Concern for the loss of forest habitat and the disappearance of marshes, sloughs, and rivers prompted the Commissioner of Dominion Lands to take more active steps in the management of western forests so as to protect watersheds and guarantee water supplies for semiarid Prairies. In 1896, the Commissioner set aside the first forest reserves at Turtle Mountain and Moose Mountain and along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. The reserve along the eastern slope was later expanded and by 1910 most of the eastern slopes running as far north as Township 61 were designated as protected land. This move established strict rules for timber cutting and fire management which necessitated the posting of this circular informing people about the restrictions.