Conservation Commission. 101 



mercial forests. At least four million acres (33 per cent.) is 

 not sufficiently stocked with commercial species, and the re- 

 mainder, about two and one-half million acres (17 per cent), 

 without any valuable growth. This condition is due to forest 

 fires, neglect, poor management, and the lack of appreciation as to 

 the forest situation. 



If this enormous area were placed under proper forest manage- 

 ment it is possible that the wealth of the State could be increased 

 not less than twenty-five million dollars a year. This increase 

 could be brought about entirely by producing larger and better 

 wood crops. 



FOREST MAPS. 



The first attempt to make a map showing the location and 

 extent of the forest areas in the State occurred this year. It was 

 discovered that the outlines of all the forested areas had been 

 sketched by the U. S. Geological Survey field parties, but that in 

 only a few instances had these data been published. Arrangements 

 have since been made, at practically no cost, to secure the benefits 

 of this past work. In addition various sources of information 

 have been consulted, and, as a result, a preliminary map, showing 

 forest conditions, has been made. 



WOOD USING INDUSTRIES. 



Plans were made early the past year to make a study of the 

 wood using industries of this State in co-operation with the IT. S. 

 Forest Service. Unfortunately it was impossible to put our plans 

 into effect, but the work was undertaken by another State agency, 

 and the results are now being compiled. 



Other independent studies are being made concerning forest 

 industries and the possibility of developing markets for certain 

 materials which now go to waste, or better markets than are now 

 obtained for other woods. 



EXTENSION. 



This division is called upon from time to time to supply infor- 

 mation in regard to various lines of forestry work. The amount 

 of such mail is rapidly increasing and embraces a great diversity 

 of subjects. 



