NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE
                           CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY


         On March 30, 1891, with little fanfare, the United States
         took its first step toward a national forest system by
         establishing the Yellowstone Park Forest Reserve. Before
         this date, government policy was to dispose of public
         lands.

         Sportsmen, scientists and others saw the devastation being
         wrought upon vast tracts of beautiful land. These
         concerned citizens convinced Congress and President
         Harrison of the benfits of public ownership and management
         of natural resources.

         With the Creation Act of 1891, the complex of National
         Forests, wildlife refuges and national parks began. This
         Act, along with the Organic Act of 1897, initiated the
         idea of conservation and the wise use of natural resources
         and public lands -- a concept that has survived for 100
         years.