294 REPORT OF THE FORESTRY COMMITTEE 



Since the formation of the Coeur d'Alene Timber Protective Association 

 three other similar organizations have been formed in northern Idaho, and effec- 

 tively patrol all of the privately owned and State timber. Through definite co- 

 operative agreements these organizations and the Forest Service work together 

 wherever there are mutual interests. The cost of patrol is usually from 2)4c to 

 4c per acre annually, during bad years sometimes greatly exceeding this amount. 

 Although northern Idaho is probably as well protected as any section of the 

 United States, the burden of all that is done on private lands rests upon the 

 timber owners. 



MAINE 



MAINE has 14,291,918 acres of wild land with an estimated stand of 

 50,000,000,000 feet of merchantable timber, valued at approximately 

 $100,000,000.00. 



For a century lumbering has been one of the chief industries of the State, 

 and during this time numerous destructive fires have occurred. Not until the 

 last decade has a system of protection in any degree adequate been established. 



To the lumbermen of Maine belong the credit of originatitng the mountain 

 lookout station with telephone connection as a means of promptly detecting forest 

 fires. About 1900, several such stations were built by land owners cooperating 

 for this purpose. 



In 1901, these stations were taken over by the State Forest Commissioner 

 and an appropriation of $10,000 authorized for fire protection. This amount 

 was increased to $20,000 later, but it was not until 1909 that the present excellent 

 system became effective. 



The law of that year, endorsed both by the forest commissioner and timber- 

 land owners, established the Maine Forestry District. This is composed of all 

 of the townships and plantations taxed wholly as wild land, and includes about 

 9,500,000 acres located in eight counties. 



A tax of one and one-half mills on the dollar was established as a fixed rate 

 on all lands within this district, and the proceeds, about $70,000, are to be used 

 exclusively for fire protection. 



The forest commissioner is empowered to divide this district into sub- 

 forestry districts as units of management, and to appoint a district warden to 

 be in charge of each. This district warden has under his direction the required 

 number of patrolmen. 



In many places the patrol routes have been equipped with telephone lines in 

 order that patrolmen may promptly secure help when needed. 



Beginning with the few lookout stations built by the timberland owners prior 

 to the formation of the forestry district, the State department has each year 

 added to the number until, at present, forty-three are in operation. They are 

 equipped with camps and towers where necessary, and with maps, alidades, field 

 glasses and telephone connection. Since 1909, Maine has spent $33,335.66 in 

 the construction of lookout stations and telephone lines and in the emplovment 

 of watchmen. 



