Author: Pennsylvania Dept. of Forests and Waters

Title: Bulletin, no. 51 - no. 55

Place of Publication: Harrisburg, Pa.

Copyright Date: 1933-1936

Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg251.6

FILMED WHOLE OR IN
PART FROM A COPY
BORROWED FROM:

STATE LIBRARY OF
PENNSYLVANIA

no. 51

1933

no.

1936

! 1

Reforesting
Pennsylvania's Idle Land

As a
Self' Liquidating Public Work

(Bulletin 51)

Compiled by the

Pciiiisvlvaiiia Forest Research Institute

E. A. Ziegler, Director

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYI.VAMA
DEPARTMh:NT OF FORESTS AM) Yi ATERS

Ilarrisbnrjs
1933

FOREWORD

The data and information contained in this bulletin jiresent
conditions as they exist in Pennsylvania today.

It is not the intention to outline a future forest policy, but
rather to call attention to the immediate need for the utiliza-
tion of millions of acres of idle land in our Commonwealth
so that they may yield their just share of taxes, provide a
crop revenue, and furnish work for many of those who are
unemployed.

We have land enough in Pennsylvania adapted to forestry
]Mirposes to grow all the timber we need. It is essential to
the best interests of our State and the welfare of our people
that production be brought back on a sound basis. Econ-
omies, important as they are, will fail unless this is done.

Lewis E. Staley

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Forests and Waters

<r^o

Lewis E. Staley, Secretary
John W. Keller, Deputy Secretary

REFORESTING PENNSYLVANIA'S IDLE LAND
AS A SELF-LIQUIDATING PUBLIC WORK

Compiled by the

Pennsylvania Forest Research Institute

E. A. Ziegler, Director

Pennsylvania has upward of 4,000,000 acres o£ idle land in need of
being put to work. This is one-seventh of the State area. This land
has been cast off by the farmers to the extent of 1.5 million acres of
cleared farm land from 1880 to 1910, and 2.3 million more since 1910
(Table 1). From 1925 to 1930 open farm land was being dropped
from agricultural use at the rate of 108,000 acres per year. Although
some of these earlier lands are naturally reforesting to low grade
hardwoods, there are still hundreds of thousands of acres of cutover
forest so badly burned that they must be reforested to earn their
carrying costs and protect our waters and water powers, whether kept
in private ownership or taken over into government ownership. It is
surprising how well our farmers by sheer pluck and frugality are
keeping ahead of the sheriff tax sales on the better lands. It is not
surprising to see these non-productive lands increasing the tax sales to
a degree that is alarming some of our county fiscal officers.

Tax Sales of Lands Risinfi^

For instance. Centre County ^ has sold an average of 22,000 acres of
"unseated" land at each biennial tax sale for the 28 years from 1900
U) 1928, not including sales of land which the owner redeemed within
the statutory two years. In 1930 the tax sales of this class of land
rose to 42, 663 acres (unredeemed). The county on July 1, 1932, held
tax title to over 28,000 acres, which no private purchaser would bid in
even for the taxes. And in 1932 a further 59,000 acres of "unseated"
land was advertised for tax sale, making a total of 87.000 acres in the
liands of the county or advertised for tax sale. This is 22 per cent of
the 399.000 acres of private "unseated"' land in the county.

Still more actively farmed poor land is moving toward the tax block
in Centre County in increasing amount-^. From 1900 to 1912 an
average of 291 acres of "seated" land was sold and not redeemed in
(dvh biennial sale. From 1914 to 1928, 424 acres were sold (excluding
redeemed land) each biennium; in 1930, 1,438 acres were sold and
not redeemed; and in 1932, 3,299 acres of "seated"' land were ad-
vertised (tax sale not yet held).

\^ bile Centre County is perhaps above the average for tax sales in
•he State, it marks a process going on in all the counties.

' 'Forest Taxation in Centre County, Pennsylvania, Progress Report No. 5, 1932,"
i»y L. A. Ziegler, Director, Pa. Forest Research Institute, and Secretary, Penn-
^ylvania Mineral and Forest Land Taxation Commission.

!

Table I
Rise and Fall in Pennsylvania Farm Land Areas

Total Land

Improved L

and in Farms

Census

Year

in Farms

Average Yearly

Total

Increase or
Decrease

(Thousand

s of acres)

1850

14,923

8,629

• • •

1860

17,012

10,463

183

1870

17,994

11,516

115

1880

19,791

13,423

191

1890

18,364

13,210

21

1900

19,371

13,209

0

1910

18,587

12,674

54

1920

17,658

11,848

— 83

1925

18,296

10,129

344*

1930

15,309

9,593

108

* In the 1925 and 1930 Census enumerations the ohl division of "improved"
and "unimproved" farm lands was dropped for a more intensive classification. At
the top of p. 581, "Statistical Ahstract of the U. S., 1925" U. S. Dept. of Commerce,
a note states that the combined "crop land" and "plowable pasture land" of the
1925 Census corresponds in a rough way with "improved land" of the earlier
census periods. It should be obser\'ed, however, that previous to 1925 house and
barn lots are included in "improved" land, but in 1925 and 1930 they are excluded,
so that the loss in improved land as shown is somewhat too high for 1920-25
when the change was made, and not high enough for 1925-30, by the area of barn
and house lots not included.

W^ill This Land Be Needed Again For Agriculture?

Table 1 shows that total land in farms and improved land in fiirms
have been decreasing in Pennsylvania since 1880. Even the war
prices of farm products were not sufficient to stop this abandonment
of inferior agricultural land. The Federal Department of Agriculture-
points out that our agricultural crops are showing overproduction
because of the following causes:

(1) Other nations (Canada, Argentine, Australia) have largely
increased their wheat area, as has the western United States.

(2) The substitution of autos, trucks and tractors for horses
and mules on and off the farm has blotted out the market for
25 million acres of animal feeds and increased products for other
markets by that much.

(3) Increased yields per acre, more efficient breed** of farm
animals and feeding are reducing the need for additional farm
land.

(4) Imports of vegetable oils, sugar and other foods, and some
change in our own food habits, are reducing the need for more
cereal lands.

2 U. S. Dept. Agr. "Miscellaneous Pub. No. 97," 1930 by Gray and Baker.

4

(5) And, finally, the rapid falling off in our population increase
is the largest brake on agricultural expansion.

A critical study of the use of abandoned low grade agricultural
lands and cut-over forest lands has convinced our economists that
agriculture can not absorb most of them for generations, if ever.

In Pennsylvania an interesting parallel is noted (Fig. 1) in that
our use of agricultural land began to fall off at the exact time our
limiber and forest industry started its precipitous decline. This is not
a coincidence. The loss of the forest industry as a market for nearby
agricultural lands, and as a part time employment for the farmers in
the near-by mountain valleys, was a large cause of farm abandonment
in these sections of our State.

/S9S

/Sfo y&?o yaffo /-a^a ^soo y^/'a y'<9io /'i^jo

Figure 1. The rise and fall of Pennsylvania's farm land areas

and lumber cut.

Small mountain farms are maintained generation after generation
by forest workers in Germany's Black Forest region. This forest, the
Schifferschaft Wald, is a stock company with the state of Baden own-
ing some of the stock. It employs 175 men constantly on 12,500 acres
of forest (with small farms and gardens) and pays dividends. In 1914
this forest was valued at $300 per acre. One-third of this forest had
been cut clean in early days and grazed. The grazing became a vested
light and was bought out for S20.000 and the land reforested by the
company since its timber crop was worth much more than the grazing.

The Best and Only Use For Abandoned Lands

There are but three productive uses for large areas of land — agri-
culture, forests, and grazing. Of these forest growing is least exacting
in soil fertility and will succeed after the other two have failed, as is
the case with the several million acres of abandoned farm lands of
our State. But the protection of our streams and rich bottom lands,
the employment of our workers, and the need for tax contribution
from this large land area, all demand that these lands be put to pro-
ductive use. The single solution is reforestation.

Water flow conservation and power use are joined with effective
forest cover in the Black Forest of Germany on the Schonmunzach
River.

These forest lands (the Schifferschaft Wald on the watershed of
this river) now worth over $300 per acre, were once a mixture of cut-
over forest and cleared grass lands which have been restored partly
by planting, by complete fire protection, and by forest management.
Our idle lands in Pennsylvania can be made equally productive.

Forests Represent One Crop Where Consumption Exceeds Growth

A recent special national report to the U. S. Timber Conservation
Board, appointed by President Hoover, points out that the latest re-
vised estimates indicate an average annual demand on the forests of
the United States of 16 billion cubic feet of wood, but there is
now grown only 7 billion cubic feet annually in saw timber and cord-
wood sizes. Even including growth in young stands below cordwood
size, the total growth is placed at less than 11 billion cubic feet. We
must agree, therefore, with the final conclusion which states: "Ob-
viously, then there is no reason to fear overproduction of timber.
There is reason to fear underproduetion unless the best methods that
can be devised are employed in handling the better lands at least, and
unless the remainder of our forests are kept reasonably productive."

While this national survey shows that growing timber is a produc-
tive enterprise in no danger of excessive development nationally, even
when the enormous timber region of the South (now largely cut out)
and the North West are included, a study of Pennsylvania's normal
wood consumption and growth will show an even greater deficiency on
the growth side of the ledger.

Pennsylvania's Wood Consumption and Gronth

Normally Pennsylvania consumes about 1,900,000' board feet of
lumber each year. She cuts within her borders less than one sixth this
quantity and imports the rest, principally from the South and Pacific
Coast. In addition, almost our entire pole supply, and a large part
of our rail-road ties, mine timbers, and pulp wood come from beyond
our State borders. In normal years as much as $100,000,000 worth of
wood is bought outside the State by our people.

We have but a fraction of the standing growing timber we should
have for self support in Pennsylvania. Our forests should average
3,000 to 5,000 cubic feet of growing trees per acre. We have not over
a sixth of this. Our forests once contained magnificent areas of pine

' U. S. Dept. Agr. Stalistiral Bui. No. 21.

and hemlock, so that three-fourths of our lumber cut was soft wood, —
tlic structural timber most in demand. Now our second growth forests
are 90 per cent hardwood including much cull material. Our struc-
tural lumber markets, our paper mills and our pole users call for
hemlock, spruce and pine — and we do not have it.

Soft woods are not coming back naturally in our forests, which are
changed by ax and fire to hardwoods.

Forest planting experience by the Pennsylvania Department of
Forests and Waters over 25 years have demonstrated that it is cheaper
to buy old abandoned fields and plant them to coniferous forest than
to convert scrub hardwood to conifers by planting and repeated cut-
ting back of competing hardwood sprouts. Pennsylvania needs more
coniferous forest much more than the inferior hardwoods she is get-
ting all too often by mere fire protection.

The freight saving of $10 to $15 per thousand board feet of lumber
from the Pacific Coast will alone pay the cost of growing much of
our own timber on our abandoned lands at home. Idaho white pine
match stock costs $19.58 freight per thousand board feet to a Penn-
sylvania match factory. This stock was once produced at home, and

can be again.

Private Land Otvners Slow to Plant Timber

Although much of our abandoned farm land is so scattered that
reforestation is most feasible by private owners of surrounding prop-
erty, yet the average private land owner is slow to proceed. The ex-
pense of ])lanting, the carrying taxes, and the long wait to the cutting
lime and time of money income, and especially his lack of knowledge
of costs, methods, and timber values, makes him indifferent. Leader-
.^hip is necessary. The State should supply that leadership.

A Canvass of Idle Lands

A State reforestation policy would immediately be concerned with
such ]>ractical problems as these:

(1) How much of this open idle land could be secured in con-
tiguous blocks large enough for keeping forest management and pro-
tection costs within reasonable limts? New York State^ has adopted
a block of 500 acres as a minimum for statq reforestation administra-
tion. It encourages counties to acquire smaller reforestation areas
as "county forests'' with a State-aid system, limited to a fifty per cent
State contribution of not over $5,000 to any county per year.

(2) At what average prices could such land be purchased? From
the passage of the New York Reforestation Act in 1929 to January 1,
1932. New \ork purchased 79,856 acres of abandoned farm land at an
average price of S3. 79 per acre, on which 27 million forest trees have
iilready been set out. With some natural growth, 33,400 acres of the

9,856 are already in the "reforestation completed*' class.

(3) How much of this abandoned farm land adjoins State Forests
"r lies near enough to the boundary so that the contiguous unit area

*See Report of N. Y. Reforestation Commission, 1932.

requirement could be waived in favor of acquiring smaller tracts,
being virtual additions to present State Forests? The district for-
esters of Pennsylvania were of great assistance in estimating these
areas and others in their districts (See Table 2).

To answer the above questions a canvass was made of seventeen
counties in Pennsylvania.

Methods of Canvass

The first step in the canvass was to secure Highway Department
county maps giving townships and roads, or, where they could not
be obtained, U. S. Geological Survey quadrangle sheets. On entering
a county a list of all township assessors was secured. Members of the
canvass worked singly. Each assessor was visited and his property
lists reviewed, idle farms and portions of farms were listed and as-
sessed values per acre secured. Where assessors were new or did not
know their lands, other citizens having a thorough knowledge of land
conditions were asked to furnish information. Ocular checks were
made by the members of the survey. Three members covered a
county in a week by working early and late.

The schedules used called for idle cleared land: Class I, with 500
acres or more in approximately contiguous tracts; Class II, and sized
tracts of idle cleared land near present State Forests; Class III, small
tracts scattered too much for State administration. Most at-
tention was paid to abandoned and idle farm lands as these are the
easiest to reforest successfully.

Figure 2. Counties canvassed in the idle land survey of

Pennsvlvania.

Counties Canvassed

Table 2 gives the seventeen counties canvassed and the accompany-
ing map shows their location. In addition, the Greater Pennsylvania
Council has promised similar data for Indiana, Jefferson, and several
other counties. These data will be available before the end of this
year, but cannot be incorporated in this report.

Idle Cleared Land Listed

The land listed as '"idle" excludes all land grazed, though in many
places the grazing value is far less than the timber producing value.
Jn the counties canvassed the idle cleared land listed amounted to
slightly over fifty per cent of the area suggested by the Census data.
It is suspected that some of the discrepancy may lie in the census
agents' and farmers' interpretation of ''woodland" and that the farms
have a larger amount of woodland grazed and not grazed that is not
reported. The excluding of all land with even slight grazing use from
the canvass totals also tends to make these totals very low. The dif-
ference is not consistent, however, the canvass showing more idle land
in some forested counties, such as Clinton and Sullivan, than the
Census, while in some predominantly agricultural counties, like York
and Adams, only 25 to 30 per cent of the amount of idle land sug-
gested by the Census could be readily located. The estimated total of
1,200,000 acres of idle cleared land is probably much below the mark.
When reforestation values are once understood it is probable that this
figure could be greatly increased for reforestation by adding land now
grazed and farmed at a loss. The total reforestation problem is thus
seen to be a huge one in the aggregate, which will require determined
effort by the combined governmental and private agencies, including
the State, counties, municipalities, farmers, mining companies, water
and power companies, and others.

To produce trees to reforest upwards of 1,200,000 acres would re-
quire the output of our present State Forest nurseries for over 100
years (assuming an output of 12,000,000 trees annually).

Planting Trees Furnishes An Opportunity to Increase Conifers

In normal years the United States used five times as much softwood
(pine, spruce, hemlock, fir, and redwood) as hardwood. General
construction work calls largely for coniferous timber. In 1899, when
Pennsylvania was at the peak of her lumber output, 77 per cent was
softwood, and 23 per cent, hardwood. Since then, by axe and fire, we
liave changed our forest structure until in 1925 we were cutting only
40 per cent softwood and 60 per cent hardwood, and importing tre-
mendous quantities of softwood to meet our structural needs.

Artificial reforestation will give the State an opportunity to reduce
this great deficiency of softwood timber in its forests. Old fields do
better in coniferous trees than in broadleaf trees. Reforesting these
1,200,000 acres of idle land largely to conifers should add to our lum-
ber cut upwards of 600 million feet annually — for all of which and
much more we have a home market.

8

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Income and Expenditures

Examination of many successful coniferous old field plantings in
Pennsylvania indicate that an annual growth and ultimate annual
cut of 500 board feet per acre may be conservatively achieved in such
reforesting. At the present average stumpage value of $10.00 per
thousand this would net $5.00 per acre annually after cutting size is
nached at about 60 years and up (pulp wood and other products
would be cut much earlier) . By selecting the large trees for cutting
this $5.00 income could be stabilized so that the forest would have
an earning capital value of $100 per acre at five per cent for a private
owner's calculation, or $167 per acre at three per cent for State owner-
ship. With a thinning removal of 1/3 of the stand at 40 years (15
cords at $2.00 stumpage) the present worth of such an investment
would be about $10.00 at five per cent and $27.00 at three per cent
compounded.

In other words to realize five per cent compound interest the private
owner could invest about $10.00 per acre in land and planting while
the State at three per cent could successfully invest up to $27.00 per
acre. Herein is found the great financial advantage of State over
private reforeitation. Forestry is a long time investment and low
interest rates are paramount.

White pines planted on the watershed of the city of Scranton.

Each year this land is growing S3 to S5 worth of timber on

the stump per acre. Its manufacture into lumber will create

another .S5 to $10 worth of labor per acre per year.

11

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• »■ V,

■/ tr

'■ iM ^^

1. '

Oj —

I, «*-

^^ A o

w *^ _ ^^»

n "

re 7 =:

o c-j —

re c z

C ;,

5 = *

» i

V <i

u 0

= — ii. * -

St ? i -

4. -_^ Z -

Incoinv (111(1 Expend it ares

Kxaiiiiiiatioii ot" many !?iK(t'sst'ul coiiitcroii!; ol<l i'wid plantings in
1': iinsylvania indicate that an annual growth and uhiinate annual
ciji ot* 5(>() hoar<l tVet ]><'r acre may he conservatively achieved in such
nlorestinfi. At the present averaj^e stumpaji^e value of $10.00 ])er
tlioiisand tliis would net SS.OO \Hr acre aniuially alter cutting size is
nulled at about 60 years and up (pulp wood an<l other products
vvoidd he cut nuich earlier I. By stiecting tht^ large trees for cutting
llii'" 85.00 income <ould he stahili/ed so that the forest would liav<?
an earning capital value of SlOO per acre at five ])er cent for a prival<;
owners calculation, or 8167 p<'r acre at three ])er cent for State owner-
ship. With a tliinning renu)val of 13 of the stan<l at 40 years I 1')
cords at 82.00 .^lumpagel the present worth of such an inveslmenl
\\(»uld he ahout 810.00 at live per cent and 827.00 at three per <ent
compounded.

In other words io realize five per cent compound interest the private
owner could inv«»st ahout 810.00 per acre in land and ]danling while
llic State at three per <-enl couhl successfully invest up to 827.00 per
acre. Herein is found the great financial advantage of State over
private reforeUalion. Forestry is a long lime investment and low
infcrest rales are parannunit.

■m#»m

White pine-> plaiile<l on the \salerslied of the cit\ of S<ranton.

Kadi year this land is growing 83 to .85 worth of liniher on

the slump per acre, lis manufacture inio liimher will create

another 85 lo 810 worth of lahor ]K'r acre per year.

11

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

On the oilier hand the private owner already has the idle land
which the Slate could purchase, and he is paying taxes on this land
continually wilh no net return. From this point of view the
private owner is investing only ihe planting cost of trees and his own
lahor. And for cost of supervision the private owner has the ad-
vantage of heing ahle to look after his trees and protect them while
doing other work on his property, and at little extra cost.

riiere are returns other than timher that must often enter the
problem and they alone often affect the decision to reforest. A
clear case in the water or power company protecting its reservoir
from muddy water and silt. Here reforestation is a cheap method
of securing these results and the timher product is a rich bonus.
The same is true of many farms where side hill wash is coming down
and ruining valuable fertile^ lower slope and bottom lands. Reforest-
ing these upper slopes is essential in preserving the better lands and
the timber product is again a bonus.

Areas for Which the State Should be Responsible

From the practic^al standpoint of protection and administration the
State is limited to handling blocks of reforestation land of 400 or 500
acres and more, now immediately contiguous or near enough to
buihl sometime into a c^ontiguou-* holding, in purchasing idle cleared
land, the Slate would acquire much forest land attached to these
properties as well as much land not listed as idle but now farmed
at a loss. The ]30,0(K) acres of idle land listed in Table 2 as occur-
ring in 5()0-acre blocks or larger may be taken, therefore, as only a
beginning of this work. Un<loubtedly 300,000 acres of all three
classes I idle (dear, attached forest, and submarginal grazing and
farm land I will be available to the State for successful reforestation.

In iidilitlitii idio r'lf»ar land Hdja**«»iit to present State Forests in anv
sized parcels can be handled by the State for reforestation since their
protection and administration would add little to present organiza-
tion overhead. Table 2 indicates 42,000 acres of cleared idle land
adjacent to Slate Forests. Adding the forest lands attached to these
idle clear lands would bring the total acreage of this class available
for purchase up to 75,000 acres. Inferior grazing and farm lands
not idle would increase this figure.

The total estimated lands feasible for State purchase and reforesta-
tion may then be summarized as follows:

Total Area to

Area be Planted
(acres)
(a) In 500-aere blocks at distance from Slate

lands 300,000 200,000

(h) Tn smaller tracts adjacent to present State

Forests 75,000 50,000

Total 375,000 250.00(

This total is going to grow as more and more inferior farm lands ar<
abandoned as hopeless for profitable farming. As shown in Tabic
1, this movem nt has gone on markedly and inexorably since 1880
and between ]925 and 1930 was proceeding at the rate of 100,00'»
acres )>er year.

12

Reforestation Must Again Establish a Balance

Reforestation, by taking up the slack in land use caused by a de-
piessed agriculture and by increasing forest industries, must again
ti^diten up the agricultural land use through improved local markets,
and thus stop the abandonment of farms adjacent to the forest. The
rapid gain in population and agriculture in Washington and Oregon
has been made possible by the transfer of eastern forest industry
to those states. Pennsylvania must win a portion of this industry back.
\l will help stabilize our agriculture again as well as our industries
with a new supply of home grown raw materials, lumber, pulpwood,
tanbark. mine props, railroad ties, poles, and the whole list of forest
products that are now imported into the State.

A Scotch pine plantation in Pennsylvania, 19 years old. At
this early age the trees may be thinned out. The cord wood

removed is suitable for fuel.

Cost of Lands for Reforestation

Although Table 2 gives high average assessments for these idle lands,
delinquent tax studies reveal that for this class of lands assessments
are apt to be higher than full sale value. The minimum assessments
are therefore a better guide to values, at least for the early purchases
in a reforestation policy. It is believed that some years' purchases of
fbis idle land with the accruing forest land may be carried out within
die present $10.00 limit. Whether this limit should later be raised
<ould depend on the situation as it develops. At present such a
raise would not be anticipated. On the other hand it is not believed

13

Oil llie ollirr Iiaiid llie ]nivalc owiht aln^ady has tlie i<lle Ian ]
Mliirli llir Slah' could ]nir<*lia-<', and li<' is payjii*:; tax<'s on this Liii 1
joiiliimally wilh no n<'l rrlurii. I' roni lliis point ol' view tJio
|ni\ah' owner is invr>liii^ only [he |danli!i<z e<>st ol frees and his owi
Jal»oi-. And lor eosi of snjM'rvision llie privale o\\ner Jias the ati-
vanliijie ol" l»rin;r aMe to look all<'r Jii-^ trees and protect llu'ni whilii
<loin;i other work on iiis property, and at little extra cost.

i lu'ie are nMnrns oilier than timber that must often enter the
]MoI)lem and they alone often allecl the de<-ision to reforest. \
eh'ar case in tlu' water or ]>ower company protecting its reservoir
from muddy water and silt. Mere reforestation is a cheap niethofl
of securinji these re>idts and the timher pro(hiet is a rich Imjuu-.
1 he sauM' is tru<' of many farms nhrre side hill wash is comin*; down
and ruining valuahh- fertile lower slope and hottom lands. K<'for<'>t-
in<: these upper >l«>pes is < -scniial in |n-eservin<i the Jjetler lan<ls and
tile tind>er |»r(»duc| i> again a Immuis.

Arcds f(tr H hn h the Stale Shoiiltl ho Hcspoiisibfo

From the pra<'ti<*al standpoint of protection an<1 administration tlic
State is hniited to iiandling hlocks of reforestation land of 400 or 500
a<'res and more, now innnediately contiguons f>r near <'noiigh to
Imild >ometime into a contiguou-^ Indding. In purchasing idle <dean'd
land, the Stale would ac(juire nuich fore*;| land atta<died to (he-^e
properties as well as mu<*h land not li-^led as idle hut now farmed
at a loss. The I.SO.OOO acres ol idh' land listed in ialj'e 2 as occur-
ring in oOO-ai're hlocks or larger may he taken, tin'refore. as onh a
heginniiig of this work. I i)douht<'dly 3i)0.000 a<-res of all three
(da-*ses (idle idear. attached forest, and suhmarginal grazing and
farm land l will he availahle to the Slate for suc<-essful reforestation.

In additio!! idle clear land adjacersf to preseitf State Forests in anv
sized parcels can he handled hy the Stale for reforestation sin<*e tlieir
prott'ction and aihuinistral ion would add little to present organiza-
tion <ne!head. lahle 2 imhtates 12.000 acres of cleared idle land
adjacent to Stale ForoN. S!ding ihe f<nesl lands altac!ied to th«'se
idle <h>ar lands would leing the total iMreagj* <)f this class availahle
for purchase up t(» To.OOO acres. Inferior grazing and farm land'
not idle would increase this figure.

the total estimated lands feasihie for State ]mrchase and reforesta-
tion max then he sunnnarized a-^ folh»w>:

lofal Area to

Area ho Plan lot!

((lores )
(a I In ."iOO-acre hh»ck> at distance from State

hmds 300.000 200.00'

(I») In ^mailer tract- adjacent to present Stale

Forests 75.000 50,00(

'I otal :i75,000 250„00<

This total is going to grow as nunc and more inferior farm lands ar-
ahandoned as hojMles^ for profitahle farming. As shown in Tahh
1. this movement has gone on niarktdly and inexoraldv sine<' 1880
and hetween 1<>2.') and 19:^0 was ]>ro<eeding at tlie rate of 100.00'
acre.- per vear.

12

Roforoslalion Must A^nin Kstnhlish a BttUtnco

i'eforestation. h> takinti up the slack in land use causj'd hy a de-
p . sscd agriculture and hy increasing forest industries, mnsl again
tiiihten up the agricultural land us«' through improve<l local markets,
and thus stop the ahainhuiment «>f farms adjacent to the lorest. I'Ih;
rdpicl gain in [)opnlalion anil agriculture in Washington and Oregon
hit- heen mad*' possihie hy the transfer ol* eastern forest industry
|(( those states. Pennsylvania must win a portion of this industry hack,
ii will hel|> slahilize our agriculture again as well as our industries
wilh a new su]H)lv of home grown raw materials, lumher. |)ul])wood,
taid)ark mine pr(>ps. railroad ties. p(des. and the wliole list ol forest
prodjicts that are now imported into the State.

A S<'oteh pine plantation in Pennsylvania. 19 years old. At
tliis early age the trees may he thinned out. The cordwood

removed is suitahle for fuel.

Cost of TaukIs for Roforostntion

Although Tahh' 2 gives high average assessments for these idh* lands,

• ielincfuent tax studies reveal that for this class of lands assessments

're apt to he higher than full sale value. The minimum assessments

»re therefore a hetter guide to valu<\s, at least for the early purchases

i/i a reforestation poliev. Tt is helic'ved that somo years' pureliases of

tiis idle land with th<* accruing forest laml may he carried out within

lie Dre^ent SIO.OO limit. Whether this limit shouhl later he raised

ould dejK'ud on the situation as it develops. At present such a

raise would not he anticipated. On the other hand it is not h«dieve<l

13

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

ihat this lainl can ho acquired as clica[)ly in Pennsylvania as in New
\ork, where in 1930 and 1931 or during; the first two years of operation
(►f the reforestation plan, almost 8(),()()() acres of reforestation laii<l
(clear and accruing forest) were purchased at a rate averaging $3.75
per acre.

Pluming Exponditiirv and Emorgonry Labor

The cost of trees (2- and 3-year seedlings and 2-2 trans[»lants) would
average ahout S3.(M) per thousand. Planting 1,200 trees per acre (6
X 6 fool spacing) would cost for trees $3.60 per acre, and planting
lahor (at $.20 [>er hour, 400 tree? per man per day) $6.00, or a total
of $9.60 per acre, 'this would practically all he payment to lahor
since the nursery costs are almost all lahor. Such a |)roje<t would
eiiahle the State to expend emergency relief funds as an investment
thai would come hack, with interest, and improve the State's economic
condition permanently. A reforestation i)roject (self-liquidating)
could he worked out tor part financing hy the U. S. Reconstruction
Finance Corporation, and many idle workers given productive work.

A tree planting crew in Clinton County.

A Statr Rvforvstatiou Policy

Foret trees for reforestation cannot he grown in a nionlli. Th«
smallest ])lanting stock used should he 2- and 3-vear seedlings for the
hest sites, and 2-2 transplants for more difficult' sites. This requires
ninsery jdanning and a reforestation plan for, sav, ten vears, sinc(
our present nurserv output is not over 12 million tre<>s. For thi
reason the j)olicy should start in a small wav, not over 10,000 acrc^
purcha-^ed the first year, and then increased to IS, 20, and 25 thou
sand acres pe^ vear for succeedin«r vear^. This would call for th.
purchase of 2S.000 acres the first hieiuiium, which should require ai
appropriation as follows:

14

25.000 acres (including some attached forest) ({(> $6.00 $150,000

15.000 acres planting lahor (V/ $6.00 ^ 90,000

18,000,000 trees (W $3.00 per M nursery costs 54,000

Total $294,000

The second hiennium this would increase 40 per cent of the total if
35.000 acres were to be secured and a proportionate amount reforested.
The policy could then continue at this rate.

Demonstration Reforestation

Since over a million acres of this idle land is so scattered that the
State could not administer it, counties, municipalities, corporations,
and private individuals should be encouraged to join the movement.
State ( or Federal Reconstruction Finance Corporation during the
emergency) aid could be provided for counties on a 50-50 basis with
aid limited to $5,000 to any one county in a year. A sum of $100,000
might he made initially available as relief money earmarked for
county reforestation projects.

A most important step would be the locating of the first State re-
forestation as demonstration reforestation projects along highways in
each county. This would educate private owners in the methods
and results of reforestation as no other method could. After all the
reforestation problem is in largest part a private land owner's prob-
lem and the State can only blaze the way with demonstration plant-
ings and assist with forest seedlings and transplants at cost, and with
the supervisory assistance of its trained foresters.

Effect on Local Finances

The effect of State purchase of these idle lands for reforestation
may appear to he serionslv diminishing the tax income in such town-
ships where the lands might be concentrated. There should be no
such effect, however, since these lands are the ones from which the
considerable areas of tax delinquencies and tax sales are now spring-
ing. It would be better to have a certain, though small. State pay-
ment than no tax return.

It is also believed that some increase in State payments on State
lands in lieu of taxes will he recommended to the legislature. Tn
extreme cases the land purchase may enable unprofitable schools to
he closed and the few owners to be settled on better lands in stronger
connnunities. Jn the long run land i)ut to its most profitable use
will ])ay the most to the cost of government.

In isolated sections such State leadership in reforestation wcmld
permit cooperation with local school boards and road supervisors, in
acquiring scattered submarginal farms and relocating the families to
their own advantage. This would permit closing of inieconomic
schools, shorten school transportation routes, and vacate miles of
township roads. It would permit the merging of townships and en-
courage economy in the cost of government.

Clinton County is a striking example where a detailed study of
township merging should ])rove fruitful in governmental economies
if coupled with a State and county policy of reforestation of idle and
>ubmarginal cleared lands. Many other counties have similiar situa-
tions. Several forest and farm townships in Clinton have less than
300 acres of active farm land each, and no industries.

15

i

I

i

dial (his hiii<l <'aM l>«> a<M|i]irr(l as clx'apK in Priiiisviv aiiia as in N('^^
^ orlv. wlirrr in \9'M) ami \9'M or durinji llir first luo vrars o(" operalicni
(►I tin- rrlorcslalion plan, alinosl 8().0(M) acrr> ol rclnrc station Ian I
(clrar and a<<inin;x lorrsl I \\«*r«' pnrrliasrd al a rair avcra^in}:; S.'i.T")
prr aciT.

Planlin^i Kxpcnditnro ami Kmcr^cnry Lnhtn-

riir cost of Irrrs I 2- and .'i-\«'ar siM'dlinjzs and 2-2 transplants I woijll
avrraj;*' ahoiit S.'i.iM) prr tli<Misan<l. I'lanting 1.200 trrrs prr acrr i ()
\ 6 (<»(»{ spiu'inj:! vvonid cost lor trrrs SH.M) \)vv a<*r<', and plantinji
lahor I at 8.20 jn-r lionr. KM) trro^ prr man per dav ) SO. 00, (»r a total
of S<>.60 |M'r acre. I his would practically all he payment to \Ann-
sine*' the nursery <-osls are almost all lahor. Su<'li a projei-t would
enahle the Stale to expend emertien<'y relief" finnls as an investmenl
thai uould come haclx with interest, and improve the State's economic
condifi«»n |)ermanentiy. A ref"orestati<ui project I self'-li(|uidalin«j; '
c(»uld Im' worked out lor part finam-in^ h\ the I . S. Hecons'ruct ion
l*'inan<-e (Corporation, and many idle workers given productive work.

A tree plantinji <rew in (dinton ('ounlv

A Si air licfari'slalnni Pal

u\

V

ore! trees for reforestation cannot he jrrown in a month. TIk

niallest plantinj; stock used should he 2- and \\-

vear seedliuiis lor tin

hest sites, and 2-2 transplants for more diffieult sites. '\\

nurMM\ piannin*-; and a reforestati<Mi plan for. say. ten vears. 'sine

lis retpiire

our

inesenf mnserv output is n(»t over 12 million tr

ees.

reason the ixdicv should
purcha-e<l the first vear
.1

1^

or

tl

II

start III a sin i

II

wav. not over 10.000

a< re

ind then increased to 1.1. 20. and 17^ thou

sami acics pc vear for siicceediim \ear

pfrchase (.f 2r>.000 jM-n-s the first I
appropriation as follow

lliis would call lor tie

nenniiim. which sh<Mild rejpiire ai

II

2.1.000 acres ( in( luilinji some attached forest I (n .S6.00 .Sl.iO.OOO

13.000 acres plantinjr lahor Ut S6.00 90,000

18.000.000 trees (d $3.00 por \l luirsery costs 54,000

Total S294.00O

'! lie -ecoiid hiennium this would increasi' 40 per cent of the total if
.v'v.OOO acres were to he secured and a proportionate amount reforeste<l.
I he pidicy could then continu<' at this rate.

Di'iiionstratum Rcjorcslatiou

Since over a million acres of this idle land is so s<'attered that the
!^tate could not administer it, counties, municipalities, <'orporations,
and |»rivale in<lividuals should l)e eu(*ouraged to join the movement.
Slate (or Federal Keconstriu'tion Finance (corporation during the
emergency I aid couhl he provi<le<l for counties on a .lO-.SO hasis with
aid limited to .S5.000 to any one county in a yt'ar. A sum of $100,000
might he made initially availahle as r<dief money earmarked for
county reforestation projects.

\ most important step would he the locating of the first State re-
forestation as demonstration reforestation proje<*ts along higliways in
each county. This would e<lucate private owners in the methods
and results of reforestation as no other method eouhl. After all the
reforestation prohlem is in largest part a private land owners proh-
lem and the Stat<' can only hlaze the way with demonstration plant-
ings and assist with forest seedlings and transplants at cost, an<l with
llie supervisory assistance of its trained foresters.

Effff't on Local Finanros

I he efleet of State purchase of these idle lands for r<*f <)r«'slation
may appear to he seriously diminishing tin* tax income in sucdi town-
>hips where the lands might he concentrated. There should he no

•iich effect, however, si

nee

tl

U'se

laiuh

are

tl

\v oi

U's from which the

con-iderahle areas of tax delin<piencies and tax sales are now spring-
ing. It w<udd he hetter to have a certain, though small. Slate |»ay-

llleii

t ll

lan no tax return.

ll is also helieved that some increase in Slate ]Kiyments on Stale
lands in lieu of tax<'s will ln' reeoiniiU'n<led to the lejiislature. In
extreme <'ases the land purchase may enahle iniprofilahle schools to
Ite closed and the lew owners to he s«'ttled on hetter lands in stronger
communities. in the long run land put to its most profitahle use
uill pay the most to the cost of goverinnent.

In isolateil sections sindi Slate lea<ler«liip in reforestation would
['crinit <'ooperation with local school hoards and road su|>ervisors. in

.HMpnring scatterec

1 sul

Muar«;ina

I f

irni:

an<

I nd

ocatiiiil

f>(

leir own a<lvantag<
-lio(ds,

41

II:

W (Ml

Id

iteriiii

t el.

the f

iiinilies

to

ositig ol uneconomic

diorteii scdiool traiis|»ortat i<»ii route's, and va<'ate miles of

founship roa<

Is. It

won

Id

I

MM'llll

t tl

le nieririiiir o

f t.

owiisliiiJs anu en

ourage economy in the cost of government,
(llinton (lounty is a striking example where a detailed studv of

eeonomies

un>liip meriring should ]Hove fruitful in governmental
I coupled with a Slate and ecmnty policy of reforestation of idle and

ulmiariiinal <deared land

M

inv oilier <-oiiiilies liave similiar situa

h

ili

inuis. Several fon-st ami farm townships in (4inlon have less tlia
^00 jieres of active farm laml eacdi. and no industries.

15

n

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

SUMMARY

(1) Pennsylvania has upward of four million acres that are no^v
practically idle, or about one-seventh of the whole State area.
Of this, over two million acres are idle cleared farm land.

(2) This idle land, coupled with poor land now farmed at a loss,
is causing a rapid increase of tax delinquency and tax sales.
"Idle lands pay no taxes."

(3j Agricvdture is over-developed. We grow more farm cro])s than
the market can absorb, except at '"dumping prices."

(4) Forest consumption still outruns forest growth by over 40 per
cent in the United States. In Pennsylvania alone we grow less
than 16 per cent of our lumber used. We import from other
sections about $100,000,000 worth of forest products during
normal years.

(5) Rojoresting Pennsylvania s idle land is a self -liquidating public
work, it is the duty of the State to assume the leadership in
reforesting this idle land. Twenty-five thousand acres should
be purchased and 15,000 acres planted to forest trees during
the next biennium. In succeeding bienniums this program
should be doubled, as planting stock would then be available.

(6) Counties and municipalities should be encouraged to take part
in the movement by a 50 per cent contribution from the State.

(7) The first biennium wouhl require an appropriation of $294,000
for State purchase and reforestation of idle land. To this
should be added $100,000 for county and municipal aid re-
forestation projects.

(8) At least half of the expenditure, and possibly two-thirds (de-
pending on the cost of lands), would go dierctly into emergency
labor. The rest would represent land purchase.

(9j This policy would in years to come support some of our pres-
ent industries, and ultimately bring back some that we have
lost. With a small initial investment of not over $12 per acre
and an annual cost of 20c. per acre, a capital value of SlOO to
$300 per acre would be built up — a satisfactory return to the
State even with a compound interest requirement.

