STATE vs. NATIONAL CONTROL
OF PUBLIC FORESTS
FOR some time it has been apparent that a determined effort will be made to turn the national forests over to the respective states within whose borders they lie. Although at present private ownership of the national forests is not being made the issue, it is obvious that while this may not be the purpose of some, the result would be none the less certain. With the expense of maintenance and protection involved, the enormous stake at issue, the opportunity for manipulating state politics and playing upon the pride, greed and selfishness of those believing they will in some way be personal gainers thereby, we but delude ourselves in thinking these things are being overlooked and that the underlying purpose of those who originated this movement is not to eliminate all public control and replace it with monopolistic ownership.
While the issue as presented on its face is state vs. national control, and not the elimination of public ownership, it may be accepted as a fact that if the first step is taken the second will surely follow.
A large part of Oregon is included in national forests. It is one of the public land states, is vitally interested in the proper disposition of the public lands and is profoundly affected by their administration. The future development of the state in a large measure depends upon the use of its natural resources. Being thus situated, the Oregon State Conservation Commission is impelled by a sense of its duty and the obligation it owes the public to present, as briefly as may be, its views upon this most important question.
