200 



MONTANA 19U 



Connecticut conubined. In making this comparison, the magnitude and 

 enormity of Montana's forests can better be realized. 



It has been conservatively estimated that the merchantable timber on 

 the stump, uncut, in Montana approxinnates 65,000,000,000 feet. This is a 

 figure beyond comprehension. Computing the value of the stumpage at 

 $3.00 per thousand feet, it would indicate that the standmg 

 Sums of saw timber of Montana is worth $195,000,000, or, when re- 

 Money That duced to lumber at the sawmill, the value would be $975,000,000, 

 Stagger the or nearly twice the value of all the precious metals which have 

 Imagina- been exitracted from our valuable mines during the last fifty 

 lion. years, or since gold was first discovered in Montana. 



We have heard alarming reports from high ofticials. stat- 

 ing that in a decade our forests would be entirely denuded. At the 

 present time there are about 60 saw mills in operation in the State of 



Big Blackfoot Mills at St. Regis. 



Montana and tLtir annual output is approximately 400,000,000 ieet. On 

 this basis there is enough standing timber in the State of Montana to 

 supply the mills for a period of 162 years, making no allowance for the 

 timber which will replenish itself by natural growth. The largest mills are 

 located in Flathead, Lincoln and Missoula counties, while the largest bodies 

 of virgin forests are located in Flathead and Lincoln counties. 



The annual consumption of lumber in Montana has been about 300,000,- 

 000 feet per annum for the last three years, and with the rapid increase in 

 population and development of our agricultural industries, railroad build- 

 ing and other general development, it is reasonable to expect 

 Speaking of that this amount will naturally be increased from time to 

 Lumber used time. 



Annually in The government, through the organic act, set aside cer- 



This State, tain lands or grants for the benefit of the public institutions 



of the State, and through the wisdom of state officials some 



— Montana welcomes the neivcomer and starts him affright. 



