There will be unexcelled fishing in Minnesota's northland 

 lakes and rivers this year according to the reports received 

 at the office of the state forester at the capitol from the rang- 

 ers. The lakes and streams will be well supplied with water 

 and at present it appears that a better than the average stage 

 will be maintained during the fishing season. There is an 

 average of three and one-half feet of snow in the North woods 

 more than at any time last season the snows of the late 

 winter having been of especial benefit, doing away with the 

 possibility of a drought, at least until late in the season even 

 if there should be a scarcity of rain during the summer. 



The presence of abundant moisture will also serve as a 

 blessing to the settlers and for several months will eliminate 

 the danger of forest fires. 



Notice has been received from Washington that the $10,000 

 appropriation for the protection of forests at the headwaters 

 of navigable streams will be available this year. This aid is 

 given the states under the Weeks law, which was passed two 

 years ago. The money is to pay the salaries of the 48 patrol- 

 men in the danger zone. 



Minnesota is in no danger of spring floods along the Mis- 

 sissippi and tributary streams this year. This is due pri- 

 marily to the extended system of dams and reservoirs at the 

 headwaters of the Mississippi established during the past ten 

 years by the federal government. These reservoirs impound 

 the flood waters during the spring and under ordinary circum- 

 stances a sufficient quantity is held to keep the river two feet 

 above normal throughout the balance of the season, making 

 the river navigable from St. Paul to Central Iowa. 



25 