(lOj France has reforested a large waste land area with excellent
financial returns. New York State has pledged $1,000,000 a
year for the next twenty years to redeem its idle lands and
its forest industries in the same project.

(11) Our farm prosperity declined with our forest industry. In
large parts of the State they will go forward together, especialh
where the mountain farms will fail without winter work ir
the forests for the farmers.

(12) A ten-year ])Ian should be initiated so that the requisite plant-
nig -lock could be ready each year, and definite progress
outlined

16

VXO'SS.

OCK

£^

COMMONWE

DEPARTMENT
Lewi8
John W. Kell

SUMVIAKY

v^.o.52L

[\) l*«im>\ Iviiiiia iias upward ol" lour million acres (hat arc nu\
|Maclicall\ idle, or alxMil onoscvciilli ol" tlic whole Slalc area.
iW this. o\cr iNNo uiillion acr«\s are idle cleared larni laml.

[2) I his idle land, coupled uilh poor land now larnied al a Jo>-.
is causing a rapid irn'rease oi tax delin((uenc\ and tax sale
"Jdle lands pay no taxes.*'

III

(6

(«j

9 I

I Kh

III!

I2i

lit

liricullure is over-<

level

(' niai

ket

can a

hsorl

ope(

I. w

e i;r<iw more

r

jrm cro

». except al 'Mumpino; prut

|)s tl

laii

I 1) J'Orest con>uniplion still outruns forest «;roulli hv over [(I per
«enl in the I nited States. In Pennsylvania ah)ne we «j;row less
than 16 per cent of <»ur luniher umhI. We import I'rom other
secti(»ns ahout S 10(1. ()()().()()() worth c^l' I'orest pro<lu<-ts durin^j;
normal \car>.

(3) lii'forrslina: I'diiisyhanias idle land is a srlf-li(/nid(Hinii fnihlir
uorli. It is the dut> o{ the State to assume the lea«lership in
relorestinji; this idle land. I\\ent\-live lhou>and acres slnudd
he purcha.oed and If). ()()() acres planted to I'orest trees durii

liT

ll

le nex

t I

(icnnium.

I

n

•UCCCCJ

lin«i I

iiennium?

tl

hould he douhled. as plantin«i slock would then I

IIS iirojxrani

M'

aval

lahi«

I (iountie- and muni<ipalilies should he en<'oura«red to lake pari
in the moNcment h\ a oO per cent conlrihution Iroiii the Stale.

(7) The lirsl hicnniiim would rcjjuirc an apinoprialion ol" S29l.(IO()

1'

or State purchase and r(>lore>tati(»n ol" idle land. io tlii-

I

re

1 1

hould he added SKMI.OOO lor comity and munici|)al aid
orestati(»n ]>rojects.

// h'<tsl half o/ //le t-x pcndiliirc. and possibly liro-lliirds I dc-
/n'ndiii^ nil I ho <<ksI of lands), uintld ^<t divrclly info rnirrficniy
lahipr. The rest would repn>sent land purchase.

this poli<-y would in years to come sup|)ort some of our |)rcs-
cnt industries, and ultimately hrin«i hack some that we liavc
lost. \\ iih a small initial investim'iit of not over S12 per a<r<
and an annual cost of 20c. per acre, a capital value of SlOO t
8:^00 per acre would he huilt up— a satisfactory return to th<
Slate even wilh a compound interest re(|uirement.

I' ranee ha^ reforesle<l a lar^ic waste land area with <>xcellen'
financial returns. New ^ ork Slate has ]de<l^r,Ml 81.000.000 .
Near lor the next tweiitv vears to redeem its idle lands ane
its forest industries in the same project.

Our farm prosperity declined with our forest industry. h
lar<:e parts of tin- Slate they will jio forward tofidher, especialK
where the m<»untain farms will fail without winter work ii
the fonsts lor the farmers.

\ ten->ear plan should he initialed so that the recpiisite plant
in^^ sU.ck could he readv each vear. ami .hdinile pro.rir^
ontlinrd ^

16

OCK

COMMONWE

DEPARTMENT
Lewis

John W. Kell

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

T-^.,r>-:«fj*<:«;r^,-;-Sf^';-|

HEMLOCK

The State Tree
of Pennsylvania

By
Henry E. Clepper

%^^^^r^

I Bulletin 52 J

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTS AND WATERS

Lewis E. Staley, Secretary
John W. Keller, Deputy Secretary

Harrisburg
1934

HEMLOCK
THE STATE TREE OF PENNSYLVANIA

FOREWORD

France has her fleur de lis. Scotland has the
thistle. Ireland has Its shamrock. And now
Pennsylvania, Its hemlock.

Pennsylvania, the only State embodying the
idea of trees and forests in its name — Penn's
Woods — has acquired by an act of legislature
something that few States possess. And that
Is a State Tree.

The hemlock legally and officially became the
State Tree of Pennsylvania on June 22, 1931,
and the act declaring it such was approved by
a governor whose name for considerably more
than a quarter-century has been intimately as-
sociated with the conservation of trees and for-
ests in this country — GIfford Pinchot.

LEVVLS E. STALEY

=T1

HKMI.OCK
THE STATE TRKK OF PENNSYLVANIA

KOKEWOKI)

France has her iJeur dc lis. Scotland has the
thistle. Ireland has its shamrock. And now
Pennsylvania, its hemlock.

Pennsylvania, the only State embodying the
idea of trees and forests in its name — Penn's
Woods — has acquired by an act of legislature
something that few States possess. And that
is a State Tree.

The hendock legally and officially became the
State Tree of PennsvKania on lune 22, n)\\,
and the act declaring it such was approveil by
a governor whose name for considerably more
than a quarter-century has been intimately as-
sociated with the conserxation of trees and for-
ests in this country — Clifford Pinchot.

TJ WIS I.. STAMA'

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

r,<it3nK''r!<n i^n-mix*

AN ACT. No. 233

Declaring and adopting the hemlock (Tsuga
Canadensis Linnaeus) as the State tree of
Pennsylvania,

Whereas, The hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis
Linnaeus) is still today, as it was of old, the
tree most typical of the forests of Pennsylvania;
and

Whereas, The hemlock yielded to our pio-
neers the wood from which they wrought their
cahin homes; and

Whereas, The hemlock gave its bark to found
a mighty industry; and

Whereas, The hemlock everywhere lends
kindly shelter and sure haven to the wild things
of forests; and

Whereas, The lighted hemlock at Christm.as
tmie dazzles the bright eyes of the child with
an unguessed hope, and bears to the aged, in
Its leaves of evergreen, a sign and symbol of
faith in immortality; now therefore,

Section i. Be it enacted, &c., That the hem-
lock tree (Tsuga Canadensis Linnaeus) be
adopted as the State tree of Pennsylvania.

Approved— The 2 2d day of June, A. D.

AN IMPORTANT TREE FAMILY

The hemlock is a member of the pine family, whose scientific name is
V'lnaceae, one of the most important groups of trees in the world, especially
on account of the economic importance and value of their many commercial
products, such as lumber, naval stores, fuel, food (from the nuts of certain
species), chemicals, pulp for paper, and a hundred other useful articles.

Commonly known as conifers because the fruit is a cone, the trees of
this family are characterized by bearing a certain kind of leaves, called
nfcdles, which do not fall to the ground each year when winter comes as
do the leaves of many other kinds of trees. They arc therefore called
evergreens, though this name is not, strictly speaking, correct, for the
larches, which are also members of this great family, are deciduous trees,
that is, they drop their needles each winter and grow a new crop in the
spring. Another name given to the trees of the pine family is softwoods,
but this name also is inexact, for the wood of many species is actually
harder than the wood of some of the so-called hardwoods, such as poplar
and basswood, which are in turn frequently called broad-leaf trees to dis-
tinguish them from the needle-leaved trees.

AH this may appear very confusing to one attempting for the first time
to gain some knowledge of trees, but since we are discussing the hemlock
primarily, the prindpal facts to remember are that it belongs to the great
pine family, it is an evergreen with needle-shaped leaves, its wood is classed
with the softwoods, and it is a conifer.

It may be interesting to know further that some of the other common
tree members of this family are the pines, the larches, the spruces, the firs,
the cedars, and the junipers. The pines comprise by far the most impor-
tnn.1 genus, wricncc tuc name oi trie famii)'.

Because it is so common throughout Pennsylvania, and because of its
beauty among the hundred and more species of trees found within our
borders, and because it is an outstanding tree of our forests, the hemlock
is most worthy of the distinction of being our State Tree.

WHERE THE HEMLOCKS GROW

Trees of the northern hemisphere and the temperate zone, the hemlocks
comprise nine species, four of which are native to North America and the
others to Japan, China, and the Himalaya Mountains between India and
Tibet. Europe has no native hemlocks. From discoveries of traces of
what are believed to be extinct species found in the Jurassic rocks of Spitz-
bergen, northern Europe, and Siberia, hemlocks apparently were far more
important in the composition of ancient northern forests than they are in
the present age.

Of the North American hemlocks two species grow in the western part
of the United States and two in the East. Only one of the two eastern
species grows in Pennsylvania, and that one is our State Tree.

The range of this hemlock, however, is by no means confined to Penn-
sylvania. It is found growing from Nova Scotia on the North, westward
for fifteen hundred miles to Minnesota, and southward along the moun-
tains to northern Georgia and Alabama.

Greatly liking cool, moist habitats, hemlocks were once found growing
ir. dense forests in the central and northern parts of the StaPe, but now, on

5

ni7-»«p»| ■'■" i'"J,.i")

account of the fires that followed lumbering, they are more limited to the
slopes of rocky gorges, and along the banks of streams, lakes, and swamps.
They may be seen frequently clinging to the crevices and faces of rock\
ravines whose declivities are kept perpetually moist by springs, and where
forest fires can not destroy them.

In northern Pennsylvania the most common tree neighbors of the hemloi It
afe white pine, beech, yellow birch, and the maples. In the southern part
of the State its associates are yellow poplar, red maple, the hickories, the
oaks, and chestnut.

NAMES OF THE HEMLOCKS

Each of the nine species of hemlocks has a scientific, or Latin, name as
well as a common name. Evien though one may not wish fto memorize the
names of the hemlocks it is interesting to know what they are, if only to
understand to what a far-flung family our State Tree belongs.

Asiatic Hemlocks

Japanese Species

Japanese hemlock — Tsuga Sicboldii Carriere. Named by Elie Abel Car-
riere (1816-1896) in honor of Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796-1866).

Japanese hemlock — Tsuga diversifoUa Masters. Named by Maxwell
Tylden Masters (1833-1907) ; means variable-leaved.

Chinese Species

Chinese hemlock — Tsuga chinensis Pritzel. Named by George August
Pritzel, a contemporary botanist, for its native land.

Western China hemlock — Tsuga yunnanensis Masters. So named be-
cause it grows in Yunnan Province, Western China.

Himalayan hemlock — Tsuga dtimosa Sargent. Named by Charles
Sprague Sargent, noted dendrologist; means bushy.

North American Hemlocks

JVe stern Species

Mountain hemlock — Tsuga Mertensiana Sargent. Named for Mertens,
a German botanist.

Western hemlock — Tsuga hcterophylla Sargent. Name means various-
leaved.

Eastern Species

Carolina hemlock — Tsuga caroliniana Engelmann. Named by Georg<-
Engelmann (1809-1884); means native to the Carolinas.

Eastern hemlock, the State Tree of Pennsylvania,— 'Aw^^ canadensis
(Lmneaus) Carriere. Means native to Canada.

if^ki ^"^ ^"^^^s exactly where or how the hemlock got its name. Th--
syllable "lock" and its derivatives, probably meaning plant, are common
enough in botany, as in the cases of charlock, garlic, and barley. Th?
origm of the first syllable "hem" has not been explained.

6

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^

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1

f ^' " .

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T; V

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•

A Hemlock Bordered Stream In The Pocono Mountains

Of Monroe County

The Latin or scientific names of the trees come from two sources. The
word Tsuga, the name of the genus, is derived from the Japanese vernacu-
lar and was first used by Stephen L. Endlicher, a dendrologist, in 1847 to
designate a section in the genus Pinus; its meaning is unknown. The
species names are intended to be descriptive of the particular tree, or named
for the locality where first found, or the discoverer, or in honor of some
one.

Locally the hemlock may have more than one common name, which in
the absence of a scientific name that is always uniform might, and often
does, lead to confusion. For example, our State Tree is called hemlock,
hemlock spruce, spruce-pine, and eastern hemlock. In Canada it is known
as white hemlock and Canadian hemlock. The German name for hemlock
is Schierling Tanne.

The English call it hemlock-spruce and hemlock fir. The French-
Canadians have several names for it; Peruche, tsuga du Canada, and sapin
du Canada. To the French it is Perus<«. The American Indians knew
the hemlock by the name oh-ne-tah, meaning "greens on the stick."

The Japanese Jiave named the hemlocks tsuga, but they ^Iso call them

"TT Vir3W--'«^'""*^JII'|ll»WWI»«W^

account ff the fires that followed lumherinjj;, they are more limited to tii
slopes of rocky gorges, and along the hanks of streams, lakes, and swamp,,
'I'liey may he seen frequently clinging to the crevices and faces of roiks
ra\ines whos,e dec]i\itiej, are kept perpetually moist hy springs, and whet
forest fires can not destroy them.

Ifi northern Penns\lvania the most coinmon tree neighhors ot the heiului k
are white pine, heech, yellow hirch, and the maples, in the southern jiait
ot the State its associates are \eIlow poplar, red maple, the hickories, the
oaks, and cliestnut.

XAMl'lS OF rilF HI'IMI.OCKS

Kach of the ru'ne species of hemlocks has a scientific, oi Latin, name .is
well as a conuuon name. I'^en tliough one may not wish to memorize tin
n;imes of the hemlocks it is interesting to know what they are, if oniv i^
unih'rstaiid to w hat a far-flung family our State Tree helongs.

Asiatic ITkmi.oc ks

J (I pa ricsc Sp e cics

Japanese hemlock — Tsin/a Sichnldii Carriere. Named hy Klie Ahel Cfir-
riere (ISI6-1S%) in honor of Philipp Fran/ von Sieh(d,r ( 1 7')6-l S66).

Japanese hemlock — 'Vsuqn divcrsifoUti Masters. Named hy Maxwell
'IVlden Masters (IS.^3 1007) ; means variahle leaved.

(.him si' S pi tics

Chinex- hemlock — Tsii}^<i ih'uunsis Prit/.el. Named by George Au;:iist
Prit/.el, a contemporary hotam'st, for its native land.

Western China hemlock — 'i'sw^a xiitnitinensis Masters. So named h<
cause it grows in Viuman Province. Western China.

Himahiyan hemlock — Tsnga dumnsa Sargent. Named by Charhs
Sprague Sarjj:ent, noted dendrologist ; means bushy.

XoKl 11 AmKKK AN HkMLOC KS

If^c stent Species

Moiiiifain heudock - '/'.v//;r^/ M ertens'uniti SargcfU. Named ten- Mciteii
a (lerman hotam'st.

Western hcudock— 7'.v//;v/ lulen,pli\ll,i Sargent. Name means varioii-
leaved.

hfistern Speeies

Carolina hendock — Tsuf^n rarohninnd Fngelmarui. Named by Cje<M^ •
Fngelmann (IS()0-1,S,S4); means nati\c to the Carolinas.

Eastern hemlock, the State I'rce of Pennsylvania,— 7^//^./// camuletn.
(Fuineaus) C\irriere. Means native to Canada.

No oiir knows exactly where or how the hemlock -ot its name. Tli
syllable "lock" and its derivatives, probablv meaning plant, are commo,
enough m botany, as in the cases of charlock, garlic, and barlev. I1i^
origm of the first syllable "hem" has not been explained.

6

A Hlmlocr Bordhrhd Strkam In 'Fm. Pocono Mountains

Of MoNRoi: County

I he Latin or scientific names of the trees come from two sources. I'he
^Nord Tsii(/ti, the name of the genus, is deri\ed from the Japanese \ernacu-
lar ;ind was first used by Stephen L. Endlicher, a dendrolojzist. in 1S47 to
'lesi<znate a section in the genus Pimis ; its tm-aning is unknown. The
-pecies names are intended to be descriptive of the particular tree, or named
for the locality where first foiuid. or the discoxerer, or in honor of some
"tie.

Locall\ the hemlock ma\ have more than one common name, which \n
the ah>ence of a scientific name that is aKvays um'form might, and otten
'l"es. lead to confusion. For example, our State 'Free is called hendock,
iiemlock spruce, sjinice-pine. and eastern hendock. In C\uiada it is known
1^ white hendock and Canadian hemlock. The (n-rman name for hemlock
'^ Schierling 'Fanne.

Fhe Fn^dish call it hemlock-spruce ami hendock fir. The I-rench-
yuiadians have several names for it; Peruche, tsuga du Canada, arul sapin
lu Canada. To the French it is Perussx*. The American Indians knew
Mie hemlock b\ the name oh-ne-tah. meaning "greens on the stick."

I he Japanese Jiave named the hemlocks tsii<:a. but the\ al.>o call them

7

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

by the names Toga-mastu, Kome-tsuga, and Kuro-tsuga. The Chinese
know the hemlock as Tieh Sha which means iron-fir.

One other evergreen growing naturally in the East is called hemlock.
It is the American yew or ground hemlock, a small shrub rarely exceeding
six feet in height whose fruit is not a cone, but an aromatic scarlet berry,
botanically known as an aril.

The needles of the yew are much longer than those of the hemlock, and
they lack the two white parallel stomata lines described later, running the
length of the under-surface of the leaf, that are characteristic of the hemlock.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HEMLOCK

Size ') . V •<*

Full grown hemlocks attain heights of about 75 feet in Pennsylvania,
though they may become as high as 125 feet. Their diameters vary from
2 to 3 feet at breast height (4J/2 feet above the ground). Very old trees
growing in good soil have reached dimensions of 160 feet in height and
5 to 6 feet in diameter measured at breast height, though trees this size
are rare.

Trees that yielded 10,000 board feet of lumber are reported to have
been cut in West Virginia, but there is no record of a hemlock so huge
ever having been felled in Pennsylvania. One with a content of 5,000
board feet would be considered extremely large. Foresters have measured
the volume of many standing hemlocks in various parts of the country, and
have found that a sound specimen 100 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter at
breast height contains slightly more than 1,500 board feet.

Age

Several trees native to Pennsylvania attain great ages, and hemlock is
one of them. Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, the father of forestry in Pennsyl-
\ V..Z1CX, v^..^^ v-v/UtiLv-vA tii«^ u.tin«aai lilies ciii tx oLump tiitti nicabuicu luur icct
and ten inches in diameter. When cut the tree was 542 years old and must
have been a vigorous, well grown specimen when Columbus first sighted
the islands of the New World. An age of 500 to 600 years is probably
exceptional, though that is the age that would correspond to a tree suffi-
ciently large to yield 10,000 board feet of lumber.

Trees 250 years old are less rare, though there are very few remaining
tracts of timber in Pennsylvania where hemlocks so old may be found. The
Cook Forest Park in Jefferson County contains a stand of virgin hemlock,
as does also the Allegheny National Forest in Warren County, and the
Hemlocks State Forest Park in Perry County in the Tuscarora State
Forest.

Although the size of a tree is usually a good indication of its age, this
rule does not always hold good. For example, foresters have actually
measured hemlocks 200 years old that varied in height from a minimum of
30 feet to a maximum of 130 feet with diameter from 5 inches to 40 inches.

TVood
^ The heartwood is light brown in color ; the sapwood is buff with a brown-
ish tinge. It has a handsome figure when stained and waxed or polished.
1 he wood IS not strong, but it is hard, light in weight, stifF, and brittle.
Its defects are that it is splintery, cross-grained, and not durable in contact
with soil A cubic foot of dry hemlock wood weighs slightly more than
^o pounds.

Bark

There are two distinct layers of bark; the inner bark is rather thin,
white, and fibrous, and the outer bark is thick, reddish-brown, brittle, and
scaley.

The thickness varies between one-half inch on young trees to as much
as 2 to 3 inches on old ones. A characteristic of hemlock bark is that
it breaks into long longitudinal fissures between which are broader ridges
of loose flakes which easily become detached.

It is interesting to know that the bark of old trees comprises as much
as 15 to 19 per cent of the total cubic volume of the tree. Because it is
rich in tannic acid, a product important in the leather tanning industry,
the bark is valuable commercially, and in fact was at one time worth more
than the wood.

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4

Three Sisters: Two Giant Hemlocks And A White Pine

Roots

Although seedlings form tap-roots during their first year, they later
develop dense fibrous root systems that spread in all directions, commonly
for long distances to obtain moisture.

Hemlock is ordinarily a shallow-rooted tree and can thrive on very thin
soil. Where the soil is deep and loamy, however, the roots often penetrate
far into the ground. Because of its shallow root system the hemlock is not
very wind-firm.

.yji mi »H ijiu^iijiiiLiMn muiiiiMiiiim

by the* names To^a-masru, Koiiie-tsusza, and Kuro-tsuga. The Chinese
know the lienilock as 'J'ieh Sha whicli means iron-fir.

One other evergreen growing natur.-illy in tlic East is called hemlock.
It is the American \cn or ground hemlock, a small shrub rarely excecdini:
six feet in height whose fruit is not a cone, but an aromatic scarlet bcrr\
botanicalh known as an aril.

The needles of the >ew are much longer than those of the hemlock, anil
they lack the two white parallel stomata lines described later, running the
length of the under-surface of the leaf, that arc characteristic of the hemlock.

CIIARAC FFRIS'IICS OF THK HEMLOCK

Size

Full grown hemlocks attain heights of about 75 feet in Pennsylvania,
though the\ may become as high as 125 feet. Their diameters vary from
2 to 3 teet at breast height (43^4 feet above the ground). Very old trees
growing in good soil have reached dimensions of 160 feet in Jieight and
5 to 6 feet in diameter measured at breast height, though trees this siz?
are rare.

Trees that yielded 10,000 board feet of lumber are reported to ha\e
been tut in West Virginia, but there is no record of a hemlock so huge
ever ha\ing been felled in Penns\lvania. One with a content of 5,000
board feet would be considered extremely large. Foresters have measured
the volume of many standing hemlocks in various parts of the country, and
have found that a sound specimen 100 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter at
breast height c«)ntains sh"ghtl\ more than 1,500 board feet.

Aire

Several trees native to Pennsylvania attain great ages, and hemlock i^
one of them. F)r. Joseph T. Rothrock, the father of forestry in Pennsyl-
vnni.-r nme counted the asinua! rings on a stump that measurc»l \i>\\x fcer
and ten inches in diameter. When cut the tree was 542 years old and must
have been a vigorous, well grown specimen ANhen Columbus iir>t sighted
the islands of the New AVorld. An age of 500 to 600 years is probably
exceptional, tliough that is the age that would correspond to a tree suffi-
ciently large to \ield 10,000 board feet of lumber.

1 rces 250 years old are less rare, though there are very few remaim'nj:
tracts of timber in Pennsylvania w here hemlocks so old may be foimd. Th(
Cook Forest Park in Jefferson County containN a stand of virgin hemlock,
as does also the Allegheny Nati(,nal Forest in Warren Countv, and th(
Ilemlocks State Forest Park in Perry Countv in the Tuscarora State
J'orest.

Although the size of a tree is usually a good indication of its age, thi^
rule does not always hold good. For example, foresters have actuall\
measured hemlocks 200 >ears old that varied in height from a minimum oi
30 feet to a maximum of 130 feet with diameter from 5 inches to 40 inches.

Wood

^ The heartwood is light brown in color; the sapwood is buff with a brown
ish tmge. It has a handsome figure when seined and waxed or polished.
I he wood is not strong, but it is hard, light in wei-ht, stiff', and brittle.
Its detects are that it is splintery, cross-grained, and not durable in contact
with soil A cubic t.H.r ..f drv hemlock wood weighs slightK more than
^o pounds.

8

Bark

There are two distinct layers of bark; the inner bark is rather thin,
white, and fibrous, and the outer bark is thick, reddish-brown, brittle, and
>caley.

'I he thickness \ aries between one-half inch on >oung trees to as much
IS 2 to 3 inches on old ones. A characteristic of hemlock bark is that
It breaks into long longitudinal fissures between w hich are broader ridges
if loose Hakes which easily become detached.

It is interesting to know that the bark of old trees comprises as much
as 15 to 1') per cent of the total cubic volume of the tree. Because it is
rich in tJinnic acid, a product important in the leather tanning industry,
the bark is valuable commercially, and in fact was at one time worth more
than the wood.

Three Sisters: Two Giant Hemlocks And A White Pine

Roots

Although seedlings form tap-roots during their first year, they later
develop dense fibrous root sj'stems that spread in all directions, commonly
?"r long distances to obtain moisture.

Jiemlock is ordinarily a shallow -rooted tree and can thrive on very thin
■•oil.^ VVHiere the soil is deep .and loamy, howe\er, the roots often penetrate
far into the ground. Because of its shallow root system the hemlock is not
very wind-firm.

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Leaves

The leaves or needles are about one-half inch long, dark green above and
light green on the under surface where two white parallel limes of stomata,
or breathing places, are located. They are flat, narrow, rounded at the tip,
and at the base are joined to very small woody stalks. Although the foliage
is evergreen, individual leaves fall during their third year.

Cones

The flowers appear in May. The male or staminate flower is round
and yellow, about one-quarter inch long. The femaJe or pistillate flower,
after fertilization, grows rapidly during the summer and by October it has
become the ripened fruit — a cone.

Pale green while ripening, the cones later become dark brown. They are
three-quarters of an inch long and about half as broad ; when the cones dry
and the scales expand they are as broad as long. They usually hang on the
branches of the tree during the first winter.

It is interesting to observe how Nature provides for the dissemination of
the seed. The cones are very sensitive to fluctuations in moisture. A little
rain or snow causes the scales to close, and even if water does not come in
contact ,with them they may close after an increase in the humidity of the
air.

Each seed has a delicate and semi-transparent wing, which clings to the
inner surface of the cone scale and which does not permit the seed easily
to fall out of the cone. Dry air causes the scales to open and a few seeds
may drop out, after which a change in moisture may cause them to close
again. As the alternating opening and closing of the scales continue a few
seeds are released, and, if the wind blows from several points, each time
the winged seeds are blown about they are scattered in different directions.
Thus Nature provides for the seeds from one tree to be sown over wide areas.

Seed

A hemlock seed is about one-sixteenth of an inch in length. Its wing is
about one-quarter of an inch long and one-eighth of an inch broad. The
function of the wing, as might be supposed, is to act as a sort of sail or
kite to carry the seed for long distances in the wind. Some idea of the
mmuteness of the hemlock seed may be gathered from the fact that when
cleaned and without the Avings there are 400,000 of them to a pound.

Although a prolific seed bearer, the hemlock reproduces poorly. The
seeds are slow to germinate in ground where forest fires have recently

1 ^"u^^'j^"^ '" ^^^^ "^^ humus of the protected forest they come up under
the shade of larger trees in great numbers.

When bountiful seed crops are borne by the hemlocks, which occur about
every third year, foresters and rangers in Pennsylvania go into the woods
and gather many bushels of cones. These are taken to seed extractint^
stations where the cones ai^ placed in racks to drv. When the cones open
the seeds are shaken out. As much as two hundred pounds of hemlock
seed may be collected in a good seed year, and sowed in the forest tree
nurseries where seedlings and transplants are raised by the Pennsvlvania
i.>epartment of Forests and Waters for reforesting idle land in the State.

foresters however, are not the onlv gatherers of hemlock seed. The
red squirrel uses the hemlock as a source of food supplies, and his activities
during the winter months account for many a tinv seed. How diligent
they are at collecting the seeds may be seen by observing the cone scales
on the snow at the foot of a fruitful hemlock.

10

PRODUCTS OF THE HEMLOCK

Lumber

There are other kinds of softwood trees in Pennsylvania, such as white
pine, that yield a better grade of lumber than hemlock, but as the supply
of timber from these species decreases, and it has been decreasing for years,
hemlock has been finding larger markets. During the period when Penn-
sylvania ranked as one of the leading lumber producing states, from the
time of the Civil War until 1875, hemlock had so little value in competi-
tion with better woods that it could not even be cut at the sawmill and
shipped to the buyer except at a loss.

Beginning about fifty years ago the best grades of hemlock lumber were
sold at a profit, and later the poorer grades began to have value in the
manufacture of boxes and for rough construction where the better softwoods
were not required. In 1899, a banner year for lumbering in Pennsylvania,
the cut of hemlock comprised more than one and one-half billion board
feet, or two-thirds of the entire lumber production. Unfortunately, con-
siderable waste accompanies the sawing of hemlock at the mill, and for
many years this waste material — slabs and unsound wood principally — was
burned to get rid of it. As lumber gradually became more salable these
slabs and other waste pieces were worked up into lath, or sold for conver-
sion into paper pulp.

Hemlock has a great variety of uses, especially Avhere great strength and
durability are not essential. It makes good building and construction mate-
rial, and is especially well adapted for frame work, wxather boarding, roof-
ing, floor lining, and laths. The wood has a few other minor uses, such
as for railroad ties, shingles, and interior finishing. A characteristic of the
wood that is greatly in its favor is the fact that it holds nails and spikes
very well.

A useful wood where stiffness is desired without yielding, or elasticity,
hemlock was used extensively for the threshing floors of barns, and, in the
early part of the 19th century, in the larger Atlantic Coast cities as a
substitute for stone in street paving after it was treated to resist decay.
Paving blocks were sawn eight inches thick and eight to eighteen inches
broad.

The fuel value of hemlock is low, which makes it less suitable than many
other species, especially in open fireplaces where it burns with great crack-
ling and snapping.

Land heavily timbered with hemlock yielded 25,000 board feet to an
acre, though the average was from 15,000 to 20,000 board feet per acre.

Tanning

The bark of the hemlock has been used for tanning leather ev^r since the
industry was started in this country. Pennsylvania has alwavs been one of
the leading states in the production of tan bark. No other tree has bark
so high in tannin content, not even the chestnut oak, or rock oak, also a
native of this State whose bark is important in the leather tanning indusry.
The method by which the bark is removed from the hemlocks and the waste-
ful system which prevailed for so many years make an interesting chapter
m the history of Pennsylvania forest industries.

Trees are felled for tan bark in the late spring and summer only, usually
from May to August, when the bark "slips" or peels most readily. The
logs are girdled at four-foot intervals all the way from the butt to near

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12

the top. The bark is then peeled off in rectangular sheets with a special
tool known as a "spud" and, after being loosely scattered or stood on end
to permit rapid drying, it is later stacked in four-foot piles and measured
by the cord, which is 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. At the
tanneries the hemlock bark is usually mixed with oak bark in as much as
the hemlock bark alone produces an objectionable bright red color in the
leather, which the oak bark darkens.

In the early days of the lumbering industry in Pennsylvania so valuable
was the hemlock bark and so little was the worth of the hemlock lumber
that it was a common practice for the lumbermen to peel off the bark and
let the logs lie in the woods to rot. As a result millions of feet of the
finest kind of virgin hemlock timber have gone to waste on the mountain-
sides of Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The 1900 census reported
that in the previous year more than 330,000 cords of hemlock bark were
produced in Pennsylvania.

Before synthetic dyes attained their present high state of perfection, hem-
lock bark was used in dye works to make a certain shade of brown. The
use of hemlock for this purpose is not new, however, for the Indians used
hemlock dye for many purposes, such as to dye the splints of their maple
baskets.

Pulp

Considerable hemlock wood is now used for the manufacture of paper
pulp. Though inferior to woods such as spruce and aspen, hemlock makes
fairly good grades of newspaper, as well as wrapping paper and other
cheaper kinds.

Sulphite pulp, of which hemlock supplies great quantities, is made by
cooking chipped pieces of wood in a solution of calcium sulphite, which
loosens and frees the wood fibres that are the basis of the finished paper.
The reason that hemlock is considered inferior to spruce for pulp is because
the fibres in the wood of the latter are longer than they are in hemlock
wood.

About twenty years ago an attempt was made to utilize for pulp the
waste pieces of hemlock left lying in the forests of Pennsylvania following
lumbering and bark peeling operations. Wood from tops, from broken
trees, and from defective logs was gathered and sold by the cord for manu-
facturing pulp. In as much as small bolts can be used for making pulp,
it is possible to utilize considerable slab wood and other sawmill waste,
which formerly was burned entirely to get rid of it.

THE PICTURESQUE HEMLOCK

To enjoy the full beauty of the hemlock one must observe it growing in
the open or at the edge of the forest. More graceful than th-e pines and
less stiff and formal than the spruces and firs, the foliage of the hemlock
has a dark green glitter and from its feathery tip down to near the ground
is so dense that it hides the stem from sight. The multitude of slender
branches lie one above the other, their tips resting on those below like the
feathers on a bird's wing. These slender sprays with their ranks of delicate
needles undulate gracefully when swayed by the wind.

Few trees in Penn's Woods produce new spring growth with the beau-
tiful appearance that characterizes the greening of the hemlock. Each new
branchlet is tipped with a delicate pale green that forms a delightful con-

13

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12

the top. The bark is tht-n peeled off in rectangular sheets with a special
tool known as a "spud" and, after being loosely scattered or stood on end
to permit rapid drying, it is later stacked in four-foot piles and measured
by the cord, which is 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long. At the
tanneries the hemlock bark is usually mixed with oak bark in as much as
rhe hemlock bark alone produces an objectionable bright red color in the
leather, which tiie oak bark darkens.

In the early days of tiie lumbering industry in Pennsylvam'a so \aluablc
was tile hemlock bark and so little was the worth of the hemlock liunber
that it was a common practice for the lumbermen to peel oft* the bark and
let the logs lie in the woods to rot. As a res\dt millions of feet of the
finest kind of virgin hemlock timber have gone to waste on the mountain-
sides of Pennsylvania and neighboring states. I'he 1900 census reported
that in the previous year more than 330,000 cords of hemlock bark were
produced in Pennsylvania.

Hefore synthetic dyes attained their present high state of perfection, hem-
lock bark was used in dye works to make a certain shade of brown. The
use of hemlock for this purpose is not new, however, for the Indians used
hemlock d\e for many purposes, such as to dye the splints of tlu'ir maple
baskets.

Pulp

Considerable hemlock wood is now^ used for the manufacture of paper
pulp. Though inferior to woods such as spruce and aspen, hemlock makes
fairly good grades of newspaper, as well as wrapping paper and other
cheaper kinds.

Sulphite pulp, of which hemlock supplies great quantities. Is made by
coftking chipped pieces of wood in a solution of calcium sulphite, which
loosens and frees the wood fibres that are the basis of the finished paper.
The reason that hemlock Is considered inferior to spruce for pulp is because
the fibres in the wood of the latter are longer than they are in hemlock
wood.

About twenty years ago an attempt was made to utilize for pulp the
waste pieces of hemlock left lying in the forests of Pennsylvania ff)llowing
lumbering and bark peeling operations. Wood from tops, from broken
trees, and from defective logs was gathered and sold by the cord for manu-
facturing pulp. In as much as small bolts can be usetl for making pulp.
It is possible to utilize considerable slab wood and other sawmill waste,
which formerly was burned entirely to get rid of It.

THE PTCTURKSQUK HEMLOCK

To enjoy the full beauty of the hemlock one must observe It growing in
the open or at the edge of the forest. More graceful than the pines and
less stiff and formal than the spruces and firs, the foliage of the hemlock
has a dark green glitter and from its feathery tip dow n to near the ground
Is so dense that it hides the stem from sight, ^riie nuiltitude of slender
branches lie one above the other, their tips resting on those below like the
feathers on a bird's wing. I'hese slender sprays with their ranks of delicate
needles undulate gracefully w hen swayed by the wind.

Few trees In Penn's Woods produce new spring growth with the beau-
tiful appearance that characterizes the greening of the hemlock. Kach new
branchlet is tipped ^vIth a delicate pale green that forms a delightful con-

13

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Nature's Cathedral: Sunlight And Shadows Among Virgin

Hemlocks

trast to the richer and deeper hue of the inner branches. To come upon a
dense stand of young hemlock reproduction with its variegated shades of
green foliage in early June is to understand and share the enthusiasm of
Charles Coltman-Rogers, the English authority on conifers, who, writing of
the hemlock, said, "There is no more goodly tree in Christendom."

Even when growing in the deep forest the hemlock takes a form which,
if less graceful than that of the opfen grown type, is none the less attractive
in its wild ruggedness. Here it is a tapering shaft, from fifty to one hun
dred feet high, near the summit of which is a crown of foliage that usuall)
tops the level of the surrounding trees. The shaggy appearance of the tree
is heightened by the dead branches that project from the trunk on all sides.

Dense forests of mature hemlocks are cool and moist and gloomy. John
Greenleaf Whittier observed them thus and wrote:

Where the hemlocks grew so dark
That I stopped to look and hark.

Another of his descriptions recalls the sunlight penetrating the depths of
the forest:

How yonder Ethiopian he?nIockj

Crozvned ivith his glistening circlet, stands,

What jewels li<rht his swarthy hands.

H

The Beginning Of Longfellow Trail At The Tourists' Camp In

Cook Forest Park

Where Whittier saw something lowering and cheerless about the forest
hemlocks Longfellow found a happier and more hopeful significance, and
expressed his thoughts in verses that have since been set to charming music:

O Hemlock tree! O Hemlock tree!

How faithful are thy branches.
Green not alone in summ'r time.
But in the winter s frost and rime,
O Hemlock tree! O Hemlock tree!

How faithful are thy branches.

A. J. Downing, known as the father of landscape gardening in America,
pronounced the hemlock the most picturesque and beautiful of all the ever-
greens in the world. When making this statement he probably had in
mind its ornamental use, for which purpose it is an exceptionally useful and
attractive plant. So highly was the hemlock esteemed for its beauty that
it was introduced into England as early as 1736.

The hemlock, as well as its several varieties, the most distinct forms of
uhich are those known as pendula and compacta, has been planted exten-
sively as an ornamental evergreen for many years, both in the United States
and abroad. The pendula variety has graceful, drooping branches, some-
times called weeping hemlock. The variety compacta has a dense, broadly
Ijyramidal form. George B. Sudworth, dendrologist of the U. S. Forest
Service, listed 16 varieties of the hemlock in cultivation.

15

N.A'i urk's C.\rni i)r \i.

Si xLicjHT And Shadows Amoxg Vjrgix

HEMLOCKS

trast to rlic n\lu r and tlt-i-pci luu- ot riu- inner nranclu'S. To conic upon .1
ilcnsc stand of yoiin<r licnilcuk rrproducrion with its varif<:atfd shades oi
j^nTcn foliage in early June is to understand and share the enthusiasm ot
C'harU's Coltnian-Ro^ers, rlie Knjihsh authoritx on conifers, who. w ritin^ ot
the hendock. said. "'Inhere is no more jjoodly tree in Christendom."

Kven when <:ro\vin^ in the deep forest the hendock takes a form uhicli,
if K'ss graceful than that of the open jzrow n t\\H\ is none tlie h*ss attracti\(
in its wihl rujijiedness. Here it is a taperinjz; shaft, from fift\ to one huti
ilred feet hi;ili, near the summit of which is a crowji of foh'aLie that usualh
tops the U'vel of the surrounding trees. The sha}:;i\ appearance of the tree
is heijrhtened hy the (U'ad liranches tliat project from the trunk on all sides.

