Forestry In in its Relation to Watershed Protection

Delivered by W. J. Damtoft

Second Southern Appalachian Water-Power Conference

Asheville, N.C.- June 1923

        The subjects of forestry and conservation have been discussed at very many conferences, especially in the City of Asheville; but nevertheless we should continue to speak on them, especially for the reason that the results of the application of the science based upon them cannot speak for themselves until the lapse of very many years; and in the interim we run into the danger of losing patience or even interest. And then too they are subjects of such great importance for discussion before a conference f this nature.

        Forests are the greatest single asset to the Southern Appalachians. They yield benefits both directly and indirectly. Their chief direct benefit is in the production of timber products; and in this connection it is illustrating to point out that recent statistics indicate that North Carolina as a state led the East in timber production during the year 1922. The indirect benefits cannot be as definably measured but yet they may serve to further the progress and prosperity of the section to as great, if not even greater, extent than the direct; and certainly their value is to be an ever increasing one.