The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-01-03

to 07,062 acres and 20 perchcs The purchase Of
various other tracts has been authorized, which.
II the title proves satisfactory, will increase the
acreage owned by the state to something over
ll3,0W acres. The cost to the state of the o. o62
acres and 90 perchcs already acquired Is at an
average o! sbou, Sl.35 per acre. Some Of this
land has increased in value ><.ce It's purchase by
the state and could now be sold at an advance
Influence on Streams.
The purpose in acquiring these lands is TO pre-.
serve and increase our forests. Forests exert
great influence ON the streans and climate and
tthd To preserve the health OF the community
Their rehabilitation IN Pennsylvania IL only to
part OF their former extent will be productive Of
the greatest good. II is the purpose Of the pres.
cnt administration TO purchase more lands in
variors sections OF the state und,r the several
acts Of assembly wherever they can he purchased
cheaply. The investment is good one and
should the state acquire a large acreage OF wild
lands, IL cannot under any circumstances be a
mistake. The land will increase IN value
through the rapid growth OF timber and, while
there viii be destruction in part by FIRE, yet the
average value will largely increase. These public
Lands viii become the peoples parks, open TO
them at all times for hunting. fishing and camp.
ing and the people in turn will become the
guardians and protectors OF the forests Already
they ave quite popular in the vicnities where
purchases have been made.
There should be additional legislation relating
to the forest reservations. AS the purchase OF
large tracts in any one county wthdraws those
lands from taxation, it Is thought that separate
tracts scattered about over the state in various
places would be productive Of better results. Too
large bodies OF land should not be purchased in
one county TO the exclusion OF others. If the
purchases were distributed more evenly over those
nnda sti Vtst bo
duction of local taxation by such purchases
would be trivial.
lr a very few Years. tho state will receive q
large revenue from The sale of matured timber
and timber that has been destroyed by insects
lue and wind storm. So far the deeds have been
made to the commonwealth OF Pennsylvania hut
in ease il became desirable to sell timber that
had been destroyed by fire OF wind storm. The
power under the present laws, is deficient There
are practically three separate bodies or depart
ncnts that have supervision over these forest
lands-thc agricultural department the board o'
property and the forestry commission. All these
bodiCS give occasion tor conflict, although for
tnaely none has yet occurred.
would respectfully recommend the passage OF
an act OF assembly that would place the purchase
and supervision of these lands under one man.
agclnent; and authorize that management to sell
naturc tin,hcr and timber destroyed by fire. wind
STORM Iu nscCls; 10 lease coal ana oil rights on
ro'alty and pay the proceeds into TIE treasury OF
the commemorative and that more stringent
laws should be passed for the protection of these
forests from fire. The management should also
have the power, under certain circumstances, 20
appoint forest warlons with limited compensa.
ton; and authority should be given for the
purchase Of lands under limited price wherever
In the judgment OF the management it would be
best tor forest reservation to do. All taxation,
local and for all other purposes. should cease
upon these lands Che moment the title vests in
the state.