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 young growth including reproduction, and reduces the productive 

 power of the forest by injuring the soil. It therefore reduces 

 the value of the area for hunting and fishing. and destroys its 

 usefulness as a recreational reserve. The indirect losses are 

 often far reaching and incalculable. Particularly is this true 

 when a fire destroys a forest which protects an important stream. 

 In such a case losses and hardships may be experienced along the 

 entire course of that stream and for a period of years, since the 

 forest cannot quickly be replaused. Losses from such destruction, 

 which benefit no one, are eventually paid for by an increase in 

 the cost of living which affects every individual. 



There are many methods employed in forest fire protection, 

 all of which are beneficial to all the uses of the forest in so 

 far as they aid in preventing serious fires. The methods which, 

 in addition, may have a more direct influence on wild life, are 

 the establishment of fire lines, and the disposal of brush, by 

 burning, or by chopping the tops of felled soft-wood trees. 



Fire lines are strips of cleared land extending thru the 

 forest for the purpose of checking fire and providing an advan- 

 tageous point of attack. These strips attract into the forest 

 the beneficial birds which commonly frequent the borders. They 

 also attract insects which would not ordinarily be found within 

 the forest but which are held in check, to some extent, by the 

 practice, as a fire protective measure, of keeping these strips 

 cleared, by means of frequent cutting and burning. 



Brush burning or top lopping are effective means of reducing 



iihe fire risk on cut over areas. These operations, as well as 

 that of clearing the fire lines, will be most beneficial 



