Sen. John Melcher. D Mont,. has called President Reagan’s attention to what he terms duplication and wasteful use of tax dollars involving the Department of Energy and forest resources. DOE. Melcher charged in a letter to the President. is duplicating U. S. Forest Service programs designed to develop and manage wood energy resources. “It is a waste of tax dollars.” the Montanan charged. “to operate wood energy programs in the Energy Department while similar efforts are already under way within the Forest Service.” The United States needs development of wood energy projects. asserted Melcher. “What we don’t need is two programs. in two separate agencies. designed to accomplish the same end.” i Melcher is author of the Wood Residue Act which became law in 1980. The measure is intended to improve the use of wood products from national forests for energy urposes and avoid wastefutjburning of slash. the residue from timbercutting. “It is patent.” he argued. “that a viable fuel market can enhance opportunities for the intensified forest management necessary to meet projected demands for all wood products.” At the same time. he said, “inappropriate or indiscriminate cutting of wood for fuel. as can result from promotion by individuals unaware of longrange forest management objectives and techniques. can deter that effort by reducing the quantity and quality of the base volume of growing timber for future needs.” ‘The senator makes some good points. If his information is accurate, high level Washington decisions are needed on jurisdiction and screening of energy resource programs on the forests. The Forest Service. which has a proven record in resource management. should be fully consulted. and no program ought to be launched that will result in duplication or waste.