Page:Report of the Oregon Conservation Commission to the Governor (1908 - 1914).djvu/249



In submitting this report the Commission again calls attention to certain conditions relating to the care and wise use of our natural resources, which should receive the attention of the legislature and the people. Though progress has been made, we feel that Oregon is still far behind the procession in matters of this kind, a fact to be particularly deplored in view of the great resources available for use, and which will be used if proper provisions are made.

One of the principal duties of this Commission, as prescribed by law, is the recommendation of legislation affecting our natural resources. It has been the aim of the Commission to make its recommendations in the light of experience elsewhere, and with a view to practical common sense development which will build up the State and cause every dollar appropriated with this end in view to return tenfold in prosperity.

The development of natural resources and the securing of adequate laws to safeguard their use is not, however, a matter which can be speedily accomplished. Each step as a rule has to be heralded by a campaign of education. The Commission has not, therefore, recommended any comprehensive plan covering all phases of conservation and use of natural resources, but has each year taken up a few of the things appealing to it as being of most immediate importance. Working without funds with which to carry on investigations, it has been impossible to, as fully as seems desirable, disseminate information regarding Oregon's resources, one of the duties imposed by law upon the Commission. Were this work possible it is believed that progress in securing a live interest on the part of people generally, regarding our natural resources, would be far more rapid.

That some body in the State must be engaged in collecting and disseminating data concerning lands, waters, forests, fisheries, minerals, and matters of this kind, seems imperative. These resources are either going to be wisely used or to a large extent squandered. The time has long since passed when people held that a State's activities should not enter the field of promoting the economical use of resources in order that the State get the maximum benefit from these resources.

The Commission in the following pages of this report sets forth some of the things Oregon should do. The need is urgent. The State's duty is entirely clear.