THE CONFERENCE CALL 15 



The greatest single force that shapes the American landscape is 

 private economic development. Our taxation policies should not 

 penalize or discourage conservation and the preservation of beauty. 



Ways in which the Federal Government can, through informa- 

 tion and technical assistance, help communities and States in their 

 own programs of natural beauty. 



The possibilities of a national tree-planting program carried on 

 by government at every level, and private groups and citizens. 



Conclusion 



In my 33 years of public life I have seen the American system move 

 to conserve the natural and human resources of our land. 



TVA transformed an entire region that was "depressed." The 

 rural electrification cooperatives brought electricity to lighten the 

 burdens of rural America. We have seen the forests replanted by 

 the CCC's, and watched Gifford Pinchot's sustained-yield concept 

 take hold on forest lands. 



It is true that we have often been careless with our natural bounty. 

 At times we have paid a heavy price for this neglect. But once our 

 people were aroused to the danger, we have acted to preserve our 

 resources for the enrichment of our country and the enjoyment of 

 future generations. 



The beauty of our land is a natural resource. Its preservation 

 is linked to the inner prosperity of the human spirit. 



The tradition of our past is equal to today's threat to that beauty. 

 Our land will be attractive tomorrow only if we organize for action 

 and rebuild and reclaim the beauty we inherited. Our stewardship 

 will be judged by the foresight with which we carry out these pro- 

 grams. We must rescue our cities and countryside from blight with 

 the same purpose and vigor with which, in other areas, we moved to 

 save the forests and the soil. 



LYNDON B. JOHNSON. 



THE WHITE HOUSE, February 8, 1965. 



