l66 REPORT OF THE 



nations, together with a thorough knowledge of the fluctuation of the lower 

 streams and of the utilization of the water by mills or municipalities, will 

 lead to a definite understanding of a highly important subject. 



The conclusions reached by the Division of Forestry of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture after a thorough study of the forest 

 problems of Township 40 are briefly summarized below. A detailed dis- 

 cussion of these conclusions follows in the working plan. 



First. Under the systematic and conservative system of management 

 advised in this working plan there would be no interference whatever with 

 the value of the forest as a conserver of the water-supply. To this end 

 ample reservations are recommended, which would thoroughly protect the 

 watersheds and preserve the lake shores from damage. This statement as 

 to watersheds and water-supply has been confirmed by Mr. F. H. Newell, 

 Hydrographer of the United States Geological Survey, who, after personal 

 examination of Township 40, has approved the recommendations made in 

 this working plan. Particular attention would be given to the protection 

 of the mountain summits and the natural beauties of Raquette Lake. Only 

 the mature softwood timber would be cut, and that under close restrictions 

 and constant supervision. 



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

 a sufficiently 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 com.para- 

 tively 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 the timber from Township 40 to the 

 market. With the improvement of the river between Raquette and Forked 

 Lakes, which is strongly advised in this working plan, a second outlet 

 would be secured for the timber on the greater part of Township 40, and 

 also for all other timber tributary to Raquette Lake. The improvement 

 of this river, so that logs might be driven from Raquette Lake, would 

 make a material improvement in the bids submitted for the stumpage. 



Fourtli. Township 40 is covered by virgin forest. In a forest of this 

 character the annual decay of the overmature trees offsets the annual 



