The people's voice., 1957-01-11
STATE FORESTS:

line with the same conservation prin-
ciples as our State Parks. This will
foster the production of the greatest
possible wealth from Montana's forest
lands in the form of forest products,
abundant usable water and recreation
areas.
Through proper forest management
and maintenance of soil and watershed
values, the highest volume of mature
crops may be harvested in the shortest
time. An inventory is the foundation
of good forest management. The forest
inventory on state lands, begun in the
last biennium, should be completed.
A new threat to our forests, in addi-
tion to fire, is the Spruce Budworm.
1t is presently running three and one
half million acres of forest land in
our State. All forest agencies are work
ing to control this pest. The RESPONSE
bility of the State and of private land
owners to control this pest needs
clearing up.
In addition, the Cooperative Forest
Management program, giving technical
assistance to the small forest land
owner should be encouraged.
COLUMBIA COMPACT:
The Columbia River Compact Com
mission has worked hard to find an
equitable solution to the difficult prob
lem OF that river. Recently such a
compact was approved by the Com
mission. 1t is ready for submission to
this Legislative session for approval
Montana has done an excellent job OF
protecting its rights and in arriving
at this compact. | strongly urge your
approval.
Consideration should again be given
to an underground water code. The
splendid work of the Water Conserva-
ton Board should be continued.
Legislative approval is necessary be-
fore an agreement reached between
the farmers Of Alberta, Canada, and
the farmers of Montana for the use of
water from Sage Greek can be ap-
proved.
Our State Department insists that
approval of the State of Montana be
obtained before construction work on
the project in Canada can be started.
The State Engineer is authorized to
negotiate contracts with other states,
but not with a foreign province or
country. Suitable legislation will be
offered for your approval to permit
this long-delayed project to become a
reality.
, Other recommendation of the Water
Board for your consideration, will be
found in the Biennial Report of the
State Engineer. One particular func-
ton of the Water Board, that of the
State Planning Board, which was acti-
waited by the last Assembly, has shown
remarkable progress. 1t is difficult to
measure the success of such an actiV-
ity.
[ am confident that the Planning
Board work, together with the work
of the Water Pollution Council in the
Board of Health, has much to do with
the announcement of two new paper
pulp industries, as we'll as other in
dustrial development. T lis work
should continue
Montana's agriculture needs expand
ed research to improve quality, to in
crease production know-hOw, and to
increase marketing knowledge. Pres
ent facilities are not sufficient, and
State funds are not likely to be avail
able. The wheat industry's need for
quality improvement is critical at this
time, if Montana is to maintain its
reputation as a producer of quality
wheat
To help satisfy these needs of agri-
culture, | urge you to pass enabling
legislation so commodity groups can
supply funds to help themselves. A
Commission has been sug-
gested by the Montana Grain Growers
Association to accomplish these pur-
poses. 1 submit the proposals for your
study.
LIVESTOCK COMMISSIONS:
The Brucellosis eradication program
Of the Livestock Commission has prog
ressed More than thirty counties have
been certified as free of brucellosls.
Of some 750 thousand dollars spent on
his program in two years, less than
EN- per cent has come from the Gen
eral Fund. However, to accomplish
his, the Commission has depleted its
'eserves and increased the livestock
nillage levy. About two dollars of fed
sral money has been used to every
State dollar.
To accomplish the goal of brucelosls
larger State appropr1a-