I)ense forests of mature hendocks are cool and moist and ^loomw John
(irecrdeaf Whittier ohserved them thus and wrote:

// //(/•( ///( In tiihuks fpcii- sn dark
That I \/'y/)/)(v/ /f, /ofj/c and /inrk.

Another ot his deserijitions recalls the surdi-jht penetratin-j the depths of
the forest :

Hoji ynidtr l-jh'iftp'uui lic/filoik,

(jKiiL'iifd ultli his f/listcnifn/ (inltt, sldiuls,

II ha I jiiuls Ih^hf his swarlliy hands.

14

1 nt Hkgixmxg Of LoNci-iiLLovv '1'rail At 'I'm; 'I'olrists" Camp In

Cook Forkst Park

AVhere Wliitticr saw sometliirijj; louerin^: and cheerle» ahoul the forest
liendocks Longfellow found a happier and more hopeful siL;nific;ince, and
expressed his thouixhts in \erses that ha\e since heen set to charmin<j; music:

(J Uinil'tck tree! () Hcnilnck tree!

Ilfjiv faithful are thy hranehes,
Crree/i not a/one in sittntn r time,
lint in the icinter's frits t and rime,
() f/emloek tree! O Hemluek tree!

How faithful are thy hranehes.

A. J. nownin<:. known as the father of landscape L^'ardeninji in America,
pronounced the hemlock the most picturesijue and heautiful of all the evcr-
;:reens in the world. When makini: this statement he prohahK had in
inirul its ornamental use. for which purpose it is an e.\ceptionall\ useful and
attractive plant. So hijxhlv was the hendock esteemed for its heauty that
it was introduced into J'.nuland as early as MM).

1 he hemlock, as well as its several varieties, the most distinct forms of
\hich are those known as pendnla and eotnpaeta, has heen planted extcn-
-5\('ly as an ornamental ever^^reen for many \ears. hoth '\n the L'mted States
Mid abroad. 'I'he pendnla \ariet\- has graceful, droopiriL^ branches, some-
'ime> called wi-epin;!, hendock. The \ariety eompaeta has a dense, broadly
!'.\ramidal form. ( leor^^- \\. Sudworth, dendroloj^ist ot the C S. Forest
Service, listed 1() varieties of the hemlock in cultivation.

IT)

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Both these plants have been extensively propagated by grafting, and these
and various other varieties may now be purchased from growers of orna-
mental nursery stock. The two Japanese species also have been propagated
from cuttings and are sometimes grafted on to our native hemlock.

In addition to its value as an ornamental tree the hemlock has been used
rather widely as a hedge shrub. It makes an attractive hedge, which is
particularly showy when the delicate new shoots of spring appear. Careless
trimming and neglect will spoil a hemlock hedge. Some landscape gardeners
recommend it especially for small enclosures near houses to protect delicate
plants and shrubbery.

CHRISTMAS TREES

During recent years the hemlock has gained great popularity as a Christ-
mas tree. As far as beauty of form and foliage are concerned this popu-
larity is well merited for when gaily decorated with tinsel, bright ornaments,
and colored lights the hemlock is as handsome a Christmas tree as can be
found.

There is one feature of the hemlock that it is wtII to keep in mind, how-
ever, when selecting it for a Christmas tree and that is, the tree must be
freshly cut or the needles will drop off the branches soon after it is placed
in a heated room.

If one wishes to bring a hemlock into the home at Christmas time and
decorate it, there is a better way than by buying a cut tree, a w^ay that
will insure that the needles will remain fresh, keep their delightful woodsy
fragrance, and not fall off in a day or two. Most up-to-date commercial
nurseries sell hemlock transplants and ornamental stock. One may select
a fine bushy hemlock and have it planted in a pot or tub, which may be
used as a part of the landscaped yard or lawn throughout the year. When
the holidays arrive the tree in its container may be brought into the home
and decorated. If kept well watered and if not allowed to remain too
long in the warm house, the plant can be set out of doors after it has served
as a Christmas tree. By this method one is sure of having a fresh Christmas
tree each year, and the original investment may well be the last one.

Since the custom of stringing colored lights on trees that stand on the
lawn before the home has become so wide-spread, one may use hemlocks for
this purpose simply by planting them where an electric outlet is accessible.
If the prospective planter is not certain of his ability to plant a large hem-
lock so that It will grow and thrive, there are nurserymen and landscape
architects who make a specialty of this type of planting and who will guar-
antee that any tree they may plant that does not succeed will be replace.!
tree of further charge.

IS THE HEMLOCK POISONOUS?

^ Students acquiring classical knowledge often mistakenly get the impres-
sion that the hemlock is poisonous because they are taught that a certain
tatal drug of that name was occasionally meted out to those citizens of
ancient Athens who were so unfortunate as to embarrass the governing
Lnl-'" ^T^ ""'^'^f fair Grecian city. They recall that the b^ld philo-
sophical and social ideas of Socrates, who spoke too often and too well, were
eventually quenched by a draught brewed from the hemlock. But whar

16

Among The Hemlocks Along Beautiful Mohawk Trail In

Cook Forest Park

17

.-'*•-■"■ '-TrvBnnmam

^"«*est

V'f*^.

Sunlight Filtering Through The Foliage Of Pines

And Hemlocks

Socrates drank was the infusion of an herb belonging to the Conitim genus,
a plant related to our wild carrot that grows in Europe and contains poison
in root, stem, leaf, and seed.

As a matter of fact our hemlock tree is not poisonous at all. Even to
believe that the hemlock tree is noxious, in the sense that poison ivy and
poison sumac are harmful, is nonsense.

Indeed, the hemlock has been highly valued for its medicinal properties,
especially by the American Indians and the early settlers. Oil of hemlock,
distilled from the leaves, was used medicinally for many vears. The dru-
known as Canada pitch was extracted from the leaves and knots and made
into plasters for external application to the body.

The Indians boiled the bark of young hemlocks, pounded it to a paste,
and niade poultices that had antiseptic properties, for sores and wounds.
A kind of turpentine made from the hemlock pitch or resin was noted for
Its healing qualities when rubbed on aching joints and muscles. A power
tul astringent in fluid form is extracted from the hemlock bark.

18

REFORESTATION WITH HEMLOCK

It used to be said of hemlocks that "They are like Indians, they wall not
stand civilization," but this old saying no longer applies. In recent years
hemlocks have been grown quite successfully in nurseries for ornamental
planting, and foresters are now learning how to raise and transplant them
tor reforestation purposes. A number of forest plantations of hemlocks
have been established in Pennsylvania throughout those regions where the
climate and soil are suited to its growt'h, though there is still much to be
learned about planting hemlock for timber production, and its use is still
in the experimental stage.

They grow readily from seed if the seedlings are kept shaded. Whereas
many species of trees demand considerable sunlight for their growth in
early life, the hemlocks are shade demanding and too much sunlight will
kill them. More than 100,000 transplants, raised in the four Static Forest
nurseries operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters,
have been planted in the State Forests. Nursery inventories indicate that
there will be an additional 100,000 transplants available for State Forest
planting in 1934, and that of the quarter-million seedlings, which will be
three years old in the fall of 1934, practically all will be set out for the
production of transplants for timber.

Because of their dense fibrous root systems hemlocks may be successfully
transplanted if precautions are taken to guard against the roots drying out.
For ornamental planting it is now customary to prune the young trees, both
tops and roots, which makes hardier plants.

Young hemlock seedlings that come up naturally in the forest are ex-
tremely slow growers. For the first five years they may not average more
than one inch each year, though during this period they develop good root
systems, and later grow more rapidly. In the nursery they can be made to
grow as vigorously in two vears as they might grow in five or even more
under Nature's methods in the woods.

At the Clearfield State Forest nursery in Clearfield County the nursery-
man can show you four-year-old transplants that measure twelve inches
from root collar to tip. These transplants have adequate root systems and
are entirely satisfactory for use in reforestation projects, but only where
the soil and other factors of the planting site are favorable for the growth
of this species. Even though hemlock once grew on a certain site does not
indicate that it will grow there again, especially if fire, sunlight, and changes
in vegetation have altered conditions.

Foresters do not recommend planting hemlock in open fields unless the
soil is very moist or the site is a steep northern exposure, or preferably both.
Nature imposes rigid conditions under which hemlock shall grow in the w^ild
A\oods. The shelter of other trees is one of the principal necessitfes. If
hemlock transplants are planted under other trees, on northern slopes, and
where other conditions are favorable, they should grow successfully.

Since the young hemlocks commonly thrive in shade dense enough to kill
other kinds of trees, they are particularly well suited for under planting on
^sites where aspen, fire cherry, sassafras, and other so-called weed species are
now growing, and where, previous to lumbering operations and forest fires,
Hemlock was abundant.

19

f

Rustic Steps Lead Upward From The Hemlock-Clad Gorge In

Childs State Forest Park

THE ENEMIES OF HEMLOCK

Fire

Although fire may be said to be the most destructive foe of trees and
forests generally, it is particularly so to the hemlock. The intense heat
kills the small tender seedlings and saplings when the fire burns over the
surface of the ground through the inflammable leaves and humus on the
forest floor. Even though a fire burns lightly it may do considerable dam-
age to the shallow-rooted hemlocks while trees with deeper root systems may
escape injury.

Since hemlock roots are usually close to the surface of the ground the
heat need not be great enough actually to burn the roots, but, if it dries
out the humus, conditions of moisture may be sufficiently disturbed to cause
the gradual death of the trees. Fires often burn at the butts of the hem-
locks, and without killing the trees, badly scar them so that they are laid
open to later attacks by insects and fungi.

Crown fires, those that blaze through the forest in the tops of the trees,
are always fatal. During prolonged dry seasons, such as occurred in 1930
and 1931, crown fires may develop from surface fires when the wind is
high, and when they burn through the oily, resinous coniferous leaves and
branches all that remains are bare, charred skeletons of trees.

One of the most valuable contributions any one can make toward con-

20

serving the trees and forests of our State is to help to prevent and control
fires in the woods.

Wind

The wind may cause damage to hemlock trees in two ways. Because
the hemlock is shallow-rooted it is susceptible to windfall. Entire stands
of hemlock trees have been thrown over by high winds. There is a record
of a storm that occurred in 1896 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, that
blew down six million feet of hemlock in one tract. In the case of an
open-grown tree whose roots are deeper and more secure than those of trees
standing in the woods, the wind may lack power to up-root it but may snap
off the top or break the trunk.

The more common and more serious injury done to hemlock by wind,
though its effects are less evident, is known as wind-shake, caused by the
layers of wood separating as a result of the wind swaying and rocking the
tree. Wind-shake makes the butts unfit for lumber, hence there is con-
siderable waste in high stumps and discarded -butts when the trees are
harvested.

Drought

The prolonged droughts of 1930-31 caused the death of many hemlock
trees throughout Pennsylvania. The severity of the drought damage ap-
peared to be greatest to trees growing on sites with southern exposures.

The injury was not immediately apparent, because the needles became
brown and fell very slowly. Hence, several months passed before their
death was noticed, though there is every reason to believe that the principal
cause was the dry weather.

Large and small trees alike were affected. The mortality among small
hemlocks was particularly high where they had come up from seed along
roadsides, on earth fills, on raw mineral soil, and on rocky slopes where the
roots did not penetrate deeply into the soil.

TV inter Injury

Notwithstanding the fact that the wood of the hemlock is brittle, trees
are not seriously damaged by heavy snow and ice storms. Extending nearly
horizontally from the trunk, the branches bend easily and snow and ice
accumulations usually slide off before they break.

Spring frosts seldom injure the needles of hemlock because their new
growth appears late in the season. Although the tree is resistant to early
fall frosts, hemlocks should never be planted in frost pockets, which are
localities where heavy frosts are frequent and severe, because they are almost
certain to have their new growth frozen back each year. Frost heaving of
young seedlings and transplants from the soil is apt to occur in exposed
localities.

Insects

An insect known as the spotted hemlock borer, one of the flat-headed
borers, causes the loss of many hemlock trees. If this pest does not kill
the trees outright, it may hasten their death from other causes. The eggs
of the borer are laid in the spring in the crevices of the bark, and hatch into
small kite-shaped larvae, which enter the bark and make irregular tunnels
beneath the surface and through the inner bark layers. The larvae do all
their boring within the bark and do not enter the sapwood.

The larvae of a long-horned borer, an insect that often works jointly
with the spotted hemlock borer, mines in the sapwood of dead and dying

21

A Northern Pennsylvania Lake As Seen Through
A Vista Of Filmy Hemlock Branches

trees and frequently makes the Avood unfit for commercial use. Removal of
the bark and infested portions of the wood will prevent the further spread
of this insect.

Disease

No serious parasitic diseases attack the living hemlock trees, either in
the seedling stage or during maturity. Damping-off, a great scourge ot
newly germinated seedlings, rarely does any damage to the seedlings of
this species. Disease epidemics, which are common among trees that grow
m pure stands, seldom damage hemlocks, which usually grow in mixture
with other species. Their scattered distribution in mixed forests not only
tends to prevent the outbreak of epidemics, but also helps hinder the spread
of diseases once they attack individual trees.

Hemlock lumber, however, is very susceptible to decay, especially when in
contact with soil moisture. For this reason hemlock does nor make good
telephone poles, railroad ties, and fence posts unless previously treated with
chemical wood preservatives which resist the attack of wood-rotting fungi

99

LEARN TO KNOW THE TREES

Trees are among the most beautiful and useful of animate objects in
Nature. Anyone, who takes the time to learn their habits so that he can
call them by name, gains a host of lifelong friends.

The beauty of trees finds expression throughout the seasons, — their deli-
cate blooms of spring, the rich maturity of their summier green, autumnal
foliage with its carnival of colors, and their stark rugged strength in winter.

The association of trees and mankind has been intimate from the earliest
times. In this modern, busy machine-age, we as a highly civilized people
are no less dependent upon trees than were our pioneer ancestors who used
the products of the forest for food, shelter, and sustenance.

Pennsylvania's progress, economically and socially, is inseparably asso-
ciated with her trees and forests. They have continuously contributed to
the well-being of our people, not alone by reason of their utilitarian value,
but by their appeal to the aesthetic as well.

Pennsylvania's trees are Pennsylvania's treasures.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PENxN'S WOODS

Those who have been sufficiently interested to read about the State Tree
of Pennsylvania may wish to know something further about forests and
forestry in the Commonwealth. It should be a matter of pride to every
Pennsylvanian to know that his State was one of the earliest to promote
forestry practice by providing for a State-wide forest fire control organi/.a
tion, by acquiring State Forests, and by carrying on reforestation projects.

The present Department of Forests and Waters, which has a personnel
of 52 technically trained foresters and 78 forest rangers, in addition to
other em.ployes, grew out of the old Division of Forestry created in 1895
m the Department of Agriculture, at which time there was not one native
born technical forester in Pennsylvania, or for that matter, in the entire
United States. So, you see, State forestry in Pennsylvania is now just about
40 years old.

The State* s Woodlands

Since primeval times Pennsylvania has been a densely wooded State.
Even today 45 per cent of the total area is woodland, or about 13,000,000
acres. Less than 20,000 acres of virgin timber remain.

Under the provincial government of Pennsylvania, of which William
Penn was proprietor and later governor, various rules and regulations were
enacted to encourage forest cultivation for the benefit of shipping and in-
dustry. The woods were so extensive, however, that for a hundred years
longer they were cut and burned without people realizing that the supply
of virgin timber might eventually be exhausted.

At the time of the Civil War and until 1875 Pennsylvania led all the
other states in lumber production, and for several decades lumbering, was
the principal industry in the Commonwealth. By the end of the 1890's
forest devastation, at first as the result of lumbering, later, by forest fire,
had made such inroads into the remaining timber stands that a group of
public spirited individuals, led by the late Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, urged
that laws be enacted, restraining further forest denudation and creating
State Forests.

23

The State Forests

The first authorization for the purchase of woodland for State Forest
purposes was made by the General Assembly in 1897, and during the fol
lowing year 17,010 acres were acquired. Now, after thirty-seven years of
land acquisition, the State Forests comprise 1,647,850 acres, located in 35
counties. They are located chiefly in the mountainous regions where the
soil is primarily adapted to growing sucoessive crops of timber. Although
the maximum price that may be paid for State Forest land under the law
is $10 per acre, the cost per acre has averaged $2.43 only.

Area

County (Acres)

Adams 20,934

Bedford 16,928

Cameron 118,987

Carbon 606

Cambria 70

Centre 122,841

Clarion 1

Clearfield 84,255

Clinton 231,502

Cumberland 34,667

Dauphin 3,808

Elk 61,053

Fayette 58

Forest 2

Franklin 37,969

Fulton 30,144

Huntingdon 64,555

Jefferson 9,013

Juniata 8,977

Lackawanna 5,274

Lycoming 149,735

Luzerne 11

McKean 2,441

Mifflin 53,029

Monroe 6,567

Perry 32,525

Pike 59,417

Potter 250,360

Snyder 27,418

Somerset 14,657

Sullivan 38,885

Tioga 99,400

Union 55,423

Westmoreland 5,161

Wyoming 1,177

Total 1,647,850

24

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A Stand of Virgin Hemlocks In McKean County As They Looked

Before The Lumberman Cut Them

25

recreation. Within these popular retreats are facilities for tourist comfort.
Fireplaces for cooking:, pure water, tables, benches, and slielters are provided.

Some of the best hunting grounds and fishing waters are found within
the State Forests, and at least 200,000 hunters and 100,000 fishermen use
them annually. Nearly one-half of the number of deer and more than one-
third of the number of bear, in addition to large quantities of small game,
killed by hunters each year are shot within their boundaries. They con-
tain 20 State game refuges and 13 auxiliary game refuges, the combined area
of which is approximately 50,000 acres. Game birds and animals breed
in these sanctuaries unmolested by humans and protected from predatory
animals, and they provide an increasing abundance of Avild life to replen-
ish the surrounding forests.

Although considerably more could be written about the State Forests,
perhaps I have told you sufficiently to arouse your curiosity about these vast
woodland areas so that you will be impelled to learn more about them
and to visit them when opportunity offers. Remember that the State Forests
are the people's forests, and as such are wide open for public use. All
that is asked of the visitor is that he obey the law and be careful with
fire in the woods.

ViRciN Hemlock And Other Timber Trees
Along Longfellow Trail In Cook Forest

Park

To protect the State Forests as well as all other woodland from their
greatest scourge — forest fire — there are, in addition to the foresters and
rangers, 4,000 commissioned forest fire wardens. Forest fire observation
stations, to the number of 126, are maintained by the Department of Forests
and Waters for detecting and locating forest fires. The lookout towers,
which vary in height from 50 to 80 feet, are of stoel construction and are
located on the highest knobs and ridges of Pennsylvania's mountains.

Four State Forest nurseries with an annual production of ten million
trees are operated by the Department of Forests and Waters. The seedlings
and transplants grown in these nurseries are sold for timber production
and watershed protection. To date about 1 10,000,000 trees from the State
nurseries have been used to reforest privately owned land in Pennsylvania,
and about 43,000,000 trees have been planted in the State Forests.

Two million campers, hunters, fishermen, and others seeking rest and
recreation in the out-of-doors use these woodland areas annually. Nine
State Forest parks, 1 1 State Forest monument^, and 50 public camps have
been developed by the Department of Forests and Waters for outdoor

26

27

In the State Parks

and State Forests

of Pennsylvania

By

William E. Montgomery

6u((e"^

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Forests and Waters

Ralph M. Bashore, Secretary

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'!-"'"< '^/'?./'---i'<.

RECREATION

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/;/ r/ie State Parks

and State Forests

of Pennsylvania

By

William E. Montgomery, Director

Bureau of Forest Management, T.ands antl Parks

I lUilletin 5>> |

COMM()NWKAi;iH Ol' PKNNSVLVANIA

DKPAR'rMKN'r iW I^'ORKSTS AND WA'I'KKS

Ralph M. Bashore, Secretary

Harrishurg
1935

;^;;gjg|gi|ij'^

CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION ^

THE STATE PARKS ^

Bushy Run Battlefield Park ^

Fort Necessity Park

Valley Forge Park ^

Washington Crossing Park |^

State Park at Erie . -

Fort Washington Park

Roosevelt Park ..

Cook Forest Park . -

Ralph Stover Tract \l

Conrad Weiser Park

THE STATE FORESTS |^

Hunting And Fishing ^-

Permanent Camp Sites „

State Forest Districts

THE STATE FOREST PARKS 20

Caledonia State Forest Park t\

Childs State Forest Park ^

Voneida State Forest Park |^

Harrison State Forest Park ^

Colerain State Forest Park ^

Greenwood State Forest Park y

Mont Alto State Forest Park jT

Sizerville State Forest Park ^^

Hemlocks State Forest Park

THE STATE FOREST MONUMENTS 25

Ole Bull State Forest Monument j^

James Buchanan State Forest Monument j^

Joyce Kilmer State Forest Monument ^^

Bear Meadows State Forest Monument j^

Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Monument ^/

Detweiler Run State Forest Monument j^

Alan Seeger State Forest Monument ^^

McConnell Narrows State Forest Monument ^/

Mount Logan State Forest Monument j^

Mount Riansares State Forest Monument j^

Martin's Hill State Forest Monument ^^

THE STATE FOREST PUBLIC CAMPS 29

( REATER RECREATIONAL AREA NEEDED 31

Public Cooperation

INTRODUCTION

Regardless of the results of the present and proposed experiments in
Midustrial procedure, economists of all shades of opinion seem to be
in accord in prophesying that the work-day of the future, the near
future will be decidedly shorter than that of the past and that the work-
ing week will be comprised of fewer days. Aside from then* eifects upon
business, labor, and trade, these changes are significant by reason of the
fact that they will increase tremendously the amount of leisure time at

i)eople's disposal. .

Hence of overwhelming importance is the question : How and where
will these leisure hours be spent? It will, of course, sound like an ex-
ajrceration to say that upon the answer to that question will depend to a
very considerable extent the future of the State and the Nation. And
yet in the final analysis, doesn't that very nearly describe the situation i'
For unquestionably the utilization of this additional leisure time, which
will eventually be available to great numbers of American citizens can-
not help but have its effect upon the habits of thousands, yes millions
of people. And by these habits, in turn, inevitably will the thoughts and
the opinions of the people, their very outlook upon hfe itself, be intlu-
cnced and transformed.

Everyone is aware of the efforts which various agencies are exerting
in guiding boys and girls in the proper and beneficial use of their leisure
hours, and no one can fail to recognize the value of those agencies in
preparing the youth of the nation for citizenship. In the near future,
however, increased spare moments for adults are bound to complicate
and intensify the problem. What will be the result?

Many persons competent to form an opinion firmly believe that for one
thing, if properly directed, the new leisure will lead to a renaissance, to
a rebirth of interest in things of cultural and spiritual qualities— art, litera-
ture, music, science, historv. There will be a re-newed pilgrimage to,
and an awakened interest in, those galleries wherein one may receive in-
spiration from the works of the painters and sculptors of all times. There
will be greater crowds enjoying the wonderful harmonies of orchestras
and of individual artists as they interpret the works of the masters of

musical composition. 1111

The demands upon library facilities, in many localities already doubled
or trebled in the depression, will increase steadily as men and women of
all classes seek again the beautiful sentiments and superbly phrased pas-
sages of the classics. The museums will teem with the multitudes as they
study the history of the past as portrayed in the great variety of exhibits,
as they observe scientific facts so skilfully and expertly indicated by
model and example, as they marvel at the grotesque and curious specimens
assembled for their information.

In the second place, the existing trend to the great outdoors will be
accentuated. Every year this has been of more and more importance as
the number of automobiles increases and as people continue to turn, in
even larger numbers, to the great outdoors where they may gaze upon
and enjoy the beauties of nature. And it is but logical that it should be

thus. _ , . ,

Scientists claim that human life has existed on Earth for at least
150,000 years, probably double or even treble that period. In consider-

I

i

y

I.

y

y

y

y

INTRODUCTION

l>:ej;ardU'ss of the results of the present and proposed experiments ni

lustrial i)roeedure. eeononiists of all shades of opinion seem t(. he

accord in i)rophesvini; that the work-day of the future, the near

iiure will he decidedly shorter than that of the past and that the work-

i:,o week will he comprised of fewer days. Aside from then- eltects upon

birsiness, lahor, and trade, these chan.i;es are si^^nificant hy reason ol the

lact that they will increase tremendously the amount of leisure time at

1 tuple's disposal. .

Hence, of overwhelming importance is the question : How and where
ill these leisure hours be spent? It will, of course, sound like an ex-
• reration to say that up(»n the answer to that question will depend to a
vrry considerahle extent the future of the State and the Nation. And
at ill the final analysis, doesn't that very nearly describe the situation."
I or unquestionahlv the utilization of this additional leisure time, which
will eventually he 'available to great numl)ers of American citizens can-
not help but have its effect upon the habits of thousands, yes millions
nl people. And bv these habits, in turn, inevitably will the thoughts and
ihe opinions of tlie people, their very outlook upon life itself, be intiu-

. need and transformed.

i':\eryone is aware of the eiYorts which various agencies are exerting
n guiding boys and girls in the proper and Ijeneficial use of their leisure
liuurs. and no one can fail to recognize the value of those agencies in
preparing the vouth of the nation for citizenship. In the near liiture,
liowever,' increased spare moments for adults are bound to complicate
and intensify the problem. What will he the result?

Many persons competent to form an opinion firmly believe that lor one
iliiii-. if i)roi)erlv directed, the new lei>ure will lead to a renaissance, to
a rebirth of interest in things of cultural and sp.iritual qualities— art, litera-
lure. music, science, historv. There will be a re-newed pilgrimage to,
and an awakened interest in, those galleries wherein one may receive in-
--l.iration from the works of the i)ainters and sculptors of all times. Ihere
will he greater crowds enjoying the wonderful harmonies of orchestras
and of mdividual artists as 'they interpret the works of the masters of

nnisical composition.

The demands upon librarv facilities, in many localities already doubled
or trebled in the de])ression', will increase steadily as men and women of
all classes seek again the beautiful sentiments and superbly i^hrased pas-
sages of the classics. The museums will teem with the multitudes as they
ludy the historv of the past as portrayed in the great variety of exhibits,
IS tiiey observe scientific facts so skilfully and expertly indicated by
nodel and example, as they marvel at the grotesque and curious specimens
issembled for their information.

In the second place, the existing trend to the great outdoors will be

accentuated. livery year this has been of more and more importance as

he number of automobiles increases and as peo])le continue to turn, in

ven larger numbers, to the great outdoors where they may gaze iii)on

and enjoy the beauties of nature. And it is but logical that it should be

duis.

Scientists claim that human life has existed on Earth for at least
150,000 years, probably double or even treble that period. In consider-

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

ing that great length of time, is it not indeed just recently, comparatively
speaking, that humans have been living anywhere else than in or near
the forests? And so during times of leisure, it is but second nature,
a sort ot inherent instinct, that so often prompts people to turn to the great
outdoors — particularly to the wooded portions of it. And it is well that
tliey should, for Nature offers nuich of knowledge and inspiration not to
l)e obtained from man-made things.

The essayist speaks truly in saying that for many ailments there are
"few medicines so potent as the sweet breath and sweeter seclusion of
the woods, few tonics like a free life under the open skies where Health
awaits like an invisible goddess eager to share with all who come to her
shrine."

And here it is that the Department of Forests and Waters, and its
various affiliated boards and commissions, enter into the picture. For
not only can those who long merely for outdoor pleasure be satisfied in
the State Forests and State Parks, but to a great degree will the higher
and better things of life be inculcated in those who take advantage of
the opportunities which the Commonwealth thus presents.

It may not be feasible to study history from books while on a tour of
the State Parks and State Forests, but it certainly is possible to see the
l)laces where history has been made and thus be inspired by the acts and
deeds of the founders of the Republic and those who have succeeded them
in leadership. The forests perhaps cannot provide an interpretation of
the work of Chopin, Bach, Liszt, or Beethoven at the talented hands of a
Paderewski, a Rachmaninofif, or a Kreisler, yet there is music in the
woods. To the untrained ear, the forest seems to be filled with a con-
fused murmur, a combination of unrelated sounds, yet to the sympathetic
auditor these become a succession of beautiful notes, clear and distinct,
component parts of a divine harmony of unexcelled sweetness. And
how soothing it is to sit beside a rippling brook in the heart of the forest
and listen to its tune, or to hearken while the wind rustles musically
through the leaves overhead and the nearby waterfall sings its song of
carefree joy. Although in the State Parks, and State Forests there are no
art galleries in which may be seen the chiseled stone of a Phidias or a
Michelangelo, the painted canvas of a Turner, a Gainsborough, or a Corot,
yet even these wondrous and almost priceless works of art are surpassed
by the glories of nature as revealed in Pennsylvania's hills and mountains.
No matter how skilful and talented men may be, they have always failed,
even in their greatest eflforts, to equal the 'marvelous views, landscapes
and natural formations depicted by the Great Artist of the Universe.
And in the Keystone State will be found many of His finest treasures.
At various points of vantage throughout the wooded portions of the
State, 144 steel towers have been erected to facilitate the prompt detec-
tion and correct location of forest fires. From them can be obtained
panoramas of a large part of the mountains of the State. It would be
difficult to single out any particular tower as offering the choicest view,
smce on a clear day a visit to any one of them will prove well worthwhile.
In the following pages, reference will be made to State Parks, State
Forest Parks, State Forest Monuments, and State Forest Public Camps,
and to the work of the Department of Forests and Waters in connection
with these areas. To present a clear picture of the recreational set-up in
I ennsylvania, as far as the Commonwealth itself is concerned it is ap-

- ^*r% j^vr*' -T"

propriate to state that by law the Department of Forests and Waters is
charged with the duty of promoting healthful outdoor recreation and
education.

As a general statement it may be said that the recreational activities of
the Department of Forests and Waters may at the present time be grouped
under three principal heads :

( 1 ) State Parks administered by semi-independent commissions
affiliated with the Department of Forests and Waters ;

(2) State Parks operated directly by the Department of Forests and
Waters, in some cases assisted by advisory commissions ;

(3) State Forest Parks, State Forest Monuments, State Forest Public
Camps, and the State Forests themselves managed and administered solely
l»y the Department of Forests and Waters.

In the first group are the areas under the jurisdiction of the Valley
Forge Park Commission, the Washington Crossing Park Commission,
.'ind the State Park and Harbor Commission of Erie. In the second
group are Bushy Run Battlefield and Fort Washington State Parks, each
with an advisory commission ; also Roosevelt and Fort Necessity State
Parks, Cook Forest Park, and the Ralph Stover Tract. For these, the
State Parks Commission acts in an advisory capacity.

With the exception of the Ralph Stover Tract which was donated
under a recent general act permitting the Department of Forests and
Waters to accept land for recreational use, all the State Parks have been
created by specific acts of the Legislature.

THE STATE PARKS

Bushy Run Battlefield State Park

Westmoreland County

Not far from Jeannette is Bushy Run Battlefield, the scene of a de-
cisive battle in August 1763. Colonel Henry Bouquet \vith a small force
of Highlanders and Colonials was taking supplies and men to the relief
of Fort PiH then besieged by Indians. He was ambushed by Guyasuta
and an overwhelming force of Redskins, and turned apparent defeat into
victory by a clever strategy, pretending to retreat in disorder and then
surprising the enemy by a sudden flank attack. The outstanding point
of interest in this park is the hill at the top of which was the famous
Flour Bag Fort.

Several hundred yards away is Byerly spring to which, according to
tradition, Andrew Byerly and other woodsmen made repeated trips
through the Indian lines in order to secure water for the relief of the
wounded. In the large spring-house erected here are many relics of
bygone days. This collection has been increasing ra])idly and plans are
now being ])repared for the erection of a suitable museum. The entire
area owned by the Commonwealth, aggregating 169 acres, has been de-
\'eloped for recreational use by the construction of roads, trails, shelters,
playgrounds, toilet facilities, ])umps, tables, benches, parking s])aces. and
fire places. A "ceremonial lodge" patterned after those used by the
Indians has recently been completed, and the erection of several other
structures of similar design is planned.

Fort Necessity Park

Fayette County

Fort Necessity State Park, near Uniontown, is the site of George
Washington's first battle— a battle which has been authoritatively cite(.
as one of the most significant ever fought, considering the chain of events
which led from it— resulting in an almost complete change of all the
national boundary lines in Europe and America. The site of the fort
itself which is owned by the Federal Government, is several acres in
extent and is entirely surrounded by about 350 acres of State-owned
land A log fortification, built upon the exact location of the original
stockade, has been constructed. A fine old brick building along the
National' Highway is used as a museum, and in it has been placed an
extremely valuable collection of relics of all kinds. Although Fort
Necessity Park as a whole has only been partially developed because of
lack of funds, yet the fort and the museum arc well worth repeated
visits.

Replica of the Original Stockade at Fort Necessity Park, the
Site of Georc.e Washington's First Battle

Plans have been completed and it is hoped that in the very near future
this park may receive the attention which it so thoroughly merits by rea-
son of its historical importance. If the number of persons who visit this
park in its present undeveloped condition may be accepted as a criterion,
there will be few spots in the State surpassing Fort Necessity in popu-
larity when ample provisions are made for the proper accommodation
of the public.

8

Valley Forge Park
Chester and Montgomery Counties

In the southeastern section of Pennsylvania between Norristown and
Phoenixville is Valley Forge Park, comprising approximately 1600 acres
of land, situated along the southern bank of the Schuylkill River and
embracing the ground hallowed and consecrated by the privations and
sufferings of the Continental soldiers during the terrible winter of 1777-
1778. Here it was that General Washington's strength of character and
his almost super-human capacity for leadership were best displayed.

There are a number of extremely interesting features at Valley Forge
Park, among the most important being the remains of both the inner
line and outer line of entrenchments and the hut holes over and above
which crude buildings v/ere erected to shelter the half-starved and half-
frozen patriot soldiers from the chilling, wintry blasts. The Potts' home
which served as the headquarters of General Washington during most
of the period of the encampment is still standing. This building has

General Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge

been completely refurnished with articles that are unquestionably of the
type appropriate to the place and period. During the years that have
passed the old building has undergone a number of changes, particularly
in connection with the so-called kitchen wing. As a result of a long
study by the Committee on the Restoration of Historic Landmarks of
the American Institute of Architects, aided by numerous historians of

9

T

\'

Fort Nkcessity Park

Fayette County

Fort Necessity State Park, near I'niontown, is tlie site of G-or^v
Washington's first battle— a 1)attle which has been autliontatively cite<
as one of the most signihcant ever fought, considering the cham of eveni
which led from it—resulting in an almost comi)lete change of all th-
national boundary lines in luu'ope and America. The site of the fcr
itself, which is owned bv the Federal Government, is several acres n
extent and i^ entirelv surrounded by about 350 acres of State-owned
land A log fortification, built upon the exact location of the original
stockade, has been constructed. A fine old brick building along tin
National Ilighwav is used as a museum, and in it has been i)lace(l an
extremely valuable collection of relics of all kinds. Although \un\
Necessity Park as a whole has only been i)artially developed because ot
lack of 'funds, yet the fort and the museum are well worth repeated
visits.

Rkplica of tuk Oricixat. Stockade at Fort Necessity Park, tii
Site of Georce Washington's First Battle

Plans have been completed and it is hoi)ed that in the very near futun
this i^ark may receive the attention which it so thoroughly merits by rea-
son of its historical imi)ortance. If the number of i)ersons who visit thi-
l^ark in its ])resent undeveloiu'd condition may be accejited as a criterion,
there will be few spots in the State surpassing Fort Necessity in popu-
larity when ample provisions arc made for the proper accommodation
of the public.

8

Valley Forge Park

Chester and Montgomery Counties

In the southeastern section of Pennsylvania between Norristown and
lioenixville is Valley F'orge Park, com])rising approximately 1600 acres
I land, situated along the southern bank of the Schuylkill River and
.ibracing the ground hallowed and consecrated by the privations and
li'ferings of the Continental soldiers during the terrible winter of 1777-
1778. Here it was that General Washington's strength of character and
his almost super-human capacity for leadership were best displayed.

There are a number of extremely interesting features at Valley F^orge
. ark, among the most important being the remains of both the inner
line and outer line of entrenchments and the hut holes over and above
which crude buildings v/ere erected to shelter the half -starved and half-
irozen i)atriot soldiers from the chilling, wintry blasts. The [\:)tts' home
which served as the head(|uarters of General Washington during most
of the period of the encampment is still standing. This building has

General Washington 's TTeadqitarters at Valley Forge

^ecn completely refurnished with articles that are uiKjuestionably of the
vpe api)ro])riate to the place and period. During the years that have
lassed the old building has undergone a number of changes, particularly
n connection with the so-called kitchen wing. As a result of a long
tudy by the Committee on the Restoration of Historic Landmarks of
lie American Institute of Architects, aided by numerous historians of

9

note, work has recently been completed upon the kitchen wing which re-
stored it to the condition that undoubtedly existed at the time the build-
ing was used by Washington as his headquarters.

The excavated ruins of the old original forges from one of which the
place took Its name may be seen. Partly as a result of a map made by
General DuPorteil, a French engineer upon Washington's staflf it has
been possible to excavate, from beneath the silt deposited during the
intervenmg years, the wheel pit and a corner of the foundations of the
origmal Valley Forge. Further work was impracticable because the re-
mamder of the building extends under the existing State Highway By
means of borings the location of the old mill race was traced back to the
site of the original dam. About six years ago a dam was built at this loca-
tion in an effort to restore conditions along Valley Creek to a state similar
to that which existed in Colonial days. In building this dam the workers
discovered the remains of the old original dam. About half a mile above
it, beneath ten feet of silt, were found the remains of an auxiliary forjre
the base of an upper dam. the spillway, the mill race, half of the water-'
wheel, the main shaft, several of the fireplaces, a trough for cooling tools
the base for the anvil block, and other articles of interest were recovered'
It IS the hope of the Commission that it will be possible to erect a per-
manent building around the remains of this old forge.

General Varnum's headquarters which is now in course of restoration

he great parade-ground where Von Steuben drilled the Continentals and

transformed them into an effective fighting force, the National Arch

mn !f //nV^y ^ '"^ ^^^^""^^ Government at a cost of nearly $100.-
000, the old Gulph Road at one time stained by the bloody footprints of
the Amencaii Patriots as they trudged into camp, and the observatory on
Mount Joy from which can be obtained a beautiful panorama of the park
ana surrounding countryside, are also points of interest.

In recent years Valley Forge has attracted thousands of ,,onu\e ev^rv

In In?. ' "'""^ ^^'^^ ^^^'^ ""'^ "^^" "^^^^ gorgeous than the famed
Japanese cherries at our national Capitol. In the fall of the year the

than the display which greets the eye in the spring of the year.

• ^.u^''?.f f° ^^^^^ ^^"'^' ^"^ "^t actually a part of Valley Forge Park

called'/ w"f'"- ^''"^.^^ ^^^P^^- This structure has befn apth'
called the Westminister of America. Beautiful in design and construc-
tion, It endeavors to portray symbolically that spirit of sacrifice and of
patriotic devotion which will always be associated with tf^ mc^uory o

and nrofi^ t'^^'l T''""' m which one may spend hours of pleasure
and profit. One of the most cherished exhibits is the marquee of Wash-
ington in which he hved for a while prior to moving into the Potts' House.

