The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1920-01-19
TRACT ADDED TO
NATIONAL FORESTS
1,116,O00 Acres in Thunder
Mountain Region of Idaho
Set Apart.
HAS LONG Been A MENACE
Recurring Forest Fires Have Endan-
gered Adjoining Portions of Ma
tionaI Forcsts-Great Tract is
Difficult of Access.

prepared by the United States Depart
ment of Agriculture.)s
Washington, D. Gin accord with
almost unanimous sentiment in Idaho
and in response to considerations vital
~ affecting adjoining national forests.
/ congress has set apart 1,116,O00 acres
of land in Idaho known as Thunder
Mountain region, as national forest
lands. This great tract, difficult of ac-
cess and having not over l per cent
Of its area suitable for agriculture, has
for years been the scene Of destructive
fires and devastation due to overgraz-
ing. 1t is now to be added to the Pay
cite national forest which adjoins it
on the south and west, and the Idaho
national forest which adjoins it on the
north and west. The area lies approx
fmately 100 miles northeast of Boise.
Because uncontrolled, it has been re-
curing menace to the adjoining ma
tional forests by reason of fires that
have gained great Roadway in its vast
unpatrolled regions
Swept by Forest Fires.
What has taken place in the Thun-
der Mountain region, according to Off
Gals of the forest service, United
States department Of agriculture, is
typical of what would have taken place
in most of the national forests had
these areas not been protected. Three
hundred thousand acres, or approx
mately one-third OF the area, has been
hx-f fIa CT un
years, destroying approximately 7OO,-
OOO, 900 feet of timber. The mining re-
sources, after being specifically ex-
plotted by miners with scant equip
ment, have remained practically I'M
developed Much Of the wild life has
been ruthlessly exterminated, and the
grazing lands have been destroyed by
herds. The number Of sheep
which have been grazing without re-
or regulation during the past |
year total nearly 100000, whereas
fair estimate of the carrying capaci- |
ty" Of the entire country has been |
placed at $4,000 to 10000 head OF |
sheep.
There are no towns or villages in the
whole region. The log buildings OF
he first settlement on Monumental
,reek still stand-vacant, specter-like
'eminders of the boom days of many
vears ago. Hundreds Of claims which
we're located during the rush of 1901
lave been abandoned. Some high
,rade ores have been found. and the
General belief is that the region con-
aims an abundance OF low-grade ore,
ut its commercial use has not been
possible because of inadequate trans
facilities. Control of the
rea as National Forest land. once OPP
,osed because it was feared that it
night retard mine development. Is now
cen to be a practical step toward
roper use of the mining resources, as
7elI as conservative utilization OF
razing facilities.
Travel Is Difficult.
At present the roads, trails, and
ridges are in a sad state of disrepair,
lalSing travel over them on foot or by
orseback impossible. One of the inn
ortant undertakings Of the forest
ervice, now that the tract has been
dded to adjoining national forests,
i'll be to supply the area with inn
roved lines of travel.
A large and important watershed Is
lcluded in this area, which is esti-
ated to supply at least 1000 second
,et of water to the Columbia river at ,
w-water periods. 1t is roughly esti- ,
ated that more than 100000 horse :
over could be generated from waters
sing in the area. The region includes
} natural wonders. large lakes or
,atures OF special scenic interest.
eer and trout are plentiful, and there
e said to be a few wild sheep and
,ats.