7 -r r«k 



Quicker and more effective control action in initial stages will prevent large-scale insect and 



disease epidemics 



4. Coordination of timber harvesting with pest control objec- 

 tives in order to reduce the loss from high-risk old-growth trees 

 and to reduce the possibility of old-growth stands serving as a focal 

 point of infection. 



Protection From Fire 



It is proposed that by the end of the initial period all commercial 

 timberlands, all critical watersheds, and other lands in the national- 

 forest system developed or proposed for intensive use will be given 

 protection from fire adequate to meet the fire situation in worst years 

 and under serious peak loads. This will include 125 million acres 

 compared to 23 million acres now receiving such protection. An 

 additional 15 million acres will be given a lesser degree of protection 

 but adequate to meet the average fire situation. 



Meeting these levels of protection from fire calls for — 



1. Expansion, modernization, and development of fire control 



to a proficiency and strength of force which will prevent as many 



fires as possible and suppress fires before they spread beyond per- 



17 



