The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1936-12-03

Moose are definitely increasing on the
Stony ranger district of the Superior
national forest according to j. w. Day
superintendent of Gegoka CCC camp.
There was very little evidence Of
moose inhabitating this part of the
forest four years ago." stated Mr.. Day
recently. 1.-THE few moose that were
seen appeared to be stricken with some
disease as they were wobbly on then
feet and their coats were shaggy"
Forest officers believe that the popu-
lation of moose in the vicinity of the
Stony district has steadily increased
since the CCC camps have occupied the
forest, and that these great animals
are in much better physical condition
No explanation is apparent for this
situation as it is generally believed that
moose have a considerable aversion for
human contacts.
Chris Lee, Superintendent of Cascade
camp in the upper north shore area,
recently reported an increase in moose
in that section of the Superior forest.
even after hunting season started i
saw three moose in one day." reported
Mr.. Lee. II saw big bull moose in
the morning, and bull and cow moose
in the afternoon. These last two fol-
lowed me for about 20 minutes while I
was going cross country to inspect the
work of a trail crew. When came out
of the heavy timber into open country,
they disappeared"
Fire prevention is being emphasized
on the Superior National forest. Even
during the winter months CCC lads will
be busy cutting foot trails that will lead
into isolated areas, and during the
present six months period the down
timber and inflammable debris will be
removed along Is miles of forest roads.
Ten miles of foot trails, suitable only
for fire crews to hike over will be COM
pleted before the spring fire season
opens.
The eighth CCC enrolment period
from october to March 81
will keep approximately $500 boys busy
the Superior forest. This
period will see fire lines extending
through the thousands of acres that
were burned during the past summer.
These burned areas present increased
fire hazards and must be protected
against another disastrous conflag-
ration. Because of the quantities of
slaShingS left from former logging
operations the Spruce lake camp on the
Wales ranger district alone will con-
struct % miles of fire line in areas that
have not been burned. This Is but one
Of the Is CCC camps scattered over the
largest national forest in the United
States. The telling of snags on $500
acres is also part of their work for the
winter months, and will be done as a
fire prevention measure.
In spite of the emphasis placed on
fire prevention, recreational develop
ments are taking an important place
N the present work plans. Extensive
camp grounds are being built at L.
ander lake ON the Mesaba ranger dis
,rict; Halfway ranger station ON the
Stony district; Flour lake on the Gun
Tint district and Devils Track lake on
'he Cascade district. Some of these
recreational grounds will cover
30 acres, and besides the regular camp
ing facilities of tables, fire places, tent
sites, garbage pits, pumps and incin-
orators, log shelter houses with dress
ing rooms for bathers will be built.
Some of these buildings are nearing
completion and will have a large room