Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/177



Although Wisconsin was the third state to take up the work of preserving the forests in a successful manner, it was the first great lumber state to do so. With the lumber baron eager in his desire to waste and destroy, there were many difficulties in the establishment of an efficient department and there is nothing of which the state may be more proud, than of its accomplishment. It has now a reserve of 423,000 acres, and plans are made for a reserve of 2,000,000 acres. It is the purpose to preserve the upper waters of the great rivers of the state in order that the water power may be conserved, at the same time helping the wood industry of the state and protecting the beauty of the northern part of the state. The northern part of Wisconsin is a great playground of wonderfully interlaced rivers, lakes and forests. The protection of this region from fire and its redemption because of its effect upon the water power of the future, will save many times its invested value. It has been a difficult fight to maintain this and particularly since the Wisconsin constitution permits no state debt and the state by taxation must pay for this preservation to posterity of the wealth of the state. Wisconsin has dropped from first place in 1900 in the production of forest products to eighth in 1910, a greater loss than any other state. To check this loss is a great