- April 14, 1931 – Draft letter written by JSA to be used by Ethel Dreier (Women’s City Club) to Mr. Hicks (secretary – Lake Placid Club) –
Mr. Dear Mr. Hicks:
After giving your letter of March 31st careful consideration, we are convinced that you have over-looked the fact that many of our members visit the Adirondacks and are personally informed on the conditions. We have also examined the official data of the Conservation Commission on the proposed amendment and we have listened to and participated in many discussions of the proposed expenditure ($20,000,000), all of which must be spent outside of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.
We note your reference to European practice in forestry but since the economic conditions are so vastly different, also the social and governmental influences are different, we do not feel that there is enough similarity to justify such a comparison. We have had quite a lot of experience in New York State and we feel that we should profit by this experience and prove our fitness to raise tree cutting forests on lands outside of the forest preserve before endangering what we have inside.
You refer to the production forests as demonstration forests to encourage the farmer, though you seem to favor the establishment of such demonstration areas near the pulp mills at some distance away from the major farming country. It would seem more reasonable to believe that the farmer would be benefited by such a demonstration in his own neighborhood and on the same kind of land he has to deal with. You probably know that the Hewitt reforestation program was started outside of the forest preserve on unused farm land and changed to the present program without a very clear reason for such a change, there being ample lands needing reforestation in suitable size throughout the state.
We note from your letter with some apprehension that the Lake Placid Club seems to favor legislation as soon as it can be obtained that will renew commercial tree cutting on state land in the park. This appears to be the next effort if the Hewitt Amendment is approved this fall by the people. We are a bit surprised that your Club which has enjoyed such a profitable business inside this protected area would favor such a procedure and also encourage appending the entire $20,000,000 wholly outside of your environment so much admired by your guests.
I hardly need to assure you further that the women of the City Club are deeply interested in this subject and are giving it thoughtful consideration as you suggest.
Cordially yours,
(Brooklyn)