The New Student's Reference Work/Forest-Reserves

Forest-Reserves are areas reserved for the preservation of forests and the protection of other natural resources. They are withdrawn from occupation, except conditionally. The national reserves are called national forests, and number 160 in the United States, including four in Alaska and one in Porto Rico. There are four state-forests.

The law as to national forests encourages every industry that will not jeopardize their safety and maintenance. Each is subject only to restrictions that prevent waste and injury to the forests. Any settler can obtain $20 worth of timber a year for home-purposes free. The forester marks the trees, and the pioneer cuts them. Should the settler need more than $20 worth, he files an application, and in 1911 over

40,000 such free-use permits were issued. Only mature trees may be cut. They must be so cut as not to hurt young growth. Tops and brush must, if necessary, be burned. Cutting must begin within six months from the date of the permit, and be completed within a specified time. For municipal and mining purposes the government grants rights of way. It also issues grazing permits; lets cattle be driven through the forests between pastures outside; and builds driveways for stock in reserves where grazing is not allowed.

Location and Acreage of National Forests.
Arizona	13,883,452
Arkansas	1,184,012
California	21,104,069
Colorado	13,408,138
Florida	318,960
Idaho	18,139,435
Kansas	156,376
Michigan	84,011
Minnesota	844,473
Montana	16,192,504
Nebraska	521,065
Nevada	5,424,254
New Mexico	9,810,522
North Dakota	6,224
Oklahoma	61,028
Oregon	13,740,139
South Dakota	1,073,760
Utah	7,201,695
Washington	9,914,314
Wyoming	8,420,497
Total	141,488,928
Alaska	26,643,260
Porto Rico	32,975
Grand Total	168,165,163

California has the largest, North Dakota the smallest, national forests. The New York reserves are mainly in the Adirondacks, but partly in the Catskills; the Pennsylvania ones at the heads of its three principal rivers.