The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1944-03-23
Why Cut
Some Trees;
Leave Others?

LOST CHAMPION IN
DEATH OF SEN. McNARY
About 80 members of the Libby
Commercial Club gathered Friday
night in the Community room, court
house, to enjoy highly entertain
ing and instructive program. 1t was
the annual program put on by the
forestry committee, George Neils,
chairman
The meeting was opened by Max
Sturm, president, and a short re-
port was made by the secretary
Dexter Shaurette. Only one commit
tee reported-E M. Boyes making
short report for the fish and game
committee Among other things he
said that about 200 coyotes had been
trapped or killed by hunters this
winter, very valuable work. He
said an attempt had beef made to
secure some coyote poison for these
men from the state fish and game
commission but had received the re-
ply that the commission had no
poison except for its own employ
ees. Boyes also stated that former
Deputy Game Warden Ellingwood
had been transferred and a new
man placed here, which was news to
many Of the local men. Boyes won
dered why there was so much sec
recy in this placing of new game
warden in this district. He further
criticized the commission in tie
spect to some Of its attitude re-
garding game matters in this part
of the state.
The meeting was then turned over
to George Neils of the forestry COM
mittee Mr.. Neils took up de-
tailed explanation of the method
now being practiced here and else
where in the selective cutting Of
trees SO as to insure sustained
yield Of timber for all time to come.
He said that trees are placed in
four classifications as to age, and
also in four classifications Ia each
axe group. He had q chart he pissed
around that pictured these various
classifications and after a very in
structive Introductory talk, he an
nounced that number of pictures
would be shown further portraying
the selective cutting Of trees. The
pictures had all been taken in this
district, where logging was in OPP
GRAFTON and all were in natural col
ors. They had been taken by Mark
Shockneckt and he operated the ma
chine while they were being shown
As each picture was shown Mr..
Neils pointed out why certain trees
would be cut and why others would
be left for later logging. A number
of pictures were also shown of the
cross sections of logs. Mr.. Neils ex-
planned the rate of growth by show
ing the number of rings per inch.
This rate Of growth was a strong
factor in determining whether tree
should be cut or should be left for
further growth. The information
brought out was too technical to
permit Of detailed explanation mere
but it held the closest attention of
the audience and showed clearly
that the selective cutting of trees
in the lumber industry has really
become science.
Mr.. Neils' formal program closed
with the showing of two or three
reels OF movies taken of logging OPP
erations in this area. They too were
in natural color and were most in
teresting. AS they unfolded before
the audience, Mr.. Neils gave a run
ming description of the work that
added much to the interest.
K. A. Klehm spoke briefly on
that is now pending in
congress and which is of great i'm
portance to the carrying out Of sus-
tanned production in the lumber in
dustry. One of these was Senate B.
$50 that would set up procedure to
be followed in the sale of forest
service timber. 1t was suggested
that the club 60, on record in sup
port of this measure. Whereupon
Lee Harmon moved and it was
passed that the club officially 60
on record in support of the bill and
that it write Senator Wheeler urg-
ing his support of this bill.
Walter Neils paid short tribute
to the late Senator McNary of Ore
gon and said that in his death the
West had lost most valuable man.
Mr.. Neils said Senator McNary had
long lead the fight in congress for
desired in the develop
ment of the natural resources Of the
West. He further said that this task
of leadership would probably now
fall on Senator Wheeler who under
stood the value of sustained yield in
prepetuating the lumber industry
and who had always worked har-
with Senator McNary.
After adjournment the interest
felt in the topic up for discussion
was clearly shown when the men
gathered in groups for further talk
and questions and answers.
M. R. Karnes, speaking on re-
quest of some of the churches of
the town, said the churches were
asking business houses to close from
IL noon to 3 p. m, on Good Friday
in Difference to the religious sig
nificance of the day. After some dis
cussion, it was decided to turn the
matter over to the clubs merchants