Page:Report of the Oregon Conservation Commission to the Governor (1908 - 1914).djvu/331

 the people our public resources can hardly be conceived. The practices of the past certainly carry their own lessons, and we are in many ways paying the penalty for our neglect in this respect. If we continue the same course and pursue the same methods in the future, we do so with our eyes wide open.

The State water code and forest law are examples of the character of legislation sought and advised by this Commission, and furnish in themselves a sufficient justification for its proper maintenance. We have already referred to the necessity of a body of this kind to cooperate with the Nation in many matters which will be difficult to handle in any other way. In view of the existing conditions in respect to public resources, the methods which are gradually being adopted in conserving and disposing of them, the trend of legislation and public opinion generally upon the subject, it is apparent that cooperation between State and Nation is absolutely essential if we are ever to reach the full measure of our development or secure the best results in the disposition, care and use of our public resources.

Respectfully submitted,

Oregon Conservation Commission,

Joseph N. Teal, Chairman.

Members:

F. G. Young, Secretary,

William Pollman,

Mrs. Josephine Hirsch,

C. B. Watson,

B. F. Irvine,

Fred F. Henshaw.