estimated at 113 million board feet. This means that 24 percent of 

 Montana's commercial forest land is contributing about 11 percent of the 

 State's annual cut. By the year 1980, the demand for wood products will 

 increase by at least 30 percent. The opportunity for expanding the 

 forestry resources in Montana is great. However, some species are being 

 harvested above their allowable annual cut to maintain their sustained 

 yield while other important species are being harvested at a rate of 85 

 percent below the allowable annual cut. The age distribution class of 

 Montana's timber resources is poor because fires, disease and unharvested 

 stands place a high percentage of our trees over 120 years or under 40 

 years of age. 



(6) The demands for recreation facilities and for wildlife in Montana 

 will increase at a more rapid rate than population projection. Montana's 

 facilities of clean air, clear water and natural beauty are important 

 nationally and the land and water resources must be under a multiple use 

 concept. Forest, range and cropland all contribute to the food and shel- 

 ter needs of wildlife. Regulations are needed to control both use and 

 abuse, and keep Montana's environment one that can be enjoyed by all. 



(7) Demand on Montana's water supply is expected to increase to meet 

 the demands of agriculture, urban and industry, as well as recreation. 

 The total water withdrawal by 1980 will be nearly double that of 1960. 

 Agricultural needs will increase by about 25 percent in contrast to 

 non-agricultural uses tripling their needs. This will result in an 

 expansion of water resource development for the State that will lead 

 toward fuller utilization of available water. During the next decade 

 there will be more land irrigated, better irrigation efficiency, more 

 storage facilities and diversions will be constructed to provide a 

 greater degree of water control oriented to downstream uses. 



