PvIO GEAXDE XATIOXAL FOREST^ COLORADO 3 



those that are overmature, diseased, or defective. This leaves a 

 stand of thrifty immature trees, the basic growing stock, free from 

 competition and in a condition favorable for increased growth, the 

 production of seed, and the perpetuation of the stand. 



The annual growth of timber at this time amounts to about 20,000,- 

 000 board feet, and an annual crop equal to that amount can be 



Fig. 3. — Making the finished product of a stabilized industry 



removed in the form of mature trees without jeopardizing the future 

 forests or lessening the total stand. Present local demand for timber, 

 however, does not warrant harvesting any considerable part of the 

 annual growth, and most of the accumulation is being "stored on 

 the stump.'- where it will be safe from decay for many years. 



Fig. 4. — The first step in marketing timber — a tree marked for removal 

 TREES OF THE RIO GRANDE i 



Tree growth on the Rio Grande Forest is of two general types 

 Coniferous or evergreen, and broadleaf or deciduous. 



^This list is for popular use in identifying the trees found on the Rio Grande Forest 

 and does not attempt to give detailed botanical distinctions. 



