Foreword 



One-third of the United States is forest land. It is a matter of con- 

 cern to all of us that this vast area contribute its full share to our eco- 

 nomic and social welfare. And it is the responsibility of foresters to 

 point the way. 



The forester's job is the management of wild lands so that they will 

 be permanently and continuously productive. His "crops" include 

 wood, water, range forage, wildlife, outdoor recreation, scenic values. In 

 a larger sense they include opportunities for industrial development, 

 steady employment for workers, community stability, and the material 

 and spiritual advancement of all our citizens. 



The forester's job has sometimes been represented— in correspondence 

 school advertisements— as a lifetime vacation with pay. It is not that. 

 It is hard work. Although the forester may devote much effort to im- 

 proving the opportunities for others to hunt and fish, he may have little 

 chance to enjoy such recreation himself. Nor is a hankering for life in 

 the outdoors the only requisite for a job in forestry. Forestry work calls 

 for specialized knowledge and skills. The usual requirement even for 

 beginners in technical forestry is a 4-year forestry course in college. 



The forester may expect his full share of headaches and heartaches. 

 He may have to battle indifference or hide-bound tradition to accom- 

 plish his tasks. Frequent transfers of station may thwart his desires for 

 a permanent home. Salaries are not large; few foresters have become 

 wealthy. Advancement may be slow. The field may become over- 

 crowded and some trained foresters may be unable to find employment. 

 That has happened at times in the past. 



Forestry work, however, is not without its attractions and compensa- 

 tions. Perhaps the greatest of these is the satisfaction that derives from 

 constructive service to one's fellow men. Whether he is in public or 

 private employment, the forester who conscientiously works for the ad- 

 vancement of the principles of forestry is contributing to higher living- 

 standards, greater security, and a richer life for all. After more than 30 

 years in forestry work, I can truthfully say that if I had to begin again 

 I would choose the same course. 



There is an immense amount of forestry work to be done in the 

 United States. We have as yet hardly scratched the surface of what 

 needs to be done to bring sound forest practice to all our timberlands. 

 The biggest jobs lie ahead. How soon they will be undertaken will 

 depend largely upon public understanding of and support for a Nation- 

 wide forestry program. Forestry can, in the end, go only as fast and as 

 far as the people of this country demand. 



Lyle F. Watts, 

 Chief, Forest Service. 



