FOREST ))i:\ ASTATION 923 



8. Nothing yet done or heretofore proposed olTers an adequate 

 remedy. 



9. The only possible remedy is to keep enough forest land grow- 

 ing trees. 



10. To maintain our forests in continuous production is easily 

 practicable. 



Further inquiry into many details of the forest situation is highly 

 desirable and even urgent, but no amount of investigation will change 

 tlie basic facts already established. We know enough to go ahead. 

 Plans and pleas which assert or assume that the essential facts are not 

 yet known, or which urge or suggest that further, or different, or con- 

 tinued, or supplemental, investigations must be undertaken before we 

 can begin, will serve merely to bolster up deliberate attempts to block 

 or postpone the taking of measures which are vital to the public safety 

 and welfare. That such attempts to block and postpone action are 

 being made and will be made there is no doubt. 



TO MAI.N'TAIN FORESTS IN CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION IS NOW PR.\CTIC.-\BLE 



We know enough about our forests, also, to keep them growing. To 

 get young trees growing in the ground, and to protect them from fire 

 and other enemies, are operations well within our present powers. 

 They are not so involved, difficult, or highly technical as to require 

 further detailed investigations, studies, and researches before starting 

 to practice what we know already. 



It is true that much remains to be learned about our numerous tree 

 species. It is true that a systematic and comprehensive program of 

 forest research is urgently needed. But it is equally true that we have 

 now knowledge enough to grow and protect valuable tree species upon 

 any land where forests may reasonably be desired. We know it can 

 be done because it is being done. Further studies will doubtless give 

 us better practice and cheaper methods, but well tested practice and 

 effective methods are now available. We are all ready to go ahead. 



There is no sound or scientific reason for delay in taking the simple 

 and obvious steps necessary to insure the Nation an adequate and 

 dependable supply of forest products. 



EXTENT, LOCATION, AND CONDITION OF PRESENT FOREST ..\RE.\S 



The present total forest area of the United States, in round numbers, 

 is 500 million acres, including cut-over, devastated, and idle forest 

 lands ^s well as those upon which merchantable timber is now stand- 



