As a result, in 1956 I asked the Forest Service to develop a long- 

 range conservation program for national-forest resources. The first 

 result of this request was a 5-year program, "Operation Outdoors" ; 

 the second is the enclosed "Program for the National Forests." 



This conservation program embraces all the renewable resources 

 of the national- forest system — water, timber, recreation, forage, and 

 wildlife habitat. It includes both long-range objectives and interim 

 proposals. The program provides for the continued, orderly use and 

 development of the renewable resources of these Federal lands in 

 accordance with the basic conservation principles of sustained yield 

 and multiple use. What is done in the next 10 to 15 years will largely 

 determine whether these vastly important public lands will contribute 

 by the year 2000 their fair share to a greatly expanded national 

 economy. 



The national forests are widely scattered throughout the United 

 States, occurring in all but 10 States and in Puerto Rico. They are 

 of direct benefit to millions of people. From them are derived an 

 impressive portion of the Nation's supply of meat, fiber, shelter, water 

 for irrigation, industrial, and domestic purposes, hydroelectric power, 

 feed for livestock and wildlife, and outdoor recreation. 



These national forests belong to all American citizens. Their re- 

 sources and services are available for use by everyone. In recent 

 years the use of these lands has been increasing steadily. Demands 

 are now such that a comprehensive program for the orderly growth 

 of development and management activities is of demonstrated urgency. 

 Our rapidly growing population and expanding economy indicate 

 mounting and competitive pressures for national-forest resources. 



Legislative authorities for the recommended program are generally 

 adequate. Supplemental legislation will be proposed as the need 

 arises. Appropriation requests to implement the program will be 

 submitted to the Congress in future years in connection with budget 

 presentations after due consideration of the overall fiscal needs and 

 resources of the Federal Government. 



A similar letter is being sent to the Speaker of the House of Rep- 

 resentatives. 



Sincerely yours, 



Ezra Taft Benson, 



Secretary. 



IV 



