The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1911-09-07
Natural Resources in Our State.

Inc IOllOWlng news lettoF, SeltlHS lOfIH
some of the natural resources of our great
State, comes to the Banner from the office
of the State Board of Commissioners for
the Protection of Birds, Game and Fish.
1t is intended for the masses of the people
and we gladly give it space.
The natural resources Of the State of
Louisiana in the way of game, fish, oys
ters, forests, waters and soils have been
so great that many have come to look up
on them as an inexhaustable mine Of
wealth that never could be depleted. But
in recent years, it has dawned upon US
that these resources are great public as
set which must be carefully looked after,
or in other words they must be conserved.
Of the various sources of unexpected
wealth in our state, attention is called to
our fisheries. At present, they exist in
embryo and yet no equal area for the pro-
pagation of fish is to be found in this or
any other country. Untold wealth lies in
our streams and only awaits scientific de-
velopement to unlock the source of the
wealth which would willingly be given US
by the markets of the world. A fine be-
ginning has been made and we hope
shortly to have black bass fish hatchery
in operation. 1t is no secret that the Fed
eral Government is anxious to begin the
propagation of commercial fisheries in our
waters, but the lack Of strong public SEN
timent backing the efforts Of our board
acts adversely against the Inauguration Of
this movement.
In our oyster beds we have another
source of great wealth. We believe that
the present trend Of public opinion back
ing up the Game and Fish Commission is
suspicious for the greatest kind Of devel-
opement in that line, SO much so, that the
great markets of the West and North will
soon be supplied with the luscious bivalves,
which come to their flavor in the waters Of
the gulf. Controlling $50, 900 acres of the
finest oyster bottoms in the world we can
supply the people of the North and West
with our unrivalled product.
In order to preserve the present species
of game birds inhabiting our marches,
fields and streams, game preserves have
been set aside where this faunal life may
flourish and be safeguarded for all time
Thanks to the munifcence of one Of our
sitizens, aided by a gentleman of wealth
from another state, as well as by legislative
enactment, we now boast Of three great
preserves where conservation work may
be carried out to it's fullest development.
We owe this to ourselves as well as to pos
terity.
In bringing the Importance Of this con-
servation work to the attention of the peo-
pie of the State, one feature has been used
which has been eminently successful, and
that is the travelling exhibit which has been
shown in many parishes, to the great de-
light of many thousands of our people,
Every boy and girl in the State should
be made acquainted with the vast natural
resources within our territory so that there
may grow up within them that keen de-.
light in the fatherland and that earnest
belief that here the beneficient hand Of
Providence has strewn untold wealth for
the seeking and asking.
One thing must be borne in mind, and
that is that all this vast work has been con-
Quoted without expense to the State. The
Game and Fish Commission is self sup
porting, not dollar being paid out Of the
State Treasury for its maintenance. Its
officers and employees are paid from the
revenues derived from licenses collected
from those who get either profit or pleasure
thereby.