170 FouETH Annual Report of the 



ing this period a change has resulted in the proportion of lumber 

 cut in this section from about 1 per cent, of the stand in 18-94 to 

 approximately 2% per cent, at the present time. 



This provision of the Constitution prevents any direct utiliza- 

 tion of this vast resource. The question that naturally arises is, 

 what more benefits could be derived if the Constitution per- 

 mitted ? 



There are many phases of this question, such as the indirect 

 benefits of protection to watershed, regulation of flow of streams, 

 game cover, health resort, recreation grounds, and aesthetic value ; 

 the possible commercial returns which are now lost but might be 

 derived; the increased benefits which might accrue through les- 

 sened restrictions; the demands of the State upon this area as a 

 source of wood supply; the adoption of a policy which will be 

 beneficial to these regions ; the efficient administration and honest 

 enforcement of the forest law; the increase of the preserve and 

 its better protection through funds derived from a wider use. 

 These, and the future management of this territory, are all ques- 

 tions which should be carefully considered. 



FOREST MANAGEMENT 



The proper use of this great area means more to the people 

 of this State than can be briefly stated. There are honest 

 differences of opinion as to whether any modification should be 

 made in the present Constitution. If we could be assured of 

 honest and efficient administration, then changes could be favor- 

 ably considered. In order to present facts which are important we 

 will assume for the purpose that whatever is attempted will be 

 done properly and by people who are thoroughly trained for the 

 work. 



Reconnaissance. — The first step should be a careful examina- 

 tion of the forested area. The work should be done and data 

 procured similar to that found in Appendix I of this report, en- 

 titled "A Forest Survey of a Parcel of State Land." This will 

 give accurate information as to the location of forests, their com- 

 position, the stands of timber, the types of growth, and will pro- 

 vide information as a basis for planning operations. 



Classification. — The second step should be a delineation of the 

 lands into two kinds : First, protective forests on mountain tops 



