The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-11-21
Would Save
Timber Along
Highways
R W. Billings Tells How
Scenic Asset Can Be
Conserved.
LARGE ATTENDANCE
AT LIONS MEETING

-
That active steps should be taken at
once for the conservation of mature
timber along the highways was the
conviction of Libby Lions at their
meeting Monday night after listening
to a presentation of the matter by Lion
R. w. Billings Mr.. Billings main
tanned that the conservation of timber
and scenic beauties along the high
ways is one of the most important
things this section can strive for, as
the natural beauty of this favored sec
ton is one of its greatest resources.
THE time is fast approaching with
the improvement of highways" said
Mr. Billings, when it will be possible
to haul logs into Libby by trucks from
as far south as Thompson lakes. This
will bring about the logging of that
entire area in due time and unless
action is soon taken to conserve The
natural beauty Of the highways, This
great asset will be definitely lost"
Mr. Billings maintained that strips
Of uncut timber should be left standing
on both sides of the highways. There
is now prohibition against cutting
timber within 200 feet of either side
Of highway on state or federal owned
land, he said There are certain laws
that make possible the acquiring of
the necessary strips Of land along I'll
highways, said the speaker. The forest
service is authorized to exchange
timber Of equal value when the timber
along a highway is owned by private
interests And there has been some
talk of the government paying actual
cash to owners in order that the timber
strips bordering highways might be
saved But regardless of what method
is used to conserve the timber, some
thing should be done at once, said the
speaker
Mr. Billings also said that there is
very little federal or state oWAd land
along the highway between Libby and
Kalispell. Most of the area Is IN pri-
vate hands, and will eventually be
logged to the detriment of the scenic
beauty of the district if action is not
taken to retain for all time strips ct
growing and mature timber along the
highways.
Club Favors Movement
Mr. Billings closed by reading reso-
luton that If adopted, would place the
Lions on record as favoring acquision
Of such timber strips along highways.
The resolution was unanimously
adopted and the Lions went on record
as favoring the proposal.
Following is the resolution read by
Mr.. Billings.
Whereas; The natural beauty of
green forests and virgin old-growth
timber constitutes feature Of the
western Montana landscape which is
of inestimable value as an attraction
to tourists and as symbol of peace
and, order to the resident population;
and,
Whereas; The exigencies of industry
and Of land settlement and develop
ment are threatening the complete and
> permanent destruction of this natural
asset, and,
Whereas; The United States bureau
of public roads, the Montana state
highway commission, and the U. ,.
forest service have inaugurated prac-
tices in highway construction, and
promulgated regulations for conserving
said natural asset on all land under
their authority bordering main inn
proved highways;
"Now, therefore, be it Resolved by
the Lions Club of Libby, Montana. that
"1) The Club is in favor of gov
eminent acquisition of strips Of virgin
timber bordering federal or state
highways,
"(2) Private corporations and In
dividuals Of Lincoln county who may
be owners Of virgin timber along high
ways be urged to consider the de-
STABILITY Of conserving said timber ane
of transferring same at reasonable price
to government agencies if and wher
the opportunity presents
"And. Be it Further Resolved tina
the Club does herewith solicit the SUP,
port of every citizen of Lincoln count,
in the movement to conserve the re
naming natural beauties of our road
sides"
Lion Billings was followed by R.
Veldman who read resolution sen
to him by the Montana forestry associa
ton, relative to certain inappropriate
lands throughout this part Of the stat
These are scattered tracts of tirsbere
land Of so little value that no one ha
deemed 1t worth while to file on then
However, they ought to be incorporate
into the forest service, the resolutio
maintained. and the resolution was
the effect that such land be transferre
to the forest service through prop<
legislation by congress. This resolutio
was also duly adopted
Following serving Of dinner, Pres
dent Krall opened the business sessio
calling on Chairman Kienitz of II
highway committee to report. N
Kienitz stated he had seen in Il
papers where another large letting
highway contracts Is to be held I
November 30 and that this section aga
gets nothing.
Mr.. Krall then reported that he HI