Water power development in the national forests. A suggested government policy

In order to insure the supply of timber and to protect the water sheds and conserve the water of our mountain streams, the government some years ago adopted the policy of withdrawing large timber areas from entry by creating national forests. The preserves were to be operated by the forestry department for use and not for profit. Recently the government has given permits to companies proposing to make power developments on condition that the permits be revocable at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Interior, and that there be a conserving water royalty charge by the government on the power output of the plant.