DURING the past twenty years there has been a growing appreciation of the need for conserving the forest resources of southwestern Wisconsin. As a result, many tracts of woodlands which formerly were given little protection, and no management, now are dedicated to sustained timber production. Actually, the growing of forest crops is only one of the objectives of the present-day program, and other accompanying benefits are sufficiently important to justify the claim that the multiple use of timber lands is an accomplished fact on many farms in this region. Thus, the value of forest cover and associated vegetation in reducing runoff, erosion, and the amount of top soil lost through excessive blowing was recognized from the start. In the decade from 1930 to 1940, thousands of acres of woodlands on farms throughout southern Wisconsin and southern Minnesota were fenced and protected from livestock and fire. · Less frequently the stands were thinned or given other types of silvicultural treatment. The Civilian Conservation Corps and other public works agencies provided impetus for this forestry program.