ORIGIN OF THE PROPOSITION 



THE TREE PLANTERS OF AMERICA 



NATIONAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION 



Washington, June 27, 1908. 

 Mr. Austin A. Burnham, Chicago, 111. 



Dear Mr. Burnham: You will recall that the Declaration of 

 the Governors at the White House Conference recommended that 

 each State appoint "a commission on the conservation of natural 

 resources to co-operate with each other and with any similar com- 

 mission of the federal government." Acting on this suggestion, 

 President Roosevelt, on June 8, appointed a National Conservation 

 Commission. The Executive Committee of the Commission met in 

 Chicago, June 19, arranged a plan of work, and decided also to 

 issue occasional bulletins. I have much pleasure in enclosing a copy 

 of the first of these, and shall be very glad to send you later issues 

 if you desire. 



Since you took part in the Conference, and in view of the 

 peculiar interest of the National Business League of America in the 

 Conservation of Natural Resources, it occurs to me that you may 

 be willing to assist the National Commission with suggestions, either 

 on your own behalf or on that of your organization, concerning lines 

 of inquiry, the nature of the report, or other matter; and I assure 

 you that any expression from you will be welcome. The Commis- 

 sion would especially appreciate your co-operation if you would con- 

 sent to give it detailed and specific information in your own field. 

 Would it be possible for you to do so ? 



Sincerely yours, GIFFORD PINCHOT, 



Chairman. 



(Responsive to the above request, the National Business League 

 of America, on February 12, 1909, suggested the plan of organizing 

 the Tree Planters of America, which follows) : 



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