The Monte Vista journal., 1916-02-26
RANGER MEETING
AT MONTE VISTA
FEB. 1928, INCL.

Officers present from the district
Office at Denver: Smith Riley, dis
trct forester; John II. Hatton, graz
ing C. T. Stahl, lands; Fred w. Nor
rell. operation; C. M. Granger, silvi-
culture; II. F.. Feagans, assistant to
solicitor Qaw).
From Cochetopa, N. F., at Sagu-
ache: A. A. Simpson, forest super
visor; Mr.. Sander, forest assistant;
Mr.. Dilley, clerk; Rangers Cuenin.
Clark, Northrop Williams, Gallegos.
From San Isabel, N. F.. at West
Cliffe Mr. Harrel, acting super
visor; Mr.. Colwell, clerk Rangers
Coleman. Dixon, Wright, Alexander.
Lowell, Boyd.
From Rio Grande, N. F.: A. L.
Sweitzer, supervisor; w. F. Bowers.
deputy supervisor; Jay Higgins, for
est examiner; Rangers Don C. La
Font, Creede; l.. d. ]. Chavez, South
Fork; John Hagerman, Del Norte;
George Fleischman, Alamosa River
district; A. l.. Strawn, Antonito.
The program of the meetings:
Protection of cooperation
with local citizens in fire prevention
and suppression. Votes were taken
on certain tools which should consti-
tute the standard fire tool box. Ran
gers gave individual experiences on
fighting fires and results obtained
with saws. rakes, mattocks, burlap
sacks, axes, etc.
The recommendation of a commit.
tee of three rangers, appointed to
draw up list of standard tools for
six fire fighters, is as follows:
Four long-handled irrigating SHOW
els, 2 axes, double-bitted; 1 axe, sin
gle-bitted; 1 saw, cross-cut 6 feet;
1 rake, combination hoe and rake;
l mattock and pick combined; 4
lanterns; bags, water canvas with
tin cups; canteens, IL burlap
sacks; files; 1 whetstone.
The question of whether all Off
GERS should be required to wear the
official uniform of the F. 8. was dis
cussed with the general decision in
the affirmative, the main object being
to assist the tourist public who may
desire information from forest Off
GER. The subject of forest officers
attitude when requested to transfer
to some other district or locality,
possibly not so desirable, brought out
evidence of loyal spirit on the part
of rangers to go where most needed
by the service.
mprovements-The standard spe-
cifications for roads, telephone lines
and forest service buildings were dis
cussed
ilviculture-Stumpag appraisals
constitute the largest problem at
present. Each sale of any conse-
quence requiring detailed study of
the individual sawmill expenses in
order to determine the rate of the
forest service charge for timber. The
administration of free use and sales
to farmers and settlers at cost price
were matters taken up.
Lands-Enforcemen of sanitation
requirements in special use. Cases
of technical points regarding claim
brought up and referred to Mr.. Fea-
gans for opinion. Mr.. Stahl gave a
brief review of lands classifications
of work which has been conducted on
the National Forests during the past
two years.
The object of the work is to deter
mine definitely which lands are
chiefly valuable for agriculture in
order that any such tracts may be
placed on record as open to settle
ment and entry under the homestead
law, upon application. All the Ma
tional Forests are being so classified
by expert men of the supervisors
offices, the reports examined and re-
viewed by officers of the district Of
flee and finally passed upon by the
secretary of the district Office and
finally passed upon by the secretary
of agriculture.
GraZing-Co-operat with state
fish and game department.
Should the bear be protected by
state law? General opinion was in
the affirmative. While it is known
that bear have occasionally killed
domestic stock, the whole bear tribe
rs not to be condemn ed for that.
Mr.. Hatton gave an interesting
talk about grazing upon National
Forests in European countries; his
tory showing that unrestricted graz
ing tramples cut forage and kills use
fulness of range.
Administrative matters in hand
ling stock upon the range was dis
cussed by all.
The meeting in general showed a
wide-awake interest and public spirit
on the part of all the officers.
There will be a meeting of tho