HSfTRODUCTION. 



The forests of Michigan have been one of the chief sources of the wealth 

 of her citizens. The vast tracts of white pine that once covered the cen- 

 tral and northern portions of the lower half of the state and nearly the 

 whole of the upper peninsula were fully ripe and ready for harvest in 

 those decades in which the trees fell by the woodsman's ax. This harvest 

 has been well nigh completed, until today, the areas covered with woods 

 are no more measured by square miles but by acres. The influences of the 

 cutting of the forests are felt in the 'spring freshets and summer disap- 

 pearance of streams that used to be even in volume and perennial in flow, 

 and in climatic changes that are hostile to the growing of crops. 



In what parts of the lower peninsula were the original forests found? 

 Where are the standing forests of the present day and what is their ex- 

 tent? What is the present condition and the possible future of the de- 

 nuded areas? What is the relation of the forests to meteorological con- 

 ditions? Can these stump lands be reforested and how? Judging from 

 the legislation in other states, may laws be passed and enforced that shall 

 aid in protecting existing and proposed forest areas from fire and vandal- 

 ism? 



It is to answer these and incidently many other questions tnat this 

 bulletin is issued. It is true, past all question, that if flre and domestic 

 live stock can be kept out of the more fertile sections of the area once 

 covered with pine and hardwoods, nature, left to herself, would in time 

 cover them with a new and valuable growth of trees. Aided by the hand 

 of the trained forester she will accomplish the end much sooner and will 

 provide a forest much better suited to the wantg of man. 



Legislation aimed at the prevention of forest fires can be enforced no 

 farther than it is supported by public opinion. Public opinion is a mat- 

 ter of education. It is hoped that this bulletin may be helpful in calling 

 attention to the needs of forestry in this state on the one hand and to 

 what is being done in other states for the preservation of forests on the 

 other. 



CLINTON D. SMITH, 



Director 



