1916-17 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, FORESTS AND MINES. xiii 



members of the fire ranging staff. Generally speaking, the settlers co-operated 

 heartily, and results amply justify the new regulation. 



The area protected was divided into thiriy-four districts, each in charge of a 

 Chief Ranger. Over the Chief Ranger were three territorial Inspectors, with head- 

 quarters at Cochrane, Nipigon and North Bay. The general field work was super- 

 vised by a Provincial Superintendent. 



The number of rangers was largely increased, owing to the addition of rangers 

 on licensed lands, the introduction of the permit system, and the protection of 

 areas where none had previously existed. 



Forest Fires. 



^ 



The weather in the early part of the fire season was dry, and a number of fires 

 of some magnitude occurred in the western part of the Province, fortunately 

 attended by no loss of life. A total of 1,110 fires was reported, the greater number 

 being of small extent. Five hundred and forty-nine of the fires reported were 

 caused by railways — the Canadian Government railways being responsible for 332 

 of this number. The neglected camp fire was a fruitful source of fires. Only 

 8 per cent, of the total number of fires was caused by settlers clearing land — an 

 ample justification of the Permit System. 



Improvement Work. 



During the season 62 Lookout Towers were constructed, 26 Observation points 

 were built, numerous trails were cut and a considerable addition was made to the 

 existing telephone system. Four large storehouses for equipment were built, also 

 44 rangers' cabins, 3 boathouses, 3 hose houses, and numerous other improvements 

 of a minor nature. 



Equipment. 



It was found necessary to add largely to the equipment during the past season. 

 Twenty-eight railway velocipedes were added to the stock and a number of auto- 

 trucks and motor boats were installed where such equipment could be used to best 

 advantage. J^ 



Forestry, 



The work of forest planting is necessarily hampered by the shortage of labour 

 owing to war conditions. Valuable work is, however, being accomplished at the 

 Provincial Forest Station in Norfolk County. 



A complete summary of the activities of the Forestry Branch will be found in 

 Appendix 34. 



Crown Surveys. 



The following surveys of Crown lands have been completed during this year: 

 Islands in Lake Huron, north of Manitoulin Island, district of Algoma. 

 Islands in Lake Huron, north of Manitoulin Island, district of Manitoulin. 

 Islands in Georgian Bay, district of Sudbury. 



Part of south boundary and east boundary, Nepigon Forest Reserve, district 

 of Thunder Bay. 



Township of Folcyet, district of Sudbury. 



