36 STATE BOARD OF FORESTRY 



Patapsco Reserve. 



The Legislature of 1912 appropriated to the State Board of 

 Forestry $50,000 for the purchase of land bordering the Patapsco 

 River between Relay and Hollofield. Since this appropriation 

 became available, in the latter part of 1912, the State Board of 

 Forestry has been proceeding with the purchase of land and ac- 

 quiring the rights in this region that will best carry out the pro- 

 visions of the act. The purposes of the reservation are : 



(1) To preserve the scenic beauty of this region, which is recog- 

 nized as one of the most beautiful in the country. Under State con- 

 trol, the lands will be maintained perpetually as a natural forest and 

 the stripping of hillsides by cutting will be prevented. Where the 

 steep slopes have been cleared and are now washing badly they will 

 be planted in trees. Forest fires, which have done so much damage 

 hitherto, will be reduced to a minimum by careful State control. 



(2) The Patapsco River is exceedingly important for the water 

 power it affords. There are nine different power developments 

 between Relay and Hollofield, a distance of 10 miles, all within the 

 limits of the forest reservation area, and seven of them are now in 

 operation. This use of the river will be maintained as fully as pos- 

 sible by protecting the forests on the watersheds which now are to a 

 considerable extent under State control. 



(3) Not only is water-power development of prime importance, 

 but since the writer in the river is used for domestic purposes it is 

 essential that the watershed from which it is derived shall be main- 

 tained in the most healthful condition, under State control. 



(4) The woodlands are typical of those found in a large portion 

 of the State, and scientific forest management as applied here will 

 furnish valuable object-lessons to those who wish to handle their 

 lands according to the most approved plans of modern forestry. 

 The open fields that are being acquired by the State will be planted 

 with different tree species adapted to the soil and climate, serving 

 as valuable demonstrations of practical tree planting. The large 



