FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 75 



were greatly increased, and he had added responsibilities. After a few- 

 years his title was changed to Superintendent of Forests. This same legis- 

 lative act greatly lessened the fire danger by making it a misdemeanor to 

 set fires to clean land during certain periods of danger. 



During the summer of 1897 the Forest Preserve Board was organized 

 to acquire land for an Adirondack Park. Colonel Fox was the expert 

 advisor of the Board and in the performance of these duties two million 

 dollars worth of land was acquired. 



In 1 90 1 a further change came in this organization. The Fisheries, 

 Game and Forest Commission and the Forest Preserve Board were consoli- 

 dated and called the Forest, Fish and Game Commission. Also the fire 

 law was made much more effective by creating the office of Chief Firewarden 

 who had general supervision of the nearly seven hundred town and district 

 firewardens. Under this organization Colonel Fox became a great factor 

 in forestry work. Since this reorganization, the work accomplished by 

 the Department has been most effective and satisfactory. 



This general summary of the development of a forest preserve and a 

 forest policy in this State has been given because a careful examination 

 shows it largely to be the w r ork of Colonel Fox. 



It is most interesting to read the former reports, which are largely 

 from his pen, and note what improvements and policies he advanced for 

 the benefit of the State. In these matters he was always first. 



He began years ago to collect statistics showing the lumber cut, and 

 saw clearly what was happening, also the result. He established a system 

 of fire protection and fire law which was generally copied by other States. 

 He continuously advocated the purchase of land as a forest preserve on the 

 grounds of benefit to the State and at the same time a business investment. 

 He desired to see our State lands put under scientific forest management, 

 and made working plans for a portion of the State lands. Nearly fifteen 

 years ago he advocated the reforesting method which is now in operation. 

 He appreciated the probability of water storage and was much interested 

 in any such movement. He was quick to appreciate the value of a skilled 

 force and employed the first graduate of the first forestry school in this 

 country. 



