This image is from a stereograph published circa the early 20th century by the Keystone View Company of Meadville, Pa.

The backside offers perspective on the clearcutting practices of the early settlers.

Cut- and Burned-over Timber Land, Near Duluth, Minnesota

This northern Minnesota land was once covered with great forests. Now many of the trees have been cut and hundreds of acres have been destroyed by forest fires. If you would visit this section or many other great timber sections of our country you would see many places as dreary and desolate as the one in this view. It is a sad fact that in many parts of our country the forests have been destroyed in the same way.

The early settlers of our country used some of the trees in building their homes. Many more were cut or burned to “clear” the land so that food could be raised. Later lumbering as an industry began. So plentiful were the trees that no thought was given to the saving of the smaller ones that would in time replace the larger ones just cut. Great trees went crashing to the ground carrying with them any smaller ones that happened to be in the way. Limbs and twigs from the fallen trees were left scattered on the ground and the workmen hurried on to cut other large trees. Soon this brush became dry and furnished added fuel for many a forest fire. Such fires have destroyed millions of dollars worth of property and caused the death of many people.

Measures are now being taken to protect and conserve our forests. The “old growth” is cut and smaller trees allowed to grow. Our government has set aside areas called National Forests. In many states waste lands, such as this picture shows, are being re-forested.

I. How do forests help prevent floods?
II. What can we do to prevent forest fires?
III. How has wasting out timber affected lumber prices?

The full stereograph images are below.