- January 17, 1931 – Editorial by Russell M. L. Carson (Pres. Adirondack Mountain Club) in the New York Tribune
State Forest Uses
The Hewitt Amendment a Step Toward “Clean Zoning”
To the New York Herald Tribune:
I have just been reading with interest your editorial of January 13, “Adirondack Park Extension.” I was glad to note that the Herald Tribune is favoring the Hewitt reforestation amendment, but was unhappy to read your deprecating thoughts in reference to the protective prohibitions of the state’s forestry policy within the Adirondack Park.
If my information is correct, the high mountain areas of the Adirondacks cannot be lumbered profitably without clean cutting and clean cutting would ruin their scenic beauty. Also, can it properly be called wasteful hoarding of forest resources when we realize that serving as a source of raw material is only one of the four important functions that forests plays in the advancement of human welfare?
I firmly believe that the ideal solution for the state’s forestry problem is a balanced program that gives due regard to both social and economic uses of the state’s forests with clean zoning between protected areas and cutting areas. This is practically accomplished by the Hewitt amendment. I think you will find some of the leading foresters of New York State in accord with this thought.
Russell M. Carson
President the Adirondack Mountain Club
Glens Falls, N. Y. Jan. 14, 1931