SOME REMARKS ON STATE FOREST POLICY ^ 



By Ralph S. Hosmer 

 Professor of Forestry, Cornell University 



What I have to say concerns itself with the definite enunciation of 

 forest poHcies in State work. It has been my experience that the im- 

 portance of this point has been minimized. I am arguing that greater 

 stress be laid on it. I shall attempt to show that certain distinct advan- 

 tages are to be gained thereby. 



It may be regarded as axiomatic that to attain the largest measure 

 of success in the forestry work of any State there is required behind 

 the State ofificials a strong public sentiment. Very briefly, I wish to 

 discuss certain ways in which such a sentiment can be promoted and 

 maintained. The people support that which they understand and are 

 interested in. Consequently a part of the problem of State forestry 

 becomes one of education, especially through popular channels. 



The first requirement, naturally, is that there be a solid foundation. 

 In no State can public forestry work be permanently successful unless 

 it be based on well-considered ideals, sought to be put into practice by 

 an efficient organization. From the experience of the past 25 years, 

 there is pretty general accord in the minds of American foresters as to 

 what constitutes good organization in State forest work. Many forms 

 have been tried out, with varying results. The most satisfactory solu- 

 tion seems to be control by a small, non-salaried board, preferably made 

 up of representatives of the interests in the State that have most to do 

 with forests, under which serve technically trained men, protected by 

 the regulations of a civil service. We do not need here to consider that 

 aspect. The point to which I would direct attention is the need for a 

 better formulation of the forest policy of the State, and especially the 

 definite enunciation of such a policy. Most of the States having for- 

 estry departments have a comprehensive enough program, but few of 

 them have made the things for which they stand so clear that he who 

 runs may read. 



The fundamental forestry law of a State should, of course, contain 

 a broad statement of principles, and from time to time the State for- 



^ Prepared to be read before the Society of American Foresters at its annual 

 meeting, at Baltimore, Md., December 27, 1918. 



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