214 STATE FORESTS AND FOREST POLICIES 



and state forest policies throughout the country. Prior to 1901, no 

 technically trained foresters were employed in state service. There 

 soon followed a wise insistence that state forest policies should be 

 directed by trained and experienced foresters, and that they and 

 their staffs should be free from political interference or influence. 

 Disastrous forest fires, notably in Minnesota, California, Idaho, and 

 New York, contributed to a quickening of activity in state organiza- 

 tions, laws, and policies. 



The Weeks Law of 1911, providing for cooperative fire protection 

 by the Federal Government in behalf of the various states on forested 

 watersheds of navigable streams, exerted a powerful influence in the 

 creation of additional state forestry organizations and the strengthen- 

 ing of those already under administration. Now 39 states cooperate 

 with the Federal Forest Service, as explained elsewhere. 



2. NUMBER AND CHARACTER OF STATE FOREST 

 ORGANIZATIONS 



Of the 48 states of the Union, 42 now have administrative agen- 

 cies, laws, funds, and experienced personnel to carry on forestry 

 activities. Pennsylvania has 61 technical men in its organization, 

 and New York 57. The South generally leads the country in its legal 

 provision for technical men to head the forestry work, and every 

 southern and southeastern state now has an active forest organization. 

 North Carolina was one of the first states of the Union to establish 

 a forest policy and has been a consistent leader in the movement. 



Activities vary widely, depending upon the character of public 

 sentiment reflected in legislation, urgency of certain phases of the 

 work, and nature of the forest and its ownership. In some states, 

 principal emphasis is given to protection from fire, insects, or disease; 

 in others, to the acquisition and administration of state forests. Still 

 others are principally concerned with planting of idle lands, shelter- 

 belts, and windbreaks. Pennsylvania is generally recognized as hav- 

 ing the most effective, balanced, and well-developed state forestry 

 organization in the country. 



3. FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES 



The work in each state as indicated depends upon local circum- 

 stances and requirements for the various phases of forestry work. 

 Altogether, however, the functions and activities consist of the fol- 

 lowing : 



