By the passage of the Weeks Bill, Congress has voiced the sentiment that the forest fire problem, _even on private land_, is not only no longer a private problem, is not even exclusively a state problem, but a joint problem and duty to be borne by the State and nation. Forest fires are now rightfully looked upon as a public enemy rather than a private menace. This is a big step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this same principle will be applied in the not too distant future to all other matters dealing with private timber lands. If the protection of these private timber lands is a public and not a private problem, then certainly their management for continuity is a public problem. A timber owner should not be allowed to cut his timber without the consent of the Government, and the Government should see to it that he leaves the young growth as a basis for a future crop or provides a new growth of timber by planting young trees. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE vii INTRODUCTION xiii Forestry as a National Problem xiii Our consumption of wood xiii The lumber industry xiv Our future lumber supply xv Forests and stream flow xvi Forests and erosion xvii Forestry a public enterprise xviii The Extent and Character of Our National Forests xix How the Government obtained the National Forest lands xix The romance of the National Forest region xx Famous scenic wonders near the Forests xxii The size and extent of the National Forests xxiv The topography and climate of the National Forest region xxvi Why the National Forests were Created xxvii How the National Forest Policy has Benefited the People xxx The remaining timber resources were saved xxx The use of forage and water resources was regulated xxxii The Forests were protected from fire and trespass xxxv The watershed cover was preserved xxxvii Civilization brought to the mountains xxxviii Agricultural lands opened to settlement xxxix Permanent and not temporary civilization resulted xl Financial returns xliii