Forest Management – Canaan NH

Description

In 1935 and 1938, the WPA helped with Blister Rust control efforts. Local reports from the time give the following details:

1935 Blister Rust Control
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Total cost of work $383.92
Paid by State 83.92
Paid by town $300.00
Area covered 361 acres
Currant & gooseberry bushes destroyed 12,546
W.P.A. Federal funds expended $1,019.05
Area covered 1,362 acres.
Currant & gooseberry bushes destroyed 35,644

1938 Blister Rust control
Town Program:
Crew cost (Paid by town) $299.60
Foreman cost (Paid by state) 74.00
Total expended $373.60
Received from town $300.00
Expended from town funds 299.60
Balance due town .40
Area covered (acres) 211
Currant and gooseberry bushes destroyed 59,084
W.P.A. Program:
W.P.A. funds expended $1,983.67
Area covered (acres) 1,586
Currant and gooseberry bushes destroyed 139,135
Local men employed on Blister Rust control 14

The WPA also contributed manpower and minor funding in the reconstruction after the 1938 Hurricane.