California did not know what to think of T.B. Walker and his Red River Lumber Company timber acquisitions in Northern California during the early 1900s. Walker at times was coy with the California newspapers about his intentions. This was due in part that the California operations would be run by his sons, and not by him.
Conservationists and farmers of the Sacramento Valley were concerned should Walker use the same timber practices as employed in Minnesota as it would be detrimental to the environment. They were concerned of the climate change effect when the mountains were denuded of trees, impacting snowmelt and erosion.
To calm the public fears, Walker stated: “I will make my timber a perpetual resource. When I begin to manufacture lumber, my saws will cut timber only as fast as nature reproduces it.” When questioned why he did not follow the same practice in Minnesota, Walker stated: “Conditions are far different there. Their excessive taxation forced me to cut the timber as fast as possible. Minnesota land is worth more for agricultural purposes after the timber has been cut off. In Shasta County, the timberland is not worth 50 cents an acre after the timber is cut off.” In conclusion, Walker stated he could do a better job conserving his vast timber holdings than the government.