A century ago, usually during the second or third week of April, the President of the United States would proclaim American Forestry Week. It was a venue to bring public awareness for the preservation of forest growth and the prevention of forest fires on public domain. Today, in the month of July is National Forest Week which promotes public awareness of national forest issues.

For instance, in 1924 California experienced a very severe drought and along with its worst forest fire season to date. It was noted that over a million and one-quarter acres were burned over by fires, most of which was caused by careless campers.

Locally, as the timber industry played such an important role in the region’s economy it was observed. It was a topic found at many civic organizations, as well as in the schools.

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