Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-22
FEDERAL REFUGE
PROTECTS GAME
Coolidge Likely to Dedicate
Huge Area on Upper
Mississippi.
BY Consolidated Press.

BY Consolidated Press.
CHICAGO, July 2l.-Instead of fac
ing gradual determination, the Wild
life of this country is finding increas-
ingly extensive Ravens in which to ward
of the encroachments of civilization
that has been rather ruthless with their
forebears.
One more evidence of this fact Is
going To be given shortly when the I'M
mense upper Mississippi wild life refuge.
extending for 300 miles along the low
lands of the Mississippi, Is dedicated
probably by President Coolidge. This
Is the latest and one of the most inn
portant conservation projects which
aim to protect wild animals, birds and
fish for future generations.
Mr. Coolidge has been asked to par
ticipate in dedicatory exercises in con-
nection with the official opening of the
vast refuge. and If he accepts. the cere-
mony probably would be held at La
Crosse, Wis The Federal Government
is spending S1,500.000 to make tn, low
land preserve a reality, and already
nearly 100000 acres are available.
Breeding Ground for Fish.
This refuge consists of parts of WIS
consin, Iowa. Illinois and Minnesota.
1t is located along the natural fy-way
of migratory fowl. Harassed By hunters
on every side, the ducks and geese have
steadily been decreasing until many
thought they would be lost to the Mid
dlewest in few years. Now they are
protected along big stretches of terri
tory in which they can multiply uI1nlo-
Tested.
Reaches of this river territory have
a rugged beauty that equals any river
scenery in the country. The overflow
area of the river Is principal breed
ing ground for game fish. and the bird
and animal life Is profuse. When the
Government stepped in this area vas
about to be drained. running the cour-
try's greatest hatchery. Hunters, viz
tualiy unregulated, had just about end
ed the bird shooting. Reports from the
district now say that as result OF re-
cent protection. ducks and geese are to
be seen again in great NUMBERS.
Some of the animals originally found
in this territory have been exterminat-
ed" William T. Cox. superintendent Of
the refuge, says. But just about all
types of the birds and mammals have
managed to survive despite the most
persistent hunting and trapping. There
are ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse.
quail, ducks of many species, snipe,
rails. coots, the bald eagle, the great
blue heron. and many other songsters.
game birds, insect eaters, waders and
birds of prey.
Highway for Birds.
1.-The Mississippi for centuries has
been the great water and aerial high
way for the semi-annual flights OF
birds. Then among animals. there are
muskrats, raccoon, mink, foxes. skunk
and other fur bearers. Beaver and otter
will need re-introduction and careful
protection. Deer also must be brought
in again"
But with 800 miles of protected terri
tory, wild life is expected to increase
rapidly. The intention then is to let the
refuge be opened in parts TO the hun
ter and fisher. Much of the area is 70
be replanted in forests. although a
good deal of hardwood timber still is
standing.
The Izaak Walton League was the
principal hacker of the project to turn
this lowland area into refuge and it
is arranging the dedicatory exercises
soon to be held.