314 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



affluent society there are too large a percentage of our rural people 

 who live under such a condition. I would hope that this group go 

 on record in favor of incorporating the basic philosophy and/or pro- 

 grams of the Economic Opportunity Act in developing rural Amer- 

 ica's natural beauty. 



As land is acquired for parks, roads, and recreation facilities let 

 us not exploit the poor small farmer who because of his economic and 

 political position is more vulnerable than relatively large farmers 

 or landholders. Thus, I would like to have this committee recom- 

 mend to the President that when acquiring land from low-income 

 families that it be done on a long-term lease basis rather than through 

 outright cash purchase. The seller will receive from the government 

 a monthly check based upon a cost-of -living index. This approach 

 will serve to ( 1 ) raise the living standard of the low-income farm 

 family, and (2) give him a degree of dignity and respect to know 

 that he is receiving an income by providing a product land rather 

 than a welfare payment. The government will have first option on 

 the land if the owner desires to sell. 



