Crosby High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Waterbury, CT)

Page 32 text:

ln previous years we shainetully wasted our raw materials. No thought was ever given to the possibility that there might be a shortage in vital materials. During the last decade, however, is seems that the government has realized this fact, and has taken steps to secure our natural wealth Take our forests for example, let us see just what has been done to prevent their further disappearance. All over the country, thousands of C. C. C. camps have been established in order to improve the condition of our forests. The boys from these camps have cleared out unnumbered fire-hazards, built all sorts of hte-lighting aids, and, in addition, have planted many urfzz' trees. These newly planted trees help in two waysg they not only furnish a future source of lumber. but also they prevent soil errosion and make excellent water sheds. The C. C. C. besides their work in the forests have performed notable service during emer- gencies-such as Hoods and droughts.

Page 31 text:

TREE ORATION THE NECESSITY FOR CONSERVATION OF OUR NATIONAL RESOURCES It has always been a fact that a nations wealth and power is based on its natural resources, found in various forms, minerals, land, water-power, and forests are examples. We, in the United States are particularly blessed by an abundance of all these that I have mentioned. However, since so much of our wealth lies in these possessions, it is our duty to protect and safeguard them. Our duty will become even greater if the economic theories of the Axis ever become general. It has become clear that if the '1Axisl' succeeds in win- ning this war, the United States will be forced to depend on its own resources almost entirely.

Page 33 text:

In order to preserve our forests, the government as well as the states have set aside large tracts of land in what we know as National and State forests. In these forests, new and old trees are allowed to grow unmolested. It is forbidden by law to harm anything in these preserves. The Ranger Service has done an excellent job in reporting fires in these areas. Systematic reports have kept disastrous fires at a minimum. lt is these precautions that are allow- ing us to regrow the vast woodlands that once were the pride of our country. It is necessary that we, fyou and lj take an interest in the subject of con- servation in all its many vital aspects. We can not only prevent fires by caution, but by interest in the subject itself. We can encourage more extensive work such as soil erosion projects, and safeguarding land for agricultural needs. This occasion offers an opportunity to bring to mind these very necessary considerations, It is a good plan to think over once in a while just what small part we can do to help, especially in times of such strife as is in the world today.