280 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



ing lands. The increase has been reflected in the price the owners 

 ask for the land when a sale of such is in order. Because of the 

 Federal Government's investment, there has been created somewhat 

 of an economic interest in the land. To protect this interest and to 

 further the beautification program, legislation seems necessary. 



I recommend that steps be taken to enact a law by which a lien 

 will be retained against any land 500 feet from the right-of-way of 

 the highways. This lien will not be something new, as the Federal 

 Government now uses such a procedure to secure the payment of 

 income taxes due it. The local governing bodies use the same prin- 

 ciple when they sell the entire property to secure the payment of local 

 taxes. This would not be an unreasonable restriction of property 

 rights as anyone who keeps his premises neat and clean would be in 

 no danger from the lien. It is only those who are the despoilers of 

 our natural beauty who would be penalized in this matter. 



I strongly recommend that this phase of the program receive care- 

 ful consideration. 



