CHAPTER X 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 



The preceding chapters of this report set forth the present 

 condition of the West Virginia forests ; suggest some of the ways 

 in which they are useful and reasons for their preservation; and 

 point out some of the ways in which they are being needlessly in- 

 jured and destroyed. It is evident that a knowledge of these 

 things, and even a much more thorough acquaintance with condi- 

 tions than can be gained from these pages, will benefit no one un- 

 less it is productive of better laws for the protection of our for- 

 ests and of better methods for their more conservative manage- 

 ment. With this purpose in view, therefore, the following rec- 

 ommendations are made : 



Forestry Laws Recommended. 



It is recommended that a law be enacted providing for the 

 appointment of a state forester and prescribing his duties from 

 the list below. 



1. — Carrying on an educational campaign throughout the 

 State, by preparing and distributing printed matter, 

 by speaking at farmers' and teachers' institutes and 

 other public meetings, and by cooperating with in- 

 structors in forestry at the State University. 

 2. — Advising private land owners in reference to better 

 management of woodlots and timber tracts. 



3. — Executing laws for the control of forest fires. 



4. — Examination of lands belonging to the State, or that 



may become the property of the State, for the pur- 

 pose of determining whether such lands should be 

 retained for forestry purposes. 



5. — Collecting information regarding forests, forest trees, 



and forest products, and making a study of the in- 

 dustries carried on by saw mills and other wood- 

 working establishments. 



6. — Preparation of a biennial report. 



