St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-12-25
THE PARK RESERVE.
A Washington Official Expresses
Himself on 1t.

Ola
The following letter is i'll answer to
questions by the state forestry associa-
ton respecting the size of the proposed
reserve, being 100000 acres, its water,
ecOnOmizing and climatic effects, it's re-
latiOn to lumber and agricultural indus
tries:
United States Department of Agriculture
Division of Forestry, Washington ID. c.. Dec
10, 1Sy1.-Hon. j. o. Barrett. Secretary of the
Minnesota State Forestry Association, Min
neapolis, Minn.-Dear Sir: In reply to your
three questions regarding the proposed Min
nesota national park, L cannot Just now take
the time TO go into lengthy arguments, but
only state my convictions based on many
years OF study observation and thought on
this and kindred subjects.
First, let me emphatically correct the i'm
preston that the proposed park is large. 1t is
not large, but small; small If YOU compare it
with the total area of the state of which it
forms only about II per cent; small if APP
preciable effects Hpon climate or water flow
are to be expected.
Only people with small ideas and little
knowledge OF what climate is, or how il is
produced, talk of the influence of trees on
elImate. 1t IS not trees, but masses of foliage
large areas OF soil Withdrawn from the direct
rays of the sun, that alone can affect climatic
conditions, just as, and in the same manner
as large water surfaces modify the climate.
understood beneficial effects of the simple
windbreak or grove and timber belt upon
onfined area lying under its lee.
The effect, then, of preventing the d evasta-
ton of an area like the proposed reservati on
II Northern Minnesota, and keeping it
largely under forest cover, upon climatic
conditions is to temper the severity of the
north winds, by mOderating their tempera-
ture. by increasing their relative humidity
ana III mat way diminishing their refrigerat-
ing and drying power; for it is the dTyness
of these winds and the consequent rapid
evaporation that causes the late and early
froSts, 50 fatal to many crops
As to water flow. the same remarks as to
large areas hold. The woods retard the melt
ing of the snow.retard the ra pid evaporation
retaTd the rapid flow of water and by length
ening the time through which the water re-
mains available on the ground. keep springs
brooks and rivers more constantly supplied,
and prevent or diminish to some extent
floods and soil washing
do not understand mat these reserves ale
to be excluded from other use than as forest
cover.
No land thai would be more profitable
under the pillow should be kept III timber
The mining industry should also be encour-
aged within this forest reserve These in
terests are independent and promote each
other Forest products are needed by all. and
should be cultivated on all the poorer lands,
and, in fact, on all land, however good until
it is needed for settlement.
Nearly as much wood and timber is con-
sumed by forest fires as reaches the market
Fires should be prevented; cutting should
be done with a view TO reproduction; a regu-
lar annual product should he provided for
manufactures, and manufactures should be
encouraged to utilize all forest products
Instead of culling the good timber and
leaving waste to be burned over and to be
abandoned, forest reserve of this size, prop
erly managed, will furnish continuous sup
plies of valuable material, will give contina-
Gus employment to many people, ana also
continuous freight to railroads which must
be built 10 develop ana practically secure the
object of the reserve.
Inc best forest management contrary to
the conception of many, promotes the great
est possible population by making each acre
produce something OF value.
Il is only the man of cramped ideas who
cannot see the economic benefit 20 the state
ultimately resulting from the proposed pol
icy.
As to the incidental value to seekers of
health and recreation, need not say word
the enormous economic value of such a re-
serve overshadows these Considerations
Yours truly, B. E. FERNow.
Chief of Forestry Division.