18 



not well attended. The interest in forestry, however, grew gradually 

 and cumulatively. 



In June, 1886, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association was founded. 

 It has always been and is still one of the best and most constructive 

 organizations of its kind in America. In 1888 Governor Beaver 

 appointed a Commission on Forestry, which was the first commission 

 of its kind in this State. It presented a report to the legislature in 

 1889. The reports which this and the subsequent commission pre- 

 sented to the legislature, together with the data obtained from the 

 tenth census (1880), helped to stimulate interest in forestry on the 

 part of both legislators and the public. In 1895 the Division of 

 Forestry was create^ in the Department of Agriculture and Dr. 

 J. T. Rothrock was appointed Commissioner of Forestry. He served 

 in this capacity until June 1, 1904, when he resigned. Hon. Robert 

 S. Conklin, the present incumbent, succeeded him as Commissioner 

 of Forestry. Under the direction of these able men the forestry 

 work has progressed to such an extent in less than two decades, that 

 Pennsylvania to-day stands in the front rank with reference to the 

 development of its woodland areas. Many constructive acts pertain- 

 ing to forestry have been passed by the legislature, some of which 

 have served as models for other states. In 1901 the Division of 

 Forestry was raised to a Department of Forestry. 



In 1903, by a special act of the legislature, the State Forest Acad- 

 emy, at Mont Alto, was established. Mont Alto is a small village in 

 Franklin county, sixty miles southwest of Harrisburg on the Cumber- 

 land Valley Railroad. The ground occupied by the school buildings 

 is a part of a State forest which affords an excellent opportunity 

 for practical instruction and an accessible field for experimentation 

 equalled by few if any forestry schools. Recently one of the leading 

 forestry educators connected with an American University, a Ger- 

 man by birth, in a public address said, "The Pennsylvania State Forest 

 Academy has the best location and working field of any forestry 

 school in the world." This school aims to train young men in prac- 

 tical forestry so that they will be able to manage the State forests. 

 Sixty-four men have been graduated, and most of whom are still in 

 the service of the State. In addition to these foresters ninety-two 

 rangers are also employed. A printed announcement of the school 

 is available for free distribution and will be sent upon request. 



The State authorized the purchase of woodland areas in 1897 for 

 the purpose of establishing State forests. To date (July 1, 1915) 

 1,003,114 acres have been acquired, located in 26 counties, at a total 

 cost of $2,284,587.90, or an average of $2.27 per acre. This area is 

 now being developed. Over 5,000 miles of roads, lanes and trails 

 have been built, opened, or repaired. One hundred ninety-five miles 

 of telephone lines have been built and numerous fire observation 



