The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-24

Ever since the closing OF the western
forest reserves TO sheep and cattle men
one of the most vexed questions that has
occupied the attention of the forestry
bureau Of the department Of the inter
Tor Is whether or not or to what ex-
tend grazing OF cattle ana sheep should
be permitted on them.
Stockmen Of this state alone have kept
the matter warm Ia the way Of protests.
petitions and fling OF data tending 10
show that while no damage Is done the
reserves in this state by grazing stock
tho industry OF stock raising In certain
sections will be practically killed by car
ryinS out the letter OF the law a. laid
down by the department.
Two years ago the department. Of for
estry sent men out to all the Western
reserves. then utilized for grazing and
from them received reports Of enormous
damage done In some instances by herd
ers and others who. It was claimed. set
fire to the grass on the reservations for
the purpose of improving the forage. This
it is charged did great damage to the
young timber and may. 1t 10 claimed.
eventually injure the soil.
This year the department has dctcrniin-
ed upon another investigation before
permanently disposing Of the subject.
Special agents have been sent out as
before and on their report will depend
whether or not stockmen will be per.
mitted to Craze their herds on the re-
serves. The work In Washington will be
in charge OF II. w. Weeks who arrived
here last week ana has gone to the
Rainier reserve.
effect grazing he's on the young growth
and upon the old. The research will be
systematically conducted. Mr.. Weeks
has received Instructions from the secre.
a EDertal n
ton TO the effect OF stock grazing. the
relation the grazing industry bears TO
the districts, to the prospects Of fire IRON
the industry, the irrigation and water
supply and the number OF stock usually
turned loose in the specified districts
The secretary OF agriculture has aaso
become interested and at his suggestion
every question Of grazing in the various
reserves shall be decided Independently, 70
far as the localities are concerned. This.
Washington stockmen say, is good idea
as in reserves outside this state the con-
ditions are so different that the same
rules would not apply. Secretary VII
son. II is said. has also intimated that
grazing should be regulated and not pro-
hibited as many parts OF the forest re-
serves contain excellent grass and other
forage that can be harvested only in
grazing and should not be wasted.
The reports the various agents win be
required to fill out contain ranv cues
standing of>the complicated problems in
volved Among the list the following are
considered the most important as refer
ring TO this state.
What kind OF plants are graxed. in
order OF preference Are conifers eaten
Does continued moderate grazing affect
tho reproduction of tho forestsf Do ami
mails injure young trees by tramping on
them? Does grazing AFFECT the run-off of
the streams? Does grazing increase or
diminish the danger from firef Do hard
ers or stockmen set fire to the forests TO
improve the forage7
With these questions answered truth
fully in this state, II IL said there IL no
doubt that stockmen viii regain the graz
ing privileges Of the Washington reserves
next year