Io8 TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



Forest Resources of New *Ior^ 



In view of the large amount of timber removed each year from the 

 forests of this State it becomes necessary to make a careful inquiry as to 

 the amount that is left. How long will it be before our resources are 

 exhausted ? 



Various estimates have been made by professional foresters and experts 

 during the last twenty years showing the amount of standing timber in 

 New York. In each case the amount was underestimated. Some of the 

 estimates are already disproved, because a larger amount has been cut 

 since, and the cutting is still going on with a larger annual output than 

 ever before. 



We have recently expended considerable time in efforts to ascertain 

 the acreage of woodland in New York and classify it according to its forest 

 composition. As a result of this work I submit an estimate of the amount 

 of standing timber now remaining in the Adirondack and Catskill forests 

 and in the woodlands throughout the State: 



FT. B. M. 



Coniferous species (softwoods or evergreens) 7 , 660 , 000 , 000 

 Broad leaved species (hardwoods) . . 38,400,000,000 



Total 46 , 060 , 000 , 000 



No great degree of accuracy is claimed for these figures. It is sub- 

 mitted as an approximate estimate based on such information as the 

 Department has been able to obtain after a careful study of the acreage and 

 forest composition. It is tentative rather than final, and will be revised 

 from time to time as further information is obtained. Its value consists 

 chiefly in the fact that there is an entire lack of any other definite statement 

 or estimate. 



Of the 7.66 billion feet of conifers we estimate that 5.075 billion feet 

 consists of spruce, nearly all of which is in the Adirondacks, and the greater 

 part of that on State lands. Of the 38.4 billion feet of hardwoods, we esti- 

 mate that 32.95 billion feet is composed of maple, birch and beech; and that 

 of the latter, 3.9 billion feet is situated in the woodlands outside the Adiron- 

 dack and Catskill counties. The other hardwood species in the State con- 