Washington Crossing Park
Bucks County

in^'^the'^xDlJi't'nTr ' ^'?x^; Washington Crossing Park, commemorat-
ng the exploit of General Washington and his soldiers in crossing the

Won. "' ^'^""^ ^""^^^^^^ '''^''' ^" '''^ to capture t^ SaL at

10

Washington Crossing Park is in two sections, totalling 440 acres. The
-outhern portion is located in and around the point of embarkation and the
valley of concentration where the troops assembled prior to entering the
boats which were concealed between the mainland and Taylor's Island.
The landscape of this lower section of the park is formal in design in
contrast to the naturalistic treatment accorded to the upper section or
what is termed the Bowman's Hill region.

On this latter tract, which is four miles north of the point of embark-
,ition, Washington's army was encamped prior to the crossing. On
Bowman's Hill was a signal station from which sentries watched the
Xew Jersey side. Here a stone observation tower 1 10 feet high has been
erected.

■V'»IR

Ml

». .-^n.'

■^m^m

"* "^m

'■*<r"*

•^ i^^^

An Historic Shrine: The Point of Embarkation at Washington

Crossing Park

At the base of the hill is the old Thompson-Neely house, the first por-
tion of which was erected in 1701. In it the conference doubtlessly was
held that determined the strategic movement which was so fruit ml in
Its results and in its effect upon the American cause. This structure is
an excellent example of an early American homestead.

Across the road is the old grist mill which was used for grinding grain
lor Washington's half-starved army. The shafts, cogwheels, and prac-
tically all of the mill machinery (except, of course, the stones themselves)
are made of wood and comprise an exhibit of rather universal interest.

Through the cooperation of the Council for the Preservation of Nat-

11

note, work has rccciilly Ixvn coinplctcd upon the kitchen vvin^^ which re
stored it to tlie condition tlial undonhledly existed at tlie time the huild
ing was used hy Wasliin«4ton as liis liea(k|uarters.

The excavated ruins of the okl ori.-;inal forges from one of which th.
place took Its name may I)e seen. I'artlv as a result of a map made h^
(leneral Dul'orteil, a Frencli en-ineer upon W'ashington's statT it ha
heen possihle to excavate, from l)eneath the silt deixjsited during th(
mtervening years, the wheel ])it and a corner of the foundations o^f th<
nri.^mal \ alley hor.i^e. hurtlu-r work was impracticahle hecause the re
mamder of the ])uildm,- extends under the existing State I fi<diwav 1^
means ot horin-s the location of the old nn'll race was traced'1)ack' to tin-
site ot the onoinal dam. Ahout six years ago a dam was Imilt at this loca-
tion in an ellort to restore conditions along X'allev CVeek to a state simikn
to that which existed in Colonial days. In huildint.^ this dam the worker^
oiscovered the remain.s of the old original dam. Ahout half a nn'le ahove
1 , heneatli ten leet ot silt, were found the remains of an auxiliarv foi-v
Ihc hase .,t an upvw dam. the spillwav, the mill race, half of the watcV
v.heel. the main shatt, several of the fireplaces, a trough for cooling tools
the hase tor the anvil hMck. and other articles of interest were recovered'
It is tlie hope; .,1 the Cr.mmission that it will he possihle to erect a per-
manent huilding around the remains of this old forge.

General X'arnunrs head(,uarters which is now in onirse of restoration
he great parade-ground where \'on Steuhen drilled the Continentals and
]^!TTT^ "' into an elTective fighting force, the National Arch
mr i-iT'/'f , '-■ ''' '^"^^"'"^^ (invernment at a cost of nearlv $100.-

00. the old (mlph Koad at one time stained l,v the hloodv footpVints of
the American I atriots as they trudged into camp, and the ohservatorv on
A .)unt joy Irom winch can he ohtained a heautiful ])anorama of the 'park
.111(1 surrounding countryside-, are also points of interest.

In recent years X'allev iM.rge has attraclcrl thousands of people cverv

Msitors It s claimed that these are even moiv gorgeous than the 'famed
Japanese cherries at .,ur national Capitol. In '^the fall of the vea tli
.mn.nnal coloration in and around X'alley iM.rg. is hardlv less heauti il
tlinn the display which greets the eye in the spring of the year.

Adjacent to State land, hut not actuallv a part of X'anev Forge Park

alkd ilu- Westminister of America. IV.'mtiful in design and construe
IZunJ't^'^r VT'^l ^yniholically diat spirit of sacrifice and oi
Val. l/ r ' '^^ ?'^'-''!^'^'">'' ^'^ associated with the niemorv ...

me mi. -! fi;, .V""^"^'^^'^' ^^'^^^ the chapel hut under separate manage
I'Hit IS a >i.lend,d nmseuni in which one mav spend ho ,rs of olrisun
and profit. ( ne ot the most cherished exhihits is the mar uee o Was 1-
ington in which he lived for a while prior to moving into the^Potts' Hou^.

W.\sHi\(.To\ Cko.ssinc; Park
Bucks County

in<Mi;e^x;;iJi!''Tr "'Y\;^ Y'"'"'-^'" ^'"^^'"^ ''-^^' -nimemora,-
rm-i n ;v t 1^"''^ \ ashington and his soldiers in crossing the

Trenti;;;. ■ """"^'"'' "'-'^^ '■" ^^^^' ^'' ^'«'^P^"'-^' tlK' lle.ssi.ms at

10

Washington Crossing I*ark is in two sections, totalling 440 acres. The
aithern portion is located in and around the i)oint of emharkation and the
illey of concentration where the troops assemhled ])rior to entering the
•ats which were concealed hetween the mainland and 'i'avlor's Island.
he landscape (»f this lower section of the ])ark is formal in design in
ontrast to the naturalistic treatment accorded to the iip])i'r section or
hat is termed the l>owman's Mill re-gion.

( )n this latter tract, which is four miles north of the point of emhark-

i.'ion. Washington's army was encam])e(l j.rior to the cros>ing. ( )n

!>>t\vman's Mill was a signal station from which sentries watched the

\e\v Jersey side. Mere a stone ohservation tower 1 10 feet high has heen

I rected.

\x Hi.sTORK .Shrink

'I'm-: iVjINT ot-' Km HARK AT ION AT W ASIItNC.TON

Crossinc iV\Ri>:

At the hase of the hill is the old Thompson-Neelv house, the first por-
tion of which was erected in 1701. In it the conference douhtlessly was
iield that determined the strategic movement which was so fruit ml ni
Its results and in its elYect upon the American cause. This structure is
in excellent exam])le of an early American homestead.

Across the road is the old grist mill which was used for grinding grain
tor Washington's half-starved army. The shafts, cogwheels, ami prac-
tically all of the mill machinery (excei)t, of course, the stones themselves)
ire made of wo(k1 and comprise an exhihit oi rather univers.al interest.

Through the cooperation of the Council for the ['reservation of Xat-

11

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

ural Beauty, various garden clubs, civic associations and interested in-
dividuals and organizations, a Wild Flower Preserve has been started
in the Bowman's Hill section. Here, it is hoped, may be found event
ually specimens of all wild flowers indigenous to Pennsylvania.

State Park at Erie

Erie County

In the northwestern part of Pennsylvania is the State Park at Erie
1 his park consists of a peninsula jutting out from the mainland just west
of the City of Erie. At various times it has been an island instead of a
peninsula, hence the name Presque Isle which is very commonly used
Including ponds and lagoons it consists of approximately 4370 acres'

Bathing in the Waters of Lake Erie at Presque Isle

Presque Isle was at one time claimed by no less than four States-

12

Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Their claims were
relinquished, however, to the Federal Government, the title cleared there-
by, and it was included in a sale made to the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania. Subsequent claims by the Indians were also settled, and the
Indians' duplicate of the deed, given by them at the time, has been pre-
served and is now in the possession of the Erie County Historical So-
ciety.

Presque Isle Bay was the site in 1813 of the emergency ship yard in
which Commodore Perry's fleet was built and to which he returned with
the captured British fleet. The brig Niagara, to which Perry trans-
ferred his flag during the battle because of damage to the flagship
Lawrence and which was later sunk in Misery Bay, was raised from its
watery grave in 1913. Construction of a new Niagara, an exact replica
of the original, has been started upon the southern shore of Presque Isle
not far from the spot where the original vessel of that name was built.
Presque Isle Bay was also the site of the launching in 1843 of the first
iron-hulled war-vessel, christened the Michigan and later named the
Wolverine, and now peacefully moored alongside one of the docks of
Presque Isle.

In addition to its historical associations, Presque Isle has become
popular as a recreational center and upon its beach on a hot summer day
may be found thousands of bathers. It offers unlimited opportunities for
the study of Pennsylvania flora and fauna. Fifteen miles of trails give
extensive opportunity for nature study, hiking and horseback riding,
while five miles of ponds and lagoons furnish excellent opportunity for
canoeing and boating.

Fort Washington State Park

Montgomery County

Fort Washington Park is located near the Philadelphia County line
and includes Militia Hill and Fort Hill upon which the Continental Army
erected fortifications at one time during the campaign in and around
Philadelphia. About 360 acres of land have been purchased but prac-
tically no developmental work has been done.

Roosevelt State Park

Bucks County

Roosevelt Park containing 315 acres, is a strip of the old Delaware
Canal which was first constructed by the Commonwealth in 1831. Three
years ago that portion between Raubsville and Yardley, about forty miles
in length, was transferred by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company
to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used as a State park. In
addition to the use of this water for boating, canoeing, barge parties,
swimming and skating, the forty miles of shaded roadway and the at-
tractive scenery all along the old Delaware Canal, make it a beauty spot
that each year attracts thousands of visitors.

13

I

ural Beauty, various garden clubs, civic associations and interested in
dividuals and organizations, a Wild Flower Preserve has been started
in the Bowman's Hill section. Here, it is hoped, may be found event
nally specimens of all wild flowers indigenous to Pennsylvania.

State Park at Erik

Erie County

In the northwestern part of Pennsylvania is the State Park at Erie
J his park consists of a peninsula jutting out from the mainland just west
oi the City of Erie. At various times it has been an island instead of -i
peninsula, hence the name Pres(|ue Isle which is verv commonly used
Including ponds and lagoons it consists of ai)i)roximately 4370 acres

A,

.#

Bathing in tiif. Waters of Lake Erik at Prksquk Isle
Origj^nally a French possession, it was defended bv Fort PresnnP T.le

o^fstrg^oTptr';;^^^ -- ^^- lib^^iuLrcrr a

Presque Isle was at one time claimed by no less than four States-

12

irginia, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Their claims were
linquished, however, to the Federal Government, the title cleared there-
\', and it was included in a sale made to the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
ania. Subsequent claims by the Indians were also settled, and the
iidians' dii])licate of the deed, given by them at the time, has been i)re-
crved and is now in the possession of the h>ie County Historical So-
lely.

Presque Isle Bay was the site in 1<S13 of the emergency shi]) yard in
vhich Commodore Perry's fleet was built and to which he returned with
;]ie captured British fleet. The brig Niagara, to which Perry trans-
ferred his flag during the battle because of damage to the flagship
Lawrence and which was later sunk in Misery Bay, was raised from its
watery grave in 1913. Construction of a new Niagara, an exact replica
of the original, has been started upon the southern shore of Presque Isle
not far from the spot where the original vessel of th.at name was built,
l^resque Isle Bay was also the site of the launching in 1843 of the first
iron-hulled war-vessel, christened the Michigan and later named the
Wolverine, and now peacefully moored alongside one of the docks of
I'resque Isle.

In addition to its historical associations. Presque Isle has become
po])ular as a recreational center and upon its beach on a hot summer day
may be found thousands of bathers. It ofl'ers unlimited ojiportunities for
the study of Pennsylvania flora and fauna. Fifteen miles of trails give
extensive opportunity for nature study, hiking and horseback ricling.
while five miles of ponds and lagoons furnish excellent opportunity for
canoeing and boating.

Fort Washington State Park

Montgomery County

Fort Washington Park is located near the Philadelphia County line
and includes Militia Hill and Fort Hill upon which the Continental Army
erected fortifications at one time during the campaign in and around
Philadelphia. About 360 acres of land have been purchased but prac-
tically no developmental work has been done.

Roosevelt State Park

Bucks County

Roosevelt Park containing 315 acres, is a stri]> of the old Delaware
Canal which was first constructed by the Commonwealth in 1831. Three
years ago that portion between Raulisville and Yardley, about forty miles
in length, was transferred by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company
to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used as a State park. In
addition to the use of this water for boating, canoeing, barge parties,
swimming and skating, the fc^rtv miles of shaded roachvav and the at-
ractive scenery all along the old Delaware Canal, make it a beauty spot
that each year attracts thousands of visitors.

13

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

A Barge Party on the Old Delaware Canal in Roosevflt

State Park

Cook Forest Park
Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties

bes?"-f„!r?^ T- ^°'" ^"'"°P'^, ""■ '° 'he Rockies to fiml Nature in lier
Forest krk'"''T^- T™'' , ^°'''''""^' '^'^ Clarion River is Cook
tilXr ^^ P , T" " /"""'^ "^^ '^'■g«t remaininij stan.l of virein

~ hose s n'r; . '\ r ", ""1^"^ ""'"'"^ '^'^p'^^*-- '" -3

in Zmeter .t hrinf/ h ul '^'='?•'°'^'^^ '"^"J of then, more than a yard
Uire^wn f, , , ? ' ^^'^^h ^"'' '■'^^^'■'"S *eir towering cohimns of ver-

c"ne The e^'laraS Ttf '''''"^- J" "^?^^ ^'^''^^ -'" """''"-"v
wi.h it : r:Sr"o ' wV;^r?:r:attunTer oi tTe "stT °^'^^" T'

osts of P P.'"-P."se of perpetuating a portion of the original for

The .L^'oS ■:;;;:• 6"sm"' '"'"^-^s"' ""r''"'"-- out-,i:,.r"Vc: L :.

ing ClarL rI;""; ^ "■"'' " '^'^=^""f""y "o'^ated along the win<I-

the^'SngylTtracfionr A^Tt''^''^' "'^^^ P'"^^ »-' hemlocks, are
excellent fariHtpff' P'"''' " ''"""'" tliroughout the State for its

studi "Atht:rhumirir;tr"''1;"t '^^' fi^^ing. and nature
people visit the Cook Fores tnnV ''""'^'"^j", ^"hm the park area, n,any

rels snowshoe rUt'^s "ro se and otlir'''* ^n'""^' '"''"'^^^S ^'=^^' ^^"i'-

<its, t,rouse, and other small game animals and birds.

14

.^•4 :-.«a

r.'^-^^

^v^**^'-

■?*>■-. - •

':^-^es?3^*^^

., •!;.•* .><^**s- ':■■•■-

■BRtli

^K.v

'»'. w

^^^'^TT: ;'

/ft-

--91*^

t^'' ^

v";^ <t ♦^ '..'■j-'*^-

Among thf Big Virgin Hemlocks of Cook Forest Park

Pur Ralph Stdxkr Tract

Bucks County

The Ralph Stover Tract, located aloni^ the i)ictiires(|ue Tohickon Creek
and comprisiiii^ 37 acres, was g^iven to the Commonwealth in Decemher
1933 by the Misses Florence and Clara Troemner and named in honor of
their grandfather, a descendant of the earliest settlers. The old miller's
house of Georii^ian design. ai)i)arently erected at least a century and a
quarter ago, has heen restored, springs have been walled, recreational
areas located, toilet accommodations erected, and facilities for tourist
and picnic parties provided. The ruins of the old mill built about the
middle of the eighteenth century will be preserved in their present state.
The dam, however, will be rebuilt and the old mill race once more filled
with running water. This area has been used considerably for picnics-
and doubtlessly with the recent improvements it will increase tremen-
dously in popularity.

This tract is particularly valuable as an accessory or auxiliary area to
the Roosevelt State Park which at present includes little excei)t tlie canal
itself. It is hoped that additional pro])erties may be secured n(jt only on
the Tohickon Creek, but along the other tributaries of the Delaware
River in this section. By combining these with the Roosevelt Park, the
latter can unquestionably serve a higher and greater recreational purpose
than will otherwise be possible.

15

»

A I

'>AU(.K l^\RT^• ON TiiK ( )|j) ()

Ki-AWAKic Can- A I. |v I

\()()si;\i:i/r

State Park

Cook I'oukst Park
Clarion, Forest, aiuf Jcffcrsoij Coimiics
^''' ;r"! ""',^".^^' l^^'-'-PS <"- t., tiK- kocki.s to iMKl Xaturc in hrr

1,,.^, ,., 1 . •" . . 1'^ '" ^" i"^ IN01.1SK-S lo iMK AaUirc in u

inl : ,:" ;;.. .. ^ ' '^'l' '^ "•""• ""• l;"-^'- rnnai„in« st,-,„.l ,„• vir.i

'ir

•■"';'•« I .'-■ ...ant ,.i,u.s an,l lu.nlocks.-.nanv nf^l n A • ,| ' „ V ,
c nV . " . ,r, ';;"; '^' '"■■•'^■^■"t /''^ '"- --firs um .I„„1.,1c.ssK

A '■•,>".'""'',■ ' ""'^ I ""'I I'ark ua. croatol in |<m l,,- .,„ \,., ,,.■
A -n.l, V l,„. , ,, ,„,,,,, „f ,,,,,,,,„,„•„„. ^, ,„.„. ,f- ,,''„.; „,y,'

»i;i.-visi, |"■(^ 1^'; '^ "'<■ l>a.-l< a,va. .nanv

"■•. ..iciUM. and „il|.,.r small yanic animals and birds.

ir-
in.

pe(
rclj

Amo.nc, Tin- l^)i(i \'iu(;iN I 1km locks oi-- Cook P'oKi;sr IVark

Till-. I\ Ai.iMi S r()\ i-k T

iUicks Count X

K" At r

14

I'lic Ivalph SloxcT Tract, located aloni; tlu- i)icturc'^<|iu' 'roliickon C'rcck
and coniprisini;- 37 pcrcs, was .iiivcn to the C oninionwcaltli in I )ccc'nil)cr

\^K^^ h\ tin- Alissfs i^'lorcncc and Clara Troeinncr nnd named in honor of
dicir .i^M-andl'.'ahcr, a descendant of the earliest si-ttlers. The old miller's
httiisi' of ( ieori'ian design, apjjarently (.-reeted al K'a>t ,'i. centur\- and a
'jiiarter a.^^o. has heen restored, sprini^s ha\-e heen walled, recreational
areas jocatt'd, toilet accommodations erected, and f:icilities for touri>t
and ])icnic parties ])rovided. The ruins of the old mill huilt al)»>ut the
middle of the eif^hteenth century will he preserved in their nresent state.

riie dam, however, will he rehuilt rmd the old mill race once more lllk-d
with running water. This area has heen used eonsidcrahlv for ])icnicr-
and douhtlessly with the recent imi»ro\ements it will increase tremen-
dously in popularity.

This tract is i)articularly xaluahle as an accessor\- or auxiliar\- area to
'he Koosevelt .State I'ark which at i)resent include^ little except the can.'il
Itself. Il is hoped that additional proi)erties may he secured n(»t onlv on
the Tohickon Creek, hut alon^ the other trihutaries of tin- Delaware
!<iver in this section. \\\ comhinin.i^- the.se with the Roosevelt Tark, the
latter can un(|uesli()nal)ly serve a hii,dier and greater recreational ])iu-pose
dian will otherwise be possible.

15

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Conrad Weiser Park

Berks County

Although Conrad Weiser Park is not under the jurisdiction of the De-
partment of Forests and Waters but is supervised by the State Historical
Commission, reference to the State Parks of Pennsylvania would not be
complete without mentioning this beautiful and historic spot. It was
originally owned and developed by the Conrad Weiser Memorial Park
Association in commemoration of the services of Conrad Weiser, the
great interpreter and peace-maker of Colonial times.

This park comprises 25 acres of land located along the Benjamin Frank-
lin Highway, all splendidly landscaped, with four stone buildings and a
log cabin containing many valuable antiques. There are also various monu-
ments and markers, a beautiful lake, with the roads and paths necessary
to make the area properly accessible. After the park had been fully de-
veloped by the Association, it was donated to the Commonwealth together
with an endowment fund ofi $20,000.00. The principal points of interest
are the old homestead of Conrad Weiser and his grave surrounded by
those of a number of his closest friends among the Indian chieftains
George Washington spoke truly when he said: "This departed man
rendered many services to his country in a difficult period, and posterity
will not forget him."

THE STATE FORESTS

The largest of Pennsylvania's recreational areas in point of size is the
huge public domain comprising the State Forests. Just what, and where,
and why are these State Forests? Briefly, they comprise about 1,648,000
acres of wild lands located for the most part in twenty-five counties lying
in a belt which extends north and south through the central one-third of
the State with McKean, Potter and Tios^a Counties at the north and
Adams, franklin, Fulton, and Bedford Counties along the Maryland line.
Small areas are located in the Pocono section in Pike and Monroe Coun-
ties, in the southwestern section in Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset
C ounties, and in several other scattered counties, but over 95 per cent of
the State Forests are situated in that central belt.

To most persons unfamiliar with land measurement 1,648 000 acres
doubtlessly may appear to be a huge area, but may not really convey any
adequate idea as to its size. Reduced to miles, the acreage would cover
an area as long as the Lincoln Highwav as it extends from Philadelphia
to the Ohm line, with a width of four miles on each side of the roadway
In terms of counties, the State Forests, if combined in one solid tract
vyould more than equal the combined area of the two largest counties of
the State or the nine counties smallest in size.

The question will doubtlessly be raised as to the reason for the unequal
distribution of the State Forests. Why do not all counties have their
proportionate share or at least some State Forest land? The answer
IS simple For many years during the time that the foundations were
being laid for this huge public doni'iin and large areas were being pur-
chased, the Department was permitted to buy land only in fee simple
without reservations of any kind ; and in addition the price which could
be paid was, and still is, limited by law. These conditions automatically
excluded most of the available lands in the anthracite fields of the north-
eastern part of the State, the oil fields of the Northwest, and bituminous

16

""ygW

coal regions of the Southwest and the higher priced areas in the Southeast.

The restrictions with regard to reservations have since been removed,
hut in spite of the attempts of the Department of Forests and Waters to
establish purchase units in those sections where State Forests have not
heretofore existed, these eflforts have been for the most part unsuccessful,
since for one reason or another it has always been possible to buy better
land at a much lower cost in the central belt in which most of the State
Forests are now located.

Since 1898 the Department has been acquiring these lands, tne average
price paid being $2.47 per acre. Over $1.00 per acre has been expended
in permanent improvements and about $6.00 in maintenance, protection,
development and administration. Today these lands are probably worth
at a very conservative valuation more than $12.00 per acre — certainly a
splendid investment from a purely monetary viewpoint even if the various
beneficial features of the State Forests were ignored.

The purpose in view in establishing these large areas of State Forest
land has been threefold: (1) protection of watersheds, (2) the per-
petuation of a timber supply, and (3) for the health, recreation and en-
joyment of the citizens of Pennsylvania. The first two are of paramount
importance, but for the present under the subject which has been chosen
reference will be made only to the third — for the health, recreation and
enjoyment of the people of the State.

And this is a purpose which the State Forests are prepared to fulfill —
and, as a matter of fact, have been fulfilling to an ever increasing degree
since their establishment. Upon this huge area can be found almost any
type of recreational activity that may be desired from the highly devel-
oped golf facilities at Caledonia along the Lincoln Highway to the real
wilderness hiking which can be obtained in some sections of the Sproul,
Elk and Susquehannock State Forests miles from any human habitation.

Hunting and Fishing

For those who hunt and fish, the State Forests will be found to be in
truth a sportsmen's paradise. With the exception of isolated tracts that
have been set aside as game refuges and as recreational centers, this entire
area of more than one and one-half million acres is open to hunters. It
is interesting to note that although the State Forests comprise only about
one-eighth of the wildland of the State, yet usually more than one-half
of the deer and one-third of the bears killed in Pennsylvania are gotten
on the State Forests.

Flowing through State Forest land are some of the finest trout streams
in the East. Within the past year a decided efifort has been made by the
Department to improve the streams for fishing by the building of small
dams, the erection of barriers, and other artificial means to aid in the
l)ropagation of fish.

Permanent Camp Sites

Under the provisions of an Act approved on March 27, 1913, the
Department of Forests and Waters is permitted to lease small parcels of
State Forest land to residents of Pennsylvania for health and recreation.
By law the leases are limited to ten years, and by policy to any area
usually not exceeding one-quarter of an acre. The popularity of this
form of camping privilege is demonstrated by the increase in the number
of sites from 37 in 1914, to 1122 in 1924 to approximately 3000 at the
present time.

17

^Jj^^iJ^^^^JC^JJ^^^^^

At the outstart these sites were used principally by hunting and fishing
parties In recent years, however, an ever increasing percentage is
utilized for summer homes. Thousands of persons are thus enabled to
enjoy at moderate cost the beneficial influence of a forest environment
during the summer season and at various other times throughout the
year. Upon most of the sites, buildings have been erected, representing
in the aggregate an investment of several millions of dollars.

State Forests of Pennsylvania

Headquarters
Caledonia State Forest Park, Fayetteville R D 2
Franklin County ' '

McConncllsburg, Fulton County
Blain. Perry County

Welch Building, Mt. Union, Huntingdon Countv
Z Kind Street, Petersburg, Huntingdon County '
Milroy Bank Building, Milroy, Mifflin County
Loro Building, Mifflinburg, Union Countv
Mont Alto, Franklin County
Cci-nty National Bank Building, Qearfield,
Clearfield County

1 18 Sixth Street. Renovo. Clinton County
State Education Building. Harrisburg
Dauphin County

District
Michaux

Buchanan
Tuscarora
Rot brock
Logan
Penn

Bald Eagle
Mont Alto
Moshannon

Sproul
Harrisburg

Tiadaghton

Elk

Cornplanter

Susquehannock

Tioga

Valley Forge

Weiser

Delaware

Wyoming

Lackawanna

Forbes

Gallitzin

Kittanning

Herman Building, Williamsport,

Lycoming County

Fourth Street E. of Broad, Emporium,

Cameron County

Bell Oil and Gas Building, Warren,

Warren County

Second and East Streets, Coudersport,

Potter County

Old First National Bank, Wellsboro,

Tioga County

Montgomery Trust Arcade Building, Norristown,

Montgomery County

6 N. Center Street, Pottsville, Schuylkill County

618 Main Street, Stroudsburg, Monroe County

American Legion Building, Bloomsburg,

Columbia County

316 Washington Ave., Scranton,

Lackawanna County

Ligonier, Westmoreland County

Swank Building, Johnstown, Cnmbria County

Main Street and Sixth Ave., Clarion,

Clarion County

Fishing m One of the Manv Well Stocked Trout Streams in

Penn's Woods

18

One of the Three Thousand Permanent Camp Sites in the

Pennsylvania State Forests

19

THE STATE FOREST PARKS

For those who love the outdoors and yet do not enjoy so much the
"wild and woolly" regions, for those who prefer not to stray too far
from the beaten path, for those who because of age or infirmity or merely
from personal inclination, do not care to "rough it," there have been es-
tablished in all the State Forests, a series of recreational areas, public
camp grounds, and picnic areas, where a taste of the woods may be ob-
tained without encountering its hardships.

Although practically all State Forest land is used to some extent for
recreational activities there are certain areas of greater or less extent
that are particularly adapted for this purpose. Nine of these have
been designated as State Forest Parks. In several cases, natural beauty
is the predominant charm, intensified by conditions which contribute to
its enjoyment; in others, historical associations with settings that are
especially favorable to group recreation constitute the chief attraction;
in still others, topographical and other natural features have combined
with convenient locations and the addition of facilitating structures to
make them areas of great popularity among those seeking enjoyment in
the great outdoors.

An eflfort has been made to inform the visitor of the possibilities of
the surrounding region by means of guide signs indicating the location
of roads, trails, points of historic interest, picturesque views, forest fire
observation stations, interesting tree plantations, and individual trees.

Tourist Campers in the Caledonia State Forest Park

20

At all these State Forest Parks, pure water, fireplaces, shelters, picnic
and camping grounds, tables, benches, playgrounds, and toilet facilities
have been provided. Swimming is available at Sizerville, Childs, Cole-
rain and Greenwood.

At the present time eight areas in addition to those hereafter described
are being developed as State Forest Parks — Parker Dam in Clearfield
County, Halfway in Union County, Riansares in Clinton County, Black
Moshannon in Centre County, Worlds End in Sullivan County, Pine
Grove Furnace in Cumberland County, Promised Land in Pike County,
and Blue Hole in Somerset County. Dams are either now under con-
struction or have been completed at these sites which will provide splendid
swimming. Other necessary facilities and equipment will also be installed.

Caledonia State Forest Park

Franklin County

The Caledonia State Forest Park is one of the most beautiful spots in
the South Mountains, a region widely known for its scenic charm. It is
a favorite picnic ground for local residents and is used extensively by
transcontinental tourists.

The park is named for the old charcoal iron furnace, part of which
is still in existence, that was established in 1837 by Thaddeus Stevens

Public Golf Course at Caledonia State Forest Park

21

THE STATE FOREST PARKS

For those wlio love the outdoors and yet do not enjoy so much the
"wild and woolly" res^ions, for those who prefer not to stray too far
from the heaten path, for those who hecause of age or infirmity or merely
from })ersonal inclination, do not care to "rou.e^h it," there have been cs-
tal)lished in all the State Forests, a series of recreational areas, public
camp .tjrounds. and picnic areas, where a taste of the woods may be ob-
tained without encountering- its hardships.

Althou.i^di ])ractically all State Forest land is used to some extent for
recreational activities there are certain areas of greater or less extent
that are particularly adapted for this purpose. Nine of these have
been designated as State Forest Parks. In several cases, natural beauty
is the predominant charm, intensified by conditions which contribute to
its enjoyment ; in others, historical associations with settings that are
esj)ecially favorable to group recreation constitute the chief attraction:
in still others, topographical and other natural features have combined
with convenient locations and the addition of facilitating structures to
make them areas of great ])()pularity among those seeking enjoyment in
the great outdoors.

An effort has been made to inform the visitor of the possibilities of
the- surrounding region by means of guide signs indicating the location
ol roads, trails. i)oints of historic interest, pictures([ue views, forest fire
observation stations, interesting tree ])lantations. and individual trees.

At all these State Forest Parks, pure water, fireplaces, shelters, picnic
and camping grounds, tables, benches, playgrounds, and toilet facilities
have been provided. Swimming is available at Sizerville, Childs, Cole-
rain and Greenwood.

At the present time eight areas in addition to those hereafter described
are being developed as State Forest Parks — Parker Dam in Clearfield
County, Halfway in Union County, Riansares in Clinton County, Black
Moshann(jn in Centre Countv, Worlds End in Sullivan (\)untv. Pine
(irove 1^'urnace in Cumberland County, Promised Land in Pike County,
and I^lue Hole in Somerset County. Dams are either now imder con-
struction or have been com])leted at these sites which \\\\\ provide splendid
swimming. Other necessary facilities and equi])ment will also be installed.

Caledonia State Forest Park

Fninklin County

'JMie Caledonia State Forest Park is one of the most beautiful spots in
the South Mountains, a region widely known for its scenic charm. It is
a fav(jrite picnic ground for local residents and is used extensively by
transcontinental tourists.

The ])aik is named for the old charcoal iron furnace, i)art of which
is still in existence, that was established in 1837 by Thaddeus Stevens

Tourist Campers in the Caledonia State Forest Park

20

I

Public Golf Course at Caledonia State F'orpist Park

21

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

who was famous as an abolitionist and statesman during the Civil War
era, and who was the great defender of the public school system of Penn-
sylvania. The iron furnace and other properties were destroyed during
a raid by General J. A. Early's Confederate cavalrymen in June, 1863.
Today all that remains of this thriving industry is the stack of the old
furnace, upon which has been placed a bronze tablet commemorating the
historical associations of Caledonia, and the walls of the blacksmith shop
which has been repaired and which now serves as park headquarters.

AA^ithin the park area of 260 acres is a camping ground where complete
facilities and conveniences for the public are provided. An excellent
bathing pool and public golf course are available for park visitors

A PocoNo Waterfall in thk Childs State Forest Park

George W. Childs State Forest Park
Pike County

thr^^'frirj''r!l^'n.'^c ^''T''''>' "'""■'^y "^*^ ex.iuisite beauty of the
cour e .t h'M ^'f' ^T'' P''"''^ '" P'k'^ County. Although. .,f
the inH fr ^"^ '\ ^^'^^'- *'^"' ■''"'' ™'"'"<= "f Niagara, nevertheless
the background and setting are such as to make them eems of beauty far

fTiii oTher'states"'' ''""''" ""' '""'■"'' "'"'''^ '"*^'^'^' ='''^'^'''""' "'"'^•-

svlvinir^'v r.'nr"^ w''rf',7=''/'^''"' "^ "^^ Commonwealth of Penn-
the SrfL^L f /)^- r^'i''^^' ^°J '™"y y^'^ editor and publisher of
the Philadelphia Public Ledger, who purchased this well watered, beauti-

22

ful forest tract which he bequeathed to the State upon his death. Well
equipped facilities for camping are maintained within the park. Good
fishing and swimming may be enjoyed.

VoNEiDA State Forest Park

Centre County

The Voneida State Forest Park (also known locally as Hairy Johns)
is one of the most i)opular woodland recreational areas in central Penn-
sylvania. Ill order to accommodate visitors from all over the State who
come here to enjoy the forest environment, the park has been eiilarg.'d
to 100 acres.

It is named for a picturesque mountain hermit, John Voneida, who
formerly lived near the site of the park. A favorite grounds for pic-
nickers, the park contains a spring of excellent cold mountain water.
Many attractive summer homes and hunting camps have been erected in
the State Forest adjoining the ])ark on land leased from the Department
of Forests and Waters.

Leonard Harrison State Forest Park

Tioga County

Let every admirer of outdoor beauty go some time to Leonard Har-
rison State Forest Park in Tioga County. Standing upon a little lookout
rock, he will find a sheer drop below him of hundreds of feet and will
look with awe into that mighty chasm yawning at his feet. Far beneath
winds the picturesque Pine Creek seeming at the distance only a minia-
ture brook, and beside it wliat looks like a toy railroad train, as it puffs
along the stream. Then upon lifting the gaze to the level he will behold
the successive mountain tops of unbroken wilderness finally vanishing
in the distance.

Leonard Harrison of Wellsboro donated the land, upon which this park
is situated, to the Commonwealth for recreational purposes. Adjoining
the park are some of the finest hunting grounds and fishing waters to be
found in Pennsylvania. Big game animals such as deer and bear are to
be found within this territory. Small game animals and bird life are
particularly abundant. Facilities for camping and outdoor recreation
have been provided within the 140 acres of park area.

CoLERAiN State Forest Park

Huntingdon County

The Colerain State Forest Park derives its name from the old Colerain
Forge, which for many years stood a short distance from the park and
which was one of the famous iron forges of central Pennsylvania. Al-
though only 4 acres in area the park is beautifully located along Spruce
Creek, an excellent trout stream. A winding forest trail connects this
park with Ice Cave Gap, where natural ice may be found throughout the
year. The park is popular as a picnic area and camp grounds.

23

who was famous as an abolitionist and statesman during the Civil Wat-
era, and who was the ^reat defender of the ])ul)lie school system of Penn-
sylvania. The iron furnace and other i)ro])erties were destroyed during
a raid by General J. A. h:arly's C\)nfederate cavalrymen in June, 1863.
Today all that remains of this thriving industry is the stack of the old
furnace, upon which has been placed a bronze tablet commemorating the
historical associations of Caledonia, antl the walls of the blacksmith shoi)
which has been repaired and which, now serves as park headquarters.

Within the park area of 260 acres is a camping ground where complete
facdities and conveniences for the public are provided. An excellent
bathing ])o()l and public golf course are available for park visitors

A Pocoxo W'atkrf.ali. i\ tuk rmF,!)s Static F

ORKST

A R K

(iKOK(iK W. Cnii.Ds Statk h\)RKST I 'ark
Pike County

tl.n','.' l'','lir' ,"'ri"'n-'"c ■"'^■',l"'"^-'>- l""-'™y the cx.iuisiu- In-aiUv ,,1 the
or.: U„l,ls State l-,„vst I'ark i„ I'iko Countv, Altliot.uh. nf

the haeKKr„u,Kl atul sctttns are siieh as t,. make then, «.,ns „f heatitv far

z-:'::ti,;rs^'""^''" '^"'■"" ■•'•"' •"-■'' """■^- '"^I'lv advertise,; u^,t"-

lans m otiier .states.

svW^ir W r^rr'' w'r^^ was deeded to the Commonwealth of Penn-
tne Philadelphia Public Ledger, who purchased this well watered, beauti-

22

ful forest tract which he becjueathed to the State upon his death. Well
equipped facilities for camping are maintained within the park. Good
fishing and swimming may i)e enjoyed.

VoNETDA State Fore.st Park

Centre County

The Voneida State Forest T'ark (also known locally as llairv Johns)
is one of the most i)opular woodland recreational areas in central' IV-nn-
sylvania. In order to accommodate visitors from ;dl over the .Statt- wh.)
come here to enjoy the forest environment, the i)ark has been enlarg.-d
to 100 acres.

It is named for a picturescjue mountain hennit, John X'oneida, who
formerly lived near the site of the park. A favorite grounds for pic-
nickers, the park contains a si)ring of excellent cold mountain water.
Many attractive summer homes and hunting cam])s have been erected in
the State jM)rest adjoining the i)ark on land leased from the Department
of Forests and Waters.

Leonard IIarrlson State Iu)re.st Park

Tioga County

Let every admirer of outdoor beauty go some time to Leonard Har-
rison State Forest I*ark in Tioga County. Standing ui)on a little lookout
rock, he will find a sheer drop below him of hundreds of feet and will
look with awe into that mighty chasm yawning at his feet. Far beneath
winds the picturesc|ue Pine Creek seeming at tlie distance only a minia-
ture brook, and beside it what looks like a toy railroad train, as it puffs
along the stream. Then upon lifting the gaze' to the level he will behold
the successive mountain to])s of unbroken wilderness finally vanishing
in the distance.

Leonard Harrison of W\'llsl)oro donated the land, upon which this park
is situated, to the Commonwealth for recreational purposes. Adjoining
the park are some of the finest hunting grounds and fishing waters to be
found in Pennsylvania. Big game animals such as deer and bear are to
be found within this territory. Small game animals and bird life are
particularly abundant. Facilities for camping and outdoor recreation
have been ])r()vided within the 140 acres of ])ark area.

Coeerain State Fore.st Park

ffu n t ingdo n Con nty

The Colcrain State Forest Park derives its name from the old Colerain
I'^orge, which for many years stood a short distance from the park and
uhicli was one of the famous iron forges of central Pennsylvania. Al-
though only 4 acres in area the park is beautifully located along Spruce
Creek, an excellent trout stream. A winding forest trail connects this
l)ark with Ice Cave Ga]), where natural ice may be found throughout the
year. The park is i)opular as a picnic area and camp groimds.

2:]

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

Greenwood State Forest Park

Huntingdon County

Deriving its name from the Greenwood Furnace whose stone ruins
mark an important period in the great iron industry in Pennsylvania, the
Greenwood State Forest Park of 120 acres is popular, not alone for
its facilities for picnicking, boating, and swimming, but also because the
Greenwood State forest tree nursery, operated by the Pennsylvania De-
partment of Forests and Waters, is located here. The nursery has an
annual production of approximately two and one-half million forest tree
seedlings and transplants. An excellent view of the mountains of
Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Centre Counties may be obtained from the
Greenwood Forest Fire Observation Tower on Broad Mountain north of
the park.

