Page:Report of the Oregon Conservation Commission to the Governor (1908 - 1914).djvu/247

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An appropriation by the 27th Legislative Assembly of not less than $100,000 for the succeeding two years, for forest protection and perpetuation.

Changes in the present system of taxation, in order to encourage owners of timber to hold their cut-over lands for a second crop.

The acquisition of a state forest through exchange of school sections within National Forests for a solid block of timber.

Provision for purchase by the State of cut-over and burned-over lands for re-forestation purposes, these lands to be held in perpetuity as a State Forest.

Provision by the State for assisting financially, settlers who wish to improve logged-off lands, in order that these lands may be speedily settled; the State to require return of funds advanced, with interest.

Appropriation by the Legislature of $50,000 for detailed irrigation and water power investigations on specific projects, the State to be reimbursed for the cost of any investigation by those who ultimately construct the project. The withdrawal of water rights should precede investigations by the State, in order to protect its investment.

Submission to the people of a constitutional amendment providing for a bond-issue for irrigation and water power development by the State; the money expended being secured by a lien on the land developed or works constructed, and the work to be carried on in cooperation with the U. S. Reclamation Service.

That the amount of water to be allowed the irrigator be limited to not more than one second-foot for eighty acres.

Provision for additional funds for employment by the Water Board of further clerical assistance, and increase in the salary of the State Engineer to an amount commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of that office.