Conservation Commission 177 



State Policy 



The State policy during the past thirty years has been to pro- 

 cure a large area of forest land in our two mountain regions. It 

 has been secured by withdrawing lands already owned and, at a 

 large outlay, acquiring additional areas. 



The constitutional prohibition adopted in 1895, after a series 

 of land scandals and deplorable trespasses, was an attempt to put 

 this land and timber beyond the reach of the spoils system. It 

 fully accomplished its purpose and is still just as effective. The 

 organization for the protection and administration of the Forest 

 Preserve has, during the past twenty years, been perfected and 

 brought from a meagre unskilled few to a complete force con- 

 sisting of technical foresters, surveyors, title lawyers, and forest 

 rangers. Lands and timber of the State were then looked upon 

 as public plunder, but today titles to property are determined 

 after trial of the case upon the facts ; Avilful trespasses have, 

 through more vigorous administration, more efficient patrol and 

 better public sentiment, practically ceased.* 



There are still people who would be willing to take advantage 

 of situations that might arise, but past experience has shown and 

 court decisions have decreed that compromises and stipulations 

 are of no avail ; that any such agreements will not procure more 

 than temporary benefits ; that they are illegal, and, therefore, 

 their purposes cannot be accomplished. These speculators are 

 not likely to take advantage of the State when the results will not 

 be beneficial to them. 



The first step in the adoption of a wise policy as to the future 

 management of this vast area is consideration of the purpose to 

 which it is best adapted and what demands of the State it can 

 satisfy to the largest degree. It is on account of its soil, topog- 

 raphy, elevation and climate, a region which can best be used for 

 forests. It naturally follows: What demands does the State 

 make upon its forests, and which of these can this region supply ? 

 AVe have already recited the indirect uses, particularly in a moun- 

 tainous area like the Adirondacks where so many important 

 streams have their sources ; the effect of stream flow upon water 

 power ; the health, recreation and game resort ; the source of wood 

 supply, and the aesthetic considerations. 



* See annual reports of Conservation Commission. 



