136 



In the eastern part of the county is a dense growth of Spruce and 

 Aspen, about 10 per cent, of the first named being good saw- tim- 

 ber. 



The western part of the county is mostly mesa land, with scattering 

 Pinon and Cedar, and in some parts a heavy undergrowth of Oak-brush. 

 White Spruce is the predominant wood in the county. 



The timber line varies from 10,500 to 11,000 feet. From the timber 

 line down to about 9,000 feet the timber is chiefly Spruce and Fir j 

 from 9,000 to 8,000, Aspen ; 8,000 to 7,000, Aspen and Pine ; 7,000 to 

 6,000, Aspen, Pinon, Scrub Oak, and Cottonwood. The mesas are 

 mostly devoid of timber, except occasional groves of Aspen on the 

 higher ones. 



SUMMIT COUNTY. 

 (Area, 750 square miles; estimated forest area, 275 square miles.) 



This county is situated in the north-central part of the State, on the 

 western slope of the main range. The forests are located mainly on 

 the mountain slopes at the east and south, and along the streams. The 

 best timber is found in the mountain region. The forest growth con- 

 sists of White Spruce, Balsam, Pine, Hemlock, Cedar, Pinon, Aspen, 

 Narrow-leafed Cottonwood, Black Birch, Alder, and Willow. The 

 Spruce, Pine, Hemlock, and Balsam grow large enough for lumber. 



The special dangers threatening the forests are lumbering, railroads, 

 and the careless use of fire by campers and mill employes. Quite a 

 large part of the forest on the northeast side of Blue River has been 

 burned over; also that on the Snake River, a tributary of the former. 

 It is stated that before the settlement of the county forest fires destroyed 

 GO square miles of timber. There are in some places promising second 

 growths, whicli are usually Pine, Spruce, and Aspen. After fire, Aspen 

 usually follows, although in many x>laces, on southern exposures. Pine 

 is the most abundant. 



As yet there is no noticeable change in the flow of water in the 

 streams. The existing forest aflbrds ample protection 1o the snow from 

 solar heat, while the high altitude also prevents rapid melting. The 

 lowest elevation in the county, near Blue River bridge at Green 

 Mountain, is 7,600 feet. 



For the more adequate protection of forests, it is said the people 

 should be taught the importance of preventing forest fires, and that 

 notices relating to the extinguishment of camp fires, etc., should be 

 posted in all prominent places. People are more careless than mali- 

 cious in allowing fires to spread. 



''Keep up the cry, 'Preserve the forests,' and the people will heed it 

 after awhile ; you can not coerce, but it is possible to teach." 



There is no land in the county suitable for agriculture, and there are 

 no irrigating ditches. 



