Viewing The Timber Culture Act (1873-1891).The Timber Culture Act (1873-1891).Congress passed the Timber Culture Act in 1873 to encourage settlers to plant and grow trees on "western prairies." The following year, strict eligibility requirements and planting timetables were added. Amendments in 1878 loosened the schedules for "breaking" the prairie, "cultivating" the plowed land and planting trees. The law, however, was easily abused by settlers and ranchers; it never came close to accomplishing what Congress envisioned. Historians of the West give it a failing grade. It was repealed in 1891. |