Fire Prevention in Minnesota 



PROGRESS in forestry is marked in the first instance by 

 development of systematic fire prevention. This depends 

 upon the organization of a corps of trained men working 

 in harmony and co-operation with the people. This much 

 has been accomplished by the Minnesota Forest Service and 

 now the chief measure of its effectiveness is the intensity 

 with which it can be applied. With an average of about fifty 

 men, the twenty million acres of forested lands have been 

 given protection but to a degree far below a reasonable mar- 

 gin of safety. 



The forest law provides for a Forestry Board composed of 

 nine members, two of whom are the Dean of the Agricultural 

 College and the Director of the College of Forestry. The 

 others are severally recommended by the Regents of the Uni- 



rsity of Minnesota, Minnesota State Forestry Association, 

 te Agricultural Society, State Horticultural Society and 

 State Game and Fish Commission, and appointed by the 



vernor. As a result of this system of appointment of the 



oard, men interested in various lines of forestry are selected. 

 No compensation other than expenses at board meetings is 

 given them. 



The Board appoints a Secretary whose duties are prescribed 

 by it, and a trained Forester, who executes the provisions of 

 the forest laws. 



The Forester, with the approval of the Board, appoints an 

 Assistant Forester, rangers, patrolmen and office assistants 

 to be employed. He purchases all necessary equipment, in- 

 struments and field supplies. All expenditures are approved 

 by the Forester and by the Forestry Board. 



Three inspectors are employed in various phases of forestry 

 work. Only one does actual inspection of forest officers' 

 work, and he might be rightfully called a ranger-at-large. This 

 inspector visits the various headquarters of rangers and pa- 

 trolmen, inspects their work and makes such recommendations 



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