PETER V. JArKf5nN, PRESIDENT SEZ 



Our convention Is serious business. Far too often con- 

 ventions are considered a time out on the town without any- 

 one to keep tabs. That Isn't for us. 



Have you ever had the a^pravatlnR experience of working 

 up a good program to solve some problems, then take it by 

 yourself to the school board, city council, or your local 

 civil organization iust to have them say we'll take this 

 up later, we're too busy right now. 



Then in contrast, what happens if a well organized group 

 presents the same solution to the same problem? Big smiles, 

 lots of handshaking, and we'll act on this immediately I 

 Its one of the oldest stories ever told. If you are prop- 

 erly organized and prepared, you can get things done. 



With this in mind, remember our annual convention in 

 Butte at the Flnlen Hotel, November 8-10. We have many 

 problems and programs that need your immediate serious, 

 ' and whole-hearted consideration. Many will not be able 



t^Yto get off the ground without the well prepared, unified effort of clo8«-knlt organization. 



The Montana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts has been handed many new 

 and extremely important responsibilities; these also must be met and considered if we are to 

 take our rightful place in today's high speed economy. Should we take the easy lack-a-daislcal 

 attitude, our Association will be short-lived to say the least; and it should be short-lived 

 for no one, more especially ourselves, has the time or patience to fool with such an organi- 

 zation. 



This doesn't mean that our convention is all work and no play. Heaven forbid, I like the 

 good old philosophy of our forefathers of "work hard and play hard". In the words of a great 

 old guy who worked for me for aany years, "You've just got to have a little tonic of the 

 liver if you're going to do a big day's work and keep the cobwebs out of your head". 



Some of the things that need your honest, thorough, and undivided attention are zoning, 

 conservation education, and special districts to name just three. I would like to elaborate 

 on this to just give you an example of the many problems ahead. 



First, zoning. How long will our economy stand up under the onslaught of super highways, 

 housing developments, and industrial areas on our most highly productive land? This has to 

 stop unless we like fish flour three times a day. 



Secondly, the vast majority of the populous are three generations away from the land — how 

 in the name of heaven can they understand today's agricultural problems when all they can 

 remember are stories of Grandma's farm. Finally, our business is so scientific that we are 

 dealing daily with techniques and methods considered only by men carrying doctor degrees ten 

 years ago. 



We have come to the point now that there is a need for highly specialized personnel working 

 at a district or project level. For example, we need range renewal projects where specialists 

 can be placed in specific areas to conduct the range management programs needed in a particular 

 site, such as the proper method of sprayinj^ the exact rotation plan for a range site* and the 

 very latest methods of reseeding. These need a specialist trained for years if we are to man- 

 age our operations in a manner so as to progress and make a profit. We haven't the time to 

 train ourselves or keep up in such a program. 



With these three things as examples, think of the many others just as important. Come to 

 the annual convention and let's get them on their way. 



