10 



INTRODUCTION 



1. The Production of Wood for Construction Material. Shelter, 

 next to food, is of major importance in our daily lives. An abundant, 

 readily available, and reasonably priced supply of lumber and other 

 forest products must be assured for future use. 



2. The Conservation of Water Supply. Water is of vast impor- 

 tance, not only for potable supplies and for irrigation, but also for 

 furnishing the source of electric energy, the maintenance of a proper 

 level in our canals and navigable streams, the prevention of floods, 

 erosion, and silting of streams, and allied purposes. The maintenance 



FIG. 7. Mt. Washington looking across Big Lake, Santiam National Forest, 



Oregon. Some of our virgin wilderness areas should be maintained in their 



pristine beauty unspoiled by commercial development for the enjoyment and 



pleasure of future generations. 



of a favorable water table in our soils is vital in some sections, as in 

 southern California. 



3. Provision for Adequate Recreational Facilities. During pioneer 

 days, people had little interest in the forests. With the almost uni- 

 versal use of the automobile by our people and the development of 

 excellent highways, many are enjoying the forest as a source of recrea- 

 tion. Millions are visiting our National and State Forests and our 

 National Parks for refreshing their minds and bodies. The forest 

 has assumed a recognized value for recreation in an inexpensive and 

 primitive fashion. Recently, in one year, there were four million 

 visitors to our National Parks, thirty-five million to National Forests, 



