Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-20
CONSERVE DUCK|NC
WATERS, is WARNING
Head Of y. S. Biological Sur
vcy Sends Out Instruc-
tons to Hunters.


T. W Nelson, chief OF the L. s.
Bureau Of Biological Survey. recently
tent broadcast n statement dealing
gith the necessity for immediate ac-
4 ion in conserving our inland lakes
md marshes. Mr.. Nelson points out
hat the mass OF evidence gathered
- the survey shows that ducks have
Increased under the present Federal
regulations, but that unless pcrma-
,ent breeding grounds and resting
md feeding grounds are established
n al, sections OF the United states,
Ne will not be able TO hold the in
crease already gained.
The biological Survey is advocating
he establishment throughout the
,ourtry OF Federal and state bird
preserves. such areas 10 be strictly
.uarded during the breeding season,
ind portions Of each TO be set aside
a sanctuary the year around, while
nc balance IS TO be devoted tn public
,hoo,!nE grounds during the open
,caSon.
Mr. Nelson points out that IL IL a
mistaken. idea that draining the
water from any given area is bcnc-
At 10 the community. In most sec
ions. under intelligent management
rwaulpg and marshes VIII yield Il
nrg.r return tnan The same area
pi,b the water drained OFT and de-
,o;ca 10 agriculture.
Tho following brief summary shows
No productivcncss OF such territory:
l. Food ana game fishes.
&, Wild fowl TO be shot for sport
.iI food.
~, ,uuskrats. skunks and raccoons
rhi,h frequent their borders
\ natural ice eupply.
definite and Invaluable help
u maintaining tn" underErounh
rat.- level in various parts Of the
~. and in helping hold back the
.n.or OF rainfall to prevent excess
H., nroslon and other damage.
Opportunities for hcalthful and
,o,nstinC recreation for the citizens
# the state.
where such water areas arc
,.i,,dcd in state parks or rcscrva-
,sons. they lend themselves admir-
VIZ 20 educational uscs and help
interest the people of tho state. In
nt- Of door life and in tho natural
o.ources of the state in the form OF
|nant and animal life. which are such
unortant clements in supplying use
nj commodities.
Whnt Experts Say.
r,,n cXperts from tho Department
= Agriculture have testified that
,onv OF the recent drainage projects
,nyc resulted In absolute failure and
:, most Instances the only benefit de-
I'D goes either to the land pro-
,oters or the firm engaged in doing
80 drainage. 1t is necessary that
ct;.u should be taken Immediately
- nrcyent tho further useless drain
nv NJ our marsh lands.
IT, Nelson says he believes that
:, careful survey of the water and
,oreh areas in any State is made by
ION prcperly versed in plant and ami
,oI PRODUCTS, the result would show
10 suusrior value to the State of such
,oter areas in their natural condi-
ion nm against the value Of the land
Inch would be left, should the water
e drained away.
II Is an established fact that ducks
nd pccsc vary in their flights and
ross and rccross the country in all
fractions. Therefore, the sportsmen
Is the country are distinctly benefited
4 every additional refuge estab-
,cdiate vicinity.
.The American Game Protective As
Citation is greatly pleased to learn
Mr.. Nelson's stand on this most
nportant subject. and we believe
mt general policy should be es-
bNshod for the maintenance OF
alter areas suitable for water fowl
I'd that Congress should furnish the
Biological Survey with sufficient
inds TO carry out this work.
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