Question

you must remember that the forest which contributes nothing to the wealth, progress, or safety of the country is of no interest to the government, and it should be of little to the forester. your attention should be directed not to the preservation of the forests as an end in itself, but as the means for preserving and increasing the prosperity of the nation. forestry is the preservation of forests by wise use. we shall succeed, not by preventing the use, but by making the forests of use to the settler, the rancher, the miner, the man who lives in the neighborhood, and indirectly the man who may live hundreds of miles off, down the course of some great river which has its rise among the forests. which view of forests does roosevelt express? they are sacred places of wild beauty. they are natural resources to be developed. they are best set aside for public recreation. they are useful mostly to people who live near them.

Explanation:

The text emphasizes that forests should be used wisely for the prosperity of the nation and be of use to settlers, ranchers, miners etc. This indicates a view of forests as natural resources to be developed rather than as sacred places, for public recreation only, or just useful to nearby residents.

Answer:

They are natural resources to be developed.