168 Fourth Annual Report of the 



" This camp is property of the State of New York and is open 

 to the public." 



Such sign shall be maintained at such camps by the person, 

 association or corporation constructing the camp. 



5. A suitable fireplace shall be constructed and maintained in 

 front of such camp, the form and material thereof to be approved 

 by the Commission. 



6. No such camp shall be occupied by the same party or per- 

 sons more than ten days in any year, nor more than three nights 

 in succession. This rule shall not apply to State employees while 

 engaged in fighting fires. A copy of this rule shall be posted and 

 maintained in a conspicuous place at such camp. 



7. The Commission may remove or discontinue the use of any 

 such camps at any time. 



8. No building, camp or structure shall be erected on State land 

 except as above provided. 



There are upon lands claimed by the State as the Forest Pre- 

 serve about 700 cases of occupancy of various kinds. These 

 vary from farms which are occupied and cultivated to small hunt- 

 ing camps or a few acres used for pasture. Where there are ex- 

 tended uses of the properties, the people claim title adverse to the 

 State and substantially all such cases of occupancy have been 

 transmitted to the Attorney-General for prosecution or determina- 

 tion of title. There are 406 cases reported, with buildings valued 

 at $276,375. It is fair to say that approximately 95 per cent, of 

 them are such as would be willing to execute leases. Nearly all of 

 these occupancies are of many years standing. We have secured 

 " disclaimers of title " as far as possible, and referred cases where 

 they could not be secured to the Attorney-General. We have en- 

 deavored to prevent further erection of structures and thereby 

 protect the State's interests. The question as to what should be 

 done with these numerous occupants of the State land has been 

 held in abeyance pending the voice of the people relative to leas- 

 ing camp sites. It did not seem necessary to eject them or destroy 

 property of a citizen if the people were willing to lease the privi- 

 lege of occupancy. 



The question of administering these matters is important, and 

 will be further discussed under the title of Forest Management. 



