Development of Conservation Programs 
By the early years of this century, the rapid harvest of 
timber, uncontrolled wildfires, and grazing by livestock had 
resulted in nearly complete clearing of the forest in many 
parts of the South. Observers in some areas could look for 
miles and see lands entirely stripped of trees. As in other 
regions, people generally assumed at the time that most cut- 
over lands would be converted to crop and pasture use. The 
protection of forest cover was considered to be of little 
consequence. Most cutover lands were not developed for 
crops, however, but left untended and used by livestock, 
if used at all. There was little in the way of fire protection 
and replanting until the 1930’s. Even then, the acres pro- 
tected and planted were modest when compared to the total 
acreage. 
During the early years, however, some individuals and in- 
stitutions attempted to promote conservation of the South’s 
forests, and their efforts laid the basis for later programs. 
Although lacking the resources and public support to make 
conservation a reality at the time, they set the stage for all 
that followed by creating public understanding of forest 
problems and the opportunities to apply scientific knowl- 
edge and management practices, especially fire protection 
and reforestation. 
By the early years of this century, the 
harvest of timber, uncontrolled wildfires, and 
grazing by livestock had resulted in large 
areas of nonstocked timberlands in the 
South. Observers in some areas could look 
for miles and see lands entirely stripped of 
trees, lying idle and unused for any 
productive purpose. 
38 
