Report of the Forest Commission. 



The satisfaction that the Forest Commission has with its year's 

 work is sadly marred by the loss of Dr. Edward B. Voorhees, 

 who died on June 7th, 1911. Dr. Voorhees was one of the three 

 men appointed to the Forest Commission when it was created 

 and served ably and faithfully until continued ill health induced 

 him to resign so that an active, man might take his place. The 

 State is fortunate in having had so wise an adviser while its forest 

 policy was developing. 



SUMMARY. 



Condition of forests improving Forest fires less destructive 

 Many penalties imposed for violation of law Co-operation 

 with Federal Government and with railroads Private for- 

 est owners practicing forestry State forest reserves in- 

 creasing in value though not in area Much work done and 

 planned for shade trees Laws are effective and appro- 

 priations satisfactory Organization Fiscal account. 



Forestry has apparently attained a permanent place in New 

 Jersey. Seven years ago, when the Forest Commission was 

 created, the woodlands of the State were so degraded that few 

 believed it possible for the remnant to be saved. Fires in 

 South Jersey and reckless cutting in North Jersey were chiefly 

 responsible for this condition. To-day the situation promises 

 better things. Interested owners are taking control of the wood- 

 lands in the north, while the measure of security against fires 

 that has been given in the south is proving that the forests 

 there are still capable of reviving. It will be understood of 

 course that fire alone is not responsible for the poor forests 

 in S'outh Jersey, nor mishandling alone responsible for the con- 

 dition of those in North Jersey. Both evils, and some others, 



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