INTRODUCTION xxix 



the Forests were turned over to the Department of 

 Agriculture : 



"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 the forest reserves are for 

 use, and this use must be brought about in a thoroughh' prompt 

 and businesslike manner, under such restrictions only as will 

 insure the permanence of these resources. The vital impor- 

 tance of forest reserves to the great industries of the West- 

 ern States will be largely increased in the near future by 

 the continued steady advance in settlement and develop- 

 ment. 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 in- 

 variably be guided by this fact, bearing in mind that the con- 

 servative use of these resources in no way conflicts with their 

 permanent value. 



"You will see to it that the water, wood, and forage of 

 the reserves are conserved 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 live- 

 stock 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 business- 

 like regulations, enforced with promptness, effectiveness, and 

 common sense. In the management of each reserve local ques- 

 tions will be decided upon local grounds ; the dominant in- 

 dustry will be considered first, but with as little restriction 

 to minor industries as may be possible; sudden changes in in- 



