The overall situation described by these statistics 

 has both favorable and unfavorable aspects. Un- 

 questionably, the State's forest lands at midcentury 

 are far below desirable forestry standards in such 

 matters as volume of growing stock, distribution of 

 a2:e classes, species composition, and quality of timber. 

 There is evidence that the softwoods have been losing 

 ground, not only early in the century but to some 

 extent since 1936. For these reasons the current 

 yields (both actual cut and allowable cut) are far 

 below the capacity of the land to produce timber. 



On the other hand, reforestation programs, im- 

 proved protection, and improved management on 

 parts of the area since 1936 have reduced the area of 

 poorly stocked seedlings and saplings and increased 

 pole and sawtimber stands (primarily hardwood). 

 The same factors have stimulated annual growth and, 

 together with improved roads and logging equipment, 

 have added substantially to the allowable annual 

 cut. 



The picture is encouraging since it suggests that 

 Minnesota forests have touched bottom and are now 

 on the upgrade. It shows that they respond rather 

 promptly to improved treatment. It suggests that 

 even now there are opportunities for expansion of 

 industries using selected materials and that these 

 opportunities seem likely to grow. 



The picture is less encouraging with respect to the 

 species, size, and quality of timber becoming available 

 on lands not yet under management; it suggests that 

 much more forestry work remains to be done. 



Undoubtedly the second half of the century will see 

 changes fully as large and important as those of the 

 first half. Because of rapidly changing conditions in 

 the forest and uncertainties as to the intensity of 

 forest management and utilization in the years ahead, 

 only crude forecasts of future yields can be offered 

 at this time. To chart the course of actual forest 

 development in the State is the job for future surveys. 



Minnesota's Forest Resources 



