the cross-ties, but less than one-third of 1 per cent of the 

 lumber used, is treated. 



Despite the obvious public need, there is strong opposition 

 to the development of a safe national forest policy. 



While the future is not secure, definite progress has been 

 made in the following ways: 



Forest fire associations among timberland owners, by pub- 

 licity and systematic organization, are materially reducing 

 forest fire losses. 



The federal government controls, on the national forests, 

 about one-fifth of the standing timber, and by proper utiliza- 

 tion and protection makes it a present asset and a perpetual 

 resource. 



A majority of the forested states have organizations which 

 are doing effective work in forest protection and education. 



Two states, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, have this year 

 enacted forest taxation laws based on correct principles, and 

 other states are agitating similar legislation. 



While intensive forest management, on the European plan, 

 has not been applied on private holdings, the lumbermen are 

 slowly realizing that their business is furthered by co*-oper- 

 ation with public interests. Forestry and lumbering are re- 

 ceiving mutual recognition, which will make for forest con- 

 servation under the combined stimulus of education and eco- 

 nomic development. 



There is fairly well defined public interest in forest con- 

 servation, but it must be stipulated to the point of forcing 

 necessary reforms. 



"The National Conservation Congress seeks, through edu- 

 cation and investigation, to establish a sound forest policy, 

 both in the broad national aspects and in essential details, 

 and to support and strengthen the progressive forest work 

 now being done. The forestry committee, through its sub- 

 committees and affiliation with the American Forestry Asso- 

 ciation, has unequaled facilities for effective investigation, 

 and wide publicity and education. With your help it desires 

 to do more and do it better." 



17 



