332 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



Shall the remainder of our forests be preserved ? The answer rests with the 

 coming generation on whom devolves the legislation of the future. 



The State should have a definite forest policy, which should include among other 

 things a steady acquisition of land and enlargement of its preserves. The Govern- 

 ment would be justified in appropriating money to retain the soil on our mountain 

 slopes, and prevent it from being washed away, as well as in expending money for 

 the removal of this soil and sediment from our river channels. In carrying out this 

 plan, it should adjust its purchases so that it will not encroach upon the rights of 

 individuals or interfere unnecessarily with the great industries which are dependent 

 on the forests for their raw material. There has been thus far, and probably will be 

 for a long time to come, more land offered for sale to the State than it will appropriate 

 money to buy. There is no need of arbitrary measures. 



There are large areas of woodlands held by individuals and associations which are 

 preserved and protected as thoroughly as if owned by the State. But when individ- 

 uals or companies find themselves unable to hold their forests longer, and must sell 

 the property, or cut the timber, then the State should always be in readiness to buy 

 the land, and assume the responsibility for its proper management. 



The time is not far distant when the private woodlands will no longer furnish the 

 supplies needed in our great wood-working industries. Then the State, through its 

 wisdom and foresight, will be able not only to preserve and maintain its forests, but to 

 furnish the material which shall contribute to the permanence of these industries, and 

 the prosperity of our people. Such should be, and such is at present, the forest 

 policy of our State. 



The reforesting of barren, denuded lands should be encouraged by some partial 

 exemption from taxation. For many years the State has authorized an abatement of 

 taxes for tree planting on highways ; and, it receives no taxes from lands in the Forest 

 Preserve. A similar policy might well be adopted for the promotion of forestry 

 interests and extension of woodlands throughout the State. While there may be con- 

 stitutional reasons which would prevent any entire exemption from taxation, there 

 could be an abatement sufficient to induce land owners to replant their waste tracts, 

 or to refrain from the timber cutting that becomes necessary on account of burden- 

 some taxes. 



