1 8 NATIONAL FOREST, STATE, AND PRIVATE LANDS 



to the Forester under date of February i, 1905, is so compre- 

 hensive as to warrant its inclusion here . 



In the administration of the forest reserves it must be clearly borne in mind 

 that all land is to be devoted to its most productive use for the permanent 

 good of the whole people, and not for the temporary benefit of individuals or 

 companies. All the resources of forest reserves are for use, and this use must 

 be brought about in a thoroughly prompt and businesslike manner, under 

 such restrictions only as will insure the permanence of these resources. The 

 vital importance of forest reserves to the great industries of the Western 

 States will be largely increased in the near future by the continued steady 

 advance in settlement and development. The permanence of the resources 

 of the reserves is therefore indispensable to continued prosperity, and the 

 policy of this department for their protection and use will invariably be guided 

 by this fact, always bearing in mind that the conservative use of these re- 

 sources in no way conflicts with their permanent value. 



You will see to it that the water, wood, and forage of the reserves are con- 

 served and wisely used for the benefit of the home builder, first of all, upon 

 whom depends the best permanent use of lands and resources alike. The 

 continued prosperity of the agricultural, lumbering, mining, and livestock 

 interests is directly dependent upon a permanent and accessible supply of 

 water, wood, and forage, as well as upon the present and future use of these 

 resources under businesslike regulations enforced with promptness, effective- 

 ness, and common sense. In the management of each reserve local questions 

 win be decided upon local grounds; the dominant industry will be considered 

 first, but with as httle restriction to minor industries as may be possible; 

 sudden changes in industrial conditions will be avoided by gradual adjustment 

 after due notice, and where conflicting interests must be reconciled the ques- 

 tion will always be decided from the standpoint of the greatest good of the 

 greatest number in the long run. 



As the National Forests were created very largely for the 

 proper protection and development of timber and the protection 

 and improvement of the watersheds, great pains must be taken 

 to harmonize the use of all the resources. The forage crop is 

 no exception. 



Livestock on the National Forests. — The yearly forage crop 

 is harvested by livestock belonging to persons who are qualified 

 to enjoy the privilege. As fully as is consistent with the devel- 

 opment of all other Forest resources, the United States Forest 

 Service seeks to utilize the forage crop on all range or timber 

 types and at the different elevations from a few hundred feet 



