48 



The width of firelanes will depend upon the species and its height 

 through which the lane is cut, also the density of the stand and num- 

 ber of roads nearby. Their width in Pennsylvania will probably 

 range from 10 to 25 feet. 



Before laying out or cutting a system of firelanes on a reserve the 

 general direction of winds should be noted, as the opening caused by 

 some lanes may produce windfalls with certain species if the edge 

 of the forest is directly exposed to the strong winds of the locality. 



Sharp curves in narrow lanes will allow fire to cross. They should 

 be avoided if possible. 



For several years after being made they will have a tendency to 

 grow shut. This they will lose as soon as the strength of the roots 

 is exhausted. Firelanes should be of as uniform widths as possible 

 and brush cut in the lane should not be piled up along the edges or 

 pushed in between bushes, but should be thrown back over the brush, 

 where it will decay sooner and not be blown back into the lane by 

 every strong wind. 



The entire boundary of all reserves should be a firelane of sufficient 

 width to prevent fires from crossing. Reserve boundaries are often 

 on the summit of mountains where growth is not dense or soil valu- 

 able for tree growth. These will allow lanes to be wider than else- 

 where without any great loss of the working area of the reser\^e. 



Most forest roads should also serve as a firelane by being cleared 

 of all growth on each side, as far back as is necessary to make the 

 whole opening of the proper width for a lane. 



There are many reasons why firelanes should be made in connec- 

 tion with roads. 



1. The expense for making and cleaning is less. 



2. Floor space is saved allowing a larger working area which re- 

 sults in a higher normal yield. 



3. The number of lanes that must be cut through the forest apart 

 from roads will be fewer. 



4. Travel will keep the road free from inflammable material. 



Trails. 



Trails may be necessary in many places on the reserve. 



They should connect roads, or roads and streams, or may run from 

 the nearest roads to fire towers. They take up little space and can 

 be made and kept up at a small expense. 



The loss that may be prevented by time saved on one trip over them 

 in case of fire may be more than the original cost of such a trail. 



They should be made sufficiently good to allow a horse to be led 

 or ride quickly either way, or for water to be carried by a pack-saddle 

 horse if they are in use on the reserve. 



