The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-03-07
To
Government
Competition
Western Pine Association
Issues Vigorous Statement
Against Policy.
COOPERATING IN
CONTROL MEASURES

PORTLAND, Oregon, Feb 28.-The
pine lumber manufacturing industry,
which is directly responsible to APP
proximately 10000 people in IL west
ern states for their livelihood, has in
Dictated by unanimous vote OF the
board of directors and executive COM
mittee of the Western Pine Association,
its intention to regard any further ex=-
tension of federal regulation Of the for
est conservation Schedule G. pro-
visions of the lumber code as direct
breach of good faith with the industry;
that a continuation of such effort will
be considered sufficient reason for re-
lieving this section of the lumber in
dustry of obligations 1t has voluntarily
assumed on the basis of self govern
ment and public cooperation; and fur
Their, that the western pine industry
will vigorously resist such unnecessary
and inequitable suggested federal regu-
lation as unwarranted governmental in
reference and direct invasion OF
private rights.
Opposed to Governments Stand
The resolution released today, ex-
presses the industry's views on pro-
posals made in recent public utterances
by the forester of the United States and
the Presidents national resources board
that there should be: Public control
over the use of private forest lands,
supervision by public agencies. ade-
quate and permanent forces of gov
ernmental employees to review manage
ment plans of private owners, inspect
woods operations, etc, and even log
and, if necessary, mill the government
timeber in direct competition with pri-
vate companies.
In spite Of this inferential criticism
OF the lumber industry's effort in forest
conservation measures during the past
year, the western pine operators,
through their association. have reaf-
firmed their declared policy of keeping
their forest lands productive under the
self government features of Schedule G
Of the code OF fair competition Of the
lumber and timber products industry.
The resolution stated further, in sup
port Of the industrys position in the
matter, that the western pine industry
has faithfully carried out its rules OF
forest practice, protecting cutover for
est lands from fire, securing planned
and orderly disposal Of logging slash,
progressively affording the young
growth left on the ground more protec-
ton from damage during logging,
carrying out studies to determine the
best methods Of selective logging and
instituting management plans providing
for sustained yield production as rapid
w as economic circumstances permit.
Restricted Forest Fires.
The association points out in ex-
planning the industry's set-up and the
results, that the Western Pine Division
has seven forest practice committees
and seven experienced forest engineers
located throughout the region, that the
| industry under the divisions supervi-
sion during 1884 succeeded in restrict
ing forest fires On cut-over lands to
approximately 5000 acres in season
which saw $4,000 or more acres OF
timber burned over in the region; anc
that some $4,000 acres of private TIM
berlands were placed under sustained
yield forest management since June |
1884, when Schedule c Of the lumbei
code became effective
The Western Pine association be-
lieves, as stated in the resolution tina
the results secured during 1884 fully
demonstrate that rapid progress is be
ing made and can only be accelerated
when the public agencies by Legislative
action fulfill the pledges Of coopera
ton offered as a result Of the Washing
ton conferences Of 1898 1884.