624 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



are impossible to catch up with. Our alternatives to park use are 

 simply cutover sites for erosion and new rural slums. 



Mrs. J. LEWIS SCOTT. I propose the introduction of the commu- 

 nity ecologist as a separate and autonomous office within the com- 

 munity government. It is the function of the ecologist to foresee 

 the ecological consequences of all projects sanctioned by the 

 community. 



I propose the Federal Government accept clear, decisive responsi- 

 bility for conservation leadership. The most vital action would be 

 the establishment of a Federal Department of Natural Resources by 

 Executive Order, where citizens can concentrate their support for 

 better organization and management of our Nation's resources. 



The President could transfer agencies, the Corps of Engineers, 

 the Forest Service, the Soil Conservation Service, and the Rural 

 Electrification Administration, to the Interior Department and then 

 create the Department of Natural Resources. 



A generation ago, the Hoover Commission task force suggested a 

 Department of Natural Resources as did Harold Ickes in 1938. 



RUSSELL J. SEIBERT. The current national attention on natural 

 beauty must be brought to the attention of everyone in the United 

 States of America. As an effective followup for the White House 

 Conference on Natural Beauty and to assist in the education of 

 children, parents, and all of our citizens, it is suggested to call on the 

 facilities and talents of Walt Disney. A hard-hitting, animated 

 movie stressing natural beauty, garden courtesy, and a return to the 

 respect for the property of others might have an encouraging effect 

 at this time. 



Since none of the panels stressed a consideration of plants and 

 their part in natural beauty, may I point out that all our lives are 

 contingent upon plants, both cultivated and natural. 



Cultivated and natural plants are important in maintaining, 

 restoring and creating natural beauty. Nature alone can seldom 

 restore itself to its own former natural beauty. The assistance of 

 man is necessary to help heal the ravages of man's destruction of 

 natural beauty. 



Horticultural research on plants, including their introduction, 

 testing and evaluation for suitable use in beautification is important 

 for all parts of the United States. 



Everyone should know and experience for himself the thrill of 

 growing one's own plants. Horticultural education and the train- 



