FORESTRY COMMISSION. 45 



in their courses. The question naturally arises, in what manner can this 

 alleet the State? My ve\A\ is, in various Avays. For instance, the State 

 of Xew York has purchased large areas of land in the vicinity of the 

 head-waters of streams that flow into the Hudson and Mohawk, and pay- 

 ing for them millions of dollars. This was done with two objects in view — 

 to maintain an even flow in the navigable streams and to furnish a safe 

 and sure water supply for the increasing needs of the growing population. 



So must Michigan, in the near future, prepare for the conservation of 

 the flow in her streams. 



AVith this added idea in view, viz., the maintenance of this flow of water 

 for power, a subject that at present has escaped the observation of all, 

 except those who are directly interested in motor power in Michigan. 



In the Lo^er Peninsula there are three distinct watershed systems. The 

 first would be the system where arise the Monroe, Raisin and Huron, 

 flowing to the east. The St. Joseph, Kalamazoo and Grand, flowing to 

 the west. The second would be that watershed from which the Flint and 

 Clinton, the northern branches of the Grand, the Shiawassee, and many 

 other smaller streams, flow. Still farther north we have that river system 

 co3nprising the Muskegon, Manistee, Black, Thunder Bay, Au Sable and 

 Tittabawassee rivers. 



It should be the duty of the State to so plant and locate these forestry 

 reserves at the springs that head these streams that they should be pro- 

 tected from the drying up process brought on by the removal of the 

 forests. 



It is a well known fact that the excessive destruction of the forests 

 is followed by the drying up of the springs and streams, and that the 

 rainfall is the great factoi- in controlling the distribution and density of 

 the forest growths. 



With these two great factors in mind, we cannot be too earnest in our 

 advocacy of a system that will bring about the results that are asked 

 for by the advocates of reforestation. 



In asking for this to be done by the State, there are two ways in which 

 local opi^osition can be overcome. The first is by enlisting, through legisla- 

 tion, private individuals who own the lands surrounding the lakes or 

 springs in which these streams arise. This can be done by exemption 

 from taxation or by bounties paid for the gi'owing of timber in localities 

 where the State may establish reserves. 



Any local opposition that might arise to the purchase of tracts of land 

 for forest purposes should be placated, either by purchase of owners' 

 rights, or by certain payments of taxes by the State for the support of 

 their local governments. 



As to the benefits that might arise, I call your attention to the fact that 

 each year the value of the power contained in the streams is enhanced, 

 •and the time is not far distant "when it will have a rating the same as 

 other securities. 



The maintenance of a constant flow throughout the summer season is 

 au advantage that can only be appreciated when we notice the difl'erenco 

 in the vegetation on the banks now and that which only a few years ago 

 grew so luxuriantly about every spring, brook and stream in the southern 

 part of the State. 



The tendency, at present, is only to drain and improve these lands 

 through which our streams flow, and this is as it should be, but something 



