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Forest and 'water Assariation. No. 2. careless use of camp fires. We recommend a system of permits to be granted at the
entrances to these reserves, under such regulations as will not make it a hardship upon the people desiring to camp, but which
at the same time will keep out irresponsible parties and check the careless use of fire. 4. In addition to the force required
in other forest reservations of Southern California, we estimate that the San Gabriel Reservation, which is mainly within
this County, will require at least two companies of soldiers. 5. When civilians are selected for patrolmen, we suggest that
they be taken from the mountaineers who are familiar with these localities. 6. We also urge the importance of replanting
the denuded portions of our mountains as rapidly as possible to such varieties of trees as are known to be best adapted to
the conditions and requirements. If permitted to remain bare for any length of time, the rain will gully the steep slopes
and wash away the little remaining soil, carrying debris to cover the rich valley lands, and there will be no water for irrigation.
A Forestry School has been organized under the auspices of the University of Southern California for the purpose of furnishing
educated foresters to the Government. Associations, general and local, for the protection of our forest reservations, are
being organized all over Southern California. These embrace our most prominent citizens who are giving it much careful thought
and attention, and who are desirous of aiding and upholding the Government in every way possible. We believe that these organizations,
if permitted, could furnish the Department with many valuable suggestions. In this connection we tender to the Government
the aid and assistance of our Association. Very respectfully, WM. G. KERCKHOFF, President. WM. H. KNIGHT Secretary.