THE NATIONAL FORESTS 



155 



Although the National Forests were established pri- greater than it was 10 years ago. Since 1905 the num- 

 marily to conserve the timber and to protect the water- ber of persons holding grazing privileges has increased 

 sheds, it has been the consistent aim of the department nearly 200 per cent. This is due in part to the enlarged 

 to develop all other resources. 

 Grazing, mining, agriculture, 

 water power, and recreation — 

 all are fostered. One of the 

 most important of these is 

 grazing. The greater part of 

 the summer range in the West- 

 ern States is in the Forests. 

 Under the regulated system the 

 forage is utilized fully, without 

 injury to the tree growth and 

 with adequate sa f eguards against 

 watershed damage. There were 

 grazed last year under pay per- 

 mits 1,:24:.000 cattle and horses 

 and 7,300,000 sheep and goats. 

 Several hundred thousand head 

 of milch and work animals were 

 grazed free of charge, and 

 more than 3,500,000 head of 

 stock crossed the Forests, feed- 

 ing en route, also free of charge. 

 Not including settlers who have mountaineering made easy 



the free privilege or persons who climbing Pike's Peak by auto. The National Forests are open to the whole nation for health and 



V.o,-o r,.il-.- ^l-r^cci.^lT .->orini'to recreatioH. They embrace the high, rugged mountains of the West, the scenery of which is 



na\e oniy crossing periniis, unsurpassed. 



FOREST OFFICER TALLYING SHEEP AS THEY ENTER A NATIONAL FOREST 



It is probable that a hundred million pounds of beef and mutton are sold each year from herds and 



flocks occupying the forest ranges. Grazing is regulated with a view both to range conservation and 



to community growth and diffused prosperity. In other words, public control serves social as well 

 as economic ends. 



there are 31,000 individuals who have regular permits. 

 During the year ended June 30, 1905, there were only 

 692,000 cattle and horses and 1,514,000 sheep and goats on 

 85,627,472 acres. The number of animals now sustained 

 in proportion to the area of the Forests is 50 per cent 



area of the Forests, but can 

 be attributed principally to 

 wider use by settlers and small 

 stockmen. When the regulated 

 system was established the For- 

 est ranges, like the open public 

 lands today, rapidly were be- 

 ing impaired. The productivity 

 of the land for forage in most 

 places has been restored and 

 everywhere is increasing; the 

 industry has been made more 

 stable ; stock comes from the 

 Forests in better condition ; 

 range wars have stopped ; ranch 

 property has increased in value ; 

 and a larger area has been 

 made available through range 

 improvements. It is probable 

 that 100,000,000 pounds of beef 

 and mutton are sold each year 

 from herds and flocks occupy- 

 ing the ranges. That the For- 

 ests have promoted the devel- 

 opment of the stock industry is 

 indicated. This is appreciated 

 by stockmen and they are urg- 

 ing that a similar system of range regulation be extended 

 to the unreserved public lands. But it is not merely the 

 stock industry that has been benefited. The grazing 

 privilege has been so distributed as to promote healthy 

 community growth, increase settlement, prevent monopoly. 



