The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-03-24
FOREST RESERVES
OF THIS STATE
Explanation of the Purposes Of
Geological Survey.
WILL LISTEN TO CITIZENS
OFFICIALS SAY RECoMMENDA-
TIoNs WILL HAVE WEIGHT.
lspecIal Corresnondencel

UTASHINGTON, March 19.-The d.
w rector of the geological survey.
Charles D. WalcotJ. has written
a very interesting. letter, explanatory
of the work, scope, etc, of his Office in
answer to a query Ct Representative
Sutherland Of Utah. The director says:
The geological survey was created
for the purpose Of classification Of the
public lands and the examination Of
the geologic structure, mineral re-
sources and products of the national
domain. It is also specifically instruct
ed to survey the forest reservations, to
obtain facts as to the character of the
lands within and adjacent to the re-
serves already created or proposed,
such that the boundaries may be es-
Ia blished 10 the greatest advantage OF
all Of the interests concerned.
In making these reservations for
the benefit of the people of particular
parts of the country it is usual first to
outline in a general way the lands
which have been designated by petit
lions from the citizens. or otherwise
indicated, and then to carefully con-
slider the interests involved. As a re-
suit of such careful examination GER
tain definite limits are recommended
and may then be permanently estab
lished by suitable action on the part
of the department and of the president.
There is, unfortunately, a miscOn-
eeption prevailing in some parts of the
country regarding this preliminary ac-
ton and its effect, particularly upon
the grazing interests. 1t is unques
tiOnably the desire OF all connected
with forest reserves to deal fairly with
the agricultural, numbering and stock
raising interests, and not violently dis
turb any existing customs as regards
grazing and other proper use of the
vacant land. In portions of some Of
the forest reservations it has been
found, after careful examination, that
the grazing of sheep and cattle must
be regulated, or temporarily discOn-
tinued, in order to allow the young
trees to obtain a fOOthOld or the forage
plants to reCuperate from 0vergrazing.
Each locality must be considered by it
self with reference to all existing con-
ditions. The attempt is made, so far
as L am aware, not to exclude cattle
or sheep from any particular area I'M
til after proper notice has been given,
so that the owners can make other ar
engagements for grazing, and to permit
a gradual adjustment among those con-
cerned.
1T should at all times be borne in
mind that the only object of creating
forest reserves is to bring about the
largest and best utilization of the re-
sources of the country in timber and
water, and to regulate the use of that
portion of the public domain, so that
the complete or partial destruction Of
the forests, the grazing and the water
supply may not ensue. In attempting
to remedy some of the evils resulting
from overgrazing it is possible that
temporarily, at least-there may be
of customs regarding free
grazing, but experience has shown that
by proceeding cautiously an adjustment
soon takes place without notable in
or injury to the owners Of
cattle and sheep. In the long run these
men are benefited, because the forage
plants are protected, and permits for
grazing within the forest reserves are
issued to the extent to which the best
results can be had.
In the particular case of the pro-
posed forest reserves in Utah, it is
probable that upon application by your
self an experienced man can be detailed
to visit any particular locality, or on
a general tour Of inspection, as has
been done, listening to the suggestions
made by the farmers and stOckmen.
Should this be done, his recommends
tions will have added weight in the
final determination Of the permanent
boundaries to be established for the
Utah forest reserves"