to give permittees increased stability in the utilization of the grazing 

 resources. The number of public advisory committees at State, re- 

 gional, and local levels, advisory to the Forest Service on activities 

 covered by this program, has been increased to 170. 



The national forests are clearly national in significance because of 

 their impact on our people in both their work and their play. Wood 

 and livestock products from the national forests enter into the com- 

 merce of every State; waters flowing from the national forests cross 

 State boundaries ; and the millions who hunt, fish, camp, picnic, and ski 

 on the national forests come from every State and every walk of life. 



The national forests are federally owned and their multiple-use 

 management to produce a sustained yield of services and products 

 is a Federal responsibility. Despite the splendid progress that has 

 been made since 1953, these properties with their current assets and 

 enormous potential must be responsive to national needs. In addition, 

 there are opportunities for development primarily of localized signifi- 

 cance in collaboration with non-Federal groups, both public and 

 private. 



Past trends, present use, and future expectations indicate clearly 

 the need for a planned program of development and use supported 

 by essential research. Resource development is a long-time propo- 

 sition. What is done in the next 10 to 15 years will largely determine 

 the heritage that our children and their children will receive from 

 the national- forest system. 



Long-range timber goal— annual sawtimber harvest, on a sustained-yield basis, of 21.1 

 billion board feet by the year 2000 



8 



