FIREWARDEN'S REPORT. 51 



THE CARE OF ROADSIDES. 



A year ago emphasis was laid on the unnecessary menace to New 

 Jersey's forest land created by the prevalent condition of many 

 public roadsides. Although without authority to insist on any 

 remedy for this condition, the Forest Commission has endeavored 

 to bring the matter to wider attention among those who have con- 

 trol. To this end a letter was sent to each township having 

 enough woodland to justify it pointing out that an unkempt con- 

 dition of the road borders creates a danger to the woodland and 

 indicating the particular legislation (P. L. 1885, p. 36 and P. L. 

 1900, p. 284) under the authority of which it lies within a township 

 committee's power to find a remedy. In a number of townships 

 this appeal found ready support, although it is regretable that so 

 large a proportion of the local governing bodies still permit the 

 former laxity in this respect. 



In addition, new legislation has made it possible to use State-aid 

 highways in the protection of the forests. A clause (Sees. 4 & 29, 

 Chap. 395, P. L. 1912) gives to the State Road Commissioner 

 authority to require that all roads hereafter constructed through 

 the wooded sections shall be effective fire breaks. With the co- 

 operation of the Forest Commission, specifications have been pre- 

 pared for such construction as will render the roads more effective 

 for protection to the woodlands. 



