or early in the spring, depending upon the character of the 

 timber. The most economical and satisfactory method for 

 the disposal of slash differs widely in different types of for- 

 est, so that the method to be used in each case is left to 

 the district ranger to prescribe, the idea being to co-operate 

 with the lumber companies in working out the best method 

 for each individual tract. There is no disposition to be arbi- 

 trary, but there is a persistent desire to get rid of the slash 

 which constitutes a fire danger. 



Co-operation with the settlers is being brought about. 

 The settlers are coming to realize the importance of forest 

 fire prevention to themselves and the community, and in 

 many localities are rendering valuable assistance to the 

 rangers. Volunteer fire brigades, similar to the ones main- 

 tained in villages, are being organized in communities where 

 this is feasible. Control of forest fires will be much more 

 effective when the rich agricultural lands of Northern Minne- 

 sota are thickly settled, thus cutting the forest region into 

 belts and irregular tracts, and confining it to the poor, sandy, 

 or rocky land, which alone should be maintained in forest. 



The State has made a good start in the matter of creat- 

 ing parks and forest reserves. Principal among these are 

 Itasca Park, which includes the source of the Mississippi 

 and Burntside Forest in the wild rocky region north of the 

 Vermillion Range. It is the duty of the State Forest Service 

 to care for and improve the State reserves, which are rapidly 

 coming to be appreciated for their beautiful lakes and pine 

 forests, full of ideal spots for summer camps. 



The rangers serve as special game wardens without pay, 

 and the regular game wardens of the Game and Fish Com- 

 mission serve as special forest rangers, thus increasing the 

 force of men devoting their efforts towards making safe and 

 accessible the great forests of Northern Minnesota. 



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