Similarly, James J. Hill demonstrated that the forests of this country are fast disappearing and that from three to four times as much timber was consumed each year as forest growth restored. His statements regarding the tremendous soil waste in our farming methods were likewise astounding. Resolutions were adopted covering the entire subject of conservation as shown in one of them as follows: "We agree that the land should be so used that erosion and soil-wash shall cease; that there should be reclamation of arid and semi-arid regions by means of irrigation, and of swamps and overflowed regions by means of drainage; that the waters should be so conserved and used as to promote navigation, to enable the arid regions to be reclaimed by irrigation, and to develop power in the interests of the people; that the forests which regulate our rivers, support our industries, and promote the fertility and productiveness of the soil should be preserved and perpetuated; that the minerals found so abundantly beneath the surface should be so used as to prolong their utility; that the beauty, healthfulness, and habitability of our country should be preserved and increased; that the sources of national wealth exist for the benefit of the people, and that monopoly thereof should not be tolerated." It was recommended that the States should establish conservation commissions to co-operate with one another and with a similar national commission. On June 8, 1908, the first national conservation commission was created by President Roosevelt. Its forty-nine members were men well known in politics, in the industries, and scientific work. Gifford Pinchot was chairman of this commission which submitted its first report at a conference in Washington, December 8-10, 1908. The delegates consisted of governors and other representatives from the States and from national organizations. This report was received with favor and it was recommended that the work of the commission should be continued. Congress declined to make the necessary appropriation of $25,000 for this purpose, although it was strongly endorsed by the President. In 1901 the National Conservation Association was formed, a voluntary organization of public and scientific men. The purpose of this association is to carry on the movement for conservation in every State. Within seven months after the White House conference, forty-one State conservation commissions were created and fifty-one conservation commissions representing national organizations were formed. President Roosevelt carried the movement still farther in calling the first North American conservation congress. Representatives to this conference met in Washington, February 18, 1909. They came from Canada, Newfoundland, and Mexico as well as the United States. Broad general principles of conservation applicable to the North American continent were adopted. [Illustration: Portrait] Gifford Pinchot, President of the Conservation Commission.