Cutting on National Forests of Pacific Coast. 385 



Nationai^ Forests as Examples of Management. 



Although the area of National Forests is large, they contain 

 such a large proportion of barren land that they constitute a 

 smaller factor in furnishing a supply of timber than may be sup- 

 posed by some. Hence, one of the most beneficial uses to which 

 they may be put is to furnish the best examples in forest manage- 

 ment. The storing up of old, declining stands which are de- 

 creasing in intrinsic value, while the annual cut of the Forest is 

 less than one-tenth of its producing ability, is wholly at variance 

 with any principles of forest management which have been found 

 wise in other countries. 



The policy of some holders of large blocks of timber in private 

 ownership in Western Washington is nearly in accordance with 

 the principles of forestry, involving as it does the disposal of old 

 timber and holding young. On account of existing tax laws, 

 these owners are not, however, in a position to manage their 

 holdings according to the best silvicultural principles, although 

 they might be glad to do so. The State and National Govern- 

 ments are the only ones who can do this at present. The State 

 of Washington now has no technical foresters in its employ, and 

 with the example of an enormous area of National Forests bear- 

 ing heavy stands of timber not even paying expenses, it can 

 scarcely be expected to be attracted to forest management. Its 

 revenues are insufficient for its other needs, and while it is the 

 general opinion of State officers that forestry does not pay, and 

 is only of use to future generations, no very active forest manage- 

 ment may be expected by the State. 



It devolves, therefore, upon the National Government if any 

 real forest management is to be undertaken in this region. 



The experience of cutting large areas with the view of follow- 

 ing the cutting by regeneration of the Forest is needed in order 

 to ascertain proper methods. The forester of 20 years hence, 

 will, I am sure, much prefer that timber sales on a large scale 

 had been made for the past 20 years, in order that the cumulative 

 experience would be available for his use than to have a heritage 

 of old over-mature timber to handle, which as has already been 

 shown, can yield no greater revenue at that time on account of 

 cutting having been withheld. 



It is fully realized that fine technicalities in management can- 



