DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS FOR 1928 119 



(5) Woodlot Improvement 



The primary object of woodlot improvement as enacted during the late 

 fall of 1928 had in view the removal of all inferior species as a preparatory 

 measure for the reinstatement of such species that were potentially adapted to 

 existent site and soil conditions. With reference to both stations, Nos. 1 and 2, 

 black oak predominates, having come in after pine lumbering. Thickly dispersed 

 stumps of large diameters indicate a one-time heavy stand of pine. The present 

 scrub oak growth will never amount to anything of extensive value, as practically 

 90 per cent, of the trees are fire-scarred or diseased. An occasional black oak 

 does manage to get away to a fair development if situated in depressions or 

 pockets where the soil is relatively fertile. For the greater part, however, it is 

 felt that our soils possess consistent properties potentially adapted to the success- 

 ful production of red and white pine. 



During 1927 and 1928, 69.4 acres of scrub oak country were subjected to 

 cutting. All members of the black oak family were cut out. Log sizes were 

 converted into planking, while the smaller trees were sawn into fuel wood, yielding 

 approximately 800 cords of 16-inch stove wood. At Station No. 2, Turkey Point, 

 25 acres of similar oak land were cleared up, giving a yield of 264 cords of No. 1 

 fuel wood. 



Since there is quite an extensive local rnarket for firewood, the sale of this 

 wood more than covered the cost of labour entailed. Aside from this satisfactory 

 condition, the real object, however, is to remove the poor type of woodland that 

 prevails, and reforest the cleaned up area with species suited to the site. 



Of course, healthy specimens of white pine and white oak are allowed to 

 remain, in fact, from 25 to 50 trees to the acre of these species is considered 

 advantageous to the development of the plantation. 



One special feature worthy of note, in that it probably initiates a method of 

 procedure in this country as regards woodlot improvement, entails the leaving 

 of clumps or islands of trees, for the purpose of providing natural fertilizer 

 from leaf drop. As far as possible these clumps, varying from one-eighth to 

 half an acre in size, are restricted to the apex of knolls and ridges. The tree 

 clumps which are left serve as a wind-break, a fire preventive, and, furthermore, 

 increase the distance or extent of leaf distribution. Although such clumps are 

 not left so as to be diagramatically arranged, an effort is made to leave enough 

 of them that they will be sufficiently close to each other to be effective in "leaf 

 mulching" the entire intervening areas which have been more or less clean-cut 

 and on which tree-planting is to be carried out. 



(6) Publicity 



Several addresses given at community gatherings appear to be bearing 

 fruit when one considers the interest shown, and number of enquiries received 

 regarding private reforestation projects. 



Through the co-operation of various chambers of commerce in south- 

 western Ontario the principles and values of tree-planting are being forcibly 

 presented to private individuals, municipalities and counties. 



A comprehensive planting scheme is now in progress of being drawn up in 

 Norfolk County. Through the offices of the reforestation section of the local 

 chamber of commerce, options are being procured on abandoned farms suitable 

 for reforestation. Three exhibits were shown last fall at county fairs, and two 

 at flower shows under the Horticultural Society. Requests for additional exhibits 



