FOREST RESOURCES OF EASTERN TEXAS. 55 



VAN ZANDT COUNTY. 



Van Zandt County, with the exception of a very small acreage in the 

 extreme southeastern corner, not more than three per cent of the total 

 area, which lies in the shortleaf pine region, is located entirely within 

 the post oak region. The land surface is level to slightly rolling and 

 drains into the Sabine, Trinity, and Neches Rivers. The small tributary 

 streams generally become dry during periods of dry weather. Soils 

 range from light loams to heavy, black waxy. Several small, scattered 

 deposits of iron ore are found in the northern portion. Public roads 

 for the most part are in excellent condition. Not more than 33 miles 

 of mainline railroad are located in the county. 



The land area may be divided as follows : 



Approximate total area 561,280 acres. 



Virgin timber lands Negligible. 



Second growth lands Negligible. 



Culled and cut-over lands 225,000 acres. 



All other lands 336,280 acres. 



The timbered area of Van Zandt County may be said to consist of mixed 

 hardwoods on cut-over lands. The present stands are valuable only for 

 fence posts and fuel. Clear cutting in the past and periodic burning have 

 prevented reproduction and resulted in the present low productive forests. 

 The greater proportion of these lands are agricultural and are being 

 placed on the market. 



Diversified farming is the principal agricultural pursuit. A large 

 acreage of new land is cleared annually and none is being abandoned. 

 New settlers are coming in from the adjoining counties. Farms average 

 100 acres in size and there is but little soil erosion on improved lands. 

 Nearly all the county has a general stock law. 



The lumber industry began 35 years ago and has now practically dis- 

 appeared. Six small, portable mills are cutting very irregularly and 

 chiefly to supply local needs. Their total annual output approximates 

 8,000,000 feet and at this rate they may operate indefinitely. 



There is no activity in the stave or tie industries. Fence posts are cut 

 for local consumption only. Fuelwood to the extent of about 100 cars 

 annually is shipped out of the county. 



Because of the closeness of cutting and the more or less frequent burn- 

 ings, reproduction of the desirable timber species is practically absent. 

 There is an excellent market for lumber, shingles, and other forest 

 products and farm woodlots should be managed so as to supply this de- 

 mand and bring added returns to their owners. 



WALKER COUNTY. 



Walker County lies within the extreme northern range of loblolly pine. 

 The broken and hilly land surface is drained by numerous small streams 

 into the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers. Soils range from light sands to 

 the heavy, river bottom types. All public roads are graded. More than 50 

 miles of mainline railroad, some of which is used for logging purposes, 

 and 16 miles of logging railroad traverse the county. 



