REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSION. 11 



SHADE TREES. 



There are now 41 active Shade Tree Commissions in the State 

 having combined appropriations of $85,000. Nine of these 

 were appointed during the current year. Thus is indicated the 

 importance and wide extension of the shade tree propaganda. It 

 clearly demonstrates that a Shade Tree Commission combines the 

 interest, enthusiasm and authority necessary to accomplish results 

 in any community. Certain defects in the laws have developed as 

 one of the results of all this activity. The legislation necessary to 

 remedy them can doubtless be secured without difficulty. The 

 Shade Tree Book published by the Commission has been of value 

 alike to Shade Tree Commissions and to individual tree owners. 



A beginning has been made also towards providing shade tre-^s 

 for country roads. By the law passed last spring the State Com- 

 missioner of Public Roads is authorized to require that State-aid 

 roads shall be tree bordered. Specifications covering the choice, 

 planting and care of trees in such cases have been prepared by the 

 State Forester, who will co-operate with the Roadi Commissioner. 

 It is expected that a beginning in this important work will be 

 made next spring. 



The Forest Commission aims to keep in touch with all shade 

 tree interests and is always ready to lend a hand to those who 

 need help, See p. 71. 



LEGISLATION AND APPROPRIATIONS. 



The forestry laws are proving in most respects entirely ade- 

 quate. As the fire record shows it is possible to enforce the ob- 

 servance of reasonable regulations. No new legislation in this 

 line was sought this year and there is, apparently, no need to a&k 

 any of the next legislature. In general forestry the situation is 

 the same except that a law was enacted at the instance of many 

 users of the northern lakes by which an exemption of taxes on 

 water bodies can be secured when they are made free to the 

 public. The practical value of this statute is yet to be proven. 



In respect to shade trees it is apparent that the laws need to be 

 simplified and so modified that a community can better control its 

 own' shade tree work, and shall not be limited, as it now is, in the 

 amount that may be appropriated for such purposes. The Forest 



