12 MISC. PUBLICATION 290, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



from going downhill as fast as it can and carrying much of the 

 soil with it. Forests and well-sodded pastures hold back more rain 

 water and more soil on steep slopes than denuded woodlands or 

 overgrazed ranges. 



Foresters know that the preservation of vegetative cover on water- 

 sheds will not absolutely prevent floods. Their research findings 

 and observations do demonstrate that the retarding effect of such 

 cover can greatly lessen the amount of run-off pouring into tribu- 

 taries and main stream channels during a short period. Also, they 



Figure 8. — Island Lake Camp, Shoshone National Forest, Wyo. 



know that by affording adequate protection to the soil, much silt 

 can be kept out of the rivers. Forests, therefore, exert two powerful 

 controls on the height of flood crests. 



In any national plan for flood control, forestry will play an im- 

 portant part. Good forestry practices may be used with other soil- 

 conserving and water-holding measures to help control the waters 

 at their sources. Engineering works, such as dams, dispersion basins, 

 levees, and spillways, may provide down-stream protection. The 

 Forest Service in company with other bureaus within the Department, 

 is represented on the Flood Control Coordinating Committee of the 

 Department of Agriculture. 



RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND FACILITIES 



Campers, sportsmen, and seekers after health, rest, and recre- 

 ation find that the national forests offer unrivaled opportunities for 

 outdoor life and enjoyment. Popularity of these great mountain 