Mont Alto State Forest Park
Franklin County

The Mont Alto State Forest Park containing 20 acres, has been for
many years a favorite recreational center in southern Pennsylvania.
Developed by Colonel George B. Wiestling for the old Mont Alto Iron
Company the park was later operated by the Cumberland Valley Rail-
road. The Mont Alto Iron Company, whose furnaces were formerly
located nearby, owned thousands of acres of mountain land, now largely
included within the Mont Alto State Forest.

Adjoining the park is the Pennsylvania Forest Research Institute,
maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters for
conducting forest research studies, and the Pennsylvania State Forest
School operated by the Pennsylvania State College, where freshmen and
ranger forestry students receive instruction.

The Mont Alto State Forest nurserv which covers about tvv'clve acres
and which has an annual production of approximately four million forest
tree seedlings and transplants, is also located here. The trees raised in
this nursery are distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests
and Waters for reforestation in the State Forests and on privately owned
land.

At the eastern end of the park is the beautiful Traveler's Spring where
tables, shelters, fireplaces, and pure water are available for picnicking.

Sizerville State Forest Park

Cameron County

The Sizerville State Forest Park containing 200 acres, has an excel-
lent swimming pool available for the free use of the public. Nearby is
a large sprmg from which flows mineral water reputed to have medicinal
value.

About 100 miles of roads and trails make the adjoining State Forest
accessible for hiking, hunting, and fishing. Some of the finest fishing
streams of northern Pennsylvania are within a short distance of the park,
l^xcellent views of the dense forest region within which the park is
situated may be obtained from the Fox Mountain Forest Fire Observa-
tion Tower, with an elevation of 2,400 feet, which is four miles from the
park.

24

Hemlocks State Forest Park
Perry County

The Hemlocks State Forest Park, embracing a splendid stand of orig-
inal hemlock, the State Tree of Pennsylvania, has been widely known
in the past few years, not only for its great trees and picturesque sur-
roundings, but also because of the great daybreak song-service held each
year and attended by thousands. Here is a picturesque mountain gorge
and a cool rushing stream, typical of the original Penn's Woods before
the ancient forests fell before the axe of the lumberman.

This park of 30 acres, has been maintained in its natural state; the
usual comfort facilities which are standard equipment at the other State
Forest Parks have not been developed here. The visitor to this park
may enjoy a day in the wild woods among veteran hemlocks and pines
where the charms of a wholly natural environment are sufficient attrac-
tions for those who like to rough it when they go into the out-of-doors.

THE STATE FOREST MONUMENTS

The State Forest Monuments are spots of unusual scenic beauty, of
historical association, or of unique botanical or geological distinction set
aside by action of the State Forest Commission in perpetuity for the
use and enjoyment of the citizens of this and other States. Eleven such
areas have been established. They comprise in each case a remnant of
the superb forests which once covered the greater part of the Keystone
State. These monuments are not intended primarily for camping or for
picnic purposes, but in each instance, either on the area itself or within
a reasonable distance, provision has been made for the comfort of visitors.

Ole Bull State Forest Monument
Potter County

Ole Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist, in 1852 attempted to found
a colony of his countrymen, in the Black Forest of Pennsylvania along
the waters of Kettle Creek. Upon the summit of a mountain, overlook-
ing the valley where the settlements of the Norwegians were begun, are
the stone ruins of Ole Bull's castle. A motorist driving between Oleona
and Cross Fork may see on clear days the flags of the United States and
Norway flying from the site of the castle walls.

James Buchanan State Forest Monument

Franklin County

The James Buchanan State Forest Monument marks the birthplace of
James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States, the only
Pennsylvanian to occupy the presidential chair. Although the small home
in which he was born has been removed to Chambersburg, a stone pyra-
mid twenty-five feet high set among Norway spruce trees, marks the place
where the house stood. A well equipped public camp ground is located
at the entrance of the monument in a beautiful grove of hemlocks.

25

The Birthplace of a President: The James Buchanan State

Forest Monument

Joyce Kilmer State Forest Monument

Union County

Twenty-one acres of old hemlocks and white pines on the north slope
of Paddy Mountain comprise the Joyce Kilmer State Forest Monument,
named for the young American poet who was killed in France dur-
ing the World War, the author of the world-famous poem "Trees." A
beautiful forest trail leads to the top of the mountain and to a natural
amphitheatre formed by a circle of large boulders over-hims" bv deantic
hemlocks.

Bear Meadows State Forest Monument
Centre County

If interested in Nature from a purely scientific standpoint, a trip to the
Bear Meadows State Forest Monument will amply repay the visitor. A
great quagmire of 350 acres in extent, it is a veritable botanists' paradise
with its abundance and variety of vegetation, many specimens being
found nowhere else in the State.

Many students of botany and forestry conduct field studies in the great
forested meadows. Among their interesting features are numerous fine
sprmgs, abundant and often impenetrable thickets of laurel and rho-
dodendron, and dense growth of young coniferous trees.

26

Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Monument

Snyder County

One of the largest bodies of original timber within the State Forests
of Pennsylvania is found in the Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Monu-
ment, comprising 425 acres of veteran hemlocks, white and pitch pines,
and hardwoods. Within the monument area are 250 acres which have
been untouched by the lumberman's ax and which constitute a pictur-
esque remnant of the original Penn's Woods.

Swift Run and other nearby streams are favorite haunts of fishermen.
A plentiful supply of pure water and adequate camping facilities are pro-
vided for the convenience of the public. The park was named for two
prominent old families. Simon Snyder was the third Governor of Penn-
sylvania; Captain Ner Middleswarth was a distinguished officer of the
War of 1812.

Detweiler Run State Forest Monument
Huntingdon County

A Pennsylvanian wishing to obtain a conception of the primeval for-
ests of the State cannot find anywhere conditions more typical of the
original Penn's Woods than those in the Detweiler State Forest Monu-
ment with its great white pines and hemlocks and dense under-growth of
conifers, rhododendrons, and hardwoods.

Local history has it that wolves, which have long been extinct in Penn-
sylvania, made one of their last stands in the gloomy depths of Detweiler
Hollow. The dark recesses of this forest are the homes of numerous
birds and animals. Beautiful Detweiler Run flows through the center
of this tract.

Alan Seeger State Forest Monument
Huntingdon County

Hemlocks, pines, and oaks of unusual size and beauty and magnificent
thickets of rhododendron bordering the forest streams are to be found
within the Alan Seeger State Forest Monument, which was named for
the young American poet who lost his life in France during the World
War. Within the monument there is a well equipped camping ground
with an abundance of pure water.

The Monument is adjacent to the Detweiler Run State Forest Monu-
ment.

McCoNNELL Narrows State Forest Monument

Union County

Some of the most magnificent rock scenery in Pennsylvania as well as
stands of great hemlocks and white pines are to be found in the Mc-
Connell Narrows State Forest Monument. The monument is located on
the southern slope of White Mountain whose collosal white rocks afiford
shelter to many wild animals. Excellent canoeing, swimming, and
fishing may be had in Penn's Creek.

27

TiiK P>iRTm'LACK OK A I'rksidknt: Tiik Jamks BrciiANAN Statk

FORKST MON U M KNT

Jovri-; Kii.MKR Statk Im)Rkst Mom'.mkxt

IJiiion County

TwTnty-onc acres of old hemlocks and white pines on the nortli slo])e
ol i'addy Mountain corn])rise the Joyce Kihner State Forest Monument,
riamed for the youni,^ American poet who was killed in France dur-
inj,^ the World War. the author of the world-famous poem "Trees." A
beautiful forest trail leads to the top of the mountain and to a natural
am])hilheatre formed by a circle of lar<4e boulders over-huno- l)y i^igantic
hemlocks.

Bkar Mkadows State Forest Monument

Centre County

If interested in Nature from a purely scientific standpoint, a trip to the
l^)ear Meadows State I^irest Monument will ami)lv rei)av the visitor. A
great qua^nnire of 350 acres in extent, it is a veritable botanists' paradise
with its abundance and variety of vegetation, many specimens being
found nowhere else in the State.

^ Many students of botany and forestry conduct field studies in the great
torested meadows. Among their interesting features are numerous fine
springs, abundant and often imi)enetrable thickets of laurel and rho-
dodendron, and dense growth of young coniferous trees.

26

Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Monument

Snyder County

One of the largest bodies of original timber within the State Forests
of Pennsylvania is found in the Snyder-Middleswarth State Forest Monu-
ment, comprising 425 acres of veteran hemlocks, white and pitch pines,
and hardwoods. Within the monument area are 250 acres which have
been untouched by the lumberman's ax and which constitute a pictur-
esque remnant of the original Penn's Woods.

Swift Run and other nearby streams are favorite haunts of fishermen.
A plentiful supply of pure v/ater and ade(|uate camping facilities are pro-
vided for the convenience of the public. The park was named for two
prominent old fanu'lies. Simon Snyder was the third Governor of Penn-
svlvania : Captain Ner Middleswarth was a distinguished officer of the
War of 1812.

Detweiler Run State Forest Monument
Huntingdon County

A Pennsylvanian wishing to obtain a conception of the primeval for-
ests of the State cannot find anywhere conditic^is more typical of the
original T^enn's Woods than those in the Detweiler State Forest Monu-
ment with its great white jiines and hemlocks and dense under-growth of
conifers, rhododendrons, and hardwoods.

Local history has it that wolves, which have long been extinct in Penn-
sylvania, made one of their last stands in the gloomy depths of Detweiler
Hollow. The dark recesses of this forest are the homes of numerous
birds and animals. P)eautiful Detweiler Kun flows through the center
of this tract.

Alan Seec.er State Fore.st "Moni'Ment
Ifunliinidon County

Hemlocks, i)ines. and oaks of unusual size and beauty and magnificent
thickets of rhododendron bordering the forest streams are to be found
within the Alan Seeger State Forest Monument, which was named for
the young American poet who lost his life in h^-ance during the World
War. Within the monument there is a well ec|uipi)ed canij^ing ground
with an abundance of pure water.

The Monument is adjacent to the Detweiler Kun State l^Vn'est ATonu-
inent.

McCoNNELE Narrows State Forest Monument

Union County

Some of the most magnificent ntck scenery in Pennsvlvania as well as
stands of great hemlocks and white pines are to be found in the Mc-
Connell Narrows State h^)rest Monument. The monument is located on
the southern slope of White Mountain whose collosal white rocks afford
shelter to many wild animals. I^xcellent caimeing, swimming, and
fishing may be had in Penn's Creek.

27

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

The Picturesque Sinnemahoning Creek Flows through the

Sproul State Forest

Mount Logan State Forest Monu
Clinton County

ment

LoSn'stale^Wrf M ^"'"'" °''"'°*'. ^'"^^ J^'"<=^ Logan, the Mount
wE inaccess^hn?fv f °'',"I1!'"* f ""'^^'V.' "^"^ ^"P^^^ coniferous trees

A Temporary Hunting Camp Deep in a State Forest

Martin's Hill State Forest Monument

Bedford County

Martin's Hill is one of the highest peaks of southern Pennsylvania.
Within a gorge of this mountain among a stand of superb hemlocks is
the Martin's Hill State Forest Monument. A steep path leads from the
monument to the mountain top upon which is a forest fire observation
tower where magnificent views may be had.

Mount Riansares State Forest Mon

Clinton County

ument

28

THE STATE FOREST PUBLIC CAMPS

In addition to the accommodations for camping and picnicking at the
State Forest Parks and State Forest Monuments as previously mentioned,
46 sites in the State Forests of Pennsylvania have been set aside specif-
ically for these purposes. They are termed State Forest Public Camps,
Tables, benches, pure water, shelters, fireplaces, and toilet facilities have
been provided. These sites are very popular, especially among those who
wish to avoid the crowds that ordinarily are found in the State Forest
Park, particularly on holidays and over week-ends in the summer months.
The following list gives the location of the State Forest Public Camps.

29

State Forest Public Camps County

Brooke g^^.^^

^^"V'y Bedford

Old Locust Centre

McCall Dam C^Zl

B. F^ Krunirine Centre

I'™*- Clearfield

Old Tn T Clearfield

Old Town Tower Clearfield

Tea Springs Qinton

Jf'^^™' Clinton

Ravenslmrg Clinton

Laurel Forge Cumberland

^^'"l^ ^"" Cumberland

Big Pond Furnace Cumberland

™5'/°'-g^ Cumberland

!^tilIhouse XT 1 1-

j!^^-" Valley p,,^„,,,i„

^"T^'-V,; Franklin

^'^'^'"5™ Fulton

Cowans Gap p^,^^^

J^"/ ?P""i"ff Fulton

Whipple Dam Huntingdon

5;''="'Sr''' Jefferson

Cornwall t ,

T T T-.. ^ Lebanon

Upper P,ne Bottom Lycoming

J;^""''^', ^1"" : Mifflin

Colonel Dennine o

T^. ,. ,, ^^ Ferrv

rvaiisas Valley p

Bio- Snrinij .... ra ^^^

t:,, t-.- Ferrv

Hurley Point p-, '

Peck's Pond p!^^

Ridgefield Point .'.'.'.'.*.'.*.'.' p|k

Patterson V^ .. ^

ru o • Potter

Cherry Springs p

Prouty Place p "'^

T^ -^ Potter

Kooser ... ^

McCloskey Somerset

p^ 1 e • Somerset

Rock Springs 3 ,

Darling Run ^"^"^^^

Morris 2^.'^^^

EastvilleGap ...'.*.■.*.' .^'^^^

Hickernell Spring . . . .' !{"•''"

Sand Ridge ... }{"1°"

Buffalo Path }{"^^"

f^--^^^»-. ;-;::::::::::::::westn;;Snd

^^""'•^^ '^""^'"'t Westmoreland

30

GREATER RECREATIONAL AREA NEEDED

In the efforts of the Commonwealth to place proper and valuable recre-
ational and health facilities at the disposal of its people, there is, how-
ever, something lacking. The historical State Parks, the State Forest
I 'arks, and the State Forests themselves serve admirably the purposes
lor which they were severally intended. The great outstanding need
at the present time, however, seems to be the establishment of a supple-
mentary system of State-owned land located near the centers of popula-
tion and intended primarily for recreational use.

There are within easy distance from most of the larger cities of Penn-
sylvania, natural areas of unusual scenic beauty such as waterfalls,
i^-orges, caves, rapids, impressive views that could and should be owned
and managed as State Parks or included with the State Forests. Penn-
sylvania is blessed with places of monumental beauty, places that are an
integral part of her greatness. These need to be made accessible and
available to the masses of her citizens.

Authorities contend that there should be an average of not less than 10
acres of recreational land per thousand population within a 30-mile radius.
The proportionate present park area within a 30-mile radius in the Phila-
delphia area is only less than two acres per thousand ; in the Scranton-
Wilkes-Barre section, not even as much; in the Pittsburgh area, a little
more than two acres.

Stated in acres, the present minimum need in the Philadelphia area is
23,000 acres; in the Pittsburgh section 14,000 acres; in the hard coal
regions, 17,000 acres; in the State as a whole 96,000 acres. In formu-
lating a comprehensive plan for the future, however, certainly this figure
must be considerably more than doubled. It should be understood that
this refers specifically to land whose primary use would be recreation.

To some extent the deficiency in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
regions will be met by the park areas being established by the Federal
government in the French Creek and Raccoon Run sections. It is the
expectation that after these recreational areas are fully developed, they
will be turned over to the Commonwealth to be managed and administered
as State Parks. Numerous similar areas should be located in various
other sections of the State.

Part of the remaining deficiency in the State at large could be supplied
in the form of additional State-owned parks and part in additional State
Forest land that could be made available for rather intensive development.
From a purely forestry standpoint there is a great need for more State
Forests — probably treble the present holdings.

In most other things, tangible or intangible, material or otherwise,
lennsylvama is usually found well up among the leaders if indeed not
nctually in the van. In the number and acreage of State parks, however,
this great Commonwealth does not compare so favorably with a number
of^ other States, some of them far less blessed in wealth and resources.
Why? Presumably because for some reason or other the great mass of
citizens has not had the importance of State Parks impressed upon them,
because they have not become park-minded as have the residents of New
York, Indiana, Connecticut, and other sister States.

It is unquestionably true that through the Pennsylvania Parks Asso-
ciation and similar agencies, through the efforts of interested individuals,
the attitude of Pennsylvania toward the so-called park movement is

31

changing and there is reason to beh'eve that in the near future the Key-
stone State will he actively engaged in increasing and improving the
State park system. There are three indications of this trend.

In the 1931 Legislature, for the first time an appropriation for the
purchase and maintenance of State park lands (other than those already
established) was approved. Unfortunately the Governor was compelled
to cut this approi^riation heavily because of the anticipated reduction in
revenues and only sufficient funds were approved to 'permit the main-
tenance oi the Delaware Canal or, as it is now called, the Roosevelt State
Park. This, however, was a step in the right direction and has placed
upon the statute books a token of an interest in the project on the part

Scenic Views Are Part of Pennsylvania's Forest Heritage

of those in authority. With the return of better times, funds which will
permit the purchase of additional park lands will doubtlessly be forth-

The second indication of the present trend was in 1933 when the pro-
posal to create the Bucktail State Park received legislative and guber-
natorial approval. Under this act a large area extending along the Sus-
quehanna River from Lock Haven to Emporium, and from mountain
rim to mountain rim across the valley, is to be set aside as a State Park

Si tin Q/^.P'^'^f^" ^^""^ T"""' ^'^ '^^"^"^ t^ cooperate in per-
mitting the State to administer the entire area as a State park for the

bXldu^^^^^^^^ "^'"""^ communities as a whole without regard for

32

The third is the comparatively recent donation of one tract of land
and the oflfer of two others by owners who are actuated entirely by a
desire to further the park movement and have nothing whatever to gain
personally except perhaps the satisfaction of aiding what they deem to
l3e a worthy cause. The property of which the Department of Forests
and Waters has already taken possession is the Ralph Stover Tract which
has been described. The other two are in the opposite end of the State,
in Fayette County. A number of months ago the Fort Necessity Chapter
of the Sons of the American Revolution, Uniontown, offered two proper-

Beautiful Promised Land Lake in the Delaware State Forest

ties to the Department of Forests and Waters, with the provision that
they be developed as State Parks within a reasonable time.

The one was an area of about 44 acres containing the grave of Jumon-
ville, the young ensign who commanded the French soldiers in the brief
skirmish in which George Washington was first under fire several days
before his first real battle at Fort Necessity. This area has additional
historical significance as Braddock's road crosses the driveway entering
the area while nearby is the site of Dunbar's camp.

The second tract which has been oilfered to the Department contains
the present grave of General Braddock, his original place of burial, and
a portion of the Braddock road. The property comprises 27 acres and
lies immediately adjacent to and north of the National Highway, and

33

.i^

chanj,Hn^r aiul tliere is reason to helievt- that in the near future the Key
stone State will he aetively eiit(age(l in increasini^- and improving tlY
State park system. There are three indications of this trend.

In the 1931 Lei^nslature, for the first time an apjiropriation for tli
purchase and maintenance of State pnrk lands (other than those alread^
estahlished ) was api)roved. lJnf(»rlnnatel\ the (iovernor was com])elle.
to cut thi> ai)propriali()n heavily hecause of the anticipated reduction ip
revenues and only sufficient funds were approved to permit the main
tcnance ol the Delaware Canal or, as it is now called, the Jvoosevelt Statr
]\'irk. This, however, was a step in the ri^ht direction and has placed
upon the statute hooks a token of an interest in the i)r()ject on the ])an

-seta?

ScKxu \iKws Akk Part of I'knnsvlvaxia's Fokkst JIkritack

of those in authority. With the return of hetter times, funds which will
permu the purchase .)l additional i)ark lands will douhtlesslv he forlh-
commg.

The second indication of the i)rcsent trend wa^ in ]9^^ when the pro-
posal to create the P.ucktail State Park received legislative and ouher-
natonal ai)proval. Under this act a large area extending along the Sus-
rjuehanna Kiver from Lock ITaven t.) I'mporium, and' from mountain
run to mountam run across the valley, is to he set aside as a State Park
provided that the private land owners are willing to cooperate in per-
mitting the State to administer the entire area as a State i^ark f<.r the
hcst interests ot the various communities as a whole without retjard for
nidi vidua! desires. ^

32

j

The third is the comparatively recent donation of one tract of land
and the olTer of two others hy owners who are actuated entirely by a
desire to further the ])ark movement and have nothing whatever to gain
I)ersonally except r)erha])s the satisfaction of aiding what they deem to
l)e a worthy cause. The proi)erty of which the Department of h^orests
and Waters has already taken i)ossessioii is the l\ali)h Stover Tract which
has been described. 'IMie other two are in the o]>])ositi' end of the State,
in l^^iyette County. A number of months ago the h'ort Necessity ('hapter
of the Sons of the American Revolution, Uniontown, offered two proper-

Beautikul Pko.miski) Land Lakh in thk Di-lawark Statk Forkst

ties to the Department of Forests and Waters, with the provision that
they be developed as State Parks within a reasonable time.

The one was an area of about 44 acres containini^r the grave of Jumon-
ville, the young ensign who commanded the hVench soldiers in the brief
skirnush in which (Jeorge Washington was first under fire several days
before his first real battle a^ Fort Necessity. 'Idns area has additional
historical sigmticance as liraddock's road crosses the driveway entering
the area while nearby is the site of Dunbar's camp.

The second tract which has been ofi'ered to the I)e])artment contains
the i)resent grave of General P>rad(lock, his original place of burial, and
a i)ortion ol the l^.raddock road. The j)roperty com])rises 27 acres' and
lies immediately adjacent to and nortli of the National Highway, and

33

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

/- i

just a few miles west of Fort Necessity. Both these areas could he de-
veloijed into very valiial)le additions to the State park system It is
lioped that funds will soon l)e availahle to do the necessary work and that
title can then be transferred to the Commonwealth.

Public Coopkration

A niost important phase in this Stale Park project is the need for co
operation on the part of the people of the State. By cooperation is
meant not merely assent or passive interest, but active and emphatic aid
and assistance. A survey made some months ago revealed the fact tint
Pennsylvania was near the bottom of the list in the amount of acrease
which had been contributed by her citizens for use as State parks Iii •,
number ol other States many of the choicest sites had come into common
ownership through the donations of interested citizens

It IS to hoped that as time elapses it will be possible to secure the sun-
port of many pubhc-spirited men and women who are able and willii ,r
to con ribute to this worthy cause. For surely it is worthy, not onlv f m
an aesthetic or idealistic point of view, but also from an entirely pfactica
or even semsh standpoint. It is not generally realized how large a per-
centage of all taxes ,s expended in the maintenance of penal and cor
recti ve institutions foi^ the care of those who are broken d,' wn phys calk"
mentally, or spiritually and who as a result have become public charges'
Prevention is ar cheaper and much more effective thai, rehabilitXn'
Who will doubt that State park development can be made an im'
portant agency in the localities of dense population in creating sturdii e";
of body and character among those who need just that sort of aid"'

Or take another phase of the problem— the tourist trade. A study of
statistics will soon convince anyone who is skejitical that Pennsylvania is

cntly better equipped than many of her amii.etitors More "^tL •— >-
coulcl i,e imde the biggest single factor in developing a morrfavoTable
tourist trade balance for the Commonwealth. lavorawe

And so It can be seen that this matter of leisure time is not a simole
proposition, but really a complex problem with many angles of approach
and numerous divergent phases. In the final analysis,^ however"^, here
seems to be no question as to its importance. Doubtlessly Ihesdfon
will be a gradual one but its beginning must be early-now^ It is to be
attended by the fullest measure of success

• '^',"=''^ "'"f '«^ complete cooperation among all of the various agencies
involved. There must be coordination of eflfort in encourag ng tK e

and^'iiXlrr^uXr*^ '" '" '--' ^ -'-• « wofk, li^ IL" dty

JUv.f ^'^'""'' •""; 'f "'■ ''''^''' '" ''•^'"'^' "1^ Department of Forests

be S f: assTs^'t fJ'""^":'^' ''"'" "^"■■■''"'y 'h^e one in which it
uest aoie to assist. As far as its resources w 11 permit it will tato -n

possible steps to meet the situation and be preparedto' Jo Tts share i
solving this leisure time problem, in the hope and expec°at on hit n

rv:'-i;^e^.i=d ^ j'- r„tTd' thVT/riL^^

which all patriotic citizens Took fo^rla'ltilrtifid:!:^ and lur/e. "

34

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■■- -r,; • ."a-r' "'/■ '*. ■,"'■,';*'•■ " ", " " <'

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hi'', -fe

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»• '-;. ', $■'■ H ■■-/*•".• ' ''>t. * < r. -r - ^ . >Vi.4- M;.'" ,'**;,•'',. ,'

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'ft-,',!'-' « ' " 1 ' * , '■".■ ' i'

t§f*\

Replacement

of the

Chestnut

m

Pennsylvania

By John E. Aughanhaugh

Bulletin 54

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of forests and waters

Ralph M. Bashore, Secretary

Harrisburg
1935

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION

\ 3

PENNSYLVANIA LOSES A VALUABLE TREE ,

Progress of the Chestnut Blight 3

Occurrence of Chestnut in Pennsylvania 4

Chestnut a Useful Tree \

PROBLEMS ARISING FROM LOSS OF THE CHESTNUT 6

Economic Problems Z.

Biological Problems r

Problems in Silviculture and Forest Management . . . . . . . . . . . .* . * ... 7

SCOPE OF THE REPLACEMENT STUDY g

ACCELERATED GROWTH OF REPLACEMENT SPECIES 0

Growth of Individual Trees

Growth of Stands 1,

u

NATURAL REPLACEMENT OF CHESTNUT IN THE MONT ALTO

STATE FOREST

Species Replacing Chestnut 14

Advance Growth of Replacement Species 15

Reproduction Appearing Since Death of the Chestnut !!!!!!!! ! 18

Height Growth of Reproduction 21

Shrubby and Herbaceous Plants 2I

Other Factors Affecting the Present Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' * .' .' " .* 22

NATURAL REPLACEMENT ELSEWHERE tm pektxtcyt^.a-a o-

Central Pennsylvania ^

Southwestern Pennsylvania 0^

Northwestern Pennsylvania S

Northeastern Pennsylvania o^

Extreme Northeastern Pennsylvania 26

Transiton Zone f^

26

ARTIFICIAL REPLACEMENT OF THE CHESTNUT 27

Forest Improvement Cuttings ^^

Forest Planting "" Z,

CHESTNUT MAY YET RECOVER

Recent Evidence of Progress „

The Resulting Situation ' ^^

Introduction of Foreign Species of Chestnut ' .' .' ." .' .' .' .' .' .' .' .' .' .' ' ' ' .' .' .* ." .' [ [ [ 34

SUMMARY

34

BIBLIOGRAPHY ....

37

2

INTRODUCTION

The loss of chestnut has brought forcibly to the attention of foresters various
problems most difficult of solution. Chestnut possessed qualifications which justified
its recog^nition as one of the most valuable tree species adapted to Pennsylvania
forestry. Especially outstanding were its rapid growth, its adaptation to relatively
poor, dry sites, its ability to reproduce prolifically from sprouts, the extensive use
of its durable wood for many products, and the food value of its nuts for the wild
life of the forest. A tree species, growing abundantly over an extensive area and
possessing these desirable qualities, cannot pass out of existence, as did chestnut be-
cause of the blight disease, without seriously complicating the forestry program
with difficult economic, silvicultural, and biological problems.

As foresters face this situation, many questions arise. Will chestnut eventually
win out in its struggle against the blight, because of its remarkably persistent
sprouting habit? Even the optimists who predict that this may happen must admit
that at best chestnut timber cannot again become a factor of importance in Pennsyl-
vania for many years. What is Nature doing to fill the millions of gaps and
openings in Penn's Woods caused by the death of the chestnut? Are the replace-
ment species desirable, capable of good growth, and suitable for valuable products?
Can they take the place of chestnut as a wood for general use ? If not, what can the
forester do to encourage better natural reproduction, or to introduce new species?

When we consider these questions, we realize that the study of chestnut replace-
ment is not merely a subject of academic interest, but a problem of great importance
from the standpoint of practical and profitable timber production. Moreover, the
scope of the problem is not limited to the present openings in the forest caused by
the death of the chestnut, but involves all silvicultural practices dealing with the
management of the extensive oak-chestnut-hard pine type. Therefore, the Pennsyl-
vania Forest Research Institute has initiated this study of chestnut replacement as
the preliminary effort to solve the problems of rehabilitation, regeneration, and
management of this important forest type.

PENNSYLVANIA LOSES A VALUABLE TREE

Like the invasion of an army, the chestnut blight moved relentlessly through
the forests of Pennsylvania, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In the
wrecked woodlands that remain in many sections, there is little which recalls to
mind the fine young stands of timber so common previously. Still outlined against
the background of the forest stand those gaunt white skeletons of the chestnut
as grim reminders of the catastrophe.

Progress of the Chestnut Blight

Twenty-five years have elapsed since the blight fungus (Endothia parasitica)
was first discovered in southeastern Pennsylvania, in 1909. By 1915 it had prog-
ressed westward as far as Lycoming County in the north and Bedford County on
the southern border, with some advance spot infections penetrating even farther.
Thus in the comparatively brief span of six years practically all chestnut in the
entire eastern half of the State was infected. From there westward the high ranges
and intervening valleys of the Allegheny Mountains, coupled with the prevailing
west winds, retarded but could not prevent its spread. By 1920 the blight was
present in the southwestern counties and advancing gradually into all remaining
uninfected areas.

This outlines briefly the progress of the most serious natural calamity which
ever befell the forests of Pennsylvania. The nature of the disease meant slow
lingering death for the chestnut, covering an average period of five to ten years

3

from the time the Wight first appeared in a given locality. Recent reports indicate
that the blight has extended to the extreme limits of the natural range of chestnnt
within the United States (11). All efforts to discover a cure for, or an effectiv
means of preventing the spread of this disease, in Pennsylvania and elsewhere have
been futile. It therefore is probable that in the near future all commercial stands of
American chestnut will have been destroyed.

STUDY AREAS IN CHESTNUT REPLACEMENT

Occurrence of Chestnnt in Pennsylvania

(16)^^T^L7' li^^"' "^'"'"' "' "'^ "">" ^•""•°" f°^«' t^« '■" Pennsylvania
souther^ Ttionr. 'V'7 T"7 '" ""^ ^'^'^' ^'"'™«'' *^ ""''»'- -^'"". »-^
app arlnce ,W??n.. ''' •"'! J"^"* '"■^""""- ^'^"'^ "^^ b'^ht made its

sfandil ,r ' r """""""^ '™'" "* "'' ""' ''^ -""^ *han 50 per cent of the

Chestnnf '»<=« 7«as where chestnut constituted 90 per cent of the stumpagc.

assockton of th!:/ T""' 1" '"'™"^^ ""^^ ''^""^^^ " "^-"v P-f^-^d the

association of that group of trees l<nown as the oak-chestnut-hard pine type Of

on tinttl'T^ now recognised in Pennsylvania, no other has a lider d tribu-
that Che L^",'„::Jfl^;f''-''-'^''.n,aple type, in which recent studies have indicated
wT.I r ! '°""""'^'' ^" ^^^"S<= of five per cent to ten per cent of the forest (19)

u^re reprLntJd l,r T " ^ I?" ■'''' ''^'''™' ^^^" '" "^^'"^ ^'»"ds in which
of t::ernaL totnlywra""*'"'"^ " "^^"^ ■~^"°" °' *^ '^5 diflferent kinds

U,at fwastot't e"' r' " *'•"' "'"■^^' "'^'"bution, it can be assumed correctly
wel IdraTned ^ ^ Tv^ "^""- '' ~"''' «'°* *riftily on almost any type o'
well dramed so.l. except hmestone. Although it occurred on all sites, from cov« I

mountain tops, the tree undoubtedly predominated on the slopes. Southern slopes
with a sandy or gravelly loam or shale soil probably represented its optimum devel-
opment in Pennsylvania.

Chestnat a Useful Tree

Before the appearance of the blight, chestnut was regarded as one of the most
important timber trees of Pennsylvania, because of its exceptional growth character-
istics and the multitude of uses to which it was adapted. There is no better way to
emphasize the seriousness of its loss than to enumerate briefly some of the tree's
well-known qualities.

Probably no species offered more promise of financial return from our impover-
ished mountain lands, comprising about one-fourth of the total forested area of the
Commonwealth. Over vast stretches of relatively poor soil, this tree was able to
maintain rapid growth. When present in well-stocked stands, chestnut was one of
the few hardwood trees capable of producing a cord of wood per acre per year (33).
Its exceptional sprouting capacity, which it retained to an advanced age, assured a
satisfactory regeneration following even the most ruthless methods of timber exploita-
tion. There is reason to believe that the amount of chestnut in Pennsylvania has
increased since cutting first began, chiefly through its ability to sprout, combined
with its rapid growth.

It was, without doubt, the best known nut-bearing tree of the Northern
Hemisphere (15). Being truly delicious, the nuts were much sought by the wild
creatures of the forest, as well as by man. The gathering and selling of chestnuts
became a profitable business enterprise, for nearly every year there was produced
an abundant crop.

The wood has many valuable qualities which contribute to its wide usage. It is
straight-grained, light in weight, moderately strong and hard, easily seasoned, and
exceptionally durable when exposed to the weather or soil. Few woods split length-
wise easier and straighter than chestnut. It has an attractive grain and is easily
worked.

Chestnut is used for many purposes. From the time land was first cleared in
this State it was the preferred wood for fence posts and fence rails. Undc favor-
able conditions they have been known to last from 20 to 50 years or more, '^.nor-
inous quantities of chestnut posts are still used in rural communities, although wire
has, for the most part, replaced the split rails once so common. Chestnut rail fences
are still favored on estates where horseback riding and fox hunting are popular
sports. However, the time is not far distant when the old-fashioned worm fences,
and rail fences with mortised posts, will become as rare as white pine stump fences
are at present.

Ever since the first appearance of telephone, telegraph and power lines, chestnut
has furnished the bulk of the poles used in Pennsylvania. Chestnut poles are com-
paratively light and durable, and especially suited to safe and easy climbing with
lineman's spurs.

Other uses to which it was adapted were lumber for inside finish and outside
construction work, ties, mine timbers, piles, slack cooperage, shingles, lath, and
tannic acid wood. Manufacturers, classified among 27 industries, reported chestnut
for nearly 200 separate and distinct uses within this State (6). Assuming first
importance among manufactured products were boxes and crates, furniture, burial
caskets, musical instruments, and agricultural implements.

In the early days, when iron furnaces were prominent in Pennsylvania, the
woods in the neighborhood of forges were cut over repeatedly, on short rota-
tions, to furnish charcoal with which to smelt the iron ore. Clear-cutting with
sprout regeneration was invariably the practice followed. It was claimed that chest-
nut produced a fine grade of charcoal (21),

5

^sz^

PROBLEMS ARISING FROM LOSS OF THE CHESTNUT

It is evident that the loss of a tree so important as chestnut must give rise to i
multitude of perplexing problems. The fact that chestnut lent itself to the mo '^
varied usage of any timber species growing in Pennsylvania only served to accen-
tuate the seriousness and complexity of the situation resulting from its death.

GRIM REMINDERS OF A FOREST TRAGEDY.
ci,?fl!?."l.°L_^7^? ""^ Pennsylvania's forests are still scarred with the white
and mo^t vSt^aXld" pS.' " ^* ^'^ ''''' °^ °"^ '' °"^ "^^^ ^^""^^^

Economic Problems

The problems of an economic nature assumed first importance. Forest owners
wH'l ^ monetary loss tliat must be measured in terms of millions of dollars,

.al™.^* ^"PPly exceeding the demand, vast quantities of dead chestnut cannot be
-alvaged at a profit and consequently must be left to decay in the woods. This is the
unW i', . competitive effort, among owners of dead chestnut timber, to

S Itrr "^•T''""f .".P°" =>" ^''^^'"'y '^'^'^ ™«^k«- In many instances
nut to I^ v^ prohibitive (32) and practically limit the disposal of chest-

nut to local communities.

Such objectional features as checking, decay, case-hardening, and brittleness

rZ Z^A A u , '*'' ^'"^^ ^'*'' ^^*'^^* ^°od and fuel. Since the more ac-

o tt r^^^^^^^^^ '".;^"^'^ '^^" '''^''''' '' -- ^--s difficult to di PC e

ot the remainder at a profit, or even at cost of production.

Biological Problems

depe!dtf f'orTut^l h'^!r.*'°;! 1 "^'"^ ^^^'^^"* ''^' ^°^"^^' ^" ^^^^ °^ ^^ss inter-

anran 1/ m^^ ?' ^T' ''^^^^'"*^ " ^^^^^^^^^^ relationship of plant

animal life. The elimination of one member of this community forces a read-

6

iustment of the natural balance which previously existed. Viewed from this stand-
point, it may readily be understood that the passing of the chestnut gave rise to
tnany important biological problems.

Wherever it occurred in the forests of Pennsylvania, the chestnut provided a
staple food for squirrels, wild turkeys, ruflFed grouse, deer, and many other animals.
When deprived of this wide-spread source of food, the wild creatures of the forest
were compelled to readjust many of their former habits of living. In certain in-
stances it meant a migration to more favorable localities. Some sportsmen are of
the opinion that squirrels, wild turkeys, and ruffed grouse in particular show evidence
of decreasing numbers in Pennsylvania, due in no small measure to loss of the
chestnut.

It is possible that certain former insect and fungous enemies of the chestnut may
hecome adapted to new hosts. For example, there are records of what seemed to be
chestnut blight cankers found on rock oak. We are not predicting a similar fate for
this tree, but merely cite such peculiar incidents as an illustration of what may be
termed "forced adaptability." Severe infestations of the two-lined chestnut borer in
mixed hardwood stands occurred recently over extensive areas in Pennsylvania.
Although drought undoubtedly has considerable influence on the seriousness of such
attacks, nevertheless the loss of chestnut may have been an important contributing
factor.

Problems in Silviculture and Forest Management

The loss of chestnut created many problems of far-reaching significance in the
field of silviculture and forest management. Chestnut was undoubtedly our principal
sprout-hardwood tree, as well as an ideal species for forest management. Being the
key species in most forests of the oak-chestnut type in Pennsylvania, the first man-
agement plans were designed to favor it (13). Its unusual sprouting capacity and
rapid growth permitted the forester to handle large areas successfully on short rota-
tions. Qose utilization was possible because of the variety of wood products that it

fiirr»IcVio/4 A e- enroll f<-.n.4 ^■^n*^...l^'i ^«..U U_ l.-i-j _i 41 r - •

>M. i.A^x.vu. i ».o oiii«ii-oif,v.\j tiiai«.iiai «,uuiu uc iiidi K.CLCU, crtfiy liiiniiiiigs wcre a
profitable undertaking (33). Clear-cutting, under the coppice system of manage-
ment, represented the common method of regenerating such stands. It remains to
be determined how the loss of chestnut will modify those established practices.

