Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-09-14
WHERE LUMBER IS CHEAP.

l How WOuIu YOU IKE 10 Duy FENCE
posts at cents apiece and fire wood
at IS cents a cord? Such are regular
| states, at points at least 200 miles from
| any other accessible supply and singu-
| larly adapted to monopoly and high
prices. Still, the price remains as
quoted Besides this, one may have so
worth of posts and other timber free
each year. Seems an excellent place
to buy lumber, doesn't it?
Contrary to it's we'll known business
rule the T.-R. is willing to advertise
this particular dealer without charge.
In the southeast corner of Montana and
and the northwest corner of South
Dakota, there is section of the coun-
try where there is little tree growth
and where the increasing scarcity OF
timber is severely felt 1t is fortunate
that the Sioux National Forest is To-
Gated in this section. The area of this
commercial timber on it. One would
think that it was of little consequence,
but this is far from the fact. Even
this scant forest growth is of vital i'm
portance to the welfare Of the people
and the economical development of the
region because there is no other ac-
cessible supply nearer than 200 miles
to the north and east
Settlers are rapidly coming into this
region For their log houses, for roof
logs for their "sodies," and for fence
posts and fuel these settlers turn to
the national forest. Here, under the
system Of free use, they may obtain
annually timber to the value Of $40.
without a charge of any kind by the
government. If they need more, which
is seldom, it may be purchased at
nominal sum. Fence posts for from
one cent to five cents each, and fire
wood at twenty-five cents cord may
be considered nominal.
Were ii not for the fact that this
area is national forest, which allows
to every one an equal and just share,
the timber on the more accessible por-
lions would be exhausted, especially in
those districts which lie within South
Dakota. It IS hard to tell what the
region, with it's greatly increasing pop
ulation, would do for timber We're /.
not for the permanent supply insured
by Uncle Sam. Now. every stick is
used, and used for the purpose for
which it is suited. Besides caring for
the wise and equitable use of the pres
ent timber, the forest service is look
ing to the future and continued sup
ply. The forested area is increased
thru the prevention of fires, and young
growth fastened by planting so that
the material development Of the region
near the forest will be assisted by
ready supply of timber at hand for
construction purposes.
We are just beginning to apprehend,
not realize, the vast plans and ultimate
benefit of the movement instituted and
being carried on by the forestry de-
partment of the government, and the
American Forestry Association. 1t in
cludes the protection and conservation
Of the forests that remain, reforesta-
ton, the deep waterways, reclamation
projects, etc. Every citizen should
give it his careful attention and sup
port. II is part of the inexpressibly
useful work Of the national agricul-
tural department, part of the gov
eminent that is growing in Importance
and usefulness. with every day that
passes