221 



comptroller in January, 1885, and in forwarding their report to the legislature 

 Comptroller Chapin said : " The problem in its fulness affects the welfare of 

 many sister commonwealths, and of the nation at large. It is eminently fitting 

 that in its solution the Empire State should lead the way." 



As a sequel to, and the result of the recommendations of the Comptroller's 

 Committee, the Bill establishing the Forest Commission was passed in the following 

 May, as follows : 



THE FOREST COMMISSION ACT. 



Chapter 283, Laws of 1885 ; as subsequently amended.. 



An Act to establish a Forest Commission, and to define its powers and duties, 

 and for the preservation of forests, passed May 15th, 1885. 



The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, 

 do enact as follows : 



COMMISSIONERS, How APPOINTED. 



Section 1. There shall be a forest commission, which shall consist of three 

 persons, who shall be styled forest commissioners, and who m&y be removed by the 

 governor for cause. The forest commissioners shall be appointed by the governor 

 by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 



TERMS BY LOT. 



2. At the first meeting of the forest commission they shall divide them- 

 selves by lot, so that the term of one shall expire in two years, one in four years and 

 one in six years from the first day of February next ensuing. Except as to the 

 three terms of office thus determined, the term of office of a forest commissioner 

 shall be six years from the first day of February on which the preceding term 

 expires. 



How APPOINTED AFTER 1888. VACANCIES. 



3. During the month of January, in the year 1888, and in every second 

 year thereafter, the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, 

 shall appoint one forejt commissioner. Vacancies that may exist in the office of 

 a forest commissioner after the commencement of a term of office, shall be filled 

 by the governor's appointment, subject to the confirmation of the Senate at its 

 next session, for the unexpired portion of the term in which the vacancy occurs. 



COMMISSIONERS, COMPENSATION OF. 



4. The forest commissioners shall serve without compensation, except that 

 there shall be paid them their reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of 

 their official duties. 



EMPLOYEES, AND PAY OF. 



5. The forest commission shall have power to employ a forest warden, 

 forest inspectors, a clerk, and all such agents as they may deem necessary, and 

 to fix their compensations, but the expenses and salary of such warden, agents, 

 clerk, inspectors, and assistants, shall not exceed in the aggregate, with the other 

 expenses of the commission the sum therefor appropriated by the legislature, 



ROOMS, E-iv. 



6. The trustees of public buildings, under Chap. 349, laws of 1883, shall 

 provide rooms for office for the forest commission, with proper furniture and 

 fixtures and with warming and lights. 



