18 Forest Club Annual 



about 85% of the stand would be utilized as against perhaps 60% 

 in cutting to a diameter limit. Then by burning the slash good 

 reproduction would be ensured at once, saving a period of many 

 years when the land would otherwise be given over to the pro- 

 duction of reduced stands of inferior species. If a second cut- 

 ting could be made on a partially cleared area the result might be 

 different but under present conditions that is financially im- 

 possible. 



The management of the forest under a clear cutting system 

 would be greatly simplified. Marking of trees to be cut could be 

 entirely done away with as could brush piling. Thus the two 

 things that cause most dissatisfaction among operators would 

 be eliminated. If the rangers were instructed carefully they 

 could oversee all work satisfactorily. Probably a maximum 

 diameter limit, depending upon the use of the timber and the 

 cost of exploitation, for all trees left on the area would be 

 adopted. 



It would not be necessary to clear cut in strips for enough 

 seed would be left on the ground and in the slash, if the whole 

 area was cut, to ensure natural regeneration. The lodgepole does 

 not need shelter in the seedling stage and the dense reproduction 

 effectually prevents any soil erosion. The burning of debris 

 could be done on small areas at a time. The operators would 

 willingly furnish men to aid in making fire lanes and in burning 

 off the ground under the direction of the rangers if they were 

 relieved from the tedious work of piling brush. With proper 

 care the danger of fire spreading would be very slight. 



The disadvantages of clear cutting and burning lodgepole 

 have been over-estimated; the advantages which are summar- 

 ized here have not been clearly understood. A greater percent 

 of the stand is utilized and the loss by windfall eliminated by 

 clear cutting. Furthermore management is simplified and the 

 cost of both management and lumbering reduced. By burning 

 the danger from fire is removed and the inferior balsam, which is 

 liable to occupy the ground, eliminated. The fire makes a good 

 seed bed and opens up the lodgepole cones which frequently 

 never open under natural conditions. In short, clear cutting 

 and burning gives a larger yield of timber, at a lower cost of 

 production under a simpler management, and ensures a better, 

 quicker reproduction than any other method. 