One of the important facts to ascertain is the new rate of growth being made
by our forests since the chestnut was eliminated. Presence of this tree on the poorer
sites was formerly a great redeeming feature tending to offset the low potentiality of
such areas for wood production. It is doubtful if the species which replace it can
maintain nearly so fast a rate of growth, even after the forests have been restored
to full productivity. Under certain conditions the situation may even warrant at-
tempts at conversion to faster-growing conifers (33). Whatever the final solution
may be, it hinges on a more definite knowledge of what growth is being made by
fhe replacement species. The loss of chestnut rendered worthless much early growth
appraisal work done in hardwood stands of the oak-chestnut type. Furthermore,
because of the natural thinning which resulted, it remains to be deteimined when
and where future thinnings can be justified. Hence it now becomes necessary to in-
vestigate anew all phases of the growth and yield which will characterize our re-
constructed forests of the future.

As still another phase of the situation, the passing of the chestnut increased
many-fold the problems of forest protection. If not salvaged, the chestnut remains
as an encumbrance on the ground, as well as a positive menace by virtue of fire,
fungus, and insect hazard (24). Certainly forests that are full of dead standing
timber represent a constant fire hazard. Not only does the accumulated debris add
to the intensity of the flames but it also increases the difficulty and cost of extinction.

The presence of dead chestnut, particularly trees with remnants of bark still attached,
is responsible for the persistence of many fires.

SCOPE OF THE REPLACEMENT STUDY

The major purpose of this bulletin is to present an accurate picture of the role
being played by replacement species, after destruction of the original stand of chest-
nut, with special emphasis on the silvicultural aspects of the problem. Accordingly,
detailed field studies were undertaken to obtain a definite knowledge of what Nature
unassisted is doing to rebuild our depleted forests. The project was initiated on
the Mont Alto State Forest, in the summer of 1930, and subsequently extended to
other parts of Pennsylvania.

The scope of the project embraces primarily an effort to determine what species
are replacing chestnut in various sections of the State, their relative abundance
under different site conditions, and their rate of growth before and after death of the
chestnut. Consideration is given to both advance growth and reproduction of woody
and herbaceous plants, and to accelerated growth of individual species as well as of
stands. Other objects of the study were to ascertain where and how to promote the
progress of natural replacement with proper cutting methods, or to supplement
natural regeneration by planting where justified.

From analyses of increment borings of trees of various species, standing in open-
ings caused by the dying of the chestnut, there was revealed the story of growth
acceleration following gradual release from shade and suppression. To show how
elimination of the chestnut influenced diameter growth of remaining trees, over 600
borings were taken of ten associated species. Only the closest companion species
of chestnut were selected for study, including rock, i white, red, black, and scarlet
oaks, pitch and white pines, hemlock, pignut hickory, and tulip poplar. The width
of each annual ring for twenty years of recent growth was measured carefully with
the aid of a hand lens and engineer's scale. Average results for each of the different
species were then graphed for purposes of comparison. It would have been desir-

able to havp inrlnrlpr! rf>A n->on1<^ Ulo'-l- ~..~^ li__i_ 1 ?^_i 1 , - .

. -^ — .w^ xiA^i^.v., uiav-iv. ^uTTi, DiacK uircn ana a numoer ot other

species with diffuse-porous woods, had it not been for the difficulty experienced in
identifying their annual rings. Records of permanent growth study plots provided
information concerning the growth of stands in which chestnut was formerly present.

The data on advance growth and reproduction were secured from nearly 3 000
temporary plots in forest openings caused by death of the chestnut, supplemented
by systematic observation of conditions throughout the stand representative of each
study area. With a clump of dead chestnut as the center, circular plots of twenty-
foot radius became a standard basis for obtaining facts relative to the replacement
species. Under ordinary conditions, a plot of this size occupied conveniently n.ost of
the ground space formerly shaded by chestnut clumps of middle age and older.

For each plot thus located, a record was secured of the numerical abundance,
height diameter, and age of all species present. On the basis of age, it was possible
to distinguish between advance growth (trees and shrubs present when the chestnut
''?J•T^^^ !"! reproduction (seedlings and sprouts which appeared since the chest-

of dfff!!!. 1 : ''^ '^' ^^''' °^ ^''^^'' ""^ ^''^ ^ knowledge of the growth habits
of different plants, it was possible in each chestnut opening to predict with reason-
able accuracy those species destined to assume dominance. Other records taken
included such factors as slope, aspect and elevation, soil and moisture conditions.

Tr^ll^ ^^l °t! 'u^ ' °"^'"^^ percentage of chestnut, and relative abundance of

shrubby and herbaceous plants. Some attention was given to areas where fire or
cutting were known to have occurred recently, since they often modify the future

oak/''to'°ariS^o°nirion';th7h^^^ '° *^^» "P°^* "^^^ than the name "chestnut

8

composition of a stand, thus complicating the problem of chestnut replacement.
Moreover, it is believed that the results of replacement and reproduction, which have
been found typical in chestnut openings, afford a criterion upon which future man-
agement methods must be based wherever stands in the oak-chestnut-hard pine
type are cut or burned.

ACCELERATED GROWTH OF REPLACEMENT SPECIES

As the blight progressed through our forests, the resulting death of the chestnut
served as a gigantic natural thinning process. Where chestnut occurred scattered
through the forest, conditions beneficial for both recovery and growth of the remain-
ing stand resulted. Areas formerly supporting almost pure stands of chestnut suf-
fered most severely, since the growing stock was seriously depleted. In all cases,
however, the growth of trees closely associated with chestnut was very noticeably
stimulated, due to increased light made available, more room for crown expansion,
and decreased root competition.

Although the dying of the chestnut served as a natural thinning, it was decidedly
different in character from artificial "man-made" thinnings. It was a relatively slow
process, permitting the remaining species to adjust themselves gradually to the
changed environment. As a consequence, trees which might have been harmed by
sudden liberation could, under such circumstances, gradually recover from long sup-
pression by the chestnut.

Growth of Individual Trees

As might be inferred, a wide difference in growth acceleration exists between
species, and even between individuals of the same species, depending on such factors
as site, percentage of chestnut in the stand, age, crown class, and ability to withstand
shade. This is illustrated by the graph on page 10. It shows the stimulus exerted
on diameter growth ot remaining trees after loss of the chestnut.

A perusal of this graph shows that there has resulted a very marked acceleration
in the diameter growth of all species left in chestnut openings. There is reason to
believe that the same tendency should hold true for associated species which received
no attention. This trend is consistent for trees of any diameter and crown class. It
is most noticeable on the better sites and where the heaviest stands of chestnut for-
merly existed. The data are presented in such a manner that the influence of the
dying of the chestnut can be readily traced, beginning in 1910 (before the appearance
of the blight) and continuing to 1930 (ten years after all chestnut had been dead).
For most species, the most noticeable growth stimulus first occurred in 1919 or 1920
(about the time that the chestnut had succumbed). Thereafter, width of the annual
rings increased gradually, culminating about 1922, and then gradually diminished until
1930. when in general the rate of diameter growth had fallen back to where it was in
1919. Thus, where 40 percent of the original stand was chestnut, the growth stimulus
resulting from this heavy natural thinning had apparently subsided within a period
of eleven years.

Naturally there are exceptions to these generalizations, as well as modifying
influences which were operative. Most of the trees studied ranged in age from 30
to 50 years — the period of maximum growth — and it is probable that at a more ad-
vanced age such diameter acceleration would not have been possible. Then too, the
average diameter growth for 1930. because of the serious and prolonged drought,
dropped about 25 per cent below that of 1929, and for many species the cumulative
effects of the drought became most pronounced in 1931. Had the drought not in-
tervened it is likely that the increase in diameter growth, following death of the
chestnut, would not have subsided so abruptly until several years later.

9

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Two most noticeable exceptions to the average trend are white pine and pitch
pine— both intolerant coniferous species. Because of their inability, to thrive under
heavy shade of the chestnut, these two trees grew abnormally slowly prior to release
from suppression. Even after the chestnut was eliminated it required a considerable
period for them to adapt themselves to the changed environment. Hence it is note-
worthy that pitch pine had not yet, in 1930, reached its culmination in growth ac-
celeration, whereas for white pine to accomplish this required four years longer than
other more tolerant hardwood species. It is quite likely that the same tendency
would have held true for tulip poplar had there been more individuals representing
intermediate and suppressed crown classes. However, it is a rare occurrence to find
a tulip which persists after it is truly suppressed, and its dominant trees were more
than able to hold their own with chestnut in the struggle for a place in the sun.

Because of its intolerance and rapid growth, chestnut was usually dominant in
the forest canopy. For that reason and because of its wide distribution it was found
to be useful as a site index tree (7). Its dominant position caused many other species
to be held back and kept in suppression, which no doubt helps to account for the
growth acceleration now shown by individual trees and stands. Rock oak is one of
those trees which suffered most from its former association with chestnut. On cer-
tain areas the remaining stands of rock oak contain many trees with dead terminal
shoots, and great numbers of those in the intermediate and suppressed crown classes
are entirely unable to recover. In some instances the weakened condition of the trees
has made them increasingly susceptible to disease.

Another direct result of the former abundance and dominant position of chestnut
is revealed by the fact that height growth of the remaining trees has not kept pace
with their increase in basal area. This is to be expected when the forest is opened
up considerably, thus reducing the struggle for overhead light and sufficient room for
crown development. However, too, some of this decreased height growth is ob-
viously associated with an increase in age of the trees.

It is significant to contrast the per cent of diameter increase of replacement
species for the ten-year period (1920-1930) after death of the chestnut with that of
the previous decade (1910-1920). In this connection it should be mentioned that the
blight made its appearance on the Mont Alto Forest about 1911, did not become
widespread until 1915, and by 1920 all original chestnut was dead. During the recent
ten-year period the per cent of diameter increase over that of the previous decade,
for different species studied, is as follows: white oak 50 per cent, scarlet oak 55
per cent, rock oak 70 per cent, black oak 90 per cent, red oak 90" per cent, pignut
hickory 55 per cent, pitch pine 66 per cent, hemlock 75 per cent, tulip poplar 80 per
cent, whereas white pine (based on only 12 trees) outstripped all others when it
registered 400 per cent — a rate of growth five times as fast as it was able to accom-
plish before death of the chestnut ! The average diameter increase for the 608 trees
of all species studied was approximately 80 per cent; or, stated in other words, it
means that they grew in diameter almost twice as fast as they did before the blight
had killed the chestnut. It was found that in most instances the greatest acceleration
occurred within five years after the chestnut was dead.

When considered from the standpoint of volume production, the growth ac-
celeration resulting from loss of the chestnut is even more striking. Explanation
lies in the fact that the wider growth rings for the last ten years were added to a
larger bole than existed at the beginning of the previous decade. Thus the volume
growth of trees closely resembles a problem in compound interest, in which analogy
the principal corresponds to the amount of wood capital in the tree, upon which the
interest (annual or periodic increment) is regularly superimposed. Since the tree
is constantly increasing in size, it becomes evident that diameter growth advances
by arithmetical progression, whereas volume growth advances by geometrical pro-

11

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gression. In the case of the 608 trees studied, their increase in cubic foot volume for
the recent period (1920-1930) was almost three times that of the decade prior to
death of the chestnut ! Individual species varied in proportion to their growth habits,
with white pine showing the greatest increase and white oak the least.

The fact that the annual rings of the replacement species are now gradually
diminishing in width, after ten years or more of diameter increase, gives no reason
to assume either a decrease in volume growth or a termination of the period of
volume acceleration following death of the chestnut. Since current growth is being
added to the circumference of a bole that is constantly increasing in size, the actual
acceleration in wood volume may not subside until many more years have elapsed.
The facts revealed by this study of growth acceleration provide an excellent demon-
stration of the practical value of thinning.

Growth of Stands

Within certain limits, it is reasonable to assume that the volum.e growth of forest
stands has been influenced in a manner similar to that of the stimulated individual
trees measured in chestnut openings. Such is not altogether the case, however, for
although individual trees standing near the spaces vacated by chestnut now show
greatly increased diameter and volume growth, only a limited number of trees per
acre is thus affected. Since most of chestnut's common associates are relatively slow
growers, even doubling their diameter growth does not produce very striking results,
especially when one considers the understocked condition of the stand.

Observation shows that the replacement species are fast expanding their crowns
into the openings in the forest canopy left by chestnut. The extent to which they
are filling the blanks depends largely on the amount of chestnut formerly present
in any particular locality. Where it constituted but a small fraction of the stand,
its associates already have obliterated all traces of its former presence. In such
instances the crown cover of the dominant stand is now completely closed, again es-
tablishing normal forest conditions. This is particularly true in coves and on better

„:* .._; 1 u„ r_„i. _- : : c: j.u„ : i i £ii-j r. ii

aiLCs i7v,«,upicu u^ idsL-^ruwiii^ spcv-ics. oiiiv,c iiic upciiiii^a iiavc u<-cii iiiiCu, luiiiK^i

reproduction, especially of intolerant trees, has been effectively checked. Where
chestnut composed up to 50 per cent of the standing tree volume, its companion
species have been able, through extension of their crowns, to close partially most
of the openings which it formerly occupied. Only where chestnut made up more
than half of the forest, as it did frequently on mountain slopes in central and southern
Pennsylvania, do there still exist large blank spaces unoccupied by tree growth.

However, with loss of the chestnut vast areas of our forests became seriously
depleted. Their cubic foot volume, basal area, and number of trees per acre all were
suddenly reduced. The manner in which they have attempted to recuperate is shown
by the records of permanent growth study plots compiled in Table 1, page 12.

Rate of recovery depends largely on such factors as site, remaining species, age
of stand, density of stocking, and former abundance of chestnut. Forests consisting
of 5 to 40 per cent chestnut have recovered largely to their former status within ten
years after its elimination. However, only where chestnut was less than 10 per cent
of the original stand is the total volume greater today than in 1916. Where it made
up 40 to 60 per cent of the stumpage the present volume still shows a deficiency of 5
to 35 per cent, based on stands of middle age and older. As evidenced by plot 1,
Table 1, younger timber, especially if favorably located, may have been able to
recover from an even greater reduction of wood volume. However, the growth
maintained by this plot is exceptional and is largely accounted for by the excellent
site on which it occurs, together with the fact that such rapid-growing trees as black
locust, red maple, and red oak comprise a major portion of the growing stock. In
most instances the process of reconstruction was slow on account of the presence

13

of intermediate and suppressed trees. When released from overhead shade it re
quired some time for such trees to adapt ihemselves to the changed conditions of
environment and to respond with an adequate acceleration of growth. Also because
of the slow growth rate of rock oak and its frequent inability to recover from sup-
pression vast mountainous areas over which this species now predominates have not
only suffered, but probably will continue to show, a tremendous loss of increment

Then too, wherever chestnut was abundant, in stands largely of coppice origin"
there will be a loss of growth for a time, due to the predominance of seedlings in the
next rotation (33). To transform such areas to a high forest of slower-growing
seedling trees cannot result otherwise than to bring about some reduction of increment
There are outstanding benefits, however, that more than compensate for this and
make such alteration in character of the growing stock altogether desirable

In predicting the future growth of forests, we must, however, give consideration
to the many small trees, now developing in chestnut openings, soon to enter the
measurable size class; in time they will make a substantial contribution to the present
growing stock. But, regardless of other factors, the present growth rate of from
30 to 50 cubic feet per acre per year for the poorer sites is very meager, when it is
known that some conifers, if located on the same areas, would grow much faster.
When faced with the likelihood of a still further reduction in growth, after the period
of acceleration has passed, it is evident that foresters and timberland owners are
justified in considering supplemental planting or even artificial conversion of slow-
growing hardwood forests to mixed forests containing faster-growing conifers. This
IS particularly true of large areas of impoverished mountain soils where most hard-
woods grow too slowly to yield profitable forest crops.

NATURAL REPLACEMENT OF CHESTNUT IN THE
MONT ALTO STATE FOREST

Stat J^' ^u\^^'l t^'" ^'^'''' '' ^""'^''^ ^" '^' '^'''^' south-central part of the
State, m the South Mountains of Franklin and Adams Counties. The woodland!
were owned by the Mont Alto Iron Company from 1807 to l«Qr.tl'
wnicn period tney were cut-over repeatedly for production of charcoal Consequenilv
the present stand of timber is largely of sprout origin and averages from 35 o SO
years of age. Before entrance of the blight there were present abom 8 6 cords of
Th 23 00n'""^ '"" ?^^/^^^;.°^ -^'^h amount 40 per cent was chestnut%/
The 23,000 acres contamed within this State Forest serve the purpose of study and
demonstration for the Pennsylvania Forest Research Institute, ^t was for tht
reason and also because the Mont Alto Forest is typical of the extens ve oak-chestnu
^pe throughout central and southern Pennsylvania, that the sfudy o ches nu re
placement here was initiated and followed intensively

Subsequent field studies, conducted in other parts of the State, revealed the fact
hat ches nut replacement conditions throughout Pennsylvania varied Iftt le in ess^^^^^^

*,», i.„„, «,„^„ :iT^J!7.:^'sz s,:'" " •"■*■•"'

Species Replacing Chestnut
associated '^;r.r''r''"^ *''*""' '"""'"'' '^'^ *=" ^"""'^1^ ^^re most closely

ucK, wniie, Diack. scarlet and red oak— red maple, black locust,

14

sassafras, black gum, Juneberry, pignut hickory, and black birch. Additional species
occurring on better sites, such as coves, lower slopes and fertile benches, include tulip
poplar, hemlock, white pine, and white ash. Pitch pine and table mountain pine
frequently grow with it at higher elevations.

From the standpoint of present market conditions it is evident that not all these
species could be considered equally desirable. Some yield valuable forest products,
but others are inferior trees and of little commercial importance. Accordingly, to
secure a practical perspective of changed forest conditions, the trees taking the place
of chestnut were arbitrarily divided into two groups: (1) more desirable, and (2)
less desirable replacement species. Those considered as being less desirable are red
maple, sassafras, black gum, Jimeberry, black birch, and wild black cherry, all of
which are more or less weed species within the oak-chestnut type, although birch
and especially cherry are valuable trees in the northern hardwood type. The other
species mentioned were classed as more desirable for future forest management.

Some species, not of present economic value, do possess characteristics that
would appear to make them silviculturally desirable. For instance, their leaf litter
may decompose readily, thus hastening the formation of humus and improving soil
fertility, or it may be assumed that their subordinate position in the crown canopy
assists in bringing about a more complete utilization of the site. At the same time
it must not be overlooked that they also possess growth habits detrimental to the
establishment of more valuable species. Invariably they take immediate possession
of any forest opening created by the removal of overhead shade. In practically every
instance they are short-lived trees, very susceptible to heart rot, and consequently
yield material of small size and inferior quality, useful for little else than cordwood.
It is believed that the future silvicultural policy for Pennsylvania will show an ever-
increasing tendency to stress quality of wood materials produced. This is particu-
larly true of State Forests, in which long rotations, resulting in high-grade materials,
certainly are justified.

Some replacement species are capable of yielding products that will serve as sat-
isfactory suustituics lor Ciicstnut. x-or icnce posts uiacK locust is iiiucli superior to
chestnut, but extensive demands have so diminished the supply that it is becoming in-
creasingly difficult to obtain. As a rough construction lumber, hemlock and such hard
pines as pitch, table mountain and scrub pine, should prove almost equally serviceable.
These same species are employed to a considerable extent for mine props, mine ties,
lagging, and other uses to which chestnut lent itself in both the hard and soft coal
regions of Pennsylvania. All the oaks possess a. grain very similar to chestnut and
for that reason are well adapted to replace it for furniture and interior work. In
the manufacture of boxes, crates and packing cases the poorer grades of white pine,
tulip poplar, and other light woods such as basswood, hemlock and pitch pine will
readily substitute for chestnut. There is one important product of chestnut, however,
that none of the replacement species are able to furnish, namely, telephone and
telegraph poles. For this latter use its closest competitors are northern and southern
white cedar, western red cedar, southern yellow pine and Douglas fir (17).

Advance Growth of Replacement Species

When the chestnut was yet alive and thrifty, many trees of other species were
growing in the shade of its canopy. The term "advance growth" embraces all those
individuals formerly existing as an understory beneath the chestnut. For the most
part they were intermediate and suppressed trees. As the chestnut died from effects
of the blight it gradually released them from the suppression of overhead shade.
Where advance growth is present on chestnut-depleted areas it stands in position
to fulfill the work of replacement for the immediate future. A summary of all field

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studies, covering advance growth of replacement species in the Mont Alto State
Forest, is presented in Table 2, page 16.

It will be noticed that approximately half of the advance growth consists of oak,
with rock oak in the leading role. In fact, on all sites excepting coves, where red
maple assumes dominance, rock oak outnumbers all other species, red maple standing
second in abundance. For cove sites, the leading species, in their relative order of
abundance, are red maple, rock oak, black birch, black gum, white oak, tulip poplar,
red oak and hemlock, with all others combined making up about 15 per cent of the
advance growth present. On lower slopes the oaks are prominent, the order changing
to rock oak, red maple, white oak, scarlet oak, black gum, black oak, red oak, and
pignut hickory, the remaining 15 per cent being divided among 12 other species. At
higher elevations— middle slope, upper slope, and ridge— much the same situation
exists, except that white and red oak decrease in abundance, their respective places
being 'taken over by black locust, sassafras, and pitch pine. As an average for all
sites in the Mont Alto Forest, the ten leading species showing most prominence in
the advance growth are as follows: rock oak 25.5 per cent; red maple 17.3 per cent;
scarlet oak 9.3 per cent; black gum 7.5 per cent; sassafras 6.9 per cent; black locust
5.8 per cent; black oak 5.6 per cent; white oak 5.4 per cent; red oak 4.2 per cent;
and pignut hickory 4.1 per cent. These ten species comprise 90 per cent of the total,
the other 10 per cent being divided, in relative order, among black birch, pitch pine,
tulip poplar, hemlock, Juneberry, large-toothed aspen, flowering dogwood, white pine,
wild black cherry, yellow birch, white ash, and table mountain pine.

As we ascend the slopes, from cove to ridge, the advance growth of certain
species increases, whereas that of others shows a gradual decrease in abundance.
This tendency reflects largely the silvical requirements of diflferent species for a
proper adjustment of soil, moisture, light and other factors essential to their best
growth and development. Thus, as elevation increases, rock oak, black locust, pignut
hickory, pitch pine and flowering dogwood gradually become more common, whereas
red oak, red maple, Juneberry and black birch steadily diminish. Incidently, all the
above trees, and several others for which the data in Table 2 do not reveal such

regularity, are able to endure wide exireiiies of moisture, temperature, an«^ otn
factors. Other trees show a decided preference of habitat ; for instance, tulip poplar,
yellow birch, white ash and hemlock seldom occur on any but the best sites in the
Mont Alto Forest, whereas advance growth of white oak and white pine is most
conspicuous on lower slopes with good drainage. Scarlet oak, sassafras and black
gum reach their culmination under middle slope conditions, black oak and rock oak
on upper slopes, and black locust and pitch pine on the ridges.

We wish to direct attention next to the relative proportion of more and less
desirable replacement species represented in the advance growth now present on
chestnut areas. On cove sites they are about equally divided, but it is encouraging
to note that elsewhere two-thirds of the advance growth consists of more desirable
kinds of trees. It is noteworthy that in every situation red maple makes up almost
half of the less desirables. This fact is readily explained when it is considered that
red maple could well tolerate the dense shade of chestnut. On the other hand, many
other trees classed as less desirable are distinctly unable to withstand excessive shade.
It is for that reason alone, and not for lack of aggressiveness, that they were forced
to assume a minor role from the standpoint of advance growth now present in chest-
nut openings. As will be shown later, these same species, after death of the chestnut,
are well represented in the reproduction that has appeared within the last decade.

There are certain conclusions believed justified from this study of advance
growth in the Mont Alto State Forest. In general, it may be said that even where-
chestnut made up half the forest there are now sufficient trees, of those that formerly
grew beneath it, to compose a new stand of satisfactory density. Only on the poorest

16

17

TIGHT BINDING

considerable portion of this advance grorhwWch In ' °"'"' ''"''' *

In some ways, the wrecking of what formerlv «/^r^ „ ■(
of sprout origin „ay l,ave had' compe^saS aLn«ie" ATorr.""^^^ T''
orestry pract.ce where conditions pern,it intLve managemm 1^1^ ' °'
and more toward the production of uneven-aged forests orTrTw 1 T^ '"'"^
It may be said that the disappearance of chesfnu, h« .h ^'"^^ ^ °^ '""""^ '»"'«•
of foresters toward stands of cop^ce orilir tI ? ^^^'^ ^mpletely the attitude

^vaiiabie means to -ourageT^^ Lnt oV^s^^aTh^ iT^d^^^^;;

of irregular character, and that seTdlW rL ! 'u . ^^" * two-storied forest,
we may infer that tl^e results accrl/ff 'f °," ^^' ^'" """"""^ ^""'"■^^'l
satisfactory. "™'"^ ^'""^ 't* '°« '«« not been entirely un-

Reprodaction Appearing Since Death of the Chestnut

Not all our attention should be focuseH «„ t^. -t.

present forests, some of which evL l-rale ^f trchanTabTe 'si "7""'°" °' *'
Of trees to maturity requires manv v^nr« ^' 7^^^"^"ta*^Ie size. To grow a crop
other generations of trees are bTomir'. .^r .' Tl ''""^ °^ ^^"^^^^ ^^ "^^^^^ng
ester cannot afford to igTor^ thos™tler k'' '?''^' ''' ^^"^P^' ^he for
that are destined to b.'rthe succ^^^^^^^^ °^ ^"^^" ^^^^^'"^^ -^ ^P-ts

study^HLtp^^d^^^^^^^^^ «eld work was devoted to a

which occurred could hardly re nft ZZ i ' '^''*""'' ^^' "^^"^^^ shinning

and growth of seedlings^f„d^;?ol" X%fe:^ ^.hTr'^ ''' ''''''''-'^'
chestnut. Furthermore, the comoositinn Zll ^^ openmgs vacated by

is a criterion of reprodUn tXtx^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ - chestnut openings

either by cutting or fire The result^ !^? T ""^ "^ '^"^^^ °^ ^^is type,
based on 60 reproduction plotV^s^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^if 3^^^ '"^ ^^^^^
now^^r-;^r b;:^ -- ^^^^ of tSs L sprouts are

acre of chestnut openings there were found to • '^f '""'' ^" '^' ^asis of an
individuals, far more th'an can Z^ survive ^Th" ''''' ^" ^^"°^^ '"'"^
greatest in the coves, decreasing graduallvTnl!; /.u' ^"'''""* ^^ reproduction is
studies showed that, besides the advance UX^^ ^^l^' ^^^ "^^«- ^-Id
cupied by an average chestnut clump now s^^rt T'"''.n^ '^''' ^^^"^^^^^ ^c-
sprouts that for the most part harapLare^^^^^^ IT. ^^ '" ^^^ ^^^^^"^^ ^"d
cent of this new growth consists of seS's Ind "Hr '''' ^'°"^ '' ^'

reproduction is indeed encouraging for i showf ..? '^"'^'°"''' ^"^ ^^undant
gressed more rapidly and already irmori? ^ "u"'"^ replacement has pro-
pated (14). On the other hand it l^ vide„t Z ^'^" ^--^-^y was antici-
more desirable young seedlings and sproutrim L'l?.^? '"'^^"'"^ "^"^^ ^^ the
and by the closing of the dominant ^rcanopy ' '''^ ^^ ^^^^"^^ ^^^wth

18

As was found to be true for advance growth, so also about half of the new
growth of young trees consists of oak. The amount of oak increases from 25 per
cent in the coves to a maximum of 54 per cent on upper slopes, showing an average
for all sites of 40 per cent. Again rock oak assumes the leading role in every
situation except coves and lower slopes where red maple outnumbers other competi-
tors. In fact, these two trees make up almost half of the total reproduction recorded
on 60 plats, besides showing a greater distribution than any other of the 20 species
listed therein. This abundance of oak and maple is not at all surprising, for on
most areas throughout this type in Pennsylvania they are unquestionably the species
most frequently associated with chestnut.

The situation, obviously, varies somewhat for different sites. In the coves the
leading species, in their relative order of abundance, are red maple, sassafras, rock
oak, red oak, hemlock, scarlet oak and chestnut (sprouts and seedling-sprouts),
with all other species contributing but 17 per cent of the total reproduction. On
lower slopes the leading trees are much the same, with but one important exception
—hemlock is reduced to a minor position. For middle and upper slope conditions
the order changes to rock oak, sassafras, red maple, black gum, chestnut and scarlet
oak, the remaining 11 or 12 per cent being divided among 13 other species. The
situation is but little different on the ridges, except that red oak and wild black
cherry become more prominent, resulting in their taking over the respective places
of scarlet oak and black gum. As an average for all sites, the ten kinds of trees
showing most prominence in the reproduction are as follows: rock oak 25.1 per cent;
red maple 20.1 per cent; sassafras 18.0 per cent; chestnut 8.7 per cent; red oak
5.6 per cent; scarlet oak 5.6 per cent; black gum 4.2 per cent; black oak 2.4 per
cent ; Juneberry 2.0 per cent ; and black birch 1.5 per cent. These ten species com-
prise 93 per cent of the total, the other seven per cent being divided, in relative
order, among hemlock, pignut hickory, wild black cherry, white oak, white pine,
black locust, tulip poplar, pitch pine and table mountain pine.

Not until we direct attention to the potential character of the new reproduction
is the real crux of the situation revealed. It matters little how abundant are the
seedlings and sprouts now replacing chestnut if at maturity the forest has decreased
ill economic value. Field studies show that this is precisely what is happening, for
it was found that about half of the reproduction must be classed as less desirable,
while much that is suitable, since it consists largely of intolerant species, will be
held back and suppressed, unless released from the overhead shade of both advance
growth and dominant trees of the remaining stand. Unfortunately, this holds true
almost everywhere in the Mont Alto Forest. The data would seem to indicate that
the most serious situation exists in the coves ; there 60 per cent of the young growth
consists of less valuable trees, two-thirds of which is red maple. However, the
vacancies existing in such places are relatively less extensive, for chestnut was not
sc common in the coves. Then, too, excepting red maple, the companion species
there are for the most part more desirable. Although weed trees are not so abundant
on slopes and ridges, even there the proportion of valuable species can be considered
quite unsatisfactory. On these latter sites, where the forest is more open in character,
inferior trees, such as sassafras and black gum, become prominent. It is where
the heaviest stands of chestnut occurred that the presence of weed species now
offers a serious obstacle to the progress of a rapid natural replacement of desirable
character. Similar results were recorded by Retan (28) on this same forest, even
while the chestnut was yet living. His data show that prior to 1918 weed species
made up practically half of the young replacement growth that was appearing as
the chestnut was dying. Other investigators (17, 29) found a somewhat analogous
situation in New Jersey.

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Height Growth of Reproduction

It cannot be assumed either that the more desirable species eventually will
suppress the worthless kinds. To the contrary, there is every indication that the
inferior trees can mere than hold their own in the race for supremacy.

Ordinarily the tallest seedlings and sprouts that have appeared in the chestnut
openings are not of preferred kinds. In all situations, a cross-section analysis of
the reproduction shows, for different successive height levels above the ground, a
steady decrease of the more desirable trees, with a corresponding increase of those
less desirable. Thus, for average conditions, the percentage of desirable species
over three feet in height is 56.8, whereas it drops to 42.5 for those exceeding six
feet. After selecting the three tallest individuals of every species represented on
each of 60 study plots, it was found that an average height for the more and less
desirable groups compared as 3.5 to 4.8 feet respectively in the coves, 2.1 to 4.8 feet
on middle slopes, 2.5 to 3.8 feet on the ridges, and 3.4 to 4.0 feet as an average for
all sites. Such sharp contrast would not be possible if it were based on an average
height for all individuals, since this figure shows but little difference to exist between
superior and inferior groups, with the latter having some slight advantage. This
is accounted for largely by the fact that four-fifths of the new growth appearing
since death of the chestnut is now less than three feet tall, while about half of it
ranges below a foot.

Closer analysis of the growth data presented in Table 3 will reveal many inter-
esting deductions regarding the behavior of different kinds of trees. This information
is useful when it comes to making a comprehensive plan of management for the
oak-chestnut type in Pennsylvania. In the present discussion only a few of the
more salient facts disclosed by the study will be brought to the reader's attention. .

It will be noticed that the oaks, although seeding abundantly into chestnut
openings, are nevertheless losing ground to other faster-growing trees. Whereas
they constitute 40 per cent of the total reproduction, only 27 per cent is over three
feet in height and still less, about 19 per cent, reaches above six feet. This would
suggest the advisability of undertaking release cuttings and weedings in the new
growth to increase the proportion of oak and other valuable species in the next
rotation.

Most of the other species competing with the oaks show a progressive increase
among the taller height classes. It is noteworthy that, in advancing from the three-
foot to six-foot height level, red maple increases in abundance from 26 to 30 per cent
on cove, lower slope and middle slope sites, 40 to 80 per cent on upper slopes and
ridges, and with an average increase for all sites of approximately 38 per cent. This
rapid height growth of red maple is particularly significant when it is considered
that it out-numbers all other competitors which have attained a height of three
feet or greater since death of the chestnut. The only other trees showing a larger
increase than red maple, when progressing from the three -foot to six-foot height
level, are tulip poplar and black gum; of these, tulip is practically limited to coves
and lower slopes. Many of the undesirable features of red maple are likewise
possessed by such other trees as black gum, sassafras, Juneberry, black birch and
and wild black cherry. To eradicate or even to control them, now that they are
fiimly established, is a problem deserving of the best thought and effort of all
foresters in Pennsylvania.

Shrubby and Herbaceous Plants

Shrubs and herbs also have gained a foothold in the forest openings left by
chestnut. Attention was given to these lesser plants, for their presence often hinders
or prevents the establishment of potential timber species. Most numerous, on the
Mont Alto Forest, are the blueberries and huckleberries, mountain laurel, scrub oak,

21

TIGHT BINDING

green brier, maple-leaf viburnum, witch hazel, sweet fern, beaked hazelnut and
purple azalea of the shrubby plants, and wild yamroot, teaberry, sarsaparilla, spotted
wmtergreen, Solomon's seal, chicken grape, tick trefoil, Virginia creeper and
bracken fern among the herbaceous plants. With but few exceptions, the situation
elsewhere in the State is practically the same.

Our study reveals that wherever chestnut was abundant it left the woods so
open m character that many intolerant shrubs and herbs could gain entrance. A
large proportion of the species listed rarely occur where the forest cover is complete
Usually they frequent areas recently burned or cut-over, natural forest openings
along roads and trails or woodland borders. Where chestnut was a minor com-
ponent of the stand the surrounding trees quickly expanded their crowns into the
gaps :n the forest canopy and thus discouraged the growth of many shrubs and
herbs. The principal objection to their presence is that thev delay the progress of
natural succession to normal forest conditions. Tree species, when once established
will soon overtop and partially or completely suppress these undesirable forest weeds'

Also, it is logical to assume that the elimination of chestnut will cause many
calcifugous plants to decrease gradually in abundance (26). Both observations and
records from reproduction plots appear to substantiate this assumption Where
chestnut formerly occurred in heavy stands it is not uncommon at present to *:ee
numerous patches of dead and dying laurel and huckleberry. This fact may 'be
attributed to modified soil conditions, resulting in a more neutral or even alkaline
tendency.

Other Factors Affecting the Present Situation

K. }1 •w"!,^"''* ^t ^'T'^^ ^^^* ^^'' ^''""^^"ce Of inferior trees and shrubs can
^ndrlhf!! . r "^ '"^ ^"'' f '^' '^'''""*' "^'^°"^^ ^"^h '^^^'^ "at"ral thinning
Growth i\t. '"T ' ^'?^°""^ ^"^"^'^ °" *^^ ^^^^^^^^^ °^ the replacement

of tt hr .". T^ ''"^ °^ '^' '^'""'^^" ^"^ ''' °"«^" ^^"^ b^^°^« the appearance
of the blight. The latter only served to aggravate further what already was ap-
parent for decades previously, namely, the gradual ascendencv of tinde^iVahl- ci.r„b-
vveed species in our second-growth forests. Ever since the removal of Pennsylvani"a's
original forest heritag^, subsequent conditions have reacted unfavorably for success-
ful re-estabhshment of the more valuable timber trees that once were so common

It has long been recognized that repeated clear cutting and fire constitute the
hrdwnnH''''ir'''' ''T^f\^^' ^°^^^t deterioration. Even-aged stands of sprout
lo.t nf i' J!:i '^'^"'^ '^' ^'''"^^"^ '^'''' °^ ^^h fire and axe, characterize
TllrLZ^'^'''"^'f '^'' ^'^'' '"^ ^^' *^^*^"^°"y '^ '^'^^ P-^t treatment,
wor^r. H u 7' ^''"^''' '"'^"^^ "^''^^ '^^ oak-chestnut type have been

rdoubtedl u"t"\"' "'" ''■'^"''^ ^"^^^^' ^^^ "^^^^^^- ^-^--stWe cuttings
resuh 11 ^, '"^^' '^'"' ! considerable reduction of the better trees, with the

ioTlrtr r T7 '!f"/' °^ '^"^^"^ ''^''''''' ^^'^'^y '^' ^""^d remnants of
ha. h.7 T ' ^^'•^^°°d.^^''-^ts. Then, too, much of this sprout hardwood region
has been clear-cut many times for the production of charcoal. After each cutfine
1 was not unusual for slash fires to occur. This process of forest destruction
tmued unhampered until about 1902, when forestry and forest protection began to
acquire support in Pennsylvania. If it were not for the unusual recrprtivepowr
that characterizes forests of this type, such injurious treatment would ong Zee
have resulted m even more serious deterioration.

Unfortunately, as evinced throughout biological phenomena, the less desirable
forms of hfe usually are the most difficult to suppress. Nor do^s the "on
differ materially with respect to forest trees, for those suited for ittle e e th^

itTn -hI ''T''"""' ^"^°"* P^°'"^^^^' -^^« -P^^ i"venile grLT and posse"
other attributes that msui their survival, despite hardships^hich ^Le Ttt^

22

species often are unable to surmount. Consequently, each fire and clearcutting to
which the forest is subjected tends to increase the number of non-timber trees in the
succeeding stand. In case of successive forest fires on the same area, extending
over a long period of years, there often results a complete change in character of
the existing forest type (5). That this destructive treatment gradually eliminates
the better trees, thereby forcing a regression to worthless brush land, is well ex-
emplified by the scrub oak barrens so common in various portions of Pennsylvania.
Although these areas represent extreme abuse, there is little question but that the
forests of this State have been deteriorating ever since the original timber was ex-
ploited, caused almost entirely by factors other than destruction of the chestnut.

NATURAL REPLACEMENT ELSEWHERE IN PENNSYLVANIA

Field studies revealed that the progress of chestnut replacement throughout
Pennsylvania varies little in essential features from that which has been shown to
exist in the Mont Alto State Forest. A summary of the situation in various por-
tions of the State is shown in Table 4, page 24. Some slight variation, as re-
vealed by the data, undoubtedly is caused by differences in natural distribution of
the tree species concerned. The following paragraphs will be devoted to a dis-
cussion of certain details of chestnut replacement that were found to differ somewhat
in various portions of the State.

Central Pennsylvania

(Franklin, Fulton, Adams, Huntingdon, Blair, Centre, Union, Snyder, Mifflin,

Juniata, Perry and Cumberland Counties)

Throughout this entire section of the State chestnut occurred in heavy stands
and probably attained its optimum development. No other region shows a more
striking similarity to conditions existing in the Mont Alto State Forest. What
actual differences do exist are of minor significance. The data reveal that red oak,
white oak, hemlock, white pine, black birch, white ash and flowering dogwood are
slightly more abundant than in the Mont Alto Forest, whereas sassafras and black
gum show less prominence. Other trees, of rare or local occurrence in the extreme
south-central counties, here assume a minor role in filling the blanks left by chestnut.
These are scrub pine, bitternut hickory, cucumber, mountain maple, striped maple
and hop hornbeam.

