The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-12-11

Particularly in the Lake States, the
Chief Forester has pointed out that tbs
public mind is considering re-clothine
with forests both the lands that refuse
to be agricultural successes, cutovel
portions, and some that have been mis-
takenly cleared. A social consciousness
has entered into the economics OF
forestry. In fact. it was largely under
the leadership of recreationists that
reforestation activities were brought
bordering more than ever the question
of letting the land do what it is fitted
for. '.Slackening increase in popu-
lation," the Forester said, also makes
lit clear that intensive use of our
entire land area will not be necessary
for long time to come.
Referring to the lack of economic
balance and stability which so con-
spicuously characterize the relationship
between forest use and forest resource
Major r. Y. Stuart, Chief Forester, has
said that we may proceed blindly, under
la hands off" policy that leaves every
thing to economic evolution and the
struggle of each man to get out of his
difficulties and improve his lot as best
he may" He pointed out, however, that
the Nation is already committed to a
different course 1t has gone far in the
development of public policies and the
adoption Of public measures to pro-
mote efficient land use and to facilitate
oil rro~
make the processes of adjustment less
wasteful, and more beneficial in terms
of social welfare. The question is not
whether foresighted planning shall be
entered upon 1t has been entered
upon The question now is the degree
of intelligence with which it is to be
carried out. The Forester says that
while advance will be gradual, advance
is bound to be made
Speaking of the development of plant
ing on the National Forests east of the
Great Plains, Major Stuart referred
to the new large nursery near Rhine
lander, Wis, where through the tangible
interest of Kiwanis, 2,500O00 seedlings
viii be ready to plant out into the
burrows in the fall of 1882 This nur-
|sery has an annual capacity of 10000
600 trees, which will be available IN the
fall of 1888 for Wisconsin planting. II
viii supply trees for reforesting areas
denuded by past fires and cutting, on
lands being purchased for national
forest purposes in Wisconsin and in
the nearby portion of Michigan.
The strategic location and potential
productivity of the eastern forests
makes it wise to increase planting
operations in the east as additional
funds become available under the
present limited fiscal program.
I'VE are submitting a program of
27,627 acres for Wisconsin, to the Ma
tional Forest Reservation Commission
for approval Of purchase, to be con-
sidered at the meeting the middle of
this month, Mr.. Tinker said This
amounts to s42,768.39. These lands lie
within the Flambeau, Moquah, and
Oneida Units, which have been already
approved, and are now considered to
be up to 1870 development so far as
roads and trails, telephone lines, and
lookout towers are concerned.
Planting requires planning years
ahead" the Forester points out. The
land must first be examined to see
what part, if any, may be expected to
become timbered by natural reseeding
The species best suited must be deter
mined. Planting must be mapped out
by seasons or years. Transportation
facilities and camp sites must be con-
sidered, in the interest of economy and
efficiency of the work. Much of the
cost is incurred in collecting seed and
growing the trees in a nursery. Sud-
den expansion of acreage planted is
not ordinarily possible. AT times suit
able nursery stock has been purchased
from the State or private nurseries
having SURPRISES, in order to expand
to meet temporary emergency con-
ditions, such as widespread unemploy-
ment.
Planting is done twice a year-in the
spring as soon as the melting of the
snow permits, and in the fall after the
first heavy rains, and before snow
covers the ground.
The opportunities for temporary jobs
in planting crews are welcomed by
farmers, who thus prolong the season
of work. Frequently owners of small
farms or ranches return year after
year to work for month or six weeks
in the planting camps on some ma
donal forest, and have come to count
on the wages so earned as an essential
part of their income These selected
experienced men need less training and
supervision than do those unfamiliar
with the traditions and methods
Many are heads of families, and the
extension of their working season
especially in the spring of 1881, was
welcomed as means of family support
the Forester pointed out.
The human and the land problem
are interrelated- Efficiency in land use
must be worked out to balance the
efficiency of the human hand, which
has been stretched many thousand fold
by tn coes and wheels Of machines
Forest cooperation is a humanizine
business, into which all citizens and
agencies may enter. It is not COM
petitive, nor individualistic, but a civ
LIKING influence in communities where
men and women and children as vel
as technical and scientific men MAY
cooperate beyond their immediate
circles.