Visual display of the Aldo Leopold papers : 9/25/10-2 : Organizations, Committees
I,
Mr. U~chard 3Poy6oi
79th Street amd rt0 P-y* Ist
Now York 'ý3, Jew Yo,*
Dea M. Bordon:
Youra~rima ofth"e sitb i ý-> ~t:ý- -~ -ý--cret
81Jre,1ly,
XLr~
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
RICHARD BORDEN, CUAIRMAN
HAROLD R. ANTHONY, VI-CVJmMAN F. CARRINGTON WEEMS
HAROLD JEFFERSION COOLIDGE. JR. ARCHIBALD B. ROOSIEVELT -I--,
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
T9OTH SmTNUT AND CUNTRAL PARK WNST
X9w YORK 24. N. Y.
Pebruary 20, 19h8
Dear Mr. Leopold:
Your Conservation Committee is glad to be able to make a favorable report
on the Olympic National Park problem, referred to in our Conservation News
Letter of September 24, 1947. The Secretary of the Interior and Newton B.
Drury, Director of the National Park Service, are now opposing any reduction
in the area of the Olympic National Park, and this constitutes almost a
reversal of their previous attitude in favoring Bills H. R. 2750 and 2751,
,.;hich were regarded by conservationists as only less to be feared than
the
dangerous legislation proposed in H. J. Res. 84 and H. R. 4053. Their
change followed hearings held in the Park last Fall before the House Commit-
tee on Public Lands. This opposition on the part of these government offic-
ials was greatly strengthened by the public hearings mentioned. But there
is no doubt that the strong stand taken by conservationists throughout the
country in opposition to the proposed legislative measures, was most effective.
We are also glad to report that the Barrett Bill (H. R. 1330) drawn
to
abolish the Jackson Hole National Monument in Wyoming, is dead for this
Session. It was objected to by five Congressmen, and having been objected
to
previously, it was stricken from the Calendar of the House. The House action
does not, of course, preclude consideration of an almost identical bill
(S. 195l) introduced by Senator Robertson (Wyoming), which is before the
Senate Public Lands Committee. It is generally believed, however, in
Washington, that this attempt to abolish the Jackson Hole National Honument
will have little chance of success, and here again the determined stand of
conservationists throughout the country has contributed materially to the
defeat of such ill-advised legislative attempts.
The selection of a big game conservation project worthy of the Club's
active support, is still under consideration by your Conservation Committee,
and its ability to keep informed of current developments has been augmented
recently by the association of its Chairman with the National Wildlife
Federation, which follows closely all national legislation affecting conser-
vation of natural resources. To any member of the Club, particularly inter-
ested, the Committee will be glad to supply upon request, detailed inform-
ation about pending legislation bearing on conservation.
Richard Borden,
Chairman
/
Dommpbwm 6. 19)47
Mr. ~~a
gowroary. 13oa.#no m id ~rA.k~ Club
"-'5 3lrm-i ',tre
lli'j Yýoz*. Now York
Dear 11r. $Ve
Kqrl. Frederick tolls mo aw&t C. tQrmath Is
bon -pzýpoýos for nwbormhp linie Boonei
~n roalwtt Club. I )knw P1 G Qtermt well, ,ad
h#.ve come to hqe~ a v.rv hie rMr for both his
drw.rntetr a~I aboitty. Ile in doing a better job
of runn~nmP the WAdi.41 ,tim%.A nsiueQ~
has ever bee dim.n before, ýA that iia wiW P
gpod dwxl. I am very glad indeed to join V'Arl
Fr-,-xarla and 11ao2A Ooolidre inromedn
hip, to the Az.xtive Qo rt~ttwe.
Ymirm oinooeraly,
Ado Loop-old
KOBBE, THATCHER & FREDERICK
61 BROADWAY
NEW YORK 6
CABLE ADDRESS
RAKREEB
TELEPHONE
WHITEHALL 3-8800
November 26th, 1947.
Mr. Aldo Leopold
42LI. University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:-
I have proposed C. R. Gutermuth, Vice-President
of the Wildlife Management Institute, for regular member-
ship in the Boone and Crockett Club. His name has been
seconded by Harold Coolidge. I understand that you are
reasonably well acquainted with him and I am writing to
ask if you would feel disposed to write a letter to the
Executive Committee in support of his nomination. If so,
it will be much appreciated.
Cordially yours,
KTF-B
Nlovubfr 10, 19147
Mfr. Rlnr Boxd
ý3oeand Crokett Club
25 Broad Gtret
ll'o York4, No~w York
Der r. Borden
I nnmc pleased that the Club has takeni a flat
st:-n aaistth proposed dimembermen t ofOympic
"IatLiona1 Pa&.. I =m 100 permt behin your stnd
'Yourws sincerely,
A14* Lpold1
i
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE -
RICHARD BORDEN, CRAIRBAN
HAROLD H. ANTHONY, VýcKCn-lwmAxN F. CARRINOTON WEEMS
HAROLD JEFFERSON COOLIDGE, JR. ARCHIBALD B. ROOSEVELT / /
25 BROAD ST., NEW YORK 4, N.Y.
September 24, 1947
Dear Yir.Leopold:
The recently appointed Conservation Committee of the Boone and Crockett
Club has been meeting in New York City this summer in order to formulate
plans
for the Committee's future activities. It is the opinion of the Committee
that the Club should confine itself primarily to the conservation of big
game,
rather than tackle the ever-expanding problems of general conservation. Our
purpose can be no better expressed than Paragraph C of the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Boone and Crockett Club, which states "To work
for the
preservation of the wild animal life of this country, especially big game,
and so far as possible to further legislation for that purpose; to assist
in
enforcing the existing laws, and to educate the American public in the impor-
tance of proper game preservation."
The Committee also recommends that the Club should from time to time
go
on record in favoring or opposing current legislation which would directly
affect any of our North American big game species, and that it should endorse
the stand of other conservation agencies when careful study indicates such
a
position is warranted. In order that the members may be more familiar with
these current conservation problems which affect big game, the Committee
be-
lieves that it is its duty to send them, periodically, news letters dealing
with these subjects. It is with this thought in mind that the enclosed article
entitled "Trouble on Olympus" is sent to you. The fact that the
proposed re-
moval from the Olympic National Park of 33,941 acres of Spruce and Douglas
FIir
in Bogachiel-Calawah-Hoh area is part of the winter range of the Roosevelt
Elk, clearly indicates that the Club should endorse the stand taken by certain
other conservation agencies opposing removal of these lands.
The Committee will at some future time recommend to the Club a big
game
conservation project, which would be initiated by the Boone and Crockett
Club
and in which it can take a very active part. Any thoughts or suggestions
on
this subject from members of the Club will be welcomed by your Conservation
Committee.
Richard Borden
PR/mnl Chairmanv
TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB:
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AFTER JANUARY 1. 1948
THE ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY WILL BE CHANGED
FROM 25 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK. N. Y, TO THE
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 79TH
STREET AND CENTRAL PARK WEST, NEW YORK 24, N. Y.
DEAN SAGE, SECRETARY.
- ¼
November 8. 19~46
Mr. Dean, e, 3ecretary
Boone anl Crockett Clb
49 Wýall Street
New Yorks New York
bear Mr. Sage:
The letter about Major Waller was sent you at the
sigpes~ttn of Carl ue4ericks. It may be th-t I shoild
have sent it to Clrl rather than to you. In my evout
I think you will hear from Ca3l lbter.
I am n Spedin
Lim your letter !d a ',y of thi
Aide Leomld
AL.
coe Cli Frederick$
one,
October 22, 19h6
Mr. NDýean e, Secretary
B~oom !n~ h'roikett Oliib
49 Wall Street
New York 9, 9. Y.
Dear Mr. Sage?
I understand that Major Littleton I. T. Ialer is u- for
mmbershIr in Drine and Cro"ett Club. I workel very
closely with him dlrin the period 19)2 - 1933, 1x as
a reslt of th3 acqtiantance I wormuld recoLmwnd him to
you without reservat ion. He i a :;en ,r rteu #u
a deer thinker on conservation questiono.
ToLrs iincerely*
Aldo Loo d
ProfeGesor of iildli±'e
AL: RL
KOBBE, THATCHER & FREDERICK
61 BROADWAY
NEW YORK 6
CASLE ADDRESS
RAKREEB
TELEPHONE
WHITEHALL 3-8800
October 18th, 1946.
Dr. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:-
I am proposing Littleton W. T. Waller (Major
General U.S.M.C.R., Retired) for regular membership in
the Boone and Crockett Club. I believe that you know
him quite well, and if you feel disposed to do so, I
would very much appreciate your writing a letter on his
behalf to the Executive Committee of the Boone and
Crockett Club, c/o Dean Sage, Secretary, 49 Wall Street,
New York 5, N.Y.
If you wish to do so, I will be glad to have
you send the letter direct to me and I will turn it in
with all the other letters at the same time.
Sincerely yours,
KTF-B
Cable Address "Museology New York"
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
CENTRAL PARK WEST AT 79TH STREET
NEW YORK 24, N. Y.
September the fifteenth
Nineteen hundred forty-five
Dear Fellow Member of the Boone and Crockett Club:
The matter has been taken up with the ýxecutive Committee
of the Boone
and Crockett Club and at their suggestion I am writing you end all other
mem-
bers of the Club in my capacity as Chairman of the Trustee Committee
of the
New York State Theodore hoosevelt Memorial at the 1'merican Museum. EMy
purpose
is to acquaint you with the plan which is Sradually being achieved of
showing
in the býoosevelt Lemorial Building, by pictorial means, which
might be called
"The Theodore Roosevelt Period".
Pert of this plan is to hang in certain rooms portraits of Colonel
Roosevelt's intimate friends and associat s - those, at least, who were
signif-
icant in his life as a naturalist, hunter end conservationist. Mrs.
Roo-evelt
and others have been consulted as to those who should properly be considered
and a copy of the list is attached hereto. Those checked are already
repre-
sented in our collection by portraits or good photographs. You will
note that
quite a number have been members of the Boone and Crockett and it is
felt that
members of the Club might very well be interested in doing something
in this
connection. As you know, Theodore Roosevelt was largely responsible
for the
founding of the Boone and Crockett annd its present high standing is
in no small
measture ow ing to his influence.
For five or six years we had a very fine portrait of Alexander
Lambert,
painted by Vlayman Adams, which was on loan-to the Roosevelt Memorial.