In the Michaux State Forest, in Adams County, scarlet oak is a leading re-
placement species. Further westward, on the steep slopes of Cove and Tuscarora
Mountains, Fulton County, a considerable amount of black locust has become
established where chestnut formerly was plentiful. In these situations black locust
probably never will become larger than tie size, but it enriches the ground and
prepares the way for a better crop of trees.

Southwestern Pennsylvania

(Bedford, Somerset, Fayette, Cambria and Westmoreland Counties)

The most outstanding feature of chestnut replacement in these counties lies in
the fact that less-desirable species were found to be more prominent than anywhere
else in the State. They comprise over half of the advance growth and reproduction.
Red oak and red maple are the leading replacement species, followed in order by
rock oak, sassafras, wild black cherry, black gum and Juneberry. Fire cherry and
mountain ash also were observed in the chestnut openings.

23

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25

Northwestern Pennsylvania
(Jefferson, Qarion, Clearfield, Elk. Forest, Armstrong, and Indiana Counties)

. K^'!'''i!^*" conducted throughout this region showed the work of replacement
to be divided equally between desirable and less desirable species. Red maple far
outnumbers other competitors since it accounts for one-third of all advance growth
and almost one-fifth of the reproduction. White oak is more abundant here tC
anywh^e else in the State; it stands second to red maple and is followed closely by

wherTlrt 7 °"^u T """r '' *"" "^^'^ *^"y "^'^ P™-'n«^t than else'
where but It also reaches better development and is altogether worthy of being con-
sidered a desirable species. Certain trees of uncommon occurrence in the M^t
Alto Forest here assume minor importance in the natural replacement of chestnut-

buuLur '" '"*""'' '""' ^'"'^■- ""^ '"'""^^' ~^" -" "n-i

Northeastern Pennsylvania

(Northumberland, Columbia, Schuylkill, Luzerne, Carbon, Montour, Wyoming, and

Sullivan Counties)

their"dri'rabmtf'R!^'^'""'"'/-'^''\"" "'"'"* '""^"^ <"^''^«' *'* ^«f"^"'« to
their desirability. But again it is emphasized that this study dealt orimarilv with

r'n^T^' ''°'" *"• =■"<• '"'"' *^ •»»*« «"<! discussion cotl'onTy Native"
unimpeded efforts to close the forest openings left by chestnut. Probably no Xe
section of Pennsylvania contains such extensive tracts which have been burned ^d
cut-over so repeatedly that inferior species now claim possession
™k Jth^? northeastern Pennsylvania more space has been taken over by the
oaks than m any other portion of the State. The five common oaks-rock wh te
back scarlet, and red oak-^ake up 90 per cent of the more des raWe ad^iS

S e^^thafeirewhtr"!; is''"'"':i"" ""^'^ ="^° "" '""'" "> "^ "'°'^l'^^^
nere tnan elsewhere. It is worth pointing out that scarlet oak and sassafras in

creased considerably in the reproduction appearing since the ln„ !!f H.„.!! "!."
wise «ie situation remains little different from th^t existing w^M^of Te-S^rna"

Extreme Northeastern Pennsylvania
' (Pike, Monroe, and Wayne Counties)

than^lhhT' tX°"T"' ""/u'' °' ■•^'''«™="t has progressed more favorably

subs^ntial contribution. On some areas gra^ b^h ^s tZ^t::^:^ T.

Transition Zone

At Its northern extremity the latter tvDe nrmr. ,^^c.i . •*■

southwestern exposures. Often t is found ,tt•T^ °" •*"'" '°""'"™ ""^

26

the chestnut openings. However, v^rithin the Allegheny Plateau region of north-
western Pennsylvania, the two forest types are thrown together more or less indis-
criminately. But even where the Northern Hardwood Forest rules supreme,
scattered chestnut will be found (19).

As might be expected, a slightly different picture of chestnut replacement
characterizes this transition zone. So far as the character of the new growth is
concerned, the better trees make up about the same proportion as elsewhere. It is
the relative positimi of the many species concerned that constitutes an outstanding
difference. Here the oaks are of little significance, with only red and rock oak of
any prominence. Together they contribute but 10 per cent of the advance growth
and 18 per cent of the reproduction. Red and sugar maple and beech, all tolerant
species, comprise more than 40 per cent of the total. White ash and hemlock also
play a prominent part. Other important trees typical of the region are basswood.
cucumber and slippery elm. as well as such undesirables as fire cherry, striped maple
and trembling aspen.

ARTIFICIAL REPLACEMENT OF THE CHESTNUT
It is obvious that if left alone much of the forest area within the oak-chestnut
type in Pennsylvania will revert naturally to inferior species, which ah-eady are
firmly established on practically an equal basis with those more desirable. Much
of the present forest growth therefore consists of inferior species, or of weakened,
poorly-formed trees of the more desirable kinds. The problem which now presents
itself is how to improve conditions so that the better trees may be encouraged It
has been shown that inferior species possess such growth habits that it would be
almost impossible to eliminate them entirely, nor is it believed that such an under-
taking could be economically justified. r .- r

Unquestionably the most important and most urgent problem confrontmg for-
esters today is the adequate protection of forests from fire. At the same time it is
recognized that protection alone will not serve to produce forests of the highest
quality products. Nature's methods often are slow and wasteful, and only by the

^ . . _ . .1-- 1 ,^^4. ^^A v,ocf fimKpr Kf ffrown at a orofit to the

application ol silviculture can the migcat aiiv* o-o. ^- l. g ^ .

owner Due to present problems of forest fire danger and unsatisfactory markets
for low-grade products, intensive silviculture now is possible only m limited, favored
areas but it is essential that foresters begin to experiment with various methods of
stand improvement so that they will be able to apply the best treatment to forests
when and where better forestry methods are justified.

Forest Improvement Cuttings
Improvement cuttings provide one of the best means of ridding the forest of
inferior trees so that a fair start can be made toward a profitable crop of timber.
Salvage of the dead chestnut offers an excellent opportunity to remove at the same
time all undesirable species, as well as poor specimens of the preferred kinds. If
cutting is further combined with a careful weeding of the young advance growth and
lenroduction, even though this latter undertaking can show no immediate net profit.
Ihere will result immeasurable benefit to the forest. Release of the better trees from
competition for light and moisture affords them ample room for development, and
they soon respond with an acceleration of growth that m quahty and quantity more
than compensates for the reduced growing stock. If of seed-bearing age, the remain-
ing trees, because of their additional crown expansion, bear heavier crops of seed
and thereby tend to increase the proportion of better species m he succeeding
rotat on Stand composition also can be influenced by deferring all cutting until
Irrtval of a good seed year for some preferred species represented on the area to be
cu over when the disturbing of the soil incident to logging »•» «=ncourage their
seedling eTtablishment. To accomplish these results, all cutting should be plamied

27

carefully and carried on with good judgment, supplemented with a thorough knowl-
edge of local conditions. The axe judiciously applied is a tool for building up the
forest as well as for cutting it down.

The growth acceleration of individual trees, which was found to have occurred
after elimination of the chestnut, should serve as a criterion of the increased growth
that might be expected to result from thinnings and improvement cuttings. If
undertaken at an age of 30 to 50 years, the material removed is of marketable size,
reproduction is encouraged, and volume growth of remaining trees is greatly ac-
celerated. Considering these practical advantages, it may be desirable to wait and
thin fairly heavily, at long intervals, rather than to start early in the life of the
stand and practice light and frequent thinnings, as is more often advocated. This
is particularly true of the more inaccessible forest areas, on which intensive silvi-
culture cannot at present be justified. Frequent, light thinnings are best adapted to
the farm woodlot.

Assuming that a fair market exists for any one" of such products as poles, ties,
mine timbers, posts, or cordwood, the improvement operation should show some
cash returns on the money expended. Mixing the dead chestnut with other species
at time of cutting facilitates its disposal, whereas alone it may be difficult to find
demand for it. This is particularly true of fuel wood, for which many people object
to using chestnut. Although for a quick, hot fire, or for kindling, chestnut is one
of the best of woods, since it splits easily and burns rapidly, its undesirable features
are that it will snap and crackle and throw sparks profusely. Since other species
are preferable for fuelwood, chestnut can be sold more readily if oak and hickory
are mixed with it. It is believed to be sound economy to market the chestnut, if
only at cost of production, rather than to take the loss and risks involved by allowing
it to remain in the woods. Even though he be forced to operate at a slight loss,
the owner will profit later due to the increased value of his standing timber. Opening
up the forest and letting in more sunlight create conditions favorable for the growth
and reproduction of light-demanding trees, such as tulip poplar, black locust, hickory,
and some of the better species of oak and pine that formerly associated with chestnut'
Then, too, favorable conditions are created for increasing 'the proportion of "conife"rs
or any other desired species by . subsequent planting. Should the treated area be
located along roads, or in other situations frequented by the public, its sightly ap-
pearance contributes both an aesthetic and educational value. A clean ^forest is
good fire insurance and tends to prevent loss from insects and disease.

Despite the benefits to be secured from intelligent use of the axe, there are
definite limitations imposed upon this solution to the problem of forest improvement.
The most serious obstacle that limits its general application is a restricted market
at present for the materials removed. In many instances financial success or failure
of the operation hinges largely on local demand for cordwood or small-sized products
Where this situation exists, progress must necessarily be slow and confined to the
most accessible areas. Fortunately such is not the case in all portions of the State
especially in proximity to agricultural districts, and in the coal regions, as well as
in many localities supporting wood-using industries. There the market for wood is
far more varied and stable than that which characterizes our mountainous sections
wherein loggmg and transportation costs constitute other limiting factors With the
bulk of our State Forests located in the more inaccessible regions, it is obvious that
many difficulties confront almost any preconceived plan for their general improve
ment. Such a situation suggests, however, an urgent need for a comprehensive
study of the market conditions prevailing in each district. Forestry has long since
demonstrated that to grow timber of mature size and good quality at a profit as
a purely business undertaking, is possible only where thinnings and improvement
cuttings are practicable. ^ uvciucm

28

Forest Planting

The loss of the chestnut presents an opportunity to initiate a reforestation
nroeram aimed toward the improvemem of Pemi's Woods. Where the forest was
TaJuraTy thTnned to such an extent that plenty of overhead light is now available,
Sted tr e have a chance to survive. This applies particularly to areas formerly
t^^^ri^rL.y stands of chestnut and to the poorer sites, such as mountam slopes
and ridges, that usually are characterized by rather open stands of timber.

Although little is definitely known regarding the best species to plant on such
areas tre\ some justification for recommending certain ^^^^^^^
to prove successful. It is obvious that no species can be adapted to f J^^uations
since each locality has its own specific planting problems. On sites of the poorest
Quality it is believed that rapid-growing conifers, such as pitch pine red pme, and
Sibly Scotch and jack pine, should be planted. Larch, hemlock, Norway spruce
and white pine are other desirable species more suited to the better more moist and
cooler areas, with shortleaf pine in southern Pennsylvania. It has been demon-
strated that white pine proves more resistant to weevil damage when planted
sparsely under partial hardwood shade.

Planting of conifers on adverse sites receives further recommendation in view
of the fact that hardwoods, because of their slow growth and inability to attam large
size are ill-adapted there to form a profitable forest crop. To reinforce woodlots
and' other valuable stands located on good sites it may be more des.rab e o ^e
native hardwoods, such as tulip poplar, white ash, red oak, sugar ™/P'«. W*';'' l°c"^t.
or basswood. In most localities supplemental plantmg alone should suffice, but there
are extensive areas where it may be necessary to resort to artificial conversion m
order to replace the present inferior growth with valuable forest trees.

Past experience with reforestation in PemisylvanU largely relates to old field
sites formerly under cultivation. The fact that practically all such areas looted
in State Forests now have been planted explains directly the rapid declme m State
Forest planting within recent years. Those plantations covering some 25,000 acres
not only stimulated public mterest m loreslry, but a.»^ ha.. .-. .eo - — - -
object lessons with reference to the silvical habits and growth requirements of
different species of trees. From the many long years of labor required to estabhsh
and protect these planted trees there has resulted, among other things learned, this
on^ bit of hard-earned experience; namely, the advisability of maintaming mixed
stands of a character similar to those developed under natural forest conditions
Herein lies the advantage of planting conifers on chestnut-depleted areas, not
necessarily with the purpose of complete conversion, but rather ^at «,e natura^
erowth of hardwoods should serve as fillers for the planted trees, forcing their
height growth, shading off their lateral branches, and resulting m a mixed stand of
selected final crop trees.

One excellent way to handle such planting is in conjunction with forest improve-
ment operations. It is recommended that only sizable, thrifty, well-rooted stock be
planted, carefully spotted in the larger chestnut openings, or m other blank spaces
!eft aft^r cutting or fire (3j. Caution is particularly advisable when handling plant-
ing stock that is light-demanding. When planting recently clear-cut or burned areas
extreme care must be exercised to avoid all stumps and dead standing trees that
would be likely to sprout vigorously; otherwise the planted trees stand m danger
of being quickly over-topped and suppressed by fast-growing hardwood sprouts
and the cost of release cutting is greatly increased. Experience has indicated that
to secure successful establishment on such planting sites requires ordinarily from one
to three release cuttings, made at intervals of from two to five years, depending
upon conditions. The more desirable of the hardwood sprouts and seedlings that

29

occupy the intervening spaces should be removed only insofar as they interfere with
the growth of planted trees.

Experimental work has proceeded sufficiently to permit a reasonably accurate
forecast to be made of the expense of improvement cuttings and reforestation for
any particular locality. Rather than to deal in generalities, a specific example will
be cited of an operation that combined both of the above features and for which the
actual cost data are available. Reference is made to a project initiated in the Mont
Alto State Forest during the winter of 1930-31, in a 45-year old stand of timber
where chestnut formerly comprised 40 per cent of the wood volume. Associated
trees consisted of rock, scarlet and some white oak, pignut hickory, red maple, black
gum, sassafras and flowering dogwood. The area represents lower slope conditions
adjoining a hard-surfaced road. It first was given an improvement thinning that
extended over 11^ acres, removing all dead chestnut, inferior species, and poor
specimens of the preferred growing stock. As the cutting progressed it assumed
in addition the aspect of a weeding of the advance growth and reproduction, which
discriminated against even mountain laurel, as well as all undesirable saplings down
to less than an inch in diameter.

^ There was removed from the area approximately 85 cords of wood, an average
of lYz cords per acre, representing 50 per cent of the volume of standing timber.
At a labor rate of 30 cents per hour, the cost of felling averaged $16.12 per acre
or $2.18 per cord. To skid the material to the road and transport it by truck to
the wood yard, about 2^ miles distant, necessitated an additional cost of $2.72 per
cord. Another item of expense included 20 cents per cord for marking the trees to
be cut (by a trained forester), making a total removal cost of $5.10 per cord. Sold
locally for fuel wood, the price obtained just about paid for the cost of the operation.
When considering the benefits that the improved stand derived, this work undoubt-
edly will prove a very profitable undertaking.

This same area later was underplanted, using two-year-old seedlings of red
pitch, shortleaf and white pine, also some hemlock. Since the brush had been
lopped and scattered well, it presented but little hindrance to the work of planting.
Placmg the trees in only the larger openings, particularly those that had been left
by the chestnut removed, required an average of only 300 seedlings per acre If
properly located this number is sufficient, however, to form at maturity a good
mixed stand containing, in addition to conifers, the best of the local hardwoods
Because of the extremely rocky nature of the area and consequent difficulty of
securmg enough soil with which to cover the roots of planted trees, the planting cost
of $3 per acre was necessarily high. Under these conditions it pays to do the
work carefully, since percentage of establishment, the eventual criterion of success,
IS increased by good rather than by rapid planting. As suggested previously, these
trees will need assistance later to release them from hardwood competition Past
experience indicates that, under ordinary conditions, the total cost of periodic release
cuttings throughout the early stages of the rotation, should not exceed $5 per
acre (B). ^ ^

This operation is cited because it represents one of the few available examples
of an attempt at artificial replacement of the blight-killed chestnut. There is every
reason to believe that the results will be satisfactory. What is urgently needed is
more work of this character to be undertaken in different parts of the State In
some localities planting within the natural openings left by chestnut could be success-
ful without any prelimmary improvement of the stand. Ordinarily, however some
cutting would be advisable in order to get the planted trees well established before
the overhead canopy closes and before hardwood reproduction can impede their
growth. Planting, as a general restorative measure, should not be attempted where
the character and amount of natural regeneration insures a satisfactory stand at

30

maturity. This is particularly true of th^ more fertile sites, on which it would be a
mistake to introduce conifers if fast-growing hardwoods are present. With millions
of acres in need of improvement there is no necessity to waste time and effort where
Nature can assure a satisfactory replacement.

It is not anticipated that this stupendous task of rehabilitatmg vast areas of
wrecked and degenerated forest land can be accomplished immediately. What has
resulted from a half-century of forest abuse cannot be rectified m a few years ot
constructive effort. More immediate importance attaches to a thorougn realization
of the problem at hand, which in turn will suggest a need for action. Salvaging o4
the dead chestnut, where it still remains standing, presents a practical opportumty
to begin the work of placing the forests of Pennsylvania on a sound producing basis.

CHESfTNUT MAY YET RECOVER

Thus far our discussion is based on an assumption that the chestnut has been
entirely eliminated, resulting in other species taking over its place in the forest.
Despite the gloomy outlook which generally has been portrayed for the tree, many
foresters and forest pathologists are of the opinion that it is makmg slow but sub-
stantial progress in its struggle with the blight. During the past five years this
problem has received close attention and study at the Pennsylvania Forest Research
Institute the preliminary results of which have been published in a recent circular
by the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters {2), This is a compamon
Qtudy of the one under discussion, and hence its results have a direct bearing upon
the chestnut situation in Pennsylvania. Some of its conclusions arrived at are
therefore set forth as follows:

1 The persistent sprouting ability of the chestnut is its main hope. For
20 vears it has persistently met its death loss with repeated crops of new sprouts.
In some regionras many as eight different generations of sprouts have already
apiiaTed The blight h^as not^et been able to kill all the root systems from
which sprouts develop. These sprouts are the main battleground of the blight

2 Recent studies indicate that the chestnut shows greatest promise of
' . . /-N -r^a- «ri,«..o \\^(i rliPQtniit wa«; cut bcforc It was completely

killed bV the blight : (b) where sprouts originated from small stumps or seed^
ling-sprouts! (c) on slopes with a warm southern or southwestern exposure;
and (A\ where overhead shade is not too dense. . j-

and (d) wnere ov^ of chestnut sprouts, three to four inches in diameter

are now growing in the forests. The largest sprout recorded at Mont Alto was
five inches in diameter and 35 feet high when 12 years old , ^„a

4 Many of the larger sprouts, ranging from 3 to 4 inches in diameter and
^rcrr^'f. to 1 J vcars old are beginning to bear fully-formed chestnut burs con-
Sng rfii'p^'r^eiS'aVof mltu^^ nuts This indicates that the chestnut is
resisting the blight, or that the disease is becoming less virulent.

5 More cfnkers are now required to kill a sprout than in the ear y days
of the bUght It is not uncommon to see a sprout strugg ing tenaciously with
as many as a dozen cankers upon it. In the early days of the blight, a single

ranker often was sufficient to kill a tree. j • i ^« ^f ♦Uo

canker oijen w => . ^ j appearance, form and virulence of the

hlt^ht cankers hav^^^^^^^^ swollen hypertrophied type of canker is

• ^^"'^7 ""s^U^uW^ whircSsfnuTt^^^^^^^ trdevelop into the largest and

?ave yet beenTound, and it appears that Nature unassisted must «ork out rts
own method ^l «>"«f °'-^ ^^^^^^ m; ^j has passed too recently to foretell
definhelyt?Ste developments, but 'each year gives additional evdence s.g-

ai

f'zrr- J.*v"y ■

.■^n^Htllltji

A PROMISING CHESTNUT SPROUT UNDER OBSERVATION.

This 12-year-old sprout, five inches in diameter at breast height, 28 feet tall
which has borne several crops of burs within recent years, typifies the chestnut's
struggle to recover from the blight.

32

nifying that this ^iest-tive^^^^^

L^v^iTuch^oTrK^^^^^^ this Commonwealth.

Recent Evidence of Progress

t.,.„r» r.f the chestnut situation centers in the

Probably the most encouraging feature <>« *= ™J™ ^^bstantial crops of nuts.

fact that the young sprouts have ^eg"" recently to bear suteta ^^^^^,^^

For the past six years or more ches nut burs have been "ot.^^ • ^.^^ ^ ,, to

within the State. In some places the.r «™;; J^„ ^''^^^tU Jout L eastern,
attract public attention. J^ey have been esp^allyn^^^^^^^ ^^^.^^^ .^j^_

southern and central portions of *h«„='ate represem g b ^^^^ .^_

tion, where the new sprouts havd »"="f f .'"^^^!' !'" ^^tnuts ranging in quantity
dicated that many persons were successful m gathering chestnuts, rang

from a pocket-full to several quarts. ^^ ^^^^ £,„

It is surprising to observe the abundance »« ^":™V^7fi^, ^^J, of excel-
very young sprouts. Last year the writer gathered more *^» ''^^ 'l ^^^ ^.^
lent' nuts from sprouts which were only seven years oli J^ P^J'^'^^^^^,
been burned over in 1926 and more than ten per «"« »* *^ 7"\7f,,t ;„ height and

were bearing fruit. The ■^ff'^l:;r^^'T^Zll^^ tU elfewhere
many of them had from 2 to 2? burs. Also, uw ^^ ^^^ i2.year-old

older sprouts -'* "^^ "^^^^^ J VresT Fr'anklin Conty, showed that there
:v"::t;:form*\rr::\':.o;ef :rrout nea;by had 45 burs, and counts on several

''-l^:ZrS^ Lr of the chestn. cr^ for the past -- V- -
the high percentage of well-developed ''-'^^^^Jl^^J^:^^lX, Ismail central
cult to find burs which were fertile, ^^^^^^ ^'^^^fZlee/iust the reverse,
lfm^:;":^rbur:rre^ ronl^rb:t=hree „.. . .rge si.e, and
with the kernel filled out completely.

The ResultinK Situation

. .ffnrf nf the chestnut to produce nuts of normal size and develop-

snrout origin offer greatest resistance to the blight, it is eviaeni xnai

sproui origin uiiti s rvvprcome its fungous enemy. Then, too,

:Ts ^nry'^ssirthi: rldtgrnr^g .oduc^ed may inherit in some
■"To^I;:^^X'o^d"srd^rcl"eMr stui with a scattering of young seed-

^£iE^^:^r=ir^'^---^

dreastin their prouting capacity, it is probable that they cannot go on indefinite y

-E^frie^
-tll^fslu^r^are^n^^^^^^^^^^^

^^:ZT: Stt ro" sT^of [he seedling ch'^stnut is its most valuable
Sture The™;roduction of thousands of such new root systems prolongs indefimtely
u u-\-> „f the snecies to match its death loss with repeated crops of new sprouts.
*' Th re are manrangl" of practical significance from which the present chestnut
situation c^beTalyzed. On favorable areas it certainly is desirable to permit the

88

m

-■-irt*.;:!!*.,!

A PROMISING CHESTNUT SPROUT UNDER OBSERVATION.

J^ii^ J^'^^^^'°'^ sprout, five inches in diameter at breast height, 28 feet tall
which has borne several crops of burs within recent years, typifies the chestnut's
struggle to recover from the blight.

32

„if,i„g that this destructive disease has p^ssed^U^^
i:Z'::^^'^^"lsr^^V^'^^r:S"°' .his Comtno„wealth.

Recent Evidence of Progress

(^nu^r^ nf the chestnut situation centers in the

Probably the most --""gmg feature o^ the * ^^^^^.^, ^^^^^ „j „„,3.

fact that the young sprouts h^^e^^^^un recently to b ^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^.^.^^

For the past six years or more che tnu ^u ^^^ J^^ ^^^„„, ,„ widespread as to
vithin the State, In some places the.r °<=e>vrrence ha ^^^j^^^

attract public attention. They have ^1^" "peaally "o^^^ ^^^^.^^^ .^j^^_

southern and central portions of the St^te representing me g ,^_

tion. where the new sprouts have' attamed largest s.^e -fj^^^'J^^ ;„ q„,„,ity
cheated that many persons were successful m gathermg chestnuts, rang g
from a pocket-full to several quarts ^^^„^ „„

It is surprising to observe the abundance of b"" jh'* n°« ^^^j.

very young sprouts. Last year the wnter gathered more '^an "^e 'i
lent' nuts from sprouts which were only seven years oid^ Th. part cu r
been burned over in 1926 and more than ten per eent°f the result ngct, P

.ere bearing fruit. The •"^■vM-l ^^ ^^^^^^^ ffind elsUere

':z str^ith^ :z ^^i-rt:^^ r::>"hr:h::t

:r^:e^foTm^;\r A^hef :rro=b^"^^^^^ ^:^ coums on several

others ranged from 20 to 30 burs. . . , „„„ tr.v the i>ast several years was

Another encouraging feature of the chestnut crop for 'he Past sev y

;:* *' ri::."t»s r*r- o,- *-« ..... .. ..... ..... ..«

with the kernel filled out completely.

The Resulting Situation

f .ffnrt of the chestnut to produce nuts of normal size and develop-

<;nrout oriein offer greatest resistance to the blight, it is e\iucui

sprout orij^iu unci g overcome its fungous enemy. Then, too.

nJem- X"" ssi^tS: ;he^rgrn:wTrg produc^ed may inherit in some
"'^To\:Lor;1ord":fd\?:i:el'!:rstuSs with a scattering of young seed-

d reas' in t e.r prouting capacity, it is probable that they cannot go on mdefimte y

-ti:i:s;::y'aU.^^^

^trt'hVnT; 3t£Ut s^'r ol thl seedUng chestnut is its most valuable
lafure The production of thousands of such new root systems prolongs mdefin.tely

r K ;■, of the secies to match its death loss with repeated crops of new sprouts.
Th re are "anTangles of practical significance from which the present chestnut

situaUoncan be anTlyTed. On favorable areas it certainly is desirable to perm.t the

33

INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE

club and otherwise mutilate pro„,ising sprout^ 'nZLTuJ:^":^^^
unde'SwV'^On^h: Mtt tuX :%^°"">"^^l « '-> Percentage of the forest

-oaseeond to :ei''L^;:;t;thT:Te ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^i.!---' ^"^'-'

denieYtStrS/Zellerr^-Hf *"*""' ^^'>'='^-™*' ■''--* ^^
hindrance to the^'ltli hT ra^d g row* 7:^' *"''"'' ^P™"'^ ^--'^ »
sreas there is produced a dense thirlfef Tf ? , ^""- °" "^"^ <^W-over

out much desirable nltura. rT^ene a^n PreLT' T '° """"""^ ''^ '° ''"''''
when they monopolize cons iderSH 1 " °' 'P'""" '^'"'"•«' particularly

development of f^lvst^klf stands T'H ""'''' ""-l"""'' '""'"""^'^ '"^ ""^'"^^
when the planted tr-eestave sTjutie ctnce'^o": ^«-«^'^' -P'-"™-* be Justified

-ly succumbed to it. ^^^sj^^^J^t::':^:':!^ -^ -

Introduction of Foreign Species of Chestnut

P.anfS.;;:?a?m:^ral^"rSlfr t^^^^^^^^ °' ^^'^""-' «"-u of
chestnut that will J^Ta^'-'r^T *° *'"^''' ^ "ight-resistant strain of

chestnut, principalfy from SiJn" andToarh'"' 'k' "^^ "^""^ ™"^*'^' "^ Asiatic
The policy has be^ to esS^hsh exi iZtar, T "'''f"'^ '"'" *'= ~""t'y-
many eastern states for the purpoTe o"^^^^^^^^^ • T -"^ """^ "°"^ '"'''^^ '"
and climate, susceptibility to ^^^1 ^H ."'."^ T '''""^"°" *° °" ">"^
far the Japanese chest™, (cZaZLT^- f "T ^^'"' "' ^ '°^"' *^«- Thus
rCa..a„.„«oft„,-^;havegve7mrtnrTr -^Z""' ""^ "'^'''^ ^'"«« *«tnut
have been established by thfpZslalT !T'' '"''"''"°"' '>^ 'hese species
Alto State Forest. Al.h'ough nZtZilZL^lTT '"'""'^ '" '"^ ^°«
immune to the blight some of th^ i! "P""™ '"^^^ has proved to be entirely

principal objection to 'heruse L f^est Znt-°'"""u'"'= "**""' ^«'^'^"«- ^he
more for orchard culture than f„ .t " 1« "^ " that they apparently are suited
possibility that by crossing them w «, our a1 • u ' ""'"'"^"'•- *cre is the

developed a tree that will\e ad^ap^ftoUTry ™::'""' ""^ "^^ '" *""^ ^^

SUMMARY

l-^-^"^i^tZ'!!l^lf.^^^^^ «- noticed in southeastern

Sta^ by ,915, and by 1920 had ki"^ pt ieaHv 'an'T '''"'' °' ^''^^'""' '" **
northwestern counties. Practically all trees except in the extreme

-e Of its wood for many ^::^^7tZ tt^.^-;- -L£

34

forest management. Its loss was a great calamity, seriously complicating the for-
estry program with difficult economic, silvicultural and biological problems.

3. The major purpose of this study is to determine what Nature is doing to
replace chestnut with other species, how satisfactory natural replacement promises
to be, and what can be done artificially to promote or improve the natural replace-
ment process.

4. The study was begun in the summer of 1930 in the Mont Alto State Forest
in Franklin County, the field laboratory of the Pennsylvania Forest Research Insti-
tute, because this region is typical of the extensive oak-chestnut-hard pine forest
type of central, southern and eastern Pennsylvania. Later the study was extended
to all parts of the State where chestnut was formerly abundant, so that any differ-
ences of conditions in the various regions might be noted. Altogether, nearly 3,000
plots in chestnut openings were studied and the following facts were determined.

5. The growth of most trees in openings formerly dominated by chestnut was
very noticeably stimulated, due to increased light made available, more room for
crown expansion, and lessening of root competition. A wide difference of growth
acceleration was found to exist between species, and even for individuals of the
same species, depending on such factors as site, percentage of chestnut in the stand,
age, crown class, and ability to withstand shade. Increment borings, taken from
603 trees representing ten different species, showed that in general diameter growth
had increased 80 per cent during the decade following death of the chestnut. In
most instances the greatest increase occurred within five years after the chestnut
was dead.

6. With loss of the chestnut the growing stock of vast areas of our forests
became seriously depleted. Records from permanent growth study plots show that
most stands which formerly supported less than 40 per cent of chestnut by volume
are now making fair progress toward recovery of their original status. Where
chestnut made up 40 to 60 per cent of the stumpage the present wood volume still
shows a deficiency of 5 to 35 per cent, based on stands of middle-age and older.

Ofllv whT** rVi«»cfniif iijnc lece ♦Viiyi 1A <-><>•- faf^4- ^( 4-Un ^.^^^^t^^l ..4...^.^ I_ xU-. t.~*.-,\

volume greater today than what it was before the invasion of the blight, although it
is fair to assume that if the chestnut had not died the rapid growth of this species
would have resulted in a much greater volume increment.

7. On all excepting the poorest sites and where chestnut formerly made up
more than half the stand, there is now generally sufficient advance growth and repro-
duction to compose a new stand of satisfactory density, but often of poor quality.

8. Under natural forest conditions, the species replacing chestnut comprise
those that formerly were most closely associated with it. From 35 to 50 per cent of
the replacement growth in Pennsylvania consists of oak, with rock oak in the leading
role. In practically every locality red maple and rock oak are the two leading
replacement species. Their numbers far exceed any of the others. Together they
represent over 40 per cent of all advance growth and 30 per cent of all reproduction
now present in the forest openings left by chestnut.

9. Approximately 50 per cent of the young growth, now competing for posses-
sion of the space vacated by chestnut, consists of less desirable species. The most
numerous of these weed species, in their order of abundance, are red maple, sassafras,
black gum, Juneberry, black birch, flowering dogwood and scrub oak. Not infre-
quently, too, it is the presence of woody shrubs and herbaceous plants that has
hindered establishment of the more valuable timber trees.

10. A study of height growth of reproduction showed that ordinarily the tallest
seedlings and sprouts that have appeared in the chestnut openings are not of pre-
ferred kinds. At different successive height levels there was a steady decrease of
the more desirable trees, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of less

35

the chestnut nn?- ^"""'"^^^^^P*" "^ *<= "dvan^ growth which now dominates

oLm • T ^' "T'T °' ''«' ^l'^' *°™'^'y ^-^^^ suppressed and poorly-

Zyni IT "'■"« «^^^"»"'^ o«''°PP-<i by surrounding crowns, and hence c^paWe

undernLr "^ '"'""™' '° '""''^"^ reproduction of better species

on hHlhtl'iM!!^""^ T ^ ^'"""'^ *•"" "''' ^''"nd^n'^e of inferior trees and shrub.,
on bhgh -blled chestnut areas can be attributed entirely to conditions resulting from
lo of the chestnut. Repeated dear-cutting, fires, and a constant culling of X
better speaes are the agencies most responsible for forest deterioration The che
nut bhght only served to aggravate further what already was apparent for d^a es"

oTitd' ;rrwthVrts"^''"^' '-'"''""' "' ""'^-'-'"^ shrlweed VcSt
12. Intensive fire protection, forest improvement thinning with release cutting
of reproducfon, and supplemental planting where necessafy are tVe measure!
advocated to restore our chestnut-depleted forests to full productivity and to re^ock
them w.th the best of our native species. Nature's efforts toward the replacement
of chestnut must be supplemented by silvicultural improvement practfces roTder

.J.f of^^s^cl'^^nt^lpTc^iefr^^^^^^^ TT *"' '''''' ^'

it was forced to vacate, ch'Tstnut L Tftrutlirg to r^i tain ilLlf ""^tlTn *''
structure of Pennsylvania. Recent evidence of progretgTves rise n X,- °''1

complete disappearance^ ^hl^t^e': :?\-r ;:::^r: b1 r^rm^T^ "' '^^

36

(1)

(2)
(3)

(4)

(5)
(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)
(11)

(12)
(13)

(14)
(15)

(16)

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, C. R., and Murphey, F. T., 1928.
Improve the Farm Woodlot by Cutting. Circular 119, School of Agri-
culture and Experiment Station, Pennsylvania State College, State
College, Pa.

Aughanbaugh, J. E., 1930.
Recovery of the Chestnut in Pennsylvania. Research Circular 1, Penn-
sylvania Department of Forests and Waters, Harrisburg, Pa.

Baker, W. M., 1931.

A Preliminary Report on Release Cuttings or Cleanings in Pennsylvania
State Forest Plantations. Unpublished Manuscript, Pennsylvania
Forest Research Institute, Mont Alto, Pa.

Barnes, L. C, 1917.

Utilization and Reforesting Chestnut Blighted Lands. Journal of For-
estry, Vol. 15, pp. 854-858.

Brouse, E. F., 1924.

How Fire Changes Forest Types. Journal of Forestry, Vol. 22, pp. 43-52.

Buttrick, P. L., 1915.

Commercial Uses of Chestnut. American Forestry, Vol. 21, pp. 960-967.

Frothingham, E. H., 1921.

Site Determination and Yield Forecasts in the Southern Appalachians.
Journal of Forestry, Vol. 19, pp. 1-14.

Frothingham, E. H., 1924.
Some Silvicultural Aspects of the Chestnut Blight Situation. Journal of
Forestry, Vol. 22, pp. 861-872.

Galloway, B. T., 1926.

The Search in Foreign Countries for Blight Resistant Chestnuts and
Related Tree Crops. Department Circular 383, U. S. Department of
Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Washington, D. C.

Gravatt, G. F., and Marshall, R. P., 1926.

Chestnut Blight in the Southern Appalachians.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, D, C.

Gravatt, G. F. and Gill, L. S.. 1930.

\^iicMiiui xjiigiii. x'aiiiitT> Lmiictin iOoi, o.

culture, Washington, D. C.

Hawley, R. C, and Hawes. A. F., 1912.

Forestry in New England. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Horning, W. H., 1925.
Utilization of Blighted Chestnut on the Mont Alto State Forest. Forest
Leaves, Vol. 20, pp. 26-27.

Illick J. S., 1921.
Replacement of the Chestnut. Journal of Forestry, Vol. 19, pp. 105-114.

Illick, J. S., 1924.
Tree Habits — How to Know the Hardwoods. American Nature Associa-
tion, Washington, D. C.

Illick, J. S., 1928.
Pennsylvania Trees. Bulletin 11, Pennsylvania Department of Forests
and Waters. Reprint of 5th edition of 1925.

Korstian, C. F., and Stickel, P. W., 1927.
The Natural Replacement of Blight-killed Chestnut. Miscellaneous
Circular 100, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.

Leffelman, L. T., and Hawley, R. C, 1925.

Studies of Connecticut Hardwoods. Bulletin 15, School of Forestry,

Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Lutz, H. J., 1930.
Original Forest Composition in Northwestern Pennsylvania as Indicated

by Early Land Survey Notes. Journal of Forestry, Vol. 28, pp. 1098-

1103.

Marshall, Robert, 1927.
The Growth of Hemlock Before and After Release From Suppression.
Bulletin 11, Harvard Forest, Petersham, Mass.

37

Circular 370, U. S.

Department of Agri-

(21) Michaux, F. Andre, 1871

(22) nS. cTmr '''"'■ ^""^ ^""" * ^o- ^'^-o^'p"-- Pa.

(23) Nicholas, Herbert M., 1925. . ^. v..

^p;.*4Z$|" A" «^P'a""K O"^ Chestnut? Forest Leaves, Vol. 20,

(24) Perry, G. S^ 1922.

"^ Vol ^.' pA's"!. ''""^"'' '" Pennsylvania. Journal of Forestry,

(25) Perry, G. S., 1924.

iXlSe.' °' Silviculture at Mont Alto. Forest Leaves, Vol. ,9,

(26) Perry, G. S., 1928.

"^ Vo"Vpp^ 7«'T7f *° '''"■"' P^^d-'ivity. Journal of Forestry,

(27) Perry, G. S, 1928.

Aft.*., R„„„„to, Pdl,, ta™, „, K,i,^ v.^ „ ^^ jjj^

(29) Richards, E. C. M., 1914.

tJ^^JJillo"^"'-""' ^'^""" ^"•'^ Fo-try Quarterly, Vol. 12,

(30) Richards, E. C. M., 1917.

Vofh:',^Z%t °''''""' ^"'-O-r Lands. Journal of Forestry,

(31) Shaw T. E and Swingler, W. S., 1921.

/The^fS^alia^Srr^^^^^^ S^-'-^,^ "-"'--

(32) Toumeyi J. W., 1914. ' ^^-

^^n!,f''°^^oc!^P°rof S,nSel'""o'f 'r^'" %"'''"" ^ew Eng-
pp. 38-45. 2>ociety of American Foresters, Vol. 9,

(33) Ziegler, E. A., 1920.

mm-l'^r'"' '"^ ^°" °* O" Chestnut. Forest Leaves, Vol. 17,

(34) Ziegler, E. A., 1923.

