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A NATIONAL PLAN FOR AMERICAN FORESTRY 



best that can now be formulated dealing with the following major 

 considerations : 



1. The distribution of forest land between private and public 

 ownership, and in the latter class between State and Federal owner- 

 ship. The plan proposed is in broad terms and affords the opportunity 

 to work out the detailed adjustments between private and public 

 ownership and between the different classes of public ownership 

 which are best adapted to local conditions and requirements. 



2. Public aid that stays within the public interest, that is equitable 

 between the Federal and State Governments, and yet offers the 



FIGURE 28. The proportional public share in different phases of the forestry enterprise under a coordinated 

 national plan growing out of direct ownership of forest land. 



greatest feasible assistance to private owners. Here also great 

 opportunity is left for flexibility in application to meet local needs. 



3. Public regulation that would cover generally accepted require- 

 ments, attempt nothing impossible, be available as a quid pro quo in 

 the public interest for concessions to private owners, and finally, be 

 available as a reserve measure in case of future public necessity. 



4. Federal assumption of only that part of the undertaking which 

 other agencies cannot or will not carry, but where necessary assump- 

 tion to the full extent of the national interest. 



The main obstacle to immediate action toward the consummation 

 of this plan is the financial stringency of governments resulting from 

 the depression. Undoubtedly the long-continued series of mistakes 

 in forest-land policies and management has been one of a large group 