Recently,
the owner has removed this painting, leaving a regrettable gap. The
portrait
is a particularly fine one, not only as a painting but as a portrait
of Doctor
Lambert, and it has occurred to me that the Boone and Crockett, either
collec-
tively or by individual subscriptions, might consider purchasing it
for the
Museum.
I have also hoped that there might be enough Interest among Boone
and
Crockett members to consider presenting now or in the future some of
Frederic
Remington's pictures in black-and-white or oils or possibly some of
his works
in bronze. They would fit in most appropriately as part of the pageant
of "The
Roosevelt Period". I happen to know that Theodore Roosevelt admired
.ýemlngtonls
work - in fact, encouraged and inspired him.
If you are in a position to donate to the Roosevelt Memorial
any of the
listed items or other pictorial material which you think would fit in
with our
kr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Madison
Wisconsin
RE
Mr. Aldo Leopold - 9 45 - Pa 2
plan, or In any way can assist in obtaining any of the desired pictures,
I
shall be very glad to heve you Fet In touch wit- me. Perhaps you would like
to inspect the Lemorial and view ot first hand the progress which has been
made. I shall be very glad to arrange with the officers of the Museum to
re-
ceive you any time at your convenience.
Hoping that I may hear from you, I am,
Very truly yours,
Frank F. LcCoy, Chairran
New York State Theodore Rookevelt
M'emorial Committee
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - SetEMr 1, 1945
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's Intimate Friends and Associates
Who Were Significant in His Life as Hunter, Naturalist
and Conservationist
(Those checked are already represented in our collection
at the Museum by portraits or photographs.)
Robert Bacon
v Captain Seth Bullock
v Winthrop Chanler
James R. Garfield
v-John Hay
Jules Jusserand
Dr. Alexander Lambert
v Senator Henry Cabot Lodge
Robert Forbes Perkins
Gifford Pinchot
John R. Proctor
Thomas B. Reed
Jacob A. Riis
W. S. Roosevelt
v Elihu Root
Sir Cecil A, Spring-Rice
Herman Speck von Sternberg
v William Austin Wadsworth
Owen Wister
v General Leonard Wood
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
ELEVEN BROADWAY
NEWi~ YORK
Obict of tIe Secretary
December 6, 1930
To the Members of the Boone and Crockett Club:
Many members of the Boone and Crockett Club
have felt that it would be a most appropriate time to
recognize the invaluable services which their President
and fellow member, Madison Grant, has rendered in varied
fields as Citizen, Zoologist, Anthropologist, Conser-
vationist, Creative Administrator, Author, and, above
all, as Friend of every good cause.
It has therefore been decided that a Loving
Cup be tendered to him at the time of the January dinner,
January 9th. Tiffany and Company have given much time
and effort to a new and original design, and on it both
by animal engraving and by inscription, will be brought
forth the services of Mr. Grant. The estimated cost
guilded on silver finish is $1,000.
Members who feel like contributing are asked
to send their contribution to Mr. W. Redmond Cross,
48 Wall Street, who is the Treasurer of the Club.
It is felt that there should be no definite
sum set, but something in the neighborhood of ten dollars
($10.00), either up or down, as the individual case may
be, is suggested. There are at present upward of
175 members, Honorary, Regular and Associate.
KERMIT ROOSEVELT,
Secretary
Tr. A 7. ~e o cAroi-
Trenuirer, loone % Croc:-ett Club
'12I AoSreet
D)ear 3ir:
Aeferrng to r. Yooevelt letter nf
December 6 to nibero of t'ie one ad Crockett Cub.
I Incloae ay cKhe: for A 5 for the V4dion
Ar;nt calCp. I hvc In('v' A dAe . * ý rk -T re re-2 h13
1ublica tlo wth 'credrt Anterprvt.
Youri Oincerely,
In Chrle, GO C~rm '
Incl. 0e0k
"on- 15, 1790
OFFICERS CF THEj-
BOOýE AND CROCKETT CLUB
---------- FOR THE YEAR 1929 ---------
HONORkRY PRE SILENT FOR LIFE
George Bird Grinnell
PRESIDENT
Madison Grant
FIRST 1ICZ-PRESIDEIjTS
ýd. Douglas Burden J. Coleiman Drayton
E. Hubert Litchfield
VICE-PRESID3NTS
Class of 1929 Class of 1930
Dr. John C. Phillips Goelet Gallatin
A. Phimister Proctor Marshall Bond
Class of 1931
Major Frederick B. Burnham
Henry L. Stimson
SECRET .RY
Kermit Roosevelt
11 Broadway, Now York City
kSSIST CNT SECRET IRY
William C. Chanler
32 Liberty Street, New York City
TREASURE'R
William Redmond Cross
31 Pine Street, New York City
EXECUTIVE COM1ITTEE
Class of 1929
George L. Harrison, Jr.
Childs Frick
Frederic C. Walcott
CIlss cf 1930
F. Trubee Davison
Charles Stewart Davison
Dr. Alexander Lambert
Class of 1931
DeForest Grant
Dr. Leonard C. Sanford
Major Francis T. Colby
,, i t
,u ou: . City.
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Of tfi:-o.o i , bil, On Th -i n 1 tt cr,
........... " n o oi c ~?.rt Crole ' , .o. .
on J (to o7 . t:L! c... f---
... ... ..... welý: , h,-d at" -.
I thmP±'.-.tu rou rJA,.t- t , "
cI 0t' tocC frtvyou "-h- o. Oi- .,
If.C'~" o y~ou ..." : t- "t, . 2." b" v ...
1i *k.A rt~ J!- o
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tOf" cw fu'n ~ c e~i~~il ti -
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(a-
II BROADWAY
NEW YORK
Ilovember -, 1927.
lar. U.do Leopold,
U. S. Department of k;rjculture
Forest Service,
Madison, 4 iscons in.
Dear Mr. Leopold:
Thank you for your letter
in regard to the McSweeney bill. Mvost of us
already kncmv of the introduction of the oili
last year, but Ifor one,was not aware that
it was to be re-introduced this December.
I shall bring it up at the Executive Committee
meeting and see that we do whatever vie can
in the way of backing, it up.
Sincerely yours,
Forest Produots Laboratory
Madison, Wis.
November 9, 1927.
Mr, George Bird Grinnell November 9, 1927.
238 Eat 15th St.
New York Oity,
Dear Mr. Grinnell:
This is to aoknowledge your letter of November'
1 to Mr. Leopold, wbo is at present spending a vacation In
New Mexioo. He will write you upon1 his return at the end
of this month.
NVery truly yours,
EDGAR F. WMITE
GEO. BIRD GRINNELL
238 EAST I1TH STREET
NEW YORK, N. Y.
November Ist,1927.
Mr. Aldo TMeopold,
Forest Service,
Madison, Wis.
My dear Mr.Leopold
I am very gla6 to see your writing again on a letter
which Kermit Roosevelt has sent to me with copy of the blacSweeney Bill,
H.R.17406 which you sent him, It is very good of you to keep track of
this and to remind us of it. I ouite agree with you that the matter is
worth careful loking after and that the puzrposes of the bill~ae gather-
ed from a hasty reading, are altog~ether worthy.
I am disposed to agree with you also that the conduct-
ing of these inquiries riay properly be done at the Forest "T.perimenta-
tion stations and it certainly seems extremely desirable that any meas-
ure that will tend to bring together the different bureaus who are work-
ing on the sane subject, is worth while. Je have suffered too much in
the past from an ambition which has existed in bone of the bureaus to
crowd each other to one side, each hoping to add to its own fraie. They
have forgotten the cguse for which we are all working and seem to think
only of their own glory. This failing seems no longer to exist.
It is kind of you to offer your help to the Boone and
Crockett Club and we shall be very grateful for anything that you may do.
Kermit Roosevelt will write you and I hope, will keep in close touch
with you.
Yours
BOONE AND CROCKETT 'CLUB
44 BEAVER STREET
NEW YoRK
Office of the Secretary May 26, 1926.
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
Forest Products Laboratory,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I was very sorry to get your letter and learn
that you could not represent us at the National Conference
on State Parks.
Thank you very much indeed for sending me the
reprints of the two other articles. I have been extremely
much interested in reading them. I hope it wont be long
before I have a chance of seeing you on here.
Sincerely yours,
L.-
A !' x1~T&~- ~ , ~1 j'3~(.
BOONE AND GOOCKETTC GuB
44 BEAVER STREET
Nxw YoRx
Office of the Secretay May 6, 1926.
Aldo Leopold, Esq..
Forest Products laboratory,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Mr. Leopold:
As you know, the National Conference on State
Parks is to be held at Hot Springs, Arkansas in the
middle of June. If you are going to be there, the Boone
and Crockett Club would like to appoint you their repre-
sentative at the meeting, and Mr. Grinnell has asked me
to write you on behalf of the Club to this effect.
I read with much interest the article you
wrote for the National Conference on Outdoor Recreation.
I hope that some time or other you will be able to come
on to one of the Club's dinners. I used to hear so much
about you from Bob Ferguson.
Trusting that you will be able to represent the
Club at the National Conference,
Very sincerely yours,
THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
ON
STATE PARKS
MEMBER FEDERATED SOCIETIES
904 UNION TRUST BUILDING
WASHINGTON. D. C.
May 22, 1926.
OFFICERS
JOHN BARTON PAYNE. CHAIRMAN
STEPHEN T. MATHER. VICE CHAIRMAN
BEATRICE M. WARD. SECRETARY-TREASURER
Dear Mr. Leopold:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JAMES L. GREENLEAF
RANSOM KENNICOTT
JOHN OLIVER LA GORCE
WILBUR A. NELSON
ALBERT M. TURNER
MAJOR W. A. WELCH
THEODORE WIRTH
OBJECTS
To urge upon our govern-
ments, local, county, state,
and national, the acquisition
of land and water areas suit-
able for recreation and pres-
ervation of wild life, as a form
of the conservation of our
natural resources, until eventu-
ally there shall be public parks,
forests, and preserves within
easy access of all the people of
our nation, and also to en-
courage the interest of non-
governmental agencies, and in-
dividuals in acquiring, main-
taining and dedicating for pub-
lic use similar areas; and as a
means of cementing all park
interests into a harmonious
whole, to provide for a confer-
ence and exchange of ideas by
an annual meeting of such in-
terests, and the formation of
facilities for the exchange of
information and ideas between
conferences.
