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Edward P. Cliff papers

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_COLL MSS 13

Scope and Contents

Edward P. Cliff served with the Forest Service from 1931-1972, the last ten years of this period in the capacity of "Chief" of the Forest Service in Washington D.C. During these years, and especially those when he served as Forest Chief, Edward P. Cliff wrote speeches and collected articles on Forest Service policies, saved department news letters and photographs, and attended numerous conferences and other official functions.

This collections consists of such materials and have been arranged in chronological order in boxes one through four. Cliff's photographs have been separated and transferred to USU Special Collections & Archives photograph division. Those interested in viewing these photographs should contact the photograph curator.

This collection also contains information on the public debate on Forest Service timber policies during 1972, along with significant laws relating to Forest Service policy. The numerous speeches of Edward P. Cliff also contain information on Forest Service policies, national forest management, and the growth of recreational facilities in the national forests of the United States.

A great deal of the material in this collection has been photocopied or is in transcription form. Most of this work was completed by Edward P. Cliff himself, before he donated his papers to Utah State University in 1972.

Dates

  • Creation: 1931-1972
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1962-1972

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Restrictions

Open to public research.

Copyright

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Utah State University Libraries, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Permission to publish material from the Edward P. Cliff papers must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Biographical Note

Edward P. Cliff, a career professional forester, was born in Heber City, Utah, September 3, 1909, the son of Edward Parley and Geneva Rachel Brown Cliff. He graduated with a B. S. from the College of Forestry, Utah State University in 1931, but did not receive his Ph.D. in Science until 1965. His successful career as a professional forester began at the Wenatchie National Forest in Washington state as a junior Range Examiner in 1931. Before going permanently to Washington D. C. in 1952, Edward P. Cliff progressed through various assignments to Supervisor of the Siskiyou National Forest in the state of Washington, 1939-1941; Supervisor of the Fremont National Forest at Lakeview, Oregon, 1941-1944; Assistant Director of Range Management in the Washington D. C. office, 1944-1946; and Assistant Regional Forester, Rocky Mountain region, 1950-1951.

In 1952, Edward P. Cliff was appointed Assistant Chief in charge of National Forest Resources Management. As a member of the Chief Forester's staff he worked closely with research and cooperative state and private forestry programs.

Upon his appointment as Chief Forester in 1962, and with direct responsibility for management of the nation's national forests, Mr. Cliff provided leadership in coordinating the multiple use management of national forests, in furthering the cause of conservation, and in guiding the Forest Service through periods of controversy, when government policies were questioned.

Edward P. Cliff has long been affiliated with a number of professional societies in the field of natural resources, has been a contributor to professional journals and government journals, and has received numerous awards and citations. the Forest Service in May of 1972.

Mr. Cliff retired from the Forest Service in May of 1972.

Portions of this sketch were taken from the following sources:

Journal of Forestry, "McArdle Retires, Cliff new Forest Chief,"70:521, August 1972.

Who's Who, 3rd ed., 1972-1973, V.I.P. 591.

Journal of Forestry, "Homage to Edward P. Cliff" 60:286-7 April 1962

Extent

5 boxes (1.6 linear ft.)

Abstract

Chiefly typescripts and photocopies of speeches given by Cliff and photocopies of collected articles on Forest Service policies and national forest management. Also includes photographs, most of which were taken at forestry conferences and special events at the Forest Service. An addendum consisting of speeches and publications is located in the final box.

Arrangement

Arranged in chronological order.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The materials that comprise this collection were donated to USU Special Collections & Archives by Edward P. Cliff in 1972.

Title
Guide to the Edward P. Cliff papers 1931-1972
Author
Finding aid created by Special Collections and Archives.
Date
©2008
Description rules
Finding Aid Based On Dacs (Describing Archives: A Content Standard, 2nd Edition)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding guide is in English in Latin script.
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008

Revision Statements

  • September 3, 2008.: Template information was updated to reflect Archives West best practices guidelines.

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)