The Outlook

The Outlook

Business will remain good for the balance of 1966 with bank debits, retail sales, and non-agricultural employment establishing records for the year. The war In Vietnam will continue to be the most Important single factor affecting the State's economy. Factory production will maintain its high level in the State and probably broaden its base. The ebb and flow of military personnel will exert a greater Influence on the economy of the areas of northern Virginia, Norfolk, Hampton, New port News, Williamsburg, Petersburg, and Hopewell. And the financial demands of the War present a clear possibility of higher taxes.

Counties Receive Funds From Timber Sales

Some 12 Virginia counties have received a total of $4,958.89 in lieu of taxes from timber sales on Wildlife Management Areas owned by the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries, according to Executive Director Chester F Phelps. The procedure whereby counties would receive 25% Df the net proceeds from timber 6ales on Wildlife Management Areas located within the county was established by the 1965 General Assembly. This is the second year that payments have been made under this program. “Timber sales have become the main game management tool on Commission-owned lands since maximum game habitat improvement can be accomplished this way at minimum cost to sportsmen* Phelps said. The Commission's share of timber sale proceeds goes toward maintenance, management supervision and law enforcement on these lands. Most of the Game Commission’s timber sales are thinning operations whereby dense stands of young hardwoods are opened up to allow sunlight to penetrate and to promote better growth of the remaining trees. Selective cutting allows mast and fruit species attractive to game to remain while less important trees are removed. Sprout growth from the stumps of harvested trees pro vides a bonus of deer browse for several years.