Scientific PorestrY- 



Worl^ and ^ctggestions of tl)e United 3tate3 Experts. 



To tl)e Forest, Pisl) and (iame Commission : 



THE preparation of a working plan for a portion of the Forest Preserve, under- 

 taken at the request of the Forest, Fish and Game Commission by the 

 Division of Forestry of the United States Department of Agriculture, has 

 been successfully completed in the field and the results are nearly ready for publica- 

 tion. The work was done under the appropriation of $2,000 made by the Legisla- 

 ture at its last session, upon Township 40, Totten and Crossfield Purchase, in Hamil- 

 ton county, which contains the well-known Raquette Lake. The principal conclusions 

 reached by this investigation may be summarized as follows : 



First. Under the systematic and conservative system of management which the 

 Division of Forestry will advise in the working plan now in preparation, only the 

 mature softwood timber will be cut, and that under close restrictions and constant 

 supervision. Particular attention will be given to the protection of the mountain 

 summits and the natural beauties of Raquette Lake. To this end ample reserva- 

 tions will be recommended, which will thoroughly protect the watersheds and pre- 

 serve the lake shores from damage. There will be no interference whatever with the 

 value of the forest as a conserver of the water supply. 



The above statements as to watersheds and water supply are confirmed by Mr. F. 

 H. Newell, Hydrographer of the United States Geological Survey, who, after per- 

 sonal examination of Township 40 on the ground, approved the recommendations to 

 be made in the working plan. 



Second. Township 40 is a well-timbered township, on which there is a sufflciently 

 heavy stand of mature spruce to insure profitable lumbering under economical and 

 conservative methods. There is also mature pine and balsam which should be 

 cut. 



Third. The topography of this Township makes lumbering comparatively easy, 



since the greater part is tributary to Raquette Lake, which occupies the center of 



the township. The Raquette Lake Railway is at present the only means of getting 

 2 17 



