1638 A NATIONAL PLAN FOB AMERICAN FORESTRY 



FROM STATE FORESTS 



Upon the principle that those who use the forest and who benefit 

 directly from it should help to defray its expenses, game and recrea- 

 tional facilities become possible sources of forest income for the 

 States also. The States now derive considerable revenue from the 

 sale of hunting and fishing licenses; it appears not illogical to suggest 

 that part of these funds should be devoted to the maintenance of the 

 forest cover upon which wild life depends to a large measure for food 

 and shelter. Nominal charges for the recreational use of State forests 

 is already recognized in some States as a legitimate source of income. 



The development of hydroelectric power, of most potable water 

 supplies, and of commercial water navigation, is dependent in a 

 large measure upon the regulation of stream flow from forested water- 

 sheds. Therefore, it would appear equitable to help pay the costs 

 of forest protection and administration by some system of water 

 taxation. 



The expenditure of public funds for forestry, particularly through 

 State aid to private owners, contributes directly to increased State 

 income. As private forest lands are kept productive, and as profit- 

 able forest industries are maintained, the entire tax base is widened 

 and the income from taxation is increased. By the establishment of 

 State or other public forests in backward regions, with the abandon- 

 ment of decadent communities and costly public improvements no 

 longer necessary in those regions, large savings of public funds may 

 be made. These savings may contribute very greatly to the accom- 

 plishment of the State forestry program. 