Mr. Kermit Roosevelt has just notified me of* your
appointment to represent the Boone and Crockeet Club at the
Sixth National Conference on State Parks which will be held
at Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, June 14, 15, 16, and
17. I am writing you not only to give you information re-
garding the Conference but to strongly urge your attendance
at the meeting.
You, of course, are interested in this movement
for the creation of State recreational areas, which I con-
sider one of the most important before our country today.
Undoubtedly your attendance at the Conference would enable
you to do much to create and stimulate interest In the fur-/
ther development of State parks in your State.
Many speakers of prominence will be on our program,
including Governor Terral, of Arkansas; ex-Governor Neff, of
Texas; Hon. Stephen T. Mather, Director of the National Park
Service; and Mr. John Oliver LaGorce, Vice President of the
National Geographic Society. Several sessions will be de-
voted to general discussions of various problems. Such sub-
jects as "Power and Parks from the Standpoint of the Park
Lover", "Power and Parks from the Standpoint of the Engineer",
"State Parks as Adjuncts to Agricultural Districts", and
"Scenic Advertisement for the Public Welfare", will be dis-
cussed. Interesting trips of inspection will be offered,
including visits to the Petit Jean State Park and the pro-
posed Ouachita National Park.
I hope it will be possible for you to attend the
Conferance.
7-
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
Forest Product Laborato ,y..
Madison, Wisconsin*
A STATE PARK EVERY HUNDRED MILES
LV Z4, 1926
Mr. Kereit Roosevelt,
Boone & Crockett Club,
44 Beaver Street,
New York City.
Dear 1r. Roosevelt:
In further reference to my letter of Ly 17 and
the possibility of my representing the Boone and Crockett
M)ub at the National Conference on State Parks at Hot
Springs.
Since writing you it has developed that I wifl
have to be in northern Idaho on June 15 and I am afraid
that this will make it im-posible for me to attend the Hot
Springs meting. I am very sorry that this is the ease.
I forgot to state in my previous letter that I
appreciated your comment on my artiole on "Wilderness Areas"
in the proceedings of the Outdoor Recreationza Conference,
I am inolosing reprints of two other articles on the same
subject vioh you may not have seen.
Your rention of Bob ?erguson recalls to mem
pleasant houre with him in the Southwest, In fact, it was
through our nutual interest in the big gae hunti-z grounds
at the had of the Qla River near his ranch that we first
became acquainted. It was in no small measure due to his
encouragement that the sportsmen o New flexioo got started
in thei r present game conservation program,
With best wishes,
Ver-y sincerely yours,
Ur,6 Kermit Roosevelt,
Boone & Crockett Club,
44 Beaver Street,
New York City*
Dear -, Roosevelt:
I would be very much pleased to act for the Club
at the Ilational Conference on State Parks provided I can
arrange my schedule so as to be there, It will take me
about a week to determine whether this can be done and I
will let you IQow finally by 17y 25.
If it proves possible for me to go, I would like
to post myself on any points you want carried at the meet-
ing# I will write you further about these after I have
determined whether it will be possible for me to be there.
Very aincerely yours,
y17 , 192 6
I.?-- r,
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
44 BEAVER STREET, NEW YORK CITY
Annual Meeting and Dinner
December 1st, 1925.
To the Members of the
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB:
The Annual Dinner of the Boone and Crockett Club will be held at
the Council Room of the University Club, Fifth Avenue and 54th Street,
New York City, on Monday Evening, December 21, 1925, at 8 o'clock.
As a large attendance is expected, there will be no guests except those
invited by the Executive Committee. If any member has some particular
person whom he wishes to invite for some definite reason, it is asked that
he should write to the Executive Committee as soon as possible, giving
the name of the guest whom he wishes included.
Every member is urged to be present, and an early reply will be
appreciated.
The price of the dinner will be $7.50 per plate.
Please reply, enclosing your check to the order of W. Redmond
Cross, Treasurer, 31 Pine Street, New York City.
DR. LEwIs R. MORRIS,
DE FOREST GRANT,
HEYWARD CUTTING,
Committee.
Sixth National Conference on State Tarks
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS
June 14, 15, i6, 1926
HE States of the Southwest united in the cordial invitation of Arkansas to
hold the Sixth Na-
tional Conference on State Parks in the Hot Springs National Park. Arkansas
has one State
Park, the Petit Jean, a beautiful example of conservation possibilities.
The States of the
ýwest are now joining in the remarkable State park progress all over
the country and the choice
of the place of meeting of the 1926 Conference is in recognition of their
entrance into this field. If
you are from the North, East, West or Middle West come to Hot Springs and
tell the South and
Southwest what you are doing; if from the South or Southwest come and tell
the other sections of the
country of your plans and aspirations. Come to Hot Springs and learn of the
astonishing accomplish-
ments of the past year in the development of State parks and forests.
Hot Springs National Park
The Hot Springs National Park has been a National Park for nearly one
hundred years-it was
the first of our National Parks, created in 1832. The hot springs were probably
visited in 1541 by
DeSoto, and it is believed the earliest white settlement was made about the
year 1800. The Park
contains 928 acres and includes Hot Springs Mountain, North Mountain, West
Mountain, Sugar-Loaf
Mountain and Whittington Lake Park. The hot springs, 46 in number, are grouped
about the base
of Hot Springs Mountain. The park is becoming more and more a place for recreation
and the
climate is delightful.
Headquarters
Two hundred feet above sea level, resting against North Mountain, built
in Italian architectural
design, stands the New Arlington Hotel, the headquarters of the Conference.
The new hotel offers
many modern conveniences, with an ideal promenade and outdoor lounge and
a main dining room,
with connecting palm room, on the lobby floor, a roof garden, and all the
desirable accommodations
for pleasure or business. Business sessions of the Conference will be held
in the convention hall of the
Hotel.
Hotel Rates
The Manager of the New Arlington has quoted special rates for the Conference,
on the Euro-
pean plan, as follows: Single rooms, $3.50 and $5.00 per day; Double rooms,
$5.00 and $7.00 per
day. All double rooms have twin beds.
Program
That the Conference will have the most interesting program it has yet
offered is guaranteed by
the Program Committee, which consists of Mr. Wilbur A. Nelson, State Geologist
of Virginia, who
was largely responsible for the passage of the Tennessee State Park and Forest
Commission Bill when
State Geologist of that State, as Chairman: and Major W. A. Welch, General
Manager of the Palisades
Interstate Park, New York, and Mr. Richard Lieber, Director of the Department
of Conservation of
Indiana, who are among the best-known park authorities in the country. Every
tangent of the sub-
ject of State parks and the recreational uses of State forests will be presented
at the Conference in
addresses and discussions.
Trip of Inspection
As guests of the Morrilton and Hot Springs Chambers of Commerce delegates
to the Conference
will visit the Petit Jean State Park, about sixty miles from Hot Springs.
This is one of the most
attractive and rugged bits of scenery in the hill country of the northwestern
part of the State. It
comprises eighty acres of cliffs, steep slopes and pine-covered summits.
Petit Jean Mountain is
about J,100 feet above sea level and is bounded by steep cliffs rising 700
feet above the valley of
the Arkansas River. The creek rising on the plateau flows westward over it
for eight miles, and
suddenly drops about a hundred feet into the gorge, which has been cut back
two miles from the
west end of the mountain. The stream flows out to the lowlands in a rapid
course, with occasional
small falls. The gorge is 200 to 500 feet deep and is cut on either side
by branching gullies of
rugged beauty.
The park was acquired in 1923, through the interest of Dr. T. W. Hardison,
of Morrilton, who
received the inspiration at the Third National Conference on State Parks,
at Turkey Run State Park,
Indiana, which he attended as a delegate from Arkansas.
National Conference on State Parks
Member Federated Societies
904 Union Trust Building, Washington, D. C.
I~OoNF. AND (1~(~(I~I-'II (~i t'~~
OFFICE OF THE TREASURER
31 PINE STREET December 291
NEW YORKD 1925*
Aldo Leopold, Esq.,
Forest Products Laboratory,
Madison, Wisconsin.
My dear Mr. Leopold:
We were very sorry not to have you
at the Boone and Crockett Club dinner this
year, particularly as we had an extremely in-
teresting evening. Among the speakers was a
man named Young, who has been shooting big
game in Africa with a bow and arrow. You may
remember that he went there with Pope and White,
and he gave us a most interesting demonstration
of the power of his weapon by putting a blunt
pointed arrow clean through an inch board.
I have read with great interest your
pamphlet on the "Wilderness as a Form of Land
Use", and I am obliged to you for giving me
the opportunity of seeing so excellent a paper.
If our grazing friends accomplish what they
hope for, there will be no wilderness left for
anybody.
Yours sincerely,
WRC:PG
Albuquerque, New Mexloo,
May 12, 1924.
i{on. Holm 0. Bursum,
hington, D. C.
Dear Senator BurBUM:
The Boone & Crockett Club are sponsoring a new game
bill for Alaska whiuh is in charge of Soeiator Norbeck and,
I believe, known as the lorbeck bill. ýs a member of the
Club 1 have had an opportunity to learn thet this bill is
a great improvement and I understand it has the united
support of the I1ational Game Conservation Associations and
the Alaskans. I have not had an opportunity to get a
formral exjression from the New Mexico Game i±rotactive
Association but I wish tA endorse the bill personally and
recormmend that you do whatever you can to further its pas-
sage.
Very respectfully yours,
Copy sent Mr. Kermit Roosevelt
BOONE and CROCKETT CLUB
44 BEAVER STREET :1 NEW YORK CITY
Dear Sir:
The members of the BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB in
Washington in charge of Senator Norbeck's Alaskan Game Bill
have succeeded in having it reported out of the Committee
and it is now before the Senate. There is no opposition to
the bill and all Conservationists favor it.
Please write your Senator and any other Senators
whom you may know, urging the prompt passage of this bill
and pointing out that there is no opposition and that the bill
is favored by the Conservationists.
