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sion of forest fires is needed in certain counties of the state. Fire injury 

 of any consequence exists only on the inherent forest lands of large con- 

 tiguous holdings. The smaller bodies of forests, mostly farmers' wood- 

 lands are rarely damaged by fires. Legislation will be needed and will be 

 requested for putting into effect the necessary machinery for fire protection 

 where needed in southern Ohio. 



Grazing of woodlands has become a fixed habit with the farmer, and 

 in general is unprofitable since woodlands are poor pasture, and pastured 

 woodlands are poor forest. A campaign of education has been directed 

 against this practice and it is believed has accomplished some result. It is 

 probable that this problem can best be solved by educational means. For- 

 tunately grazing is more prevalent on the woodlands of the better agricul- 

 tural sections of the state, where land is high priced and the woodlands 

 will soon give way to farm crops. Granting the realization of the purchase 

 program of such areas as are practicable for public ownership, the bulk 

 of the forests of the state would still be in private hands. Greater assis- 

 tance to the owners of woodlands by the state by means of definite advice, 

 more comprehensive working plans, fire protection, equitable taxation, 

 adequate research in forest problems, will avail much to promote the prac- 

 tice of private forestry, but it is altogether probable that it will not meet 

 the needs. Indeed this doubt seems to be well founded in the experience 

 of the states which have had seemingly well established policies for some- 

 time. 



Definite assistance where the public assumes the financial burden, the 

 attendant risks through the long period of time in carrying the timber crop 

 from the beginning well along to maturity would seem to be required if 

 any general results are obtained. We are inclined to favor, therefore, that 

 upon application of the owner of certain classes of timberland the state 

 take over the land and take charge of the renewal of the forest and its 

 management, the cost to be charged against the owner, and is to be a lien 

 against the timber. The burdens of taxation, fire risks, long time invest- 

 ment, etc., could thus be assumed by the state and at time of final cutting, 

 which would be under the supervision of the state, the cost charges would 

 be obligated by the owner. The owner, however, should have the option 

 of discharging the obligation at any time upon payment to the state of the 

 accrued costs of reforestation and administration together with a conserv- 

 ative rate of interest. A plan somewhat similar to that above has been in 

 operation in Massachusetts for some years, and though it has apparently 

 been limited to the artificial reforestation of idle lands, has been quite 

 successful in operation. It would seem that if the plan could be extended 

 to second growth and cut-over lands, partially or fully stocked as well as 

 to purely planting projects, its usefulness would be greatly extended. 



Artificial reforestation must necessarily be given considerable promi- 

 nence in any forestry program. This phase, however, is of minor conse- 

 quence as compared with the renewal of the native woodland through 

 natural regeneration. The areas wherein planting must be done, however, 

 will increase rapidly unless steps are taken to protect and maintain the 

 native growth or inherent forest soils. 



The state should give encouragement to private owners in planting waste 



