Employment and Natural Resources: Possibilities of Making New Opportunities for Employment Through the Settlement and Development of Agricultural and Forest Lands and Other Resources

Employment And Natural Resources: Possibilities Of Making New Opportunities For Employment Through The Settlement And Development Of Agricultural And Forest Lands And Other Resources by Benton MacKaye. This report argues that lasting employment growth should come from developing the nation's land and natural resources, focusing on agricultural and forest lands. It outlines a policy to create 'opportunity for employment' rather than merely providing temporary jobs, favors public control to curb speculation, and promotes efficiency and permanent, profitable work. The work describes a framework for land utilization—connecting farms to cities via roads and marketing facilities, establishing farm colonies, and fostering cooperative enterprise. It reviews international precedents (Australia, Canada, Alaska) and prescribes a national board, a public construction service, and a system of tenure based on use. It details methods for farm land utilization (ready-made farms, credit, farm size) and forest land utilization (timber culture, sustained yield, forest communities), and it discusses water resources, legislation, and administration to accomplish widespread, lasting employment.