REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSIONER. 



It becomes my duty and privilege to prepare for those of 

 this state interested in forestry matters my fifth biennial report. 

 Since issuing the last report of this department no backward 

 steps have been taken by Maine in dealing with its forestry 

 problems and the state certainly ranks far in the lead in many 

 matters pertaining to the preservation and care of its forests, 

 one of its greatest resources. 



In my report for the years 1907-08 I recommended that the 

 system of fire protection so admirably started be continued, but 

 for effective service and proper patrol of our waterways and 

 thoroughfares, leading through our vast forests, there would 

 be required at least $50,000. 



The suggestion was accepted by the principal land owners 

 throughout the state, and right here I will say that it is only 

 through the hearty cooperation of the timberland owners that 

 the measure of success of the new fire law has been made pos- 

 sible. 



Many discussions were entered into as how best bring 

 about the desired result. It was admitted that it would be un- 

 just to the other interests of the state to ask for an increased 

 appropriation bearing directly upon all properties. 



To overcome any charges of unfairness or disposition to put 

 the burden otherwise than where it belonged and yet obtain the 

 measure of protection that all felt was necessary, it was decided 

 that the land owners should accept the whole burden of pro- 

 tection from forest fires. 



To legally accomplish what had been decided upon was the 



next move, and consultations held between the land owners, 



their legal representatives and members of the Legislature, 



coupled with an agreement with the members of the committee 



;^ on taxation, actmg unannnously, there was enacted and incor- 



- porated the Maine Forestry District. 



It includes all of the townships and plantations taxed wholly 



