26 



A sample plot taken in a 30-year-oId stand shows the nature of the 

 second growth now developing. 



The belt of forested land along the river is usually outside the levees. 

 The width is rarely more than half a mile. Such forests are subjected 

 to frequent flooding. New channels are constantly developing and old 

 channels filling up. The recent deposit in this region is usually of a 

 sandy nature, rich in organic substance. Under such conditions willow, 

 Cottonwood, and sycamore show abnormally rapid growth-rates. Al- 

 though of limited area and relatively unstable, such land promises to pay 

 higher returns per acre for managed timber-production than any other 

 forested area in the state. Usually in unmanaged stands non-commer- 

 cial willows control the site, with maple, sycamore, and cottonwoods as oc- 

 casional trees. Cottonwood 18 years old is now being harvested from 

 such stands, and sold to egg-crate manufacturers for veneers. Trees 

 attain a height of a hundred feet, and an average D. B. H. of 12 inches 

 at this age. The best trees attain a D. B. H. of 18 inches. Under man- 

 agement with Cottonwood given precedence, pulp-wood can be produced 

 in 10 years, veneer and sawlogs in 18. 



Data from sample taken in an 18-year old unmanaged stand where 

 Cottonwood was almost wholly in control of the site follow. 



The value of the stand as pulp- wood at the 18-year period is as fol- 

 lows: 24.7 cords, valued on the stump at $1.25 per cord, totals $30,875; 

 annual taxes at $ .40 per acre compounded at 5 per cent for 18 years 

 total $11.25; returns as pulp-wood are $19.62 or $1.09 per acre per year. 



