Page 6 - Forest Trees of Maine
P. 6
Logging crew, Upper Kennebec River, 1908
H S 1908
The history of the most recognizable publication by the
Maine Forest Service, Forest Trees of Maine, began in 1908.
While Mainers were enjoying the first edition of the Forest
Trees of Maine that year, the nation as a whole was becoming
increasingly hungry for forest resources. In the nation’s capital,
conservation issues and court rulings in Maine held the interest
of the President.
In his 1908 State of the Union message, President
Theodore Roosevelt declared, “Thanks to our own reckless use
of our splendid forests, we have already crossed the verge of a
timber famine in this country…”
1908
In a speech at the White House that same year, the
President applauded the State of Maine (particularly the Supreme Court of Maine)
for an “exceedingly important judicial decision.”The decision, which confirmed the
legislature’s authority to regulate timber harvesting, was viewed by President
Roosevelt as a step towards “the wise utilization of forests....Such a policy will
preserve soil, forests, waterpower as a heritage for the children and the children’s
children of the men and women of this
generation.”
In the conservation arena, 1908
was an important year: It marked the
arrival of this great companion that has
guided many people on journeys
through the Maine woods.
Region II forest management and operations
class, Dyer Brook 2008.
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