(35) zutTA^mf"''''- ^°"'' ^-^«' ^°'- 1'- -P- *>-«•

(3«) zoXh™rs:: "°"" "-'^'' ^°'- ^•- ^- ^-'^-

Chestnut in Southern Maryland. Bulletin «>'? TT q r»
culture, Washington, D. C. •**"""^n 5^. U. S. Department of Agri-

88

TT3

Forest Taxation

in

Pennsylvania

(Bulletin 55)

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
George H. Earle, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTS AND WATERS
J. F. Bogardus, Secretary

Harrisburg
1936

Table of Contents

Paqe

*' queLt^„r".':'"''' """"' '"" "" ""'' '""S ''""" "'^y ""'• -'»'e<J

3

Cooperation in this study

4

Outline of inetJiods of taxation in Pennsylvania 4

Definitions ....

6

Seleetion of counties . .

7

Metliods of the survey

Total forest and land area.

9

Tlje^ present ™P<"tance of forest property in the real property tax
The tax bill per acre of forest land

•••••• ,, t f

_ . 10

Forest land assessment per acre (Table 3)

Maximum forest land taxes on merchantable forest 17

Forest assessment and market value ratios and tax rates on sale value 18
Tax delinquent forest land, general

In Center County. .

c, , ^ 21

^tate purchase should be increased

Classification as "Auxiliary State Forest"

Conelusions

23

FOREST TAXATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

E. A. Ziegler
Principal Research Forester

Introduction: Effect of Repeated Annual Taxes on One Long Time Crop

and Related Problems

One of the basic elements involved in deciding the financial feasibility
ot private land owners growing forest crops, is the amount of the annual
tax payments which have to be paid on land and trees many years in suc-
cession before the timber crop is marketable. Though somewhat variable
tor different species of trees, a rough approximation of the average number
of years required to grow trees of a given size in wild untended forests in
1 ennsylvania is to allow 6 years for each inch of tree diameter (measured
at 4 5 tt. from the ground). For rapid growing trees in properly thinned
plantations this period may be reduced to 4 years per inch of diameter.
Ihus for pulpwood, mine props, and posts, trees must grow from 25 to 35
years, and the property owner, under the general property tax, must pay
that many annual taxes, as well as other costs, from the tree crop income,
l^or electric poles and railroad ties taxes must be paid for 48 to 60 years
and for trees fit for lumber 50 to 75 and more years. When young trees
have already attained a certain diameter, the remaining period of waiting
is proportionally reduced.

Individual rapid growing trees in the stand may be harvested in perhaps
one fifth less time, and the slower trees in a stand in one fifth more time
Ihese are generalizations and specific information* on given species and
locations will shortly be available.

When it is recalled that a 10 per cent acre annual tix with 5 per cent
interest compounded amounts to $1.26 per acre in 10 years; $6.64 per acre
in 30 years; and $35.36 per acre in 60 years it is easily seen the average
annual tax levies on an acre of forest land must not be much above 10
cents per acre per year.

When this tax accumulation is widely understood more Pennsylvania
forest owners now paying at two, three, or more times the above sum, will
ask to have their lands listed as "Auxiliary State Forest," with their an-
nual tax reduced to that levied on a $1.00 per acre assessment and then
pay 10 per cent of the final stumpage value as a severance or "yield" tax
This system has been placed in our state law in 1913 (declared unconsti-
tutional in 1934 and re-enacted in 1935 to meet court objections) to relieve
forest land owners of the excessive tax accumulations on their long time
crop of timber, but to date only about 50,000 acres have been classified

Besides this need of quantitative data on forest taxes paid by the pri-
vate forest owner, the state must use this data to weigh the fairness of its
present annual payment of 5 cents per acre in lieu of taxes on its extcn-

*Studies by the Division of Research, Peims},lvania Department of Forests and
Waters are well along to furnish exact data on the rate of growth and timber*
yields of (a) forest plantations of various species over the state; (b) for the oak
type ruitural stands in the central and southern parts of the state; and (c) for the
empirical stand and growth actually on the depleted state lands.

8

sive state forest holdings and 4 cents paid on Auxiliary Forest lands If
these sums, fixed 25 and 20 years ago, are found unfair now, what are' fair
payments?

Also, what part of the total real estate lax eomes from forest land in
the various eounties, and what is the effeet on loeal tax ineonu- of exttnd
Jng the state or federal forest lands?

What forest tax burden results from the present state poliey harrin.
merehantahle forest from the "Auxiliary State Forest" elassifieaiion?

What IS the situation of Pennsylvania forest land as to tax deli.uiuenev
and reversion to the government for non payment of taxes? In souu- enV'
over torest states this is a most serious question.

For these and other questicms authentie data on forest taxes are nee
essarv.

COOPERATION IN THIS STUDY

Tl,.. I',.„„sylvania Mineral and Forest Land Taxation Coinn.is.ion was

e ta ,hsl,ed l,v ti.e (nneral AssemMy with the Approval of tl.e Governor

n IJ.i to study nivest.gate and report upon the taxation of forest and

m neral lands, and the distribution and applieation of sueh tax- * * * "

1 he D.reetor of the Forest Researeh Institute* was eleeted Secretary lo

\ lrs''.','.',','l m'""' r '•"."''"•"'"" f'^'"'™ "'- I>q.."tn,ent of l-Vrests an.l
Water a,»l tins Lomnnss.on in the study of forest taxation was agreed
pon he )epartn,ent furnished the personnel and the Connnission net
the held and most of the elerieal expense of this stndv. Dr. F. J'. Weaver
Head of the Agruultural Eeono.nies Departnunt. I'ennsvlvania State
(«l.-ge and a numb.-r of the above Connnission eonsnlted n the o .tie
and held work of the study. "utiini

OUTLINE OF METHODS OF TAXATION IN
PENNSYLVANIA

The state raises its revenue largely from inheritance, eor,,oration stock
corporate and inunicipal loan, insurance premium, pub ic u ilit ! ro

;:::!; :;trt^;r'n z^"^^ -»^- -hide regisLation, :!:^o^::].;:.

n ■,?* V "*'* ^^^ property, real or personal, except the <,ne

in ci(i(iui()n to the real I'sif-it*. f.jv fi. i. ^

:-,;i,.,oJ,,,.,a.;;r:.::i;;;l2,i;r::;i;,.':::;;"

*Aotc' ffir Division of Forest Research
hicrensed to ', mills in r.hU;

(township, borough or city) add an "occupation" tax' (generally nom-
inal). Cities may levy a municipal per capita tax instead of an "occupa-
tion" tax. Farm animals and machinery, furniture and other items of per-
sonal property (except securities and money at interest) are not taxed by
any unit.

There is no state or local income tax except as the "occupation" tax is
raised to a level where it might almost be classed as such. Indiana County
for example assesses occupations as high as $1500, to which the property
tax rate is then applied. Such high assessment is very exceptional.

Every three years a "triennial assessment" is made of all real property.
This is supposed to hold for the three years. It is supposed to adjust assess-
ments to changed values and add new buildings or remove destroyed build-
ings and record changed owners annually. As a matter of fact coal assess-
ments are adjusted annually for depleted land, and oil-well valuations are
adjusted annually on their preceding years output (McKean Co.). Min-
erals severed in title are generally separately assessed as real property to
the owners of the title. Gas wells and leases and in some counties* oil wells
and leases have escaped taxation, except the light state capital stock tax
when owned by corporations.

Standing timber is part of the land value and in Pennsylvania is as-
sessed to the owner of the land, even though the timber right or lease has
been sold to another.

The property assessing is done by a local elected assessor, except in
counties of the first, second and third classes (7 most populous counties)
where the county is the assessing unit. The record book of assessments for
each township, borough or city unit is called an "assessment duplicate"
and IS filed in the office of the County Commissioner. Cities may make an
independent assessment from that holdino- fnr fh*^ or».,pf,r f„^ u.,«. ^^.™4.:„_
townships, boroughs, and school districts use the same assessment data to
which are applied the separate tax rates.

County Commissioners sit as a board of assessment appeal and are sup-
posed to equalize assessments. This seldom works out and uneven township
and town ratios of assessed value to true value enable those units with the
lowest assessment ratios to foist part of their county tax on those with
higher ratios. Boroughs and cities studied generally appear to have lower
assessment values in relation to sale value, and this increases the county
tax burden on rural property (see data on assessment ratios submitted). A
county assessor or board of assessors, trained in property valuation would
be able to reduce these inequalities between local units, as well as reduce
individual inequalities within units. This is now in effect in 3rd class
counties, none of which are strongly forest counties and do not appear in
this survey.

Another reason for low assessment ratios is to keep the total assessed
valuatums low and thus limit county or municipal bond issues which are
permitted by the state constitution to a limit of 10 per cent of the total
assessed valuation (7 per cent by majority vote, 3 per cent additional bv
a three hfths affirmative vote).

asseZment ^^^ "^^^^^^Pation" assessment was 7% as large as the real property
*McKenn and several other counties have property taxes on oil wells.

I he state pays 5 eents per acre (2 school, 2 road and 1 county) on state
forest lands m l.eu of taxes. On "Auxiliary Forest" lands, which are pri-
vate forest lands classified under the "Yield Tax" law, th^ state pays the
local government 4 cents per acre (2 to schools, 2 to roads) annually while
the owner pays on a $1.00 assessment only.

On national forest lands in the state, the state pays 5 cents per acre
also, untd such a time as the 25% of the forest income paid by the
National Government to the local governments, in lieu of taxes, shall equal

wiirceafe. '""""' " ^^ *'' '*"''' "* "'"^■'' *™^ "'^ ^'^'<= ?"»»

DEFINITIONS

"Assessment value" or "assessment" is the value placed on property bv

ketT v»l„? rl" «'*<^«»'»«="t value is supposed to represent full (mar-

ket value, but assessments on individual properties have been sunnorted
by the courts when they represent less than full value, if thc7are !n
harmony w.th the general county assessment ratio. As a' matter'^of fact

n ^ r"""' ''"'^'"^ "'*' ""''"S' assessment for taxes has In no case
equalled the average sale price (voluntary sales), for anv cUss of nr^n
erty examined such as "residence and busiLss" pr^pert^^a m" IpeX
or forest property, nor for any period even including 1930-32/^1

^^ 'Assessment ratio" is assessed value divided by sale value in unforced

i^p!:vetrt'"ln"..*lr "''"''^r"' 'l"P''<^-'«^« ""g'nally meant land with

imp.oiem.nt, generally some cleared, and often enclosed and containing

a house or other buildings. "Unseated land" is generally wUd o" un m^

proved (,f m neral undeveloped) land and is flmost invl ably fore"'

and (surface), w.th a little scattered abandoned farm land as the exce^

■on. Nrt all counties use the classification "unseated land." In some coun

■es the local tax collector collects only on "seated" property the countv

treasurer handling the tax collection on "unseated" lands ^

"Tax delinquency" is measured herein in its final state (except where

aeemed withm the statutory two years by the former owner In Franklin
County tax sales have not been used to liquidate delinquency, since up ^

oBice agamst deliquent property, and kept alive by proper renewal, TW
hens must finally be paid before a buyer can ect a clear hLt P u.
County tax liens were listed as the measure of^finrild^'utcj" '^"""'"

rfini; ::::^tz^.-^:z^:!r::i :r:it-' '^-"

'£

SELECTION OF COUNTIES*

Since the property tax is limited to county, township (or munieipal)
and school purposes in Pennsylvania, and since the assessment rates are
supposed to be somewhat uniform within each county, because the county
commissioners sit as a board of assessment appeal, the county was selected
as the unit in this study. The county is also the largest of the local tax
units. The county treasurer also handles the unseated land tax collection
for the entire county, as well as tax sales in many counties.

The most serious aspects of forest taxation were expected to be found
in the sparsely settled cut-over forest counties, lying in the Appalachian
mountain belt. These include such counties as Sullivan, Center, Potter,
Clinton and Elk, with 66 to 86 per cent of their area in forest. They are
counties containing large areas of State Forest. To these were added
Adams, Crawford and Franklin, where the forest is 22 to 30 per cent of
the county area and where agricultural property forms a larger part of
the tax base.

These selected counties (see Fig, 1) could not be distributed over the
state witli entire satisfaction from the statistical "sampling" standpoint
for two reasons. First, it was necessary to avoid the anthracite and bitum-
inous coal fields, and the oil and gas areas, since mineral values often are
accompanied by nominal and distorted surface values when they are sepa-
rated, and in many cases they are not separated. Pike, Wayne and Monroe
counties with their recreational values were also avoided. Second, the
county tax records must segregate forest lands from cleared farm lands
sufficiently for securing reliable average values. Preliminary examination
caused the rejection of four counties due to a failure to sufficiently segre-
gate and identify forest lands on the tax records. In these counties cleared
and forest lands were assessed together in lump sums, often including
buildings.

The eight counties surveyed contain 2,518,000 acres of forest land or
almost 20% of the total forest land in the state. They contain 37 per cent
of the total state forest and game land areas. The survey is of sufficient
extent therefore to reflect forest taxation conditions in those parts of the
state where state lands largely lie, and where forest tax income is an im-
portant item in many local government budgets. It is in these portions of
the state that most of our future forest products must be grown.

*Morejletailed township tables are given in the eight mimeographed "County

METHODS OF THE SURVEY

On entering the county the first step was to summarize the acreage and
assessed value of all forest land separately assessed. This was secured
from the township assessment books in the County Commissioners office
for "seated lands," and the "unseated land" assessment and tax book in
the Treasurer's office where this property distinction was made and
handled by the treasurer. Total property assessment value, number of tax-
ables (persons over 21 years), total "occupation" assessment value, money
and securities taxable for county purposes, and county (and poor), town-
ship (borough or city), and school property mill rates were ascertained;
also per capita school and per capita city tax (substituted for "occupa-
tion" tax) were secured. Areas of State and National Forest lands were
secured from the officers in charge.

From these data (checked by "woodland in farms" data from the 1930
Census of Agriculture) the forest area privately and publicly owned was
determined; also the total property assessment value and private forest
assessment value; total property tax and forest tax (including government
payments in lieu of taxes) ; assessment per acre of forest and average,
maximum, and minimum forest tax per acre. These values were secured
by county sub-divisions, viz., townships, boroughs and cities.

Recorded deeds in the recorder's office were examined for properties
sold and having the full purchase price recorded. These were taken in the
order in which they came. Assessed values for the same properties were
tabulated from the assessment duplicates for the year of sale. From these
sample values "ratios of assessment to sale value" were computed for
"residence and business (generally town) property," "farm property" and
where sufficient records could be sesrregated "forest Drooertv." In several

^W% •-' ^-^ AAV

counties sufficient data for "pre-depression" and "depression" (1930-32)
assessment ratios were secured. Forest property was the most difficult to
handle since lumbermen often bought timber only — which was not recorded
in the county records. Frequently when the land was also bought it was
again quickly sold and identification or segregation was not possible on the
assessor's books.

Only by multiplying tax rates on assessed value, by the ratio of assessed
to market values, can tax rates on market values be secured for comparison
with rates on market values elsewhere. Tax rates on assessed values in dif-
ferent tax units are not comparable, because of this difference in assess-
ment ratio.

The tables and figures in this general report are generally consolidations
of more detailed figures given by county subdivisions in the mimeographed
county progress reports for the eight counties studied.

TOTAL FOREST AND LAND AREA

A critical examination of many of our mountain counties, township by
township,* emphasizes the predominant place of the forest in our land use
economy. Even for the entire state (Fig. 2) the present forest with an
area of 13 million acres exceeds the cleared farm land by over a million
acres. This large forest area is being augmented by over 2 million acres
of cleared farm land abandoned since 1910, which must return to forest.
It is this preponderant forest area that must to a degree measure the im-

9

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portance of our forest in our economic life over a long period of time. The
flood of forest products that once flowed from it, and that can again flow
from it, and not the present depleted trickle only, must be taken into con-
sideration in measuring the justifiable forest investment by the public as
well as by the private owners. The restoration of the huge forest capital
and income producing value on over one half of our state land area, for
which there is no other profitable use, must be assisted and stepped up by
government forest research even more than state agricultural production
was stepped up by government agricultural research. Agricultural crops
have caught up with and even exceeded the demand. Forest crops are far
behind our normal consumption. Erosion control and the reduction and re-
tardation of run-off flood waters are most important functions of forest
cover in this state.

Table 1 reflects the preponderant place of the forest in the land economy
of the several forest counties examined. A separate survey** reveals that
2 to 10 per cent of the land area of these counties is now in cleared land
dropped from the farm classification since 1910. This land will ultimately
be added to the present forest area by inferior natural reforestation if not
properly reforested by planting.

JSee detailed county tables in the mimeographed cminty "progress report "
Tir , ,f I 51, "Reforesting Pennsylvania Idle Land as a Self -liquidating Puhlic
Work, Penna. Dept. Forests and Waters.

11

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THE PRESENT IMPORTANCE OF FOREST PROPERTY IN THE
REAL PROPERTY TAX FOR COUNTY^ AND LOCAL TAXES

Table 2 sets forth the total amount of the forest assessment in 3 agri-
cultural counties and 5 predominantly forest (based on area of forest land)
counties. The total real property assessment for the entire county (includ-
ing municipalities), the real property assessment for the townships alone
where the forests lie and the relation of the forest assessment to these
totals are included. Since real property pays about 80 per cent^ of the
county and local taxes, the relation of the forest assessment to all real
property is a good measure of its importance in the tax base of the differ-
ent counties.

In Potter and Sullivan counties only of the eight, the forest forms over
6% of the county real property tax base (Table 3, Col. 4). Therefore ex-
cept for the few very sparsely settled counties as Potter and Sullivan the
forest tax is of no great weight in the county budget.

1 There is no state tax on real estate in Pennsylvania.

^The other 20 per cent is paid on securities and money at interest, occupation
and per-capita school and city taxes. '

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But for townsliip and school taxes the forest tax is much more impor-
tant. It forms from 12.2 to 30.8 per cent (table 2, Col. 6) of the real
property tax base for all townships in 5 of the 8 counties. And for single
maximum townships the forest forms as much as 69 percent of the real
property tax base. Anything that reduces the forest tax income is therefore
very important to these highly forested townships and their school dis-
tricts. The acquisition by the state or national governments of forest lands,
and the listing of private forest land as "Auxiliary State Forest" whereby
the local annual tax income is fixed at 5 cents on government bought land,
and 7 to 9 cents' per acre on private "Auxiliary Forest" land, generally
does reduce the local forest tax income. When such purchases or listing
include a large percentage of the forest in any one township the local tax
income may be seriously affected.

In such counties as Franklin, Adams and Center the forest forms such a
small part of the tax base even in the townships, that the extent of acquisi-
tion of forest land by public agencies is of no great moment except in a
few maximum forested townships. Some of these maximum forested town-
ships have such a low annual tax on private forest, as the 5.7 cents aver-
age forest-land tax in Burnside Township, Center County (forest forms
63 7o of total assessed value), that the amount of land taken over by the
state (Paying 5 cents per acre tax) is of little effect on the township
finances.

THE TAX BILL PER ACRE OF FOREST LAND

But in townships like Worth in Center County, where the forest forms
3370 of the total real property assessed, and the forest averages 14.5 cents

tax, the State takin<» •over <i "f»r«<'Mf'r'iKi" -f^-^^f .- 1 j • '

J ^ -- -<2=-— ij|5 wcx a .-oiioAUcraDjn^ iwicst acciage and reducinar the

tax income to 5 cents, would embarrass the township budget.

Also in a country like Potter, where the forest forms 19.3% of the real
estate assessment and the average total forest tax for the county is 15.6
cents per acre, large state purchases with consequent reduction of tax
payments to 5 cents per acre are bound to be felt. In Summit Township,
Potter County, the forest assessment forms 51% of the total real property
for the township. The average private forest tax is 19.9 cents per acre,
which would be reduced to 5 cents on state land with great loss to the local
tax income. Other counties and townships could be quoted to emphasize this
serious reduction of local tax income on extensive acquisition of state or
national forest land.

From these facts it may be strongly argued that the state should raise
Its tax substitute payment from 5 cents to perhaps 8 cents on State Forest
lands.

1 4 cents paid by the state and SO to 50 mills on $1.00 valuati(m by the owner.

15

Table 3 Assessed Values Per Acre of Forest Land

County

Assessment Per Acre of Forest Land

Merchantable

Forest

Maximum

Lowest

Township

Average

Highest

Township

Average

Farm Counties

Adams

Crawford

Franklin

Forest Counties

Sullivan

Center

Potter

Clinton

Elk

1

(dollars)

125.00

66.67

167.00

100.00
33.33
20.00

150.00
10.32

Average

for all

Forest

2

(dollars)
4.99
8.66
1.45

1.44
1.03
1.49
1.98
.97

3

(dollars)
45.70
18.71
30.94

7.36
4.26
6.22
6.21
3.62

4

(dollars)

10.04

12.40

4.69

2.75
1.77
2.76

2.58
1.98

Average for

"Unseated"

Land Only

5

(dollars)

2.75
1.46
2.35
2.45

1.70

Table 4 Annual Taxes Per Acre on Forest Land in Eight Counties

County

Annual Tax on Forest Land

Maximum

(Merchantable

Forest)

Lowest

Township

Average

Highest

Township

Average

Adams ...
Crawford
Franklin .
Sullivan
Center ...,

Potter

Clinton ....
Elk

(1)
(dollars)
4.25
3.27
5.51
4.50
1.22
1.18
7.40
.54

Average
for all
Forest

(2)
(dollars)
.18
.09
.05
.07
.05
.06
.04
.07

Average for
"Unseated"

Land

only

(3)
(dollars)
1.33
.78
.81
.30
.15
.30
.20
.28

(4)

(dollars)

.325

.510

(5)
(dollars)

.136

.124

.124

.081

.078

.156

.13

.086

.086

.125

.125

Table 4 last column indicates that such an increase of state payment to
8 cents per acre would still fall short of the average private owner tax
payments even on unseated lands in all counties studied except Center.

JtrlZj^^ ^ recognized justifying a state payment below the

average private payment:

Mn^lJ^^f^^ ?*"'*' '"*■'"''* '""'='' ''""^ *''^' """•J have gone tax de-
Imquent under private ownership. A low state payment is better than no

tax^^wffh Ih P"'"''"^' 'ir^ encouraged private owners to hold and pay
taxes with the hope of selling to the state.

roadioIrralTni::.'" """*'= '"' '''"''"^'"« appropriations to schools and
(4) Recreation and hunting camps on leased state lands may be taxed
to the.r owners which adds tax income to the state payments.

mifs^n r"!!'^' '"''* ""'^'f ^*''** **'"""' «"<' J'"'*'* Land Tax Com-

I°nd au^mart 7<='""7"''?'' T ' .'^"' P-^"''"* "" "'«'« "^"ed forest
lands, auxiliary forest tax lands and temporarily „„ federal forest lands

16

withm the state. The division recommended was 4 cents for schools, 2 cents
tor roads and 2 cents for county purposes. This increase of 3 cents per
acre would require an increased state payment of about $75,000

As the state is moving toward maintaining all rural roads, thus lifting
the road tax from real property including forest lands, the Commission
recommended a 6 cent per acre state payment when the township road tax
IS entirely withdrawn, 4 cents to schools and 2 cents for county purposes.
rh^.would add $25 000 to the state payment on government owned land.

When the State Forests have generally increased the size and quantity
of their standing timber so that a considerable net income appears, a recon-
sideration of forest values and the payment in lieu of taxes should be made,
based on forest income. '

MAXIMUM FOREST TAXES ON MERCHANTABLE FOREST

In column (1) Table 4, are given maximum annual taxes on merchant-
able timber Much of this merchantable timber is in small tracts on farms.
1 here is a tendency in some townships to assess farms at a flat rate per
acre-crop land and forest land alike, apparently on the assumption that
the farm total assessment is the only fact that need be considered. But
many eases can be found where the timber assessment is based on its mar-
ket value. When timber reaches ,aw-log size its volume growth falls to 1
or 2 per cent, based on the large volume standing, and even when allow-
ance IS made for rising values over a period of years, the earning power
of this timber is seldom over 3 per cent. This applies generally to high
value timber in settled states like Pennsylvania. Tax rales of 19 to 5 1
per cent (19 to 51 mills) on full sale value generally confiscate notoniy
all increment but even in time much of the principal of such timber
ill vestment. " " ~

.J\a k''^^''!'''™?^ ^^ "^^^ "'^' '"'='' *''"'^" " financially mature and
should be cut. Wh,le it is true that the owner would be financially better
off if he cut the timber and invested in government bonds (3% yield and
tax free), the presence of woodlots on farms, and the holding of our re-
maining merchantable timber for gradual liquidation while the large cut-
over areas are growing up, have general social and industrial values that
merit consideration. Certainly the least that can be done for these t mber
owners IS to permit them to classify these merchantable timber "remnants'
rn"atl * "/ ^"■•«/* T- Act with an annual tax based on the nom-

We Id tl'TT f r^''""" P" ""^ """^ *''^ additional payment of a
yield tax. Instead of a flat 10 per cent yield tax however, in consideration

fixed «tnn/r',? i '•"""^' '^^" "''''"'y P''''^' *•>« yi«'d *»'' ''•""•W be
fixed at one half of one per cent for each year classified until the tax

t7me nf rt-^TT. u 'i* P^ ""''' "^'^ 2" y-" of classification The
time of cutting should be decided by the owner and not by state oflicials

Foresri ;^^''™"'^"^''"''",^ h"^^. been indorsed by the State Mineral and
sorest l.and Tax Commission m their 1933 report. Such changes in the
Auxiliary Forest Tax Act would not work hardVhip on local g^verlent
units, since the aggregate extent and value of merchantable timber in the

^stoH rh^^ ^^ P^'"'^ "'^""•^ ^"'^'^ '''"'J '" Sullivan County* i.
listed as hardwood or hemlock "timber" and its assessed value is about

17

3% of the total assessed value of all real property in the townships or 2
per cent for the total county assessed value including the boroughs. Sulli-
van County has the next to the highest total forest property assessment
percentage to all township property assessment (18.1%, Table 3) of the
8 counties studied, so that its merchantable timber assessment percentage
may be regarded as far above the average percentage of the township
property assessment generally. It may be remarked that these high taxes
on mercliantable timber are apparently rapidly leading to its cutting where
the owner has his timber property segregated and can see clearly what
holding It IS costing him. In Sullivan County (66% forest) there are but
102 acres of the original hemlock timber remaining; 100 acres of this is in
one tract and this is assessed at $100 per acre. With a 40 mill tax rate the
taxes are $4.00 per acre a year. The owner is reported to be planning to
cut It unless a local movement for government acquisition as a "park" or
monument" of the virgin forest goes through.

FOREST ASSESSMENT AND MARKET VALUE
RATIOS AND TAX RATE ON SALE VALUE

Real property assessment is supposed to be based on market value. In
practice tax assessment is purposely placed at less than 100 per cent of
market value (1) to keep total assessment down and limit total bond issues
which may not exceed a percentage of assessed value: (2) in an attempt
of subdivisions (townships, boroughs, cities) to reduce their share of a uni-
form tax laid by the larger division (county); (3) to carry favor with the
property owner by giving him the idea that his property is favored

Unequal assessment of property classes is brought about by their seirre-
gation in government subdivisions. Thus the great bulk of residence and
business property is located in boroughs and cities, wh.l^ fa-m --d ^o^c*
property is in the rural townships. Local assessors generally ar7 average
local citizens with no special knowledge of property values; Assessments
are copied from preceding "duplicates" period after period. General
changes (upward) are made when tax rate manipulation no longer meets
the tax income requi-ment, or in single properties (downward) when a
strong fight IS made by the owner. A small percentage of property appar-
ently escapes taxation altogether-mainly by the understa^em^ent of acre-
age in the farm and forest classes, and the failure to return for assessment

ZZ::lir *'"" '^'^ "^"^'^^ ^^^^^^^^^ '^^^""- ^- some leaTg
lanl"'^"';^.e''tr;oir *'' '"'^ ''""*•' segregating "timber" land fron. cut-over

18

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01

Ihe inequality of assessment is appalling as between individual prop-
erties. For example, in Table 5, Column 5, farm property in Center County
has a mean or average assessment of 54 per cent* of the actual total sale
value of the 93 farms sampled. But back of this mean or average value
the individual properties varied in percentage of assessment to sale value
from 17% to 118%. In fact, the more uniformly assessed half** of the
property value fell within 40 and 68 per cent of sale value. The other half
was below 40 per cent or above 68 per cent. This large variation between
assessment ratios for individual properties indicates the amount of improve-
ment possible in the assessor's work.

Similarly, for the 196 residence and business properties sold in Center
County from 1925 to 1932, the mean (and total) assessment was 29 per
cent of the sale value. The probable error of this mean is ± 0 7 per cent
and the standard deviation is 14.5 per cent, that is one half of the prop-
erty value fell below 15.5 per cent or above 43.5 per cent of sale value
on the assessment books. Individual properties were assessed at from 3 to
95 per cent of sale value. These are typical variations and show individual
discriminations of large size.

An examination of Table 2 shows another glaring injustice in property
assessment. Columns 4, 5 and 6 show that in every county the data indicate
a higher rate of assessment for farm and forest property than for resi-
dence and business property (generally town property) in spite of the
greater government supported improvements enjoyed in many of the
towns, such as sewers, paved streets, etc. Even when the generally higher
tax rates of the towns (Col. 1) are applied to the assessed ratio (Col 4)
the resultant tax rate on residence and business property based on full
sale value (Col. 7) is less than that for farm and forest in each county
except Clinton and Elk (farms only are lower in Elk). This lower assess-
ment ratio on residence and business property puts an uninsf sha- of ^h-
county taxes on the rural property. This property class discrimination is
another argument for county wide assessment units, with trained assessors,
^.olumns 7, 8 and 9 indicating taxes of from 13.5 to 33.8 miles (on Elk

ll'Jrrl^ Jl' ""'"'^ "" ^"" '^^^ ^^^"^ «^ '^^^ property, demon-
strate further that m most agricultural and forest counties real property
needs relief from the high tax burden. Farm and forest property generallv
do not earn more than 3 to 5 per cent (net before taxes) on sale value,

40 f inn^ f '/ l-^ P"' """* ^" *^^^« ^" ^"" «^1« ^^1"- is to require

40 to 100 per cent of the income for taxes. Quite clearly a portion of ihe
property tax burden should he shifted to non-property incomes^ and a more

Ztr7:"T"'^' }^'^ "? ''"" P^^P^^*^ ^^ ^^"^P^-^ '^ ^-- -d forest
property ; also individual properties should be equalized.

«*

The "probable error" of the mean is ± 1 0%
I he "standard deviation" is ± 1^%.

20

TAX DELINQUENT FOREST LAND

Early in 1933 the Department of Forests and Waters made a canvass
of 51 of the 67 counties of the state for a statement of tax-delinquent
cleared and forest land. Estimates were made for the other 16 counties
The county records were very incomplete in classifying separately clear
and forest lands. They also lacked uniformity in time of advertising tax
delinquent lands for sale— the last sale advertised in some counties being
for 1929 tax, others 1930 and others 1931 taxes. The figures given can be
taken only as indicators of the seriousness of the property tax situation for
farm and forest lands. Two classes of lands were tabulated (a) lands sold
to the county for taxes, i.e., no private bidders at tax sale, (b) Lands ad-
vertised for sale for taxes but not yet sold. Lands sold and bought by pri-
vate persons remain in the tax base— generally at much reduced valuations
—and were not tabulated. The following statement gives the result of the
canvass:

liand Class

Sold to

County

Advertised for Sale

Area
(Acres)

Assessed Value
(Dollars)

Area
(Acres)

Assessed Vahie
(Dollars)

Cleared Land

Forest Land

139,996
412,101

2,033,028
1,953,144

264,161
326,476

7,643,709

1,296,533

Total

552,097

3,986,172

590,637

8,940,242

Over a half million acres is already in county ownership and many ad-
vertised ^ales are postponed for lack of bidders. Of this three fourths is
iorest land. More than another half million acres is advertised for sale of
which only 55 per cent is forest. It is evident that a much larger portion
of the cleared land sold at tax sales is redeemed or bought by private
owners at the sale or within the statutory 2 years, than of the forest lands.
When the tax sale reports for the 19.32 and 19.33 tax sales are available it
s clear that these tax delinquent lands "sold to the counties" will show a
large increase.

TAX DELINQUENT LANDS IN CENTER COUNTY

Center County may be cited as an example of the drift toward tax de-
Imquency both of cut-over forest lands and the poorer farm lands. This
county hes m the center of the state on the east slope of the Allegheny
Mountains and is made up of a series of mountain ridges and narrow val-
leys. Ihe southeastern half of the county has limestone valleys, settled

ier Hit/ ^f""^y'^''r ""r"""^ ''""'"' "'"' ''""" >«- t« '""'"tain soil
ThjllJlr- '"J" K "*? ' '"^•"*'"»"» ""d tenacious in farm ownership.
sW. t *!'^" t""ber clearing for farms largely to the valleys and lower
slopes, keeping the mountain ridges and upper slopes in forest. The north-

steep slopes cleared for agriculture and now abandoned. The record of

ale for taxes for "seated" (generally farm) land, and "unseated" (fores

land) shows as follows: i.'ort,si

21

Year of Sale

Land sold biennially for taxes and
not redeemed by the owner

"Seated" land

"Unseated" land

1900-1912 average
1914-1928 "
1930-
1932 (sold)

(Acres)

291

424

1,438

1,030

2,269

(Acres)
22,618
21,788
42,663

(advertised only
sale postponed)

59,294

Twenty-eight thousand four hundred and sixty-nine acres of the un
seated land has tax title taken by the county (July 1, 1932). If we add to
tins the land delinquent to the point of advertising we find 36% of the
privately owned unseated forest land involved in delinquency and 7%
already in the hands of the county before the 1932 sale which threatens a
large increase.

It is quite possible that some of this delinquent area is a result of double
assessment and poor county records. But it must also be noted that the
state purchased 119,000 acres or 23% of the forest area of the county in
past^years,* which undoubtedly decreased forest tax delinquency mate-

STATE PURCHASE SHOULD BE INCREASED

.J^Z '^'^'^' ""^ the large forest land purchase program of the state
and federal government, forest and J^I*^ ..l^oj.p^ i„^j .• , . ,. . .,
.... - , ' cinvi -^i^ ^^wi»rcc*. xaiiu IS rcverlinsr to tne

SbilitV^IfTr tT""'""'--^'"" "^y ^"^ interpreted as evidence of the
desirab. hty of the state increasing its purchase of these lands-both sub-
marginal clear land and cut-over forest land— for reforestation The
county owned land -should first be purchased '"orestation. The

the^st'ate'To"r"r^ef'"''l1''"', ^!f''^ Permitting the counties to turn over to
ti.e state for reforestation lands acquired by the counties at tax sales and
not redeemed within two years, and thus to get the 5 cent per acre state

nTdeedTtI the ^ "ii^'P'"*'''' '"l^""-"?' executing and record-
ing deeds to the county, and later occasionally to private buyers at com-

a mTtC t\ "' '"Z't ^"'^ "•"* '^•'""'y o«^-'^ -" not "^lightly e"t

ot r to th suLTo Y 'Tr^ *" ^^ '' *''^y '"'"'^ county^tax'^Iand
over to the state for reforestation, without the state beinir authorized to

pay advertising costs, title recording fees, and possiblv a pLt of t elok
taxes, from funds appropriated for this purpose. '

'To ran. Thin percentage becomes S8% for Jan. 1, 19S0.

22

^

CLASSinCATION OF FOREST LAND UNDER THE AUXILIARY

STATE FOREST OR YIELD TAX ACT

fortl't li'lVown"^ forest land tax delinquency would lead one to think

Forest" in r? """ "^ ^r'' *'■"'' '""'' ''^"'''^^^ «'' "Auxiliary State
forest ,n order to secure the reduced assessment of $1.00 before letting
It go for taxes. Outside the state the law is being classed as a fai ure
when as a matter of fact it is generally unknown^o forest land owners'
and IS not being given a fair trial.* Since the administration of the let "
assigned to the Department of Forests and Waters, the necessary p^bheil^;
niteli sWn. ™'" *"'•' ^*=P""»-t' - -o" - its constitutionamy is defi":

As of Jan. I, 1932, the private forest land classified as Auxiliary Forest
Reserve includes 4.5,454 acres of which 28,440 acres lie in Cambr a Clear
field and Sullivan Counties. The first Auxiliary Forest Reserve Acts were

cWef Th^Tlt'd""-- '" }''*'. ^"'r'' --^enacted in 1935 with sUgh
im^^Tr" V J t •'«<"'^'"" invalidated the above listing under the Act of

li!ti'g *'" ""'■* "' '''' ""''"^ """''" "^ «-"«»y aPPly-K fof re

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

successful financial management under the sustained yield system by private
owners. Taxes running over 12 cents per acre and yfar ave'^^age for a 40 to
80 year or greater rotation can not be supported by any but the best stocked

TentrtlZfo r^'- P'^'-'^'y ■•"•'efensible is the imposition of fr!:: 70
cents to $,,.50 per acre annual tax on the merchantable f«r„, wnndla-d-

Although the present .state maintenance of almost all township roads will
reduce the tax burden on forest lands 25 to 30 per cent, relief from extor
tionate annual taxes should be granted;

(a) by acquainting the public with the Auxiliary forest Reserve Act
and

(b) by liberalizing this act to include merchantable timber with a slid-
ing scale in the attached yield tax, one half per cent for each
year of classification until the 10 per cent maximum is reached.

chnnri. I-i '"'i?,,'"""'?''^ °"""' *" -Jetermine the time of mer-
chantability. The act should be extended U> farm woodlands of 5
acres or more in extent. Smaller areas could be easily brought up
to this administrative minimum by planting. ^ 6 f

(2) The state payment on State Forest and Auxiliary Forest lands to the

(3) The state forest purchase policy should be extended at once to include
(a) All county owned tax lands, forested or cleared, that appear pos-

"'*''<= '" """"^e into a satisfactory administrative unit at an early

23

date. Reasonable advertising and transfer fees should be paid on
these lands and back taxes not to exceed 30 cents per acre.

(b) All other forest lands on the market available at reasonable fig-
ures^, which do not show promise of adequate private sustained
yield management.

(c) The purchase and reforestation of idle farm lands, where such
arc available in sufficient areas for satisfactory administration.

(i) For idle farm land areas and forest tracts too small for state admin-
istration, county and municipal forests should be encouraged by state
assistance as is now being done in New York State.

(5) The county should be made the unit for property assessment. This
would lead to trained assessors and equalize assessments as between busi-
ness and rt'sidcnce, farm, and forest property and between individual
properties of the same class.

Only a more vigorous state forest policy will reverse the present drift
ot argc areas of privately owned cut-over forest and abandoned farm
lands into a condition of economic and social threat to the state

he water users of our cities need more pure water from forested areas,
li.c watersheds and reservoirs of our water power users, as well as flood
periods (witness the March 1936 floods), need the regulating and silt pre-
venting service of a better forest cover.

The people of the state want more and better recreation, hunting and
hshmg as working hours grow shorter, as the continued increase of hunt-
ing and hshing license income demonstrates.

Our wood using industries need a home supply of wood.

Our laborers need the employment.

And our home wood and timber markets will repav dollar for doll;,r the
entire forest investment by the nation, state and communities, leaving the
large social benefits of the forest free of final cost to the people

24

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