THE FORESTS 



107 



World wide observation brings out the fact clearly that for a country 

 to reach its highest economic development, it must have a certain propor- 

 Mon of its land continually covered with timber growth. In addition to its 



direct value for fuel and lumber, the forests fulfill other very 

 Some Very important functions in the economic program — watershed pro- 

 Important tection for irrigation and power, sheltered summer ranges for 

 Special stock, refuges for wild game and fish, and playgrounds for 



Values. general recreation. In the national forests of Montana are to 



be found some of the finest scenery and hunting in the world. 

 Big game of all kinds — elk, deer, sheep and T'^ocky ]\Ioiintain goats, and 

 grouse being abundant. 



Chessman Reservoir, Source of Helena' s Municipally Oumed Water Supply, Located in 

 Helena National Forest. This View Illustrates the Method Taken to Protect Water 



Sources in National h orests From Pollution. 



The successful cultivation of irrigable areas aggregating at least eight 



million acres, which will make available homes for thousands of families, 



and the development of electrical energy aggregating 500,000 horse power 



depends upon large quantities of water under control. The 



Irrigation forested mountain areas provide and conserve the water and 



and make such devlopmnt possible. Permits for reservoir sites for 



Power for both irrigation and power can be secured on the national for- 



Domestic ests. Sites for irrigation use are granted free while a maxi- 



Use. mum charge of $1.00 per horse power is made for the power 



sites. The forest must be so managed upon these important 



watersheds that not only will damaging erosion be prevented 



but a continuity and uniformiity of waterflow be insured. Action to prevent 



— People speak lightly about millions of dollars in Montana. 



