Newspapers / The Echo (Pisgah Forest, … / March 1, 1952, edition 1 / Page 3
Part of The Echo (Pisgah Forest, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
WE CAN use Pisgah National Forest and en joy it too. Our local National Forest, the entrance to which is less than a mile from Ecusta, might be called an all-purpose resource. It pro vides shade, beauty and relaxation for campers and picnickers; shelter and food for birds and animals; organized hunting and fishing programs for the sportsman; trails and scenic views for nature enthusiasts; watersheds for cities and in dustries; and wood for the manufacture of many of the products needed in our daily lives. How ever, if the enjoyment of the varied offerings of the forest is to be continued, careful attention should be paid to the prevention of forest fires. The effects of a forest fire in the Davidson River area would be felt for years. Not only would the beautiful trees and shrubs be replaced by blackened stumps and piles of ashes, but the picnic areas, where many enjoyable family outings are held, would be destroyed. Bear, deer and other wild game, if not trapped and burned to death by the roaring flames, would be left without suit able feeding grounds and shelter areas. Fish would be destroyed by the chemicals liberated by the ashes carried into the river by the rains—and if the fish managed to escape poisoning, they would soon die from lack of natural foods nor mally furnished by the green forested areas. Ecusta, too, would be greatly affected by for est fire, since production might be seriously im paired due to an insufficient flow of water. Green woodlands serve as a natural reservoir. Trees, shrubs and grass assure a constant flow of water. Should the forest be destroyed, nothing would be left to hold back or store up water to carry over and feed the streams between rains. Not only should we be especially interested in protecting the Davidson River Area, but we should protect all the other areas as well. Bre vard obtains 75% of its water supply from lands in Pisgah National Forest. Hendersonville, Weav- erville. Hot Springs, Old Fort and Marion obtain all their water from various areas in the Forest. Not only does Ecusta depend on the Forest for its water supply, but Enka and Champion Fibre Co., of Canton as well. FIRES An average of 11 forest fires a year occur in the Pisgah Area, destroying an average total of 155 acres of timberland. As of March 1st, seven fires have already occurred during 1952. March and April are the two worst months for forest fires. COST OF FIRES Forest Service officials estimate that it costs ten dollars for every acre burned—five dollars per acre in damage and five dollars per acre to ex tinguish the fire. Cost of replacing trees on a burned over area cannot be accurately determined, for, unless an unusually dry spell follows a fire, young saplings will spring up, gradually replacing those which were destroyed. CAUSES Deliberate Setting: Often individuals develop
The Echo (Pisgah Forest, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 1, 1952, edition 1
3
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75