FOREST PROTECTION 11 



For a number of tree species (notably Douglas fir, Yellow pines, Jack 

 pine, Lodgepole pine, Aspen) fire must be considered as an excellent silvi- 

 cultural tool or as a means of securing regeneration, 

 F: — Treatment of Injured Woods. 



The treatment of injured woods differs according to species, age of 

 woods, market facilities and severity of damage inflicted. 



I — Thickets of broadleaved species it is best to coppice, or else to clip 

 down with the help of long handled pruning shears. 

 Thickets of conifers are either so badly damaged as to require re- 

 generation anew or are so little damaged as not to require any help. 



II — Pole Woods. 



Pole woods of broadleaved species are most severely damaged by 

 spring fires, and shoiild be cut where salable. 

 Pole woods of conifers, if apt to die, should be made into money 

 immediately, where possible. 



If coniferous pole woods are apt to live, careful trap-tree prac- 

 tice will tend to avoid more severe injury from insect plagues. 



III.— Tree Forests. 



Broadleaved tree forests are not apt to be injured by surface fires 

 sufficiently to cause the death of the trees. Hence, usually, the 

 trees are allowed to stand. If, however, a majority of the trees 

 are killed, speedy utilization is necessary. 



In coniferous tree forests, trees are either at once killed by 

 the fire, requiring immediate removal, or else not sufficiently touched 

 to be doomed. In the latter case, the use of trap trees is required 

 to prevent insect plagues from developing. 



The presence of 'permanent means of transportation connecting 

 the forest with a ready market is, under all circumstances, the most 

 important factor in preventing material damage from striking the 

 owner of merchantable forests killed by conflagrations. 



