The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-29
BUYING EASTERN FOREST LAND Government Announces Plans for
 Purchase Here In New England.

Washington, March 2S.-The De- partment of Agriculture announces that it is ready to begin operations looking to the purchase of land by the National Forest Reservation Com mission created under the Weeks Law.
 This law was passed with special reference to the creation of National forests in the Appalachian and White Mountains. Under it the Secretary of Agriculture is to examine. locate, and recommend to the Commission for purchase such lands as in his Judgment may be necessary for regu- lating the flow of navigable streams. The circular is intended to give infor- nation to the public as to where and what kinds of land are wanted. Own CTS of land the purchase of which will be considered by the Government are expected on the basis of this in- formation to make known to the For est Service, which will conduct the work for the Department of Agricul- ture, their desire to sell. Copies of the circulars may be obtained by ap- plying to the Forest Service.
 The law is not restricted to particu- lar regions, except that lands con- lar regions, except that lands may be bought only in the states whose legislature have consented to the
 
 States for the purpose of pre- serving the navigability of streams. The States which have already taken the necessary action are Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina. Tennessee. South Carolina, and Georgia
 The first land to be examined for purchase will be in the Appalachian and White Mountains. which because of their altitude, steepness, and lack Of protection are in class by them selves. The area. which is believed to need protection is much larger than the Government can purchase. Much difference exists, however be- tweeen different parts of the region. Careful examinations which have been going on for the last ten years have proved that the conditions which af- feet streamflow to an extreme ex- tent are to be found in relatively linn ited areas, which are scattered more or less widely. By careful selection it is believed that much can be done for the permanent improvement of the watersheds with the purchase of a relatively small part of the land.
 A blank form for the offer of land accompanies the circular. Addition al copies of this blank form may be had by writing the Forest Service at which will be considered for purchase, if they lie within the designated areas are set forth by the circular as fol- lows:
 Timbered lands may be bought either with the timber standing on them or with reservation by the own CT of the right to cut the timber un- der certain rules to provide for per- petuation of the forest. These rules will form a part of the agreeme nt for the purchase of the lsnS. Since however, the Government can not pay high prices, it is not regarded as probable that much land bearing a heavy stand of merchantable timber can be bought. Culled and cut-over lands may be bought, as we'll as land covered with brush which is useful for watershed protection, burned land, and abandoned farm land, whether cleared or partially or wholly cover ed by young timber growth Good