Inventory of the DeWitt Nelson Papers, 1940 - 1976
What is this document?
Descriptive Summary
| Abstract: | DeWitt Nelson (1901-1996) was national forest supervisor, state forester, director of the California Department of Natural Resources, director of the California Department of Conservation, and university professor. |
| Papers consist of ten bound volumes of speeches and papers by Nelson throughout his forestry and academic career. Topics include silviculture, conservation, taxation, and management. Also contains miscellaneous documents about forestry legislation. | |
| Title: | DeWitt Nelson Papers, 1940 - 1976 |
| Creator: | Nelson, DeWitt (1901-1996) |
| Repository: | Forest History Society Library and Archives |
| Call Number: | 3913 |
| Language of Material: | Material in English |
| Extent: | 1.5 linear feet (1 record carton) |
Biographical Note
DeWitt Nelson (1901-1996) was national forest supervisor, state forester, director of the California Department of Natural Resources, director of the California Department of Conservation, and university professor.
Nelson was born on January 13, 1901 in Madrid, Iowa. He spent most of his youth in Boone, Iowa. In 1925, he graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. His career has been in the broad field of education and public administration with emphasis on the conservation, development, management, and protection of natural resources. He served 19 years with the United States Forest Service, 9 years as State Forester for California, and 13 years as Director of the Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources. During the last five years of his active career, he served as Professor of Forestry and Outdoor Recreation at Iowa State University, Oregon State University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout his productive career, DeWitt Nelson was a member of many prominent social and professional organizations and was honored for his distinguished work with numerous medals and awards. He retired on May 31, 1971 at the age of 70.
Collection Overview
Papers consist of ten bound volumes of speeches and papers by Nelson throughout his forestry and academic career. Topics include silviculture, conservation, taxation, and management. Also contains miscellaneous documents about forestry legislation.
A single file folder of photographic reproductions (photocopies of pictures) pertaining to Nelson's work and family was added to the collection in December 1991.
Collection Arrangement
1. Speeches and Other Papers, 1941-1976
Subject Headings
- Forest conservation -- California
- Forest management -- California
- Foresters -- California
- Foresters -- United States
- Forestry law and legislation -- United States
- Forests and forestry -- California
- Forests and forestry -- Taxation -- California
- Forests and forestry -- United States
- Nelson, DeWitt (1901-1996)
Detailed Description of the Collection
1. Speeches and Other Papers, 1941-1976.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright Notice
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Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], DeWitt Nelson Papers, Library and Archives, Forest History Society, Durham, NC, USA.
Processing Information
Processed by Michele Justica, June 1990
Encoded by Amanda Ross, September 2008
Funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission supported the encoding of this finding aid. Support for digitization and outreach provided by the Alvin J. Huss Endowment.