REPORT ON BLUE MOUNTAINS (WEST) RESERVE
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Erickson, M. L. 1906. Report on Blue Mountains (West) Reserve, Oregon.
Abstract: After establishment of the forest reserves and national forests early in the twentieth century, inspections were supposed to be made at regular intervals. Initially, inspections were conducted by Forest Inspectors stationed at the District (Regional) Offices. Later, that responsibility was transferred to the Forest Supervisors, who were responsible for inspecting their own Forest (see G. H. Cecil, 1910, "Memorandum regarding Supervisor's inspections" for more information). This forest reserve inspection report was prepared by an inspector from the District Office; it includes the following sections: timber sales (22 p.); boundaries (5 p.); privileges and claims (5 p.); dendrology (1 p.); planting (1 p.); products (2 p.); protection and equipment (19 p.); and allotments and expenses (3 p.). The Blue Mountains West Reserve included lands in the Malheur, Ochoco, Umatilla, and Deschutes (?) National Forests. It includes interesting insights about early conditions in the Blue Mountains, as illustrated with this quote: "The forest in the region south of the Strawberry range that bears excellent yellow pine and tamarack covers approximately 800,000 acres. The yellow pine is more abundant and is found in more suitable situations on this reserve than I have seen its occurrence in any other part of Oregon. It grows tall and straight, maintains a uniform taper, and furnishes a large percentage of clear length. Trees thirty to fifty inches in diameter, with height of 150 feet, are not uncommon."
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