Faithfully yours,
EXECUTIVE COMM ITTEE,
per Kermit Roosevelt,
Secretary
May 6, 1924
'IL ~ ~hd~~tdtOUTDOOR AMERICA
I,
/
k~i&I~.aA ii~LIL~ T T ..L -T-) r
By Executive Committee
Boone and Crockett Club
"NTT ITI- the growth of the recreational spirit among
our people and the rapid increase of nunIhel s who
N'TV enjoy our game, the problems of methods proposed
to save it are today receiving wider and more
serious attention than ever before. The dangers of further
decrease of game, in some cases even of its threatened
extermination, have been so advertised in recent years that
many interested in the conservation of wild life have been
startled almost to the verge of panic. From one angle or
another the alarm is being sounded, not so much because
game is decreasing, as because the increase of population
signifies an increase of gunners, and the advance of material
interests makes possible greater opportunities effectively
to use the guns.
The outlook is indeed ser-
-'ar-1 LrJ 7 (7
C~!zML UifZLY
legislation since 1911 has been similar, and recent proposals
to save game have advocated nothing, save more drastic
applications of these methods. They are mainly prohibitive
or restrictive. They have failed because of neglect to pro-
vide the right practical applications of some of them, and
because others are not fundamental.
Yet some fundamental game protective policies have been
enacted in legislation, and applied. The results have been
immediate and game has either been protected or has in-
creased. Let us mention some of them.
The Yellowstone National Park, created by Congress in
1872 was a great federal refuge without legislative enact-
ments to protect its game. In 1876 George Bird Grinnell
first effectively called the at-
tention of Congress to the
to have been forgotten that
the same and even greater
dangers to the future of
game existed several years
ago. Then, the numbers of
waterfowl and shorebirds founded the Boone an
were much reduced and were it has inade more conse
steadily decreasing, and deer has any other body of.
had greatly decreased in
many eastern States. Yet
along with the increase of To recite only brieft
gunners and of material ad- ments would take a b
vancement, waterfowl and We hope the members
shorebirds are now increas- closely read and study
ing, and deer in the States
have become much more printed herewith. We
abundant. Such facts should well afford to give it t1
cause reflection and a calin consideration. The st
study of the causes which are greatly indebted
have produced this more Croekett Club and w
favorable situation. Before
becoming so much alarmed as as the years roll on t
hastily to propose certain ganization wvill contin
remedies which in the past way toward beLtering
have failed, is it not better
to seek to understand the The League consider
fundamental problems of
game protection and to try its magazine ofricially
to apply them now and here- and Crockett Club
after, so that our game in medium to print "'tu
reasonable numbers may be of Game Conservatioi
saved?o
The methods commonly
proposed to save game-
chiefly by legislative enact-
ments-although practiced in
this country from early colo-
nial times, began to receive
some attention after 1850 and active interest after 1880.
Reduction of bag limits, limited seasons and closed seasons,
game refuges, license systems, law enforcement, and several
other policies were and are the common proposals; yet so
far as they have been practiced they have never afforded a
permanent solution of the probien. The game has con-
tinually decreased.
In Bulletin No. 41, published by the Biological Survey
in 1912, Dr. T. S. Palmer, after much research and sitdy
gave us: "The Chronology and Index of the more im-
portant Events in American Ga: ne Protection, 17/6-1911."
This is his introduction: "Game protection in the United
States has been gradually developed during a period of
nearly 300 years and has been marked by an nnnaecse
volume of letgislation. In no other country in the world
have laws for the protection of gane been passed in such
numbers or amended so frequntly. Ainong the character-
istic featur es of American gane I egislatic:i are the division
of biirds into three group.--gare birds, onganuo birds, and
noxiouts spccies; the restrictions on hunting by nouresidents;
the hnnitations on the quantity of gaine that rnay be hilled
at certain times; the prohitiou of export and sale; the
system of enfotrcement by State officers; ard the ni lute-
nince of this system, largely by receipts front I'in, licens-
es." with few exceptiois, wvvhich w.ill hb noticed, all
Your o ........ i" you ren y. v -w'
tL rI ~aLtIen I CS. r CL ot ns L 0l ,
this game, and continued to
agitate the subject until final-
S O Tly the public became interest-
rE ROOSEJTT ed. Congress gave heed to
it, and in 1894 the Park
d Crockett Club and Protection Act was passed.
ervation history than I-Jere was a fundamental
Americansportsmen. policy which has been ap-.
plied to all National Park
v its many achieve- legislation-tthe complete pro-
tection of game within the
ook of many pages. limits of these Parks. Thus
of this League will in them the game has per-
the valuable paper manently been saved.
a ethem they can In 1894 Mr. Grinnell was
assure tthe first to advocate the idea
heir most thoughtful of nonrale of gaine, and he
portsmen of 'Aierica persisted in advocating this
to the Boone and policy until the whole public
have n1O dotbt thtat had been educated to accept
it, as soon as a method to
his distinguished or- apply it was found. This
ue to point out the was another fundamental
sports in this country, problem.
In 1904 Hon. George
s it an honor to have Shiras 3rd, prepared and in-
troduced in the House of
chosen by the Boone Representatives a bill to place
as being the proper all migratory birds under fed-
tdamental Problems eral control. This principle
was kept alive in Congress
until it was finally enacted in
WILL i1. DILG the Migratory Bird law and
later replaced by the Inter-
n a t i o n a I Migratory Bird
Treaty. Thus the policy of
federal control of migratory
birds v.as established in law
so that all methods of game protection, including nonsale of
game, could be immediately applied. The result has been
the great and rapid increase of waterfowl and shorebirds.
Efforts, continued for years without success, had been made
to accomplish similar results through State legislation. And
yet some States had passed laws containing regulations
amply sufficient to save the game, if only they could have
been applied throughout the country and enforce~d. It was
the recognition of this policy of federal control, however,
that vas fundamental to the problein.
Population and industrialisit are increasing faster than
game. Is there any fundamental policy whirh, if adopted,
will meet such a situation and co:nserve the game? We think
that there is-one that needs the endursenment of all who
are interested in saving wild life and in outdoor recreation.
The policy needed is one which calls for the complete ad-
ministration of the ganne together Nvahh the accoirpayin'
responsibility. Ileretofor o nost of our lcgislation in behalf
of saving game has dealt with tOe priotective side of game
conservation. Game protection, rather than game admiai-
istration, has been our thou' ht. So long as we continue
both in thought and by legislation to hold this attitudo, we
cannot make xie laws fast enough.1 to meTet the changiang
situations, nor c n wec quickly adopt methodls vahieh will
prevent the dCstructiCn cf tie breedin stocl of g-ame.
yo~ Co, "jey :,e-- A- Ser~.'1(o" 3,1!9
U UTI) UUI 0 ' Al EI 11CA
The Boone and Crockett Club clearly recognized this
fact in 1912. In its Game Preservation Report of that year
it declared that the only solution of future game conserva-
tion lay in legislation recognizing completely the administra-
tion of game. The Club emphasized this in its report of
1915, and has since advocated it as the chief object to be
attained.
Administration of game has been the centuries old policy
in European countries, and game has been maintained in
abundance and widely sold in the mainrkets while the breed-
ing stock has not been permitted to decrease below numhenis
believed to be for the general welfare of the people. But
all over the world, - wherever, without intelligent administia-
tiontion, game has been permitted to increase on areas
being more and more encroached on by civilization, it has
become depleted either by unwise killing or by death from.
starvation.
What is the significance of Game Administration?
The preservation of game is justified for three cardinal
purposes-aesthetic pleasure; economic use; and recrea-
tional use for sport, study, and photography. The value of
game cannot be comparatively measured, but there is general
agreement that game is an asset of high importance to the
people. The use of game must be coordinated with all in-
dustrial uses in such a wN ay that our national life will enjoy
the maximum benefits of all our resources. Therefore the
numbers of game to be preserved must be adjusted accord-
ingly.
The administration of game is nothing more than the
plain common sense management of it so as to insure a
permanent breeding stock which, will perpetually produce
a given surplus to be used as completely as possible for all
three purposes of game conservation. Although vastly more
complex and difficult, the problem is similar to the simpler
one of the management of cattle or chicken ranches.
Game adminlistration will study the whole problem of
game in its relation to industrial interests and adjust the
numbers to be preserved. It will make a complete study
of the game itself, its habits, food, pathology, distribution,
and breeding; of the refuges and sanctuaries necessary to
be made, and the destruction of nattual enemies; in fact,
of all scientific methods of increasing and preserving it for
the purposes in view. It will seek to determine all the
problems connececd with gamne in such a -,ay that cvf y
action taken in regard to it will be aii intelligent one.
Each reader should ask himself if it is not simple common
sense to believe that game can be better permanently
preserved under an unconditional system of active, im-
mediate administration than by the one, hitherto practiced
for the most part in this country, which in a somewhat hap-
hazard way attempts to protect game by passirg rigid, re-
strictive, laws, inelastic, and so to be changed only by the
slow process of legislative enactment?
How can unconditional Game Administration be realized?
The first step toward its active realization will be to
convince sportsmen's organizations throughout the country
that it is necessary. No effective legislation in behalf of
game in this country has been accomplished except through
the interest and work of sportsmen's organizations. They
are the main agencies which arouse favorable public judg-
ment for game 1-gislation, coordinate all the factors to
promote it, and do the hard work necessary to achieve it.
When any game legislation is proposed, sportsmen's organ-
izations are called on to support or oppose it. Without
sportsmen's organizations we could get no effective support
for or against game lcgislation, and selfish interests would
soon overthrow all game protection. The sportsman's
organization is so vital to saving game that in his annual
report for 1922 the Chief Forester of the National Forest
Service called special attention to the need for the expan-
sion of such organizations as the principal means of better
improving the conditions of game. Sportsmen's organiza-
tions can best be reached through sportsmen's and outdoor
periodicals. These should fully discuss the need and value
of game administration.
This step taken, we must concentrate on the broadest
conception of game conservation- -the continuous develop-
ment of the recreational spirit of the people. The platfoitm
of the Izaak \Valton League sets forth admirable principles
of recreation which are printed at the beghin'iing of its
magazine.
A plan is needed--a plan of National eereoatiosn, which
shall study, define and include on a coordinated basis all
national, state, and local possibilities. Such a plan can only
be ibrouglit alout by the Pr1,si-t, and he siotd be e..-
courmaed to accomplish it. All org-anizations interceted in
recr~ation of all kinds should join in the effort to bring
forth such a proiram.
