Nappanee High School - Napanet Yearbook (Nappanee, IN)

Page 18 text:

our most beautiful and most valuable lumber regions, such as those in Minnesota. Michigan, Wisconsin, and other states, have been seriously stripped of their beauty and wealth. While It can not be said, as yet, that the forest planting is practicable for the United States as a whole, it does apply to a large part of this country and is of constantly increasing importance. The purposes for which forest planting Is practicable differ so widely for different parts of the country, that the subject ought to be considered with reference to the different regions of the United States. The considerations which determine the practicability of planting as a part of forestry for any specific region are the following: the present supply of useful timber: the need of the forest to provide shelter, to protect the soil, and to conserve moisture: the capacity of the forest to produce another crop; the value of the ground for other purposes than forest growth; the protection which can be given from fire and other dangers; and to receive a fair return on the investment. The government has already begun experimental planting in the San Gabriel. San Bernardino, and San Jacinto forest reserves in southern California, which are estimated by the United States geological survey to contain 1,447,000 acres of brush land, on which all valuable timber has been destroyed by fire. Since the reserves were established, the danger from fire has been greatly reduced. Two or three years experimental work has developed in an economical way, and more rapid methods of planting have been introduced. During the past seasons, the planting has been extended greatly. In the caseof the mountain slopes upon which planting is being done, the importance of a forest covering to conserve the water supply for the cities of Los Angeles and Pasadena and the surrounding country. Is considered so great that the Los Angeles Country Forest and Water Association and the Pasadena board of trade have contributed liberally towards the work. Forestry, in brief, is simply the art of managing forests and of utilizing them to the best advantages. The chief object of the forester Is to introduce better methods In the care of the forests and to manage the tlmberlands so as to secure the best returns, and also to Improve their conditions. A great writer says. “It was only a few years ago that tlie position of forestry was declared as an entirely new profession in this country with great opportunity offered to those who took up the work.”