The Washington herald., 1921-05-09
STRESS
NEED OF SWAMPS
FOR WILD FOWL
Federal Biologists Claim
Marshland Adds to
Countryside.

II migratory birds are to be in
creased or their present numbers
maintained. 1t is necessary to con-
serve water and marsh areas, say
specialists Of the Biological Survey.
of the Department of Agriculture
Small lakes. swamps or marsh areas
are used by these water fowl for
feeding, resting and rearing their
young. and IL is absolutely essential
that during their migration and in
winter the birds have these neces-
sary places in which to live.
Reports received by the Biological
Survey during the last few months
from all parts OF the country agree
that the former alarming decrease in
migratory wild fowl. which preceded
the treaty and the act of Congress
for the protection of migratory birds,
has changed to a marked increase.
Value Found in swamps
The idea is prevalent that the
drainage of almost any area is OF
benefit to a community. but it is
stated that under proper conditions
water farming" of many lakes and
ponds. and of marsh or swampy
areas. will yield a larger return than
would the same area drained and
used for agriculture. Many such
lakes and areas. however. can be
used to produce food and game fish.
animals and a natural
supply of ice. In some sections the
profits from such use of marshes ex-
ceeds the returns from adjacent farm
lands. These lands and water areas
are valuable in maintaining the un-
derground water level of the sur
rounding farming section and help
to hold back the runoff of rainfall
and to prevent excessive erosion.
They may frequently be used as
state parks or reservations. thus
lending themselves admirably to ed
ucational uses and arording oppor-
tunities for healthful and interest
ing recreation.
Il believe" SayE Dr. Z. W. Mel
son, chief of the bureau Of Biologi-
cal Survey. that a careful survey
of the water and marsh areas in
any State by men propely versed in
the plant and animal products. as
well as of the agricultural capacities
of the areas in question. will result
in the great majority of cases in
definitely determining the superior
value to the State of such water
areas in their natural conditions as
against the value Of the land
which would be left after they hal
been drained.
Reduces Wild Fowl.
The Biological Survey is deeply
interested in the proper conservs- :
tion of water areas. since the rap
idly increasing drainage of lakes
and marshes throughout the coun-
try indicates that our wild fowl re-
sorts and feeding places will be
eliminated from most of
the States unless an effort is made
to conserve a considerable number
Of the best of them. With the elm
ination of such areas there will dis
appear opportunities for wild-fowl
hunting. and there will be a loss of
other products and benefits provided
by such water areas"
In connection with THE admins
tration of the Migratory Bird Treaty
act. the Biological Survey is advo-
eating the establishment of Federal
and State bird preserves. This is to
be accomplished through co-opera-
tion with the STATE fish and game
Throughout the coun-
try such water areas should be
strictly guarded as breeding pre-
serves, thereby resulting in largely
augmenting the available supply
of birds. the specialists say. a GER
tain proportion of such areas should
Re maintained throughout the year
as sanctuaries, where TO shooting
should be permitted. but the ma
jority of them should be made pub
lie shooting grounds during the
open season.