Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-02-04
COMBINING WITH NATURE in THE
WONDERFUL FORESTS OF IDAHO
BY e. GRANDJEAN.
Supervisor Of the Boise Forest.

I~1OM IAhED WIN Euro
pean countries, many
~ of which have been
thlckly populated for thou
sands of years, Idaho is quite
young and undeveloped. Ag-
ricultural land supports the
bulk of our population. The
national forests occupy the
highest, toughest and most
inaccessible portions of the
state. Land more valuable
for agriculture than for for
estry is not included within
the national forests. During
the last four years, over thir-
teen million acres of such
land has been eliminated
from the national forests.
All dealings of one commu-
nifty with another and conse-
quently travel between set
Elements naturally follow
the lines Of least resistance.
Is it any wonder that so lit
tie is known about the ma
tional forests of Idaho with
their limitless attractions?
Isn't it time, however, that
we acquainted ours selves
with an area which occupies
One-third of the state?
The national forests belong to YOU
and to me. 1t is the duty of every
citizen of Idaho to learn how to use
them, especially so since a larger per
cent of this state is covered by national
forests than of any other state in tho
Union. II we do not make the most
OF the inducements this area has to Of
fer. 1t is our loss. Every inhabitant Of
Idaho is entitled to share in the at
fractions of the national forests.
BETTER RIGHT AT HOME.
How many of us wish we could af-
ford to take a trip to the Grand Can
yon, Yellowstone or to European play
grounds? Did you know that within
your own state, a summer of rest and
recreation can be spent with little, IL
any, expense in excess of your ordin-
airy living in town? Not only is there
no limit to ones enjoyment inside the
forests but the forest service en-
courages the use of its recreational
features.
During the past fiscal year the SER
vice constructed PIT miles of wagon
roads, 1875 miles of trails, and 2124
miles of telephone lines throughout the
United States. total of 1886 miles
of roads and 24,225 miles Of trails have
now been constructed or improved by
the forest service. These figures do
not include the work done last sea-
son.
IDAHO ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Next year the federal government
will make available approximately
100000 for expenditure upon the con-
struction of roads which will open up
and develop the resources of the south
ern Idaho forests. The state and
counties will contribute almost an
equal amount to the same roads. They
realize that any project which devel-
ops the forests also develops the
state. The engineering will be turned
over to the bureau of public roads so
that the roads will be first class,
permanent, and furnish maximum ef-
ficiency. Most of these roads will DC
trunk lines.
Aside from this, excellent trails arc
being built into the remote regions
Directions and distance sign boards
are placed at forks of roads and trails
and names are posted on the main
creeks so that the most inexperienced
traveller may eel sure of his course.
TELEPHONE CONVENIENCE.
Telephone lines follow the principal
routes of travel. Instruments are
placed on trees, beside the highways
and trails. Over the instrument is a
sign board welcoming the public to use
It. No charge is made for use of the