LOGGING PRACTICE IN THE LAKE STATES 31 
being logged largely at a loss, which must be covered by the profits 
obtained from logging larger trees. 
It is, of course, impossible to avoid taking small logs in a logging 
operation, as even the largest trees will have small logs at the top. 
By limiting the cutting, however, to trees 13 or 14 inches and over 
in diameter, the proportion of small logs handled in any logging 
operation may be greatly reduced, with a considerable reduction in 
the cost of logging and therefore a proportionate increase in the 
profit. Leaving trees below 13 or 14 inches in diameter standing 
in the forest will make possible a second cut of saw-log material 
within 30 or less years, according to the species, will provide for 
abundant seeding of the ground, and will leave the land in a good 
productive condition. In certain instances, of course, danger from 
windfall or heavy investment in railroad construction may necessi- 
tate cutting all trees of merchantable size, either for saw-log mate- 
rial or ties and mine props. Under the conditions prevailing in 
the Lake States, however, cutting to a diameter of 13 or 14 inches, 
especially in hardwoods, is not only possible but economically more 
profitable than including trees below these sizes. 
SAVING YOUNG AND UNMERCHANTABLE TREES IN LOGGING 
As a general rule there is too much unnecessary destruction of 
young trees in logging. With ordinary precautions in felling the 
larger trees and without additional cost, much of this young growth 
can be saved. The more young trees that are saved in logging, the 
more advanced will be the regrowth of the logged-off land and 
the shorter the lapse of time until the land can be logged again. 
On an average for three hardwood logging operations studied, the 
logging damage to trees which survived amounted to at least 15 
per cent of those between 6 and 10 inches in diameter breast 
high. This does not include the very heavy damage to trees below 
6 inches in diameter, consisting largely of breakage of tops, heavy 
bruises, and other injuries which made the chances of recovery very 
poor. This damage 1s typical of most hardwood operations, but with 
simple precautions it can be reduced to, at most, 5 per cent of the 
trees left on the ground. 
CUTTING TIMBER AROUND LAKE SHORES 
Much of the northern country is becoming more and more appre- 
ciated for its recreational value. A considerable source of revenue is 
obtained from shore properties as summer homes, especially when 
they are surrounded by green timber. It may be desirable, there- 
fore, to modify logging in such a way as not to destroy the scenic 
value of the locality. 
Where timber occurs along lake shores or streams, or where it is 
desired for scenic purposes, logging should be carried on in such a 
way as to preserve the scenic value of the forest. Only dead and 
diseased trees should be taken out, and the forest cover should not 
be disturbed. In Minnesota the law prescribes that no logging shall 
be carried on along the lake shores and streams within a strip 100 feet 
wide, 
