The Whitehorse Star, April 27, 1928
It is appalling to learn that since the arrival of the white man in Canada, forest fires have destroyed 60 per cent of her primeval forest wealth. Four or five times as much timber has been burned in this country as has been cut for the uses of man and the requirements of commerce. Dissipation of our accessible timber supplies within a period of twenty-five years is forecast.
To bring home to the minds of Canadians before it is too late, the tragic
loss that will result to this country if our forest areas are totally destroyed, Canadian Forest Week has been set aside. In the press, in the schools, in clubs and public gatherings, the importance of Canada's forest and Canada's forest industries will be drawn to public attention. If everybody in Canada realized that thousands of families and millions of dollars of capital are dependent upon the Canadian forests, everybody would think twice before throwing down lighted matches or cigarette stubbs, or lighting fires in
dangerous places and leaving them to spread on or below the surface of the ground. Carelessness has destroyed 60 per cent. The axe has taken 18 per cent. Only carefulness will save the 27 per cent of our forest wealth that remains.
Hon. Charles Stewart, Minister of the Interior, has to do with Canada's
forests, and it is encouraging to note his activity in arousing public opinion as to the situation and the imperative need for care in preventing forest fires.
