FORESTRY is far more than the growing of trees. It is a manifestation of the only code of ethics by which the world can advance. Forestry utilizes the natural resources of this world and the same time preserves and improves them for future generations.
We foresters speak of sustained yield and of crops which mature in over a hundred years as accepted basic facts. Research, management and utilization progress; yet, unless and until we induce all our fellow citizens to accept the necessity for the sustained yield development of all natural resources as an integral part of their way of life, we have failed, and are not foresters but tree farmers.
No forester worthy of the name plans only the harvesting of the present crop and neglects to take preventative measures to save the next crop from the dangers of fire, insects and fungus. Present carelessness resulting in future loss is repugnant to us. We take the long view. But of recent years, though scientific research may have shed more light on the long path ahead, it has acted like a searchlight beam and hidden from our eyes dangers that lie in the unlit areas outside the narrow beam. Had the beam been broader, had our view been broader, we would have seen a very real danger that threatens forestry. We are not only technically competent tree growers, we are also administrative servants of the public, expected to take all necessary measures to guard the public forest domain against all dangers, including the ignorance or apathy of the electorate.
Forestry is bred and nurtured on a hope and belief in the future, and in the continuation of wise government. If people believe in planning for the future and all that it implies, then their feet are set in the way towards further advances in civilization. If people believe in selfish exploitation, knowing that if they do not fell trees and loot the earth someone else will, then they will leave deserts as their epitaph.
People do not understand the necessity, the why and the wherefore of forestry or of other sustained yield development of natural resources. They do not know that the problem exists, and will not unless and until we teach them.
