The area now within the Montezuma National Forest suffered repeatedly from fires before the forest was established. Since being put under administration, the fire loss has been reduced. Nevertheless, the loss has been considerable—4,037 acres of timber, grass, and brushland within the forest having been burned over in 28 years, or an average of about 144 acres annually. Seventy-nine percent of this was burned in 6 bad fire years. In 6 favorable years, the loss was less than 1 acre annually. Without prompt action of local citizens and forest officers, however, the average burned and the damage sustained would unquestionably have been very much greater.
F-376870
HAULING LOGS FROM THE NATIONAL FOREST
Fire is the most destructive enemy of the forests. A lighted match, cigarette, or cigar carelessly tossed aside, or a campfire left burning may result in a disastrous forest fire and the destruction of valuable forest cover.
About 51 percent of the fires that occur in the Rocky Mountain Region are man-caused and are preventable. Visitors to the forests are urged to exercise the greatest care with fire, and to follow carefully the SIX RULES FOR PREVENTION OF FOREST FIRES printed elsewhere in this folder.
ASK THE FOREST RANGERS
The Montezuma National Forest is divided into five ranger districts, each of which is administered by a forest ranger, working under the direction of the forest supervisor. The rangers are always ready to furnish information to visitors and assist them in every way possible. The headquarters of the supervisor and the rangers are listed below:
| Forest Supervisor | U. S. Forest Service, Mancos, Colo. |
| Forest Ranger | Mancos District, Mancos, Colo. |
| Forest Ranger | Dolores District, Dolores, Colo. |
| Forest Ranger | Glade District, Dolores, Colo. |
| Forest Ranger | Rico District, Rico, Colo. |
| Forest Ranger | Norwood District, Norwood, Colo. |
| Forest Ranger | Timber Sales, McPhee, Colo. |