350
to vote for 1-%,s' - e tw' s b"
By recognizing the necessity for such administration,
granting the power, and definitely fixing the responsibility
for the results. This can be accomplished by appointing
non-partisan, expert game commissions with long tenure of
office and full authority independently and unconditionally
to administer the game. A commission having such com-
plete administrative authority could immediately, as the con-
ditions might demtnd, apply all known methods of game
regulation and preservation in any part of or througho.ust
the State. It would become expert in dealing with the whole
problem of Game Administration and would cooperate with
clubs and Federal agencies in control of game.
Objections might be made to entrusting such elastic
powx ers to a game commission on the ground of politics.
Such objections v.ould, of course, have w eight but usually
they would not, Nve believe, be wxell founded. Thronbho.t
this counitry at present, with rare exceptions, game commis-
sions are conposed of those having received poli'ical prefer-
ence, yet maniy of themn include excellent 1n1C. who have
achieved splendid ,e.ults, sonie cve.ni commanding i ationial
attention. laving only to eniforce laws and advise legisla-
tures, such bodies mow have little responsibility. The rnai
respoinsibility for gainic laws lie, in thie le is!stLx body
OUTDOOR AMERICA
which makes them, and here responsibility is intangible.
Should a commi-ssion be given full powers to regulate and
contro0 the game, the responsibility for success or failure
would be localized on it and on the agency which appointed
it. And long tenure of office would decrease the political
dependence of its members. It is common sense to believe
that a game comnmission thus made fully responsiblc for
its acts, would be less likely to act with indifference, neglect,
or viith careless thought of the probable results. We are
not wholly w.ithout experience in Game Administration,
and insofar as it has been practiced, the results have coin-
pletely justified it. Under the present Alaska game law the
Secretary of Agricultvre has, by the advice of the Alaskans
themselves, made freiuent use of his administrative author-
ity to prohibit the killing of game in sections where it has
been threatened. This has saved the game. Had he pos-
sessed no administrative power and been obliged to await.
authority by congressioinai action, the game in these sec-
tions would have been exterminated.
The Migratory Bird Law, for the most part, is one grant-
ing wide powers of administration. Every year the Secre-
tary of Agriculture calls togethcr the Advisory Board, com-
posed of experienced game conservationists from various
parts of the country, who reconmn'end changes in the regu-
lations only after careful study and with as full knowledge as
can be obtained of the situation. The results bave been a
steady incmease of wvildfowl and shorebirds. It has been pro-
posed, with the best of intentions but without careful study
of conditions, that this Advisory Board should recommend
drastic cuts in bag limits a)d seasons, not bcc,use waterfowl
are decreasing (they are increasing), but because population
is increasing. Such a rmetiod of applyin1g game protective
remedies is uns.ott.'d becau e it is illogical, haphazard, and re-
strictive, rather thian ad'ninistratie, based on a study of the
situation. We many ha-ve complete conficlnce that the Secre-
tary, having the aPdrministrative authority, will so use it as to
raintrain tile full an-br--" of waterfovl that th-e food s yppy
will stpp sft.
The evidcnce gathered by the Biological Survey, the
active admiinistrator of the law, is that wtterfoil are rlpif!y
increasing to the limits of the fnod supply. Shouldl they
be pcr--itt,:d to icr as-e b.yonj it, wholc.ale starwition ;dnl
death to vast numbers would follow. Because marsshcs and
feeding grounds have been and are being drained, the food
supply for waterfowl is decreasing. Should this continue,
ducks could not be maintained at their present numbers
and there would be serious danger of great loss. To pre-
vent such a calamity it has been necessary to have the
Game Refuge and Public Shooting Grounds bill introduced
in Congress. Its main purpose is to find a means of preserv-
ing and adtainistering the feeding areas of wildfowl. It is
supported by all sportsneni in this country and its enact-
ment into law is a vital necessity to thle perpetuation of our
wildfowl.
Limited administration of game by state game commis-
sions is gradually being realized in many gtate laws. It
has usually taken the form of conditional powers to curtail
or prohibit the killing of game. Even this is a step in ad-
vance and the results have been most favorable. But as
yet no state understands the significance and value of com-
plete administration of its game, and until the advantages of
it are clearly recognized we cannot hope for rapid progress
in accomplishing it.
The Izaak Walton League htas caused to be presented in
Congress a most worthy bill setting aside as a refuge for
wild life, including plants and fish, the Upper Mississippi
National Wild Life Refuge, to be administered c-s lusively
and unconditionally by the Secretaries of Agriculteure and
of Commerce. This is a project of Game Administration,
and nothing is more encouraging than the fact that ths
League of large and wide national meinbership should thus
recognis:e the nece-sity of the admini ,tration of game.
To assist the adniinistration of wild life in this country
we have thc Biologi cal Survey, a Bureau of the Depnrto ert
of Agrieulture. Frol the tinie of its estabishinne-t, thirty-
nine years ago, it has intensively stndied wild Ffe and all
proble-ns connectedr with it, includinlg- game protective prac-
tice, adiministration, amd legiElation. It is the highest a;tlhor-
ity in the countny on all imItters p r.aining to wild H-f.
It has cooperated ith every pamne protective organization,
Federai, State, loc-!, and priva.te. It is the great claring
house of informiatiot ons these subjects. No othjer con ntry
ha s a o,:er,. t bureau of this k id. Wihn ga!up eC adasin-
istration sblili be ut dcitaken, the advice and expci kao.vl-
I51
11, 71:1ý ý01-U u,,1;1 voýl
OUTDOOR1. AMEtRICA
edge of this bureau are available. When it shall have ad-
vanced, the cooperation of the Biological Survcy will be
invaluable. It has a great force of experienced, technical
experts in exterminating predatory animals. Its wide out-
look and knowledge will be of the greatest advantagc in
assisting the states to coordi-
nate all their activities in
dealing with game admin- -
istration problems.
Along with game adminis- "I A, GOC 1
tration should be included
that of all wild life, birds, GRtEAT ooat and a
fish, and fur-bearing animals. -- i C
A discussion of these, how- York V',r!' hIx peCo did
ever, is not within the scope
of this paper. rect thought in America
Enough has been said, we neS3 and Ttism. 'i'
hope, to show the neces-ity thnroough his cditorials an
of game adminhstration and
the possibilities of finally deprived of tlo'nodre'g
establishing it. But we must sweep and size.
clearly face the difficulties in- IM;i intimacleg ran fron
volved in accomplishing it. enceau to th3 ward poli
Our present historical game
protective policies have be- were hs daily asociatej
come the custom of our head Lake with him ha
thought, and cannot easily be In his paýsing lie hit
changed. Some state consti- always able to do, naturs
tutions may not permit the ufacture) wideh sPma to
delegation of sufficient au- tban many which have b
thority to game commissions,
and states may pause before history. And in this c-ee
they recognize the necessity of not ben." avpcecryphM'd.
of ceding such administra- Just before lie died hr
tion to commissions and to
the Forest Service. Other and pibt, o-a the sweat
difficulties might be men- am going fidluig.'
tioned; and yet, vlhatever the He never spoke again.
obstacles, it is not imroo-ebe 1 1 . If ever a rnan deserved
finally to overcome tterm. P Cobb.
It is a matter of education.
Advanced ideas of gatue con-
scrvation have often grown :
slowly, and evecn when under-
stood thei practical realiza-
tioji has been slow. The very necez~iy for Caame Admn-
istration should strinulate all to work for it. But it must
come gradually, step by step, each one gained shovwing such
advantages that the next will be. reached more rapidly.
All magazines devoted to outdoor life and rccreation
should substitute the term Game Administration for game
protection and serve as propagandists for the idea. They
should become the leaders in advaicing it. All sportsmen
should study it and reflect on its significance and advaltages.
It should be miade a topic of discusson in all racctings and
gatberin's held to promote the piTrposes of recreatioli, and
every possible means should be taken to gd it into thIY
thoughts of the people.
1C
Pic
in
he
ti
t
en
la
1J"he C-111:0i:i'c' AST-ZA Usf)c
N7-ONDERING children, in a rural school at
XVl Brand on. is., ask a qurstion:
"The herilage of our graldM'athcr: was VLa
buffalo and wild pigeon; the heriutlag of o0"
fri hors is the gax, and duck, the mius!trat and
the mink. If the animals of today a;e not pro-
tected and proviJed for, what shall ieiC lcft for
In the namfs of the nmaflies a nd fathýaýY of
theose United Slatxts wo answer tthat, qnesiuon:
"Nothing shiull be left for you. We wilil (dig
our drainage ditches tLo ou'.h ý our i., ira
aId s.tajx; and div , f.u. ot, a 'o eta t-fof I
a-~nd youtc hyla. Ow' firta si al- _3 .cyi' v\os
woodlr'.inds, searin:; the las oP' your song ltir(Ii
and sco.r'iing ouIt the dons of your fo'sx.' ýu youzr
wolves. NWe will cut. the fri~i-'- of y'our timber,
far in the northland, starvi-rJ" your n"'-e and
your elk. As we denude your land we will bale
dry your pools and your lake3, your rivers and
brooks.
"Your heritage shall be desolation--a land
swept clear of sheltering trees. As in distant
China, floods shall come dont upon you, luning
you by tbou'an'ds,, scatering your bodies over a
parched countryside. Youe agri ulturt a shall be
a combat with ins'et horel e l ad, abe lat, they
will sItlip you h i ithout biid:, tabere can
be no ar'cultu'e and we shall kill your birds.
These thii¢, sim,1l be your heritage. But with
them wy will gi-e 70ou steel and bric''s and sterne
---nian-ina!e tl'ia's on a lard desertLed in the
rno. v 6f Civiliz-t2Lon and progre-s.
"'Ths ae' Nve dealing w ith your patitalotxy
and, in the rmn.e of prosperity and profit, we
pvorol'Fa you Ih - -you, w'Io arc our child-rcn I"
An The~iricfel fiii T1:' AIio eu! , don-'.
to i ". '1 u V ;K'. v ' .'.' - 7o
. - . c :
ao ~ - s ' . ..." ra " .j -.ii . . . .
..~ 'as J-tr
Finally, there is one fact which should be clearly under-
stood and settled affirniatively in the minds of all. We
should all have the highest ideals, but game conservation
must be regarded not frcm a sentimental but from a supreme-
ly practical point of view. With its future full of dangers,
the fate of game must not be
risked to await the fulfillment
* r ' of every idleal we have nur-
tured for its preservation.
.' H £*BNG" E Before they can be realized
the game will disappear.
p'eat nindl passeil wAheIn What is needed is to advo-
d. As editor of the NeOW cate the best action that is
ore than ny other to di- practically p o s s i b I e . At
":to the ch it 's of clear- present in this Country there
is a tendency--apparently
ose who knew him only very wide because of the
editori',l direction were publicity given to it, but in
of his alhcest Elizabethan reality very limited-to advo-
cate preserving game ex-
clusively for aesthetic pur-
Lloyd George and Clem- poses. This view seeks to
cian. Thoe of us vho exclude sport as one of the
nd who had fished Moose- cardinal purposes of game
the s'ope of the n i.conservation. Such views,
however sincere and well
pon a phrase (as he was meaning, not only cannot
y, not the result of man- produce effective results, but
no to be infinltely better they harm and actually re-
'ome part of the world's tard the progress of game
conservation. The great ma-
he remark has the virtue jority of interested people
work to conserve game so
raisled himself in his bed that it may serve all its
lie was weaoring said, "I purposes. Nearly all the
actual workers for game con-
servation wish, if possible,
to enjoy sport, but at the
full creel it vias Frajk same time they have due re-
gard for the other purposes
RIOLLIN KIRBY to be served by game. These
are the only persons who
have the power to save the
game and perpetuate its
::ub.ers, and -1V T)o01eV
which might tend to discourage their active iirterust would.
in the end, have no other result than game destruction.
Therefore, a fundamental problem of effective game con-
servation is the attainmnent of a practical attitude of mind
which squarely faces these facts. If, with such an attitude
of mind,, we shall adopt as our goal the conservation of
game for all its purposes, with Game Administration as
a means of accomplishin2 it, shall seek a policy of National
Recreation to increase the recreational spirit of the people,
and shall work actively and perseveringly toward these ends,
we may feel confident of perpetuating the future supply of
our game.
r->
Silver CityN.M.
February 18, 1924.
Mr Aldo Leopold,
Forest Service,
Albuquerque, N.M.
My dear Leopold:
Thank you very much for the New York League and Colorado
Bulletins, Such matter helps my education considerably*
The Boone and Crockett Policy is a big question. I am not
going into details as to what I think or why but I will say
that, with my present knowledge and with special reference to
conditions in new Mexico, I am in favor of the proposed policy
provided it can be put into effect through favorable public
opinion, I will weaken and give you one point only to think
over: U2der present conditions in New Mexico, which will obtain
for years to come, no matter how good an organization you have
in the Game Department and in the Game Associations;no matter
what your laws are; no matter how much all agencies desire to
do what is necessary it cannot be done on account of the lack
of funds. The protection and propagation of big game is the
most difficult and expensive phase of the question. Relieve the
states from that and their funds will go far towards handling
the fish problem and the bird problem. I entered this work with
an absolutely unprejudiced mind. I have come more and more to
lean on the Forest Service for practical results. Unconsciouslz
at first and then consciously I have pressed the importance of'
the Service and endeavored to take advantage of its organization
and knowledge to serve our practical problems. I was only
just now contemplating taking up with you the question of a
possible survey by the Supervisors of their Forests with the
idea of establishing a program for game refuges. Under the
circumstances it is only natural that I should welcome 4he
publicity of a policy which as my experience broadened was,
independent of outside influence, forced on me as the logical
solution of our problems and one which promises action within
a reasonable time. I do not delude myself as to the difficult-
ies in the way of adoption.
Enclosed is the famous Bulletin. It represents thought and
effort extending over nearly a year of time. I recognize its
failures and the missteps in our general plan but I have no
regrets over the efforts I put into it. The greatest good
has resulted from the favorable influence the whole thing has
had on public opinion. We will do it again next year..
Yours sincerely,
GEO. BIRD GRINNELL .
238 EAST 15TH STREET
NEW YORK. N.Y.
fr J
8i, 19£2.>
[r. l*s Leopold,
.&lbutauercue, rtev: ..eu.ico.
Dear 'Ir. Leoppold,:
j-.ý interee ti letter - Deceuber 15th ouzht t0 har h'ad an
earlIer reply, but f r weeks I have been much occuried.
Y~ur reference to the rLrer sent )at fort onrz:iderutiorn by th-e
of t-he club & the "%heldon" polic7 ii. nardly a~ccarate.
It
expreseý. vie l In held by the club, most it lb hzvin; peare.
at
different tires in the club's literature. lio clUb hL -_nsztntlj
been apTealed t. in varitouE wa77s for kQvice on ueEti.)ns of policy,
and to DoLnpile it Sýtatenent+. in comp&ct f£r Coee likely
to be
helpful t- the cauEes wihich the club repres.ents. . re.221~zions
of the ,x;cutive Comr. ittee as to thiE' policL were unanim-uUi-
affirmed at the club', annuial meeting DecezLter 20th.
The Olub aLso pEcsid n statement in ýmý protect~io- i;z
renerl,
to be sezt out before lens. Thic statement covers the adjini~tration
of gamie rand for the m..t r~rtpet arer. ai' h A oh r vie,s, ,,ert in th
itroprtunt mattei'k )f permitting thl ubegt teo'vi e &dairiiter tre
game in Uatio~na- Vorestz &nid of Ftate c dini-tration under t, e ýaaf
_.efuge -- Public chhtino Groundz Bill.
Yiu cpeak of o po!ti-n. to the '1rolicy" orn the r.-an u "
0tote
ri-_hts, but it does not arr~r that the policy eu~t *orcive
ealsures. It is all to be left to v .untixy 4ctioln bi Ube tates.
The difference between yutur idlea ana the club's cerr t turn an tne
advisability of advo.ating th4 tates 1Lh1ll final;:; place tneir e
under the administration of the 3¼rest Service. all L7u ,ay .s to
tie
need of enlarging the powers of State C'mrnissions is right, but we
- 2 -
canrot believe that the ctates wi7 act as they sh:ald in time to do
an r good. >aoy of Dur members have been in the ,vest and on the
;roiun-d ore or less corstantly for forty years, and we are f-orced to
conclude that while occasional]yj a 'Etate may develop the effective gaie
administrative methods, in mo-t of them the biz game ,,jill be greatly
reduced before they sccomplist much to.ard betterinri their Commissions
and grantiniq them sufficient powers. Hven in th cast, nere, in some
cases, the excellent work of (eDni iocis h;s given great encouraemnent,
hopes have often been frustrated b,; the reu.mval o. excellent C&mmis
ioneri
for rolilical reaýsons only. 2e have lony felt that tuie 2Drect hervice
h cvi .cnIroll of 2l. the products of tee Vatimnal oreots an_ adminisOw-
in, these Forests with increasing efficiency, saDulc loaicall; administer
the game which is ore of the forest priDucts. -t present it lacks the
authority to do this, yet it ic ready to &asume the management 3f the
ga6e. ne do not believe that the 7tates can accomplish sucL goa results
as the Forest Serviee might, and the Porest Service cannot accomplish
the best results without beinr given thl resr!nsibility that should go
-.,ith their work.
in 7uropean countries thc managemernt of the foretL2 Includes the
m;nagnement of the gse, . That systerr has been successfTul in thait t- :ia
has received scientific attention and has been, preserved in forest. f
densely poppalated countries. Ve believe that the 2tates shoild retain
all revenue anc other material advantages resulting from their game.
The Frog eLAve action of Tew Iexico as to its big Dae 1hais2
givern u :.uch encouragement, an yet ie recognize that thiL 1ro-..e.s
is due chieflL7 to sour -ork. California to h-_ taken interest in its
game, but elsewhere the situation is not encouraging, th u:-h there is
slow forward movement in one or two States.
Col. Greeley of Ihe Forest Service is much interested in game
and may have Some definite ideas on the Nvhole abject. i am ,i-
posed to tend your letter to him -- if you are j:illing -- ;ith the
suggestion that he write you if he thirkc best. I have not iIý-
cu<-ed the matter riith hi , but am] told tnat he believes that the
controi of ZarLe on YaUimal ?orestz by his 'ureau l .w ' ar,
and any iuriroverLent in administration wvould nat-ral2y b3 , :.,
as
greatly to endanger the continuance of the ga:e supU;. It is hard tt
see how a carditii!.al understanidingv with the Itates oI, ih- lines you
eug.gst could, be reached, an%, if reached, h -v, it conid bo carried out
'Then, after years, the Etas,,e acLjino':led Ced failure we shoul, be just
wihere we are nov ,.-th -- presumobly -- a greatly diminished a-c siuprly.
?orulation End material advance inicrease muca faster than uame,
and this calls for a most complete and .ffectivo ad:.Iiitration o. the
gan;e to be aprlied as quickly us possible.
There is much to be d a.e before the States shall --rant adi-inLitra-
tive power to their Cnm issions or to the Forest Service, but in the
meantime e must all of us ,ork hard to Tush these thinriZ6 farward. If
the alternative of the control of game by the Forest Service is before
the "tu>s .--, as ncvss-ilit, ancourgied b- irtar ztac o rl
-- i
ver> tiini m i ht stiti ml ata t C- tC re tt a eatraýte thai2
u C7
-A71 not bhe necess~ary.
after i. the t -i',J nic; tile Oce&tinl, in t: ,..
in the c untrL7, of a tubli ýEitiment favDr&ble to PFacest
rvie
qfm.Ti m.- ten'- to ifduce 'thec 'tu,.es tz --reate mor:e effec-tive
a'e derartientr.
Y')ur2 s zinc Or e ly
Albuquerque, New Mexico,
Deoember 11, 1923.
Geo. Bird Grinnell,
Pres. Boone & Crockett Club,
238 East 15th Street,
New York City.
Dear Mr. Grinnell:
I have read Mr. Sheldon's proposed policy with
great interest, I agree as to game in the National
Parks bat do not agree that the Forest Service should
take over in toto the game on the National Forests.
The fundamental trouble in the West has been
the backwardness of States in developing effective
game departments. ýaith few exceptions these depart-
ments are still politically controlled, devoid of stable
constructive policy, lacking in regulatory powers, in-
adequately finance4, and without organized public sup.
port. In only the latter point is much progress
perce~ptible.
The only remedy is enforced accountability for
results. Blanket transfer of their jurisdiction on
the National Forests will lessen rather than increase
accountability.
In my opinion the thing to do is insist that the
States handle their game, and to take over the Forest
game whenever or wherever they fail to do so.
Such a policy would stimulate rather than retard
development of State Departments.
Mr. G.B.B.
It would furnish an argument for progress that
even politicians can understand.
