A NATIONAL PLAN FOR AMERICAN FORESTRY 1331 



Somewhat similar State services would also be necessary from time 

 to time and in different parts of the country, starting with organiza- 

 tions built up to handle current epidemics. State costs are estimated 

 at $537,000 to be increased to $695,000 at the end of 5 years. 



It is also true that the present Federal program of forest research, 

 and the larger one proposed, constitute definite aid and benefit to the 

 States and private owners since the results are available to all and the 

 expenses of similar State programs for comparable results is thereby 

 saved. This is true despite the fact that these programs are limited 

 to work on national and regional problems and are extended to local 

 problems only where Federally owned or managed lands are involved. 



Another form of Federal aid that has been tentatively proposed else- 

 where in this report (see Federal aid in organizing Forest credit facili- 

 ties) is the extension of the existing Federal farm-loan system to forest 

 projects. 



A plan for Federal and State cooperation in advice in forest manage- 

 ment to both farm and industrial forest owners is discussed later. In 

 addition, a recommendation is made for a fund which would be built 

 up to $225,000 for direct expenditures by the Federal Forest Service. 

 This, for example, would permit Federal extension where State coop- 

 eration could not be obtained and a material strengthening of this 

 activity. 



Still other Federal activities that will aid owners of forest land and 

 accomplish the same results as w^ould direct financial aid to States 

 (were that form of assistance practicable in these activities) are the 

 testing and certification of forest tree seed (see section The reforesta- 

 tion of barren and unproductive land); the existing service by the 

 Weather Bureau in forest fire weather forecasts; and the work in 

 control of predatory animals and injurious rodents by the Bureau of 

 Biological Survey. 



Although it is recognized that State action might be stimulated 

 thereby, Federal gifts of funds to the States for the purchase of State 

 forests is not recommended. One reason for this is that the Federal 

 Government will have about all the financial load it can assume if the 

 full plan recommended in this report is carried out. Beyond this, it 

 is believed that it will be a sounder principle for any public agency to 

 undertake the acquisition only of the land which it can subsequently 

 finance. Greater efficiency in expenditures can probably be expected. 

 The poorer States would probably need further aid pending the time 

 when forests acquired became self-sustaining. Aid is not needed by 

 the wealthier States. The wealthier States which will have to furnish 

 the funds might prefer, for acquisition outside of their boundaries, to 

 have Federal rather than State forests because of the possibility of 

 obtaining an accounting. Finally Federal gifts for the acquisition of 

 State forests might soon lead to a demand that the existing national 

 forests be turned over to the States. 



Federal aid to the States in the form of loans is not recommended 

 for similar reasons. Uncertainty as to payment makes it possible that 

 loans may actually become gifts. 



It is considered highly desirable, and has been so recommended in 

 the several sections of this report, that the States engage in most if 

 not all of the forest-aid activities carried on by the Federal Govern- 

 ment. It is anticipated that as the Federal program advances there 

 will be increasing State participation, both through independent State 

 action and through cooperative effort administratively arranged. 



