny of the
timber growing counties be deter
mined and that a competent, author
lied agency decide at the earliest pos
sible time whether their areas shall be
devoted exclusively to forests, wild life
and recreation or to agriculture and
other uses also.
5. That from the areas to be re-
served exclusively for forests, settlers
who are clearing lands for farms be
removed and that they be reimbursed
for such removal; that provision be
made to reimburse counties, townships
and school districts for their loss in
taxes resulting from permanent reser-