CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF FORESTS 343 



canyon with a resultant loss of property and lives. An adjoining 

 canyon whose vegetative cover was intact showed a run-off of 

 only a small fraction of that in the burned-over canyon, and 

 caused little damage. 



In many parts of the country, especially the West and South, 

 millions of domestic animals, mainly cattle, sheep, and hogs, 

 are grazed in the open forest growth predominating in certain 

 localities. Under conditions of properly controlled grazing, the 

 forest growth can be maintained at the same time, and such 

 areas made to produce both forest products and forage. The 

 national government receives millions of dollars annually for 

 the grazing privileges in National Forests. 



Forests are becoming more important yearly as propagating 

 areas and homes for wildlife. Most of our beneficial forms of 

 wild life spend a part or all of their lives in the shelter of the 

 forests, or in the streams running through forest areas. These 

 are becoming increasingly important from the recreational 

 standpoint, as year after year more citizens turn to hunting, 

 fishing, camping, and hiking as a means of diversion from the 

 hurry and strain of civilized living. Good highways, and the 

 increasing use of autos as transportation brings most people 

 within reach of some forest recreational area. The prime assets 

 of many National Parks — both from the recreational and scenic 

 viewpoints — lie in their forests; this is especially true of Sequoia 

 and Yosemite National Parks. 



Forests generally tend to ameliorate climatic extremes, 

 causing forested areas to be cooler in the hot summers, and 

 warmer in the winter. By lessening the amount of wind move- 

 ment, they retard drying and tend to conserve soil moisture. 

 Early settlers in the Great Plains appreciated this benefit, and 

 planted extensive windbreaks about their fields and homes. The 

 greatly increased shelterbelt planting in the western Great Plains 

 during recent years is the result of scientific studies which have 

 shown the absolute value of forest growth as a factor in the con- 

 trol of local climate. 



With all of these indirect benefits of the forest in mind, as well 

 as those direct benefits discussed in the preceding chapter, the 

 American public should give its wholehearted cooperation in 



