law on October 26, 1949 
(Zimmerman 1976). 
The following year the 
Association of State 
Foresters, still concerned 
about the apparent 
restrictions of technical 
assistance to farm 
ownerships, decided to seek 
new legislation. After 
meetings with forest industry 
representatives, consulting 
foresters, the Forest Service, 
and others, the association 
provided a draft bill, and 
Congressman Sikes 
introduced it. A subsequent 
meeting was held with 
representatives of the Forest 
Service, Southern Pine 
Association, National Lumber 
Manufacturers Association, 
and Consulting Foresters 
Association to resolve 
disagreement on language 
in the bill. The problems 
were resolved, hearings 
were held, and the 
Cooperative Forest 
Management Act became 
law on August 25, 1950. 
The act authorized $2.5 
million of matching Federal 
funds, and States were quick 
to respond with necessary 
legislation and funds to 
qualify for the Federal 
assistance. This act was the 
68 
critical element in developing 
a cadre of professional 
foresters (1) to provide 
technical assistance and 
advice to small woodland 
Owners on improving 
management of their 
woodlands, and (2) to 
improve the efficiency of 
marketing, harvesting, and 
manufacturing of forest 
products (Zimmerman 1976). 
Though a popular program, 
the Cooperative Forest 
Management Act has 
attracted Federal 
appropriations far below 
those identified as needed in 
the planning processes. 
States have recognized more 
clearly the importance of the 
work and continued to 
expand their efforts. 
Guidelines observed by the 
State Foresters are intended 
to minimize competition for 
jobs that would normally be 
handled by free enterprise. 
When appropriate, 
landowners are referred to 
consultants or other sources 
for services (USDA Forest 
Service 1982 unpubl.). 
Pest Control 
The Forest Pest Control Act 
was passed by Congress in 
