Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1910-03-04
Kansas State Forestry Work.

The state forestry work authorized
by the legislature Of 1909 has during
the past year consisted chiefly Of pre-
liminary observations concerning for
est conditions in the several sections
Of the state. The forestry problems
of Kansas are naturally divided into
two groups-the maintenance and ex
tension of the present forest area Oi
Kansas, and the creation Of artifici
cial forests by planting. Reports Oh
these two phases are now to be pub
lished, and Kansas has her forest pol
icy determined.
The present forest areas of the
state are of great importance. Fol
the most part these areas are along
the streams and upon hillsides and
in ravines where a cover OF trees is
necessary for soil protection. Many
of these natural forests may be mdae
much more valuable by judlcious thin
ling, and many may be considerably
enlarged by protecting for a few
years the young growth adjacent to
the wood lot.
A part of the state forest policy
will be to prepare plans for the care
of these wood lots in order that they
may add to the wealth and welfare oi
the state.
Recommendations for the creation
of artificial forests will be made only
after the forester is acquainted with
the conditions of soil, exposure, ad'
aptibility of the location for tree
growing, and the ability of the own
er to execute such plans. Recon-
mendations as to soil preparation and
selection of species will be made in
the light of the history and exper'
ience of plantations which have been
carefully studie- as to the causes OF
their success and failure. The three
requisites for success are soil prep
aratiOn. proper selection Of species
and cultivation and care.
A summary Of the discussion con.
tanned in the report upon artnlclal
forest emphasizes these points:
Soil must be we'll prepared for tree
growth
Unless land has been in crops two
or more seasons, ii is not wise to al.
tempt nlantings that are to depend
upon the soil moisture for support.
After a few years OF good farming
most soils contain sufficient moisture
to support trees.
Cultivation must be frequent and
thorough.
If the soil is exposed and liable to
blow, light mulch should be applied
in the fall and worked into the SOU
the following spring.
There should be a sufficient area
planted to trees so that they WOL
soon protect each other.
In exposed locations low-headec
trees are the only forms that car
long survive :.
One-yearold seedlings are best suit
ed for tranSplanting.
For very trying localities, seeC
planted where the seed Is to stanC
has a better chance for long life, bu'
requires great care during the frs
! seoSOn.
Species adapted for high, dry soils
are: Honey Locust, Usage Orange
White Elm, blackberry, Russian ollve
Red Cedar, Austrian Pine and Scooter
Pine.
For sandy soils and creek bottoms
Cottonwood and Russian Mulberr.
may be added.
For good soil, moist and rich,, Ca
talpa Speciosa is permanently tn
most valuable.
The Forestry Stations will be con
tinued as demonstration plantations
and nurseries for experimental and C
operative purposes.
Where possible, the State Foreste
will visit plantations and inspect sol
aud conditions mad prepare planting
plans for cooperative work. Ever.
effort will be made to aid and assls
all planters, no matter how small tn
operations, but planting plans canno
be made unless for an area of two o
more acres, except inl the case o
school districts which wish to improv
their premises by making forest AM
ornamental paintings. 1t is hoped tina
many districts will secure even large
areas for this work.
Inquiries concerning planting plan
or other forestry should be addresse'
to State Forester, Manhattan, Kan.
ALBERT DICKENS,
State Forester.
ED. H. WEBSTER,
Manhattan, Kan, Feb. II, 1910.