The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-06-04
FORESTRY IN MARYLAND

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Maryland has 2,22S,O0o acres OF
woodland which is $50 of the
total land area, yet we are de
pendent upon outside sources fol
seven-eights OF the lumber used.
The sources of supply are becom
ing more and more remote, with in
creasing costs and high freight
rates. Our annual wood growth is
80, 600, 900 cubic feet, while our
annual consumption is 200, 100000
cubic feet Of which more than halt
is in the form of lumber. This
means that we require 2 " times as
much timber annually as our forests
are producing. We are producing
most of our firewood, pulpwood ano
fence posts, but importing zs of oul
lumber, not only paying high price
for it, but spending $5,00O,000 il
freight alone to bring the lumbei
from distant points, -much OF ii
from the Pacific Coast.
Maryland forests contain tree
species of the greatest variety an6
of the highest commercial value
found in the eastern United States
No section of the country is more
favorably situated for timber grow
ing, than is Maryland, with its
valuable tree species, suitable soils
nearness to timber markets, and its
possession of important wood-usine
industries.
The woodlands of the State arc
sufficient in area, and the quality OF
soil good enough to produce all the
wood and timber we now use, OF
it's value equivalent, if properly
managed.
Forest fires, together with indis
eliminate and wasreful cutting, have
devastated large forest areas and are
responsible for low timber produc
ton throughout the State.
There are $4,000 acres of waste
land, not producing crop of value
all OF which is capable of growing
productive forests.
An effective organization, for the
control of forest fires, is in opera
ton. The fire damage has beer
greatly reduced. A greater measure
of fire prevention has been secured
the detection of fires more quickly
accomplished, and the organization
for their control much improved
Still Maryland spends less for forest
protection than any Atlantic CoasI
state having forestry department
and is in great need OF increased
funds for this purpose.
Assistance is given the woodland
owner by advice on the ground
marking, and estimating his timber
for sale, drawing the timber contract
and putting him in touch with tim
Der buyers, all with the stipulation
chat practical forestry methods shall
be carried out, thus demonstratln,
to his neighbors and the communit.
at large, profitable forestry practice
The State Forests, six in. number
$3.50 acres in. area, are serving
several important uses, such as
timber production, watershed pro
lection, and as recreation grounds
for the people. The value of state
forests is unquestioned They shoulo
be extended, and new oaes acquired
to serve greater use.
The State Forest Nursery is work
ing to the limit OF its capacity tt
supply, at lowest possible cost. suit
able planting stock for making tn,
waste lands productive.
Through field Investigations, de
monstrations, exhibits. illustrated
lectures, bulletins. leaflets, anC
press notices, the principles ano
purposes of forestry are being con
stantly brought to the people. Witt
practically all OF our forest land
in private ownership, educationa
methods must be largely depended
upon to bring results.