have a conservative value in forest protection. Bnt a good 

 portion of it will be purchasable and should be ])urcliased by 

 the state as occasion arises or as opportunity presents itself. 



The Forest Preserve is not a luxury; it is the necessity of a 

 civilized people. In New York State and at the present time, 

 its first value is that of a protection of the vitally important 

 watersheds of northern New York. Upon this protection de- 

 pend great industrial interests which use hydro-electric power, 

 the health and safet>' of connnunities large and small along the 

 Hudson and other streams issuing from the Adirondacks; and 

 especially the welfare of the (yity of New York, which is look- 

 ing to the Adirondacks for the next increment of her water- 

 supply. Eventually, the Forest Preserve may liecome a source 

 of timber for commercial use; bnt that time has not vet come 



WAS THAT THE CLICK OF A TRICCER, OR ONLY A CAMERA? 



and will not come until it can be demonstrated that the state 

 can do witli her forests what piivate owners apparently cannot 

 yet do in this state, namely, cut down, replant and ])rovide a 

 continuous forest growth jn-ofitably. Even in uses popularly 

 called recreative the Forest Preserve is more of a necessity 

 than a luxury in New York State. Here we have the greatest 

 concentration of po])ulation of anj^ state in the Union; the great- 

 est strain of intensive aioplieation to work; and the greatest 

 need for places and facilities for relaxation from nerve-tension 

 and for health conservation. The state is investing capital in 

 the constitutions of her people by providing this great place 

 for tramping, camping, hunting, fishing and boating in the Adi- 

 rondacks and the Catskills. 



17 