It would be flexible and would avoid injustice
to States that are really trying to meet their res-
ponsibilities.
It would take the teeth out of opposition on the
grounds of "States -rights".
It would i-a no wise prevent the Forest Service
and Biological Survey cooperating actively with the
States in the management of game on such Forests
remaining in State control.
It would leave the question of ultimate outcome
squarely up to the States themselves. If they deliver
results, they will keep jurisdiction. If they fall
down, they wtll lose the Forest game and can blame
nobody but themselves.
It would benefit game management outiside the
Forests. TZhe Sheldon plan might injure it.
The saue idea might be applied to areas pur-
ahasei by the Federal Government under the Puublic
Shooting Grounds bill. If the State is competent,
let it operate these areas in trust, after the Fed-
eral Government has bought them.
Of course, this hits only the high points.
If jyou are interested in further detail, I will
try and supplj it.
Very sincerely iours,
.. , Secretary,
NEi M1ýXICO GAMS PROTLCTIV ASSOC IATON.
P.S. Can you please let me have a dozen extra copies
of the Sheldon Policy?
GEO. BIRD GRINNELL
238 EAST 15TH STREET
NEW YORK. N.Y.
-May 9th, 1923.
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
Albuquerque,
Now Mexico.
Dear Mr. 'Leopold:
I am glad to have your letter of May 4th giving me
suggestions for some help in your good work. I am gratified
to know that the resolution passed by the Boone and Crockett
Club pleases you, and that you believe it may do good.
I shall write to Governor Hinkel, to Mr. Oestreich and
to Judge Neblett, and send to each a copy of the resolution.
The important point to be stressed in all this matter
is that wild life constitutes a capital which, if properly used,
will yield to any community a gratifying income. This income
may not altogether take the form of money, but it will produce
some money and other intangible benefits which, to the citizens
of the state, are worth more than money.
I shall leave to you the sending out of copies of the
resolution to the offiaers of the local associations, as you suggest
in your postscript.
I am enclosing with this copy of the Park Policy adopted
April l7th by the National Parks Committee. If it can be improved
we want that done, and azW suggestions which are actually constructive
will be welcome. If you can use any of these circulars let me know.
We do not want to waste them, but we have plenty.
Yours sincerely,
Enclosure
BOONE AND
CR 0 CKE TT
CL UB
Policies
qecommended
BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
Policies Recommended
AT THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Boone
and Crockett Club held in New York
December 20, 1923, the Club's Execu-
tive Committee recommended two sub-
jects to the consideration of the mem-
bers. These subjects were (a) the pres-
ervation of big game in Federal areas in
the West; and (b) the adoption of a plan
for handling our game which shall touch
the fundamentals of its conservation and
call for intelligent and elastic administra-
tion in place of the clumsy, slow, re-
pressive prohibitions to which we have so
long been accustomed.
By a unanimous vote the Club ap-
proved and adopted the Committee's
recommendations and ordered printed
and distributed among sportsmen the two
announcements of policy which follow.
Of these the second, which deals with game
administration, has already been pub-
lished in Outdoor America, the magazine
of the Izaak Walton League.
Big Game Conservation in FederalAreas
OUR GAME is a national asset of great
value to the welfare of the people and its
preservation is, therefore, desirable. Its
uses are both economic and spiritual, and
the spiritual value obviously has an
economic side.
Owing to the increasing population,
constant encroachment on wild areas
(3]
inhabited by game by economic pressure,
the extension of roads, motor cars, in
fact the whole rapid advance of material
interests, the preservation of the big game
of the West depends on its proper admin-
istration in National Game Refuges,
National Parks, National Forests, and
National Monuments.
National Parks and National Monu-
ments under the management of the
National Parks Service should be breeding
reservoirs where game may be enjoyed for
aesthetic pleasure and the recreational
uses of photography and study. The over-
flow of game outside may provide recrea-
tional use for sport and food. But sport
should not be permitted in such federal
areas. When the game increases beyond
the food supply, it must be officially re-
duced and the carcasses disposed of for
economic use.
National Game Refuges and National
Monuments situated in National Forests
should be breeding areas where game not
only serves for exhibition, but also for
breeding purposes so that, when possible,
the surplus game may be transierred to
restock other regions or provide an over-
flow to adjacent areas. Sport must not
be permitted on smaller National Game
Refuges under fence. But, the surplus
game on other overstocked areas not
removed by natural drift outside, should
be reduced under the direction and regula-
tions of the Secretary of Agriculture by
any method he believes will best serve
the purposes of game preservation.
By far the greater part of the game
exists in the National Forests. Here a
[4)
different and broader problem of adminis-
tration is presented, and the game can be
so regulated as to serve most completely all
the uses which justify its preservation. It is
one of the major products of the forests.
For more than thirty years the Boone
and Crockett Club has maintained that
all game in National Forests should be
administered unconditionally by the For-
est Service. The Club has full confidence
that the Forest Service would adminster
this game with the same efficiency it has
demonstrated in its administration of
the other forest resources.
The Club recognizes that the National
Forests were created for the purpose of
perpetually preserving for the nation the
maximum use of all their products-
timber, forage, water, and harmless wild
life-and that the use of each must be so
coordinated with that of the others, that
the people may realize the fullest possible
benefit. The numbers of game must
therefore be adjusted accordingly. Any
policy which might seek to increase game
at such a sacrifice of other industrial uses,
that the maximum use of the forest would
not result, would bring a just public
reaction which would tend to destroy
game conservation.
Properly to administer the game, the
Forest Service must have the responsi-
bility that goes with it. This cannot be
assumed until the Forest Service shall be
given independent control of the game.
The Club hopes that finally all States
will, as some States have already done,
cede the control of their game on Na-
tional Forests to the Forest Service.
5s]
Controlling the game, the Forest Ser-
vice must intelligently decide the num-
bers to be retained on each national
forest, and by scientific administration
perpetuate the breeding stock to main-
tain those numbers undiminished. Refu-
ges must be selected in which the game
shall never be molested; smaller sanctu-
aries, where game may feed and rest,
must be established in the areas where
shooting is permitted; when practical,
sanctuaries should be made along high-
ways and near tourist centers for exhi-
bition. In fact, the Forest Service must
study and solve all questions connected
with the complete administration of
game, and regulate the uses of it for all
purposes. But the numbers should never
be permitted to increase above those
which the available food supply can sup-
port in a state of health and vigor.
The Biological Survey has been en-
trusted with the administration of Na-
tional Game Refuges and with the
function of studying the problems of game
conservation and of exterminating the
natural enemies of game. This section of
the work of this Bureau has so expanded
that its advice and cooperation are neces-
sary to every factor in the country in-
volved in game preservation practice.
The Club believes in the continued
expansion of this work of the Bureau and
considers its efficient service inseparable
from intelligent game conservation.
Further, owing to unrestricted over-
grazing and unregulated use of the Public
Domain, the forage is greatly reduced
and much of it is depleted. Such a con-
[6]
dition is not only dangerous to the future
of the live stock industry, but also to the
game. The Club, therefore, emphasizes
the need of complete regulation of grazing
on this Public Domain, so that the pro-
ductivity of the range may be restored
and maintained.
Finally, the Boone and Crocket Club
takes a much broader view of the
whole problem of game conservation. It
believes that this can be encouraged to
the most successful results only by the
completest development of all classes of
recreational opportunities offered by all
regions under national, State, and local
control. Recreation in National Parks
and National Forests should be equally
encouraged, and complete cooperation to
that end should obtain between govern-
ment bureaus themselves, and their rela-
tions with State and local projects. A
permanent National Recreation Policy
with a program is needed. To achieve this
end the Club believes that the President
should cause to be made a complete study
of the question with a view to a definitive
policy which will finally include a de-
termination of the areas to be included in
National Parks, National Monuments,
and other regions with recreational possi-
bilities; a cooperative basis for their
management and regulation; a plan of
development for the purposes in view;
in fact, a complete policy to be adopted
and realized in the future.
Only by the establishment of such a
National Recreational Policy can maxi-
mum recreational opportunities be given
to the nation and the numbers of people
17]
who will enjoy them increased. It must
sooner or later be realized that such a
policy is vital to national welfare. Success-
ful game conservation lies in the habit of
mind gained from increasing development
of recreational spirit among the people
Fundamental Problems of qame Con-
servation
WITH THE GROWTH of the recreational
spirit among our people and the rapid
increase of numbers who enjoy our game,
the problems of methods proposed to
save it are today receiving wider attention
than ever before. The dangers of further
decrease of game, in some cases even of its
threatened extermination, have been so
advertised in recent years that many
interested in the conservation of wild life
have been startled almost to the verge of
panic. From one angle or another the
alarm is being sounded, not so much be-
cause game is decreasing, as because the
increase of population signifies an increase
of gunners, and the advance of material
interests makes possible greater oppor-
tunities effectively to use the guns.
The outlook is indeed serious. But the
same and even greater dangers to the
future of certain game existed several
years ago. Then the numbers of water-
fowl and shorebirds were much reduced
and were steadily decreasing, and deer
had greatly decreased in many eastern
States. Yet along with the increase of
gunners and of material advancement,
waterfowl and shorebirds are now in-
creasing, and deer in all States have be-
[8)
come much more abundant. Such facts
should cause reflection and a calm study of
the causes which have produced this more
favorable situation. Before becoming so
much alarmed as hastily to propose cer-
tain remedies which in the past have
failed, is it not better to seek to under-
stand the fundamental problems of game
protection and to try to apply them now
and hereafter, so that our game in reason-
able numbers may be saved?
The methods commonly proposed to
save game-chiefly by legislative enact-
ments-although practiced in this coun-
try from early colonial times, began to
receive more attention after i85o and
active interest after i88o. Reduction of
bag limits, limited seasons and closed
seasons, game refuges, license systems,
law enforcement, and several other poli-
cies were and are the common proposals;
yet so far as they have been practiced
they have never afforded a permanent
solution of the problem. The game has
continually decreased.
In Bulletin No. 41, published by the
Biological Survey in 1912, Dr. T. S.
Palmer, after much research and study
gave us: "The Chronology and Index of
the more important Events in American
Game Protection, 1776-1911." This is his
introduction: "Game protection in the
United States has been gradually de-
veloped during a period of nearly 300
years and has been marked by an im-
mense volume of legislation. In no other
country in the world have laws for the
protection of game been passed in such
numbers or amended so frequently.
