Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-08-14
FOREST PROTECTION

Recognizing the great need and de
mand throughout the New England
states, New York, New Jersey, all OF
Pennsylvania except the western por-
ton, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the
eastern portion Of Minnesota for re-
liable information coscerning the
planting OF the most desirable tree
species, the Forest Service has gather
ed together the necessary informa-
ton and has issued it in the form OF
a circular which can be obtain
ed free upon request TO the Forester
of the U. s. Department of Agricult-
ure, Washington, ID. c.
While the necessity for tree plant
ing has not been felt in this part OF
the United States so keenly as it has
been, for instance, in the treeless
West, yet sufficient planting has been
done in the past to prove that the
growing OF wood crops is entirely
practicable.
Large areas of land In this region
are fit for forest growth only, and
from an. economic standpoint it is inn
portant that these lands be put into
state of productiveness Extensive in
vestment in forest planting has thus
far been unduly discouraged by pres.
ent methods OF taxation and, in parts
OF the region, by difficulty in securing
adequate fire protection. The true
value Of forest land and its rightful
place among the permanent resources
are, however, becoming appreciated,
and an enlightened public sentiment
is rapidly making this form OF in
vestment safe and desirable
Throughout this region there are
large numbered areas on which sue
cessive fire have destroyed all young
trees OF valuable species Inferior
trees, such as aspen, fire cherry, scrub
oak, and red maple. as well as shrubs,
have sprung up. This land is worth
less in its present condition, but
where adequate fire protection can
be provided forest planting will bring
it again to productiveness.
There is a large amount of land, par
ticularly in New England and Mich
iagn, which was first cleared for farm
ing but has since deteriorated in val
ue either through loss of fertility or
through neglect or abandonment
Throughout Massachusetts, Connect
cut, and New Hampshire many of
these abandoned farms and old pas
lures are now covered with white
pine. But this crop is rapidly being
removed and little natural reproduc-
ton will follow because seed trees are
lacking These lands offer exception
ally fine opportunities for forest plant
ing, owing to their nearness to market
and to their freedom from brush
cover.
The barren sand plains OF Con
necticut. Rhode Island, New Hamp-
shire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and
Michigan, which can not be titled
and are source OF expense to their
owners, will in many instances sup
port a good growth Of white pine, or
at least one of the most hardy spe-
cies Of pine
The protection Of city watersheds
demands urgent attention The an
nual spring floods, which bring des-
truction to thousands Of homes in the
lower-lying fertile valleys and are
generally followed by epdemics OF
serious diseases. would in a great
measure be prevented were the slopes
covered by forest Forests regulate
the flow Of streams, prevent erosion
and turbidity, and make waste areas
beautiful and productive, besides in
surfing a source of pure water supply
Wherever natural production can not
be depended upon TO cover the de
nuded and burned-over lands of most
OF these watersheds, tree planting op
citations must be undertaken While
the immediate object Of this reforest-
ing will be protective, timber crops
will eventually be produced which
willlyield good profits on all such in
vestinents.i
Nearly every farm has at least a
few acres which are Of little value
Tor growing agricultural crops. This
land should be set aside for a woodlot
and devoted to the production Of fuel
fence posts, and timber for faum uses.
The species best suited for planta-
'>ionss are these various sorts as we'll
as planting directions and advice as
ito protectiyo measures. are given ~
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