Forest conservation has passed the inspirational stage. It calls for concrete measures; 

 founded on justice, workable in practice. 



Growing new forests is an enterprise governed by business considerations. So is 

 conserv-ation handling of existing forests. Speculation is mostly over. Timber-owning 

 from now on is nothing but the expensive carrying of raw material until it can be manu- 

 factured profitably. 



To perpetuate forest resources demands that forest industry be guaranteed prosperous 

 and stable footing. It must have safety from ignorant prejudice, also a lively constant 

 use of wood at a price paying for protection and production by proper methods. 



We lack this today. Paradoxical as it may seem, forest conservation's most urgent 

 need is for a better lumber market. The reverse means sacrifice, waste, and consequent 

 early extinction. What has no value, we do not save. 



Successful measures affecting forest affairs must be based on intimate knowledge of 

 the business they involve. Citizens, states, and congresses now deal too much with forest 

 problems in an ignorance no man of them would tolerate if it affected his own business. 



The remedy lies in education; not so much in the importance or technique of forest 

 production as in its business necessities. When we have this, and not before, will we have 

 an American forest policy that coordinates Federal, State and private effort. 



To further such education is the chief duty of every sincere forest agency, private 

 and governmental. 



E. T. Allen, 

 Director American Forestry Association. 