[91
Among the characteristic features of
American game legislation are the divi-
sion of birds into three groups-game
birds, non-game birds, and noxious species;
the restrictions on hunting by non-resi-
dents; the limitations on the quantity of
game that may be killed at certain times;
the prohibition of export and sale; the
system of enforcement by State officers;
and the maintenance of this system largely
by receipts from hunting licenses." With
few exceptions, which will be noticed, all
legislation since 1911 has been similar, and
recent proposals to save game have advo-
cated nothing, except more drastic applica-
tions of these methods. They are mainly
prohibitive or restrictive. They have failed
because of neglect to provide the right
practical applications of some of them, and
because others are not fundamental.
Yet some fundamental game protective
policies have been enacted in legislation,
and applied. The results have been im-
mediate and game has either been pro-
tected or has increased.
The Yellowstone National Park, cre-
ated by Congress in 1872, was a great
federal refuge without legislative enact-
ments to protect its game. In 1876 George
Bird Grinnell first effectively called the
attention of Congress to the threatened
destructions of this game, and continued
to agitate the subject until finally the pub-
lic became interested, Congress gave heed
to it, and in 1894 the Park Protection Act
was passed. Here was a fundamental
policy which has been applied to all
National Park legislation-the complete
protection of game within the limits of
(Io]
these Parks. Thus in them the game has
permanently been saved. In 1894 Mr.
Grinnell was the first to advocate the idea
of non-sale of game, and he persisted in
advocating this policy until the whole
public had been educated to accept it, as
soon as a method to apply it was found.
This was another fundamental problem.
In 1904 Hon. George Shiras, 3rd, pre-
pared and introduced in the House of
Representatives a bill to place all migra-
tory birds under federal control. This
principle was kept alive in Congress until
it was finally enacted in the Migratory
Bird law and later replaced by the Inter-
national Migratory Bird Treaty. Thus
the policy of federal control of migratory
birds was established in law so that all
methods of game protection, including
non-sale of game, could be immediately
applied. The result has been the great
and rapid increase of waterfowl and shore-
birds. Efforts, continued for years with-
out success, had been made to accomplish
similar results through State legislation.
And yet some States had passed laws
containing regulations amply sufficient
to save the game, if only they could have
been applied throughout the country and
enforced. It was the recognition of this
policy of federal control, however, that
was fundamental to the problem.
Population and industrialism are in-
creasing faster than game. Is there any
fundamental policy which, if it can be
adopted, will meet such a situation and
conserve the game? We think that there
is-one that needs the endorsement of all
who are interested in saving wild life and
I I']
in outdoor recreation. The policy needed
is one which calls for the complete admin-
istration of the game together with the
responsibility which goes with it. Here-
tofore most of our legislation in behalf of
saving game has dealt with the protective
side of game conservation. Game pro-
tection, rather than game administration,
has been our habit of thought. So long as
we continue both in thought and by
legislation to hold this attitude, we cannot
make wise laws fast enough to meet the
changing situations, nor can we quickly
adopt methods which will prevent the
destruction of the breeding stock of game.
The Boone and Crockett Club clearly
recognized this fact in I912. In its Game
Preservation Report of that year it declar-
ed that the only solution of future game
conservation lay in legislation recognizing
completely the administration of game.
The Club emphasized this in its report of
i9'5, and has since advocated it as the
chief object to be attained.
Administration of game has been the
centuries old policy in European coun-
tries, and game has been maintained in
abundance and widely sold in the markets
while the breeding stock has not been per-
mitted to decrease below numbers believed
to be for the general welfare of the people.
But all over the world, wherever, without
intelligent administration, game has been
permitted to increase on areas being more
and more encroached on by civilization, it
has become depleted either by unwise kill-
ing or by death from starvation.
What is the significance of Game Ad-
ministration?
f 12J
The preservation of game is justified
for three cardinal purposes-aesthetic
pleasure; economic use; and recreational
use for sport, study, and photography.
The value of game cannot be compara-
tively measured, but there is general
agreement that game is an asset of high
importance to the people. The use of game
must be coordinated with all industrial uses
in such a way that our national life will
enjoy the maximum benefits of all our re-
sources. Therefore the numbers of game to
be preserved must be adjusted accordingly.
The administration of game is nothing
more than the plain common sense man-
agement of it so as to insure a permanent
breeding stock which will perpetually
produce a given surplus to be used as
completely as possible for all three pur-
poses of game conservation. Although
vastly more complex and difficult, the
problem is similar to the simpler one of the
management of cattle or chicken ranches.
Game administration will study the
whole problem of game in its relation to
industrial interests and adjust the num-
bers to be preserved. It will make a com-
plete study of the game itself, its habits,
food, pathology, distribution, and breed-
ing; of the refuges and sanctuaries neces-
sary to be made, and the destruction of
natural enemies; in fact, of all scientific
methods of increasing and preserving it
for the purposes in view. It will seek to
determine all the problems connected with
game in such a way that every action taken
in regard to it will be an intelligent one.
Each reader should ask himself if it
is not simple common sense to believe
£ 131
that game can be better permanently
preserved under an unconditional system
of active, immediate administration than
by the one, hitherto practiced for the most
part in this country, which in a somewhat
haphazard way attempts to protect game
by passing rigid, restrictive laws, inelastic,
and so to be changed only by the slow
process of legislative enactment?
How can unconditional Game Adminis-
tration be realized?
The first step toward its active realiza-
tion will be to convince sportsmen's
organizations throughout the country that
it is necessary. No effective legislation
in behalf of game in this country has been
accomplished except through the interest
and work of sportsmen's organizations.
They are the main agencies which arouse
favorable public judgment for game
legislation, coordinate all the factors to
promote it, and do the hard work neces-
sary to achieve it. When any game legis-
lation is proposed, sportsmen's organiza-
tions are called on to support or oppose it.
Without sportsmen's organizations we
could get no effective support for or
against game legislation, and selfish in-
terests would soon overthrow all game
protection. The sportsmen's organiza-
tion is so vital to saving game that in its
annual report for 1922 the Chief Forester
of the National Forest Service called
special attention to the need for the
expansion of such organizations as the
principal means of better improving the
conditions of game. Sportsmen's organi-
zations can best be reached through
sportsmen's and outdoor periodicals.
1 '41
These should fully discuss the need and
value of game administration.
This step taken, we must concentrate
on the broadest conception of game con-
servation-the continuous development
of the recreational spirit of the people.
The platform of the Izaak Walton
League sets forth admirable principles of
recreation which are printed at the be-
ginning of its magazine.
A plan is needed-a plan of National
Recreation, which shall study, define and
include on a coordinated basis all na-
tional, state, and local possibilities. Such
a plan can only be brought about by the
President, and he should be encouraged to
accomplish it. All organizations interested
in recreation of all kinds should join in the
effort to bring forth such a program.
Is unconditional Game Administra-
tion practical in this country?
The Boone and Crockett Club be-
lieves that it is, as soon as we see the
necessity for it and make up our minds to
accomplish it. Suggestions to this end,
like those of the Boone and Crockett
Club, have not aroused a wide interest,
for the reason that objections have been
hastily brought forward which indicate
that most of us reflect not on the adminis-
tration, but on the restrictive aspect of
game protection to which we have so
long been accustomed.
It is also asserted that game can be
administered in European countries where
most of it is on large landed estates
wholly subject to regulation by the owners,
but that in this country where no such sys-
tem of land tenure prevails, there is no prac-
('15
tical method of game management on a
large scale. Such objections, however, are
not based on a study of the situation.
For more than thirty years the Boone
and Crockett Club has maintained that
all wild life in the National Forests should
be administered unconditionally by the
Forest Service. Here is a great Federal
Bureau having complete control of all the
products of the National Forests, except
the game which is one of its major prod-
ucts. This vast organization patrols and
guards each forest and administers them
non-politically and efficiently, wholly for
the public welfare now and in the future.
The deer forests of Scotland comprise
3,000,ooo acres with i5o,ooo deer. Most
of our big game in the West ranges in the
National Forests which include I57,-
ooo,ooo acres of wild areas, occupied,
according to actual estimate, by 5oo,ooo
deer and large numbers of all other big
game, and game birds and waterfowl.
Give the Forest Service control of this
game and we shall have complete admin-
istration of it on a scale never known in
Europe. This should not be attempted by
Federal legislation. The individual States
themselves must finally realize the neces-
sity for it and as some States have
already done, must cede the control of this
game to the Forest Service, at the same
time reserving to themselves all the net
revenue to be derived from it.
The Alaska Game Law, passed in 19o2,
contained a clause giving the Secretary
of Agriculture power, limited to restric-
tive measures only, to administer all the
game. It is now admitted by all sports-
[i6]
men, by Alaska residents, and by all
others interested, that, if game in Alaska
is to be saved, the Secretary of Agricul-
ture must have complete authority to
administer the game. With that end in
view, the Alaska Delegate has presented
to Congress a bill which grants this
power to the Secretary who must receive
the advice of a local game commission
before he shall make regulations for the
game. All factions have agreed to this
bill. Its administrative feature will surely
receive congressional approval. Here will
be Game Administration applied on a
scale greater than ever before anywhere
in the world.
We can find no good estimate of the
total number of game birds existing on all
European estates together, but certainly
they are not superior to those both in all
National Forests and on lands controlled
by private clubs in this country. Private
clubs, once they understand the necessity
for it, can administer their game subject
to State and Federal laws. Already some,
having large land areas under control, are
making preliminary studies with a viewito
intensive game management. All clubs,
however, can more completely administer
their game as soon as complete adminis-
tration by the States can be put in effect.
But how can States administer their
game?
By recognizing the necessity for such
administration, granting the power, and
definitely fixing the responsibility for the
results. This can be accomplished by
appointing non-partisan, expert game
commissions with long tenure of office and
[ 17
full authority independently and uncon-
ditionally to administer the game. A
commission having such complete admin-
istrative authority could immediately,
as the conditions might demand, apply
all known methods of game regulations
and preservation in any part of or
throughout the State. It would become
expert in dealing with the whole problem
of Game Administration and would co-
operate with clubs and Federal agencies
in control of game.
Objections might be made to entrusting
such elastic powers to a game commission
on the ground of politics. Such objections
would, of course, have weight but usually
they would not, we believe, be well
founded. Throughout this country at
present, with rare exceptions, game com-
missions are composed of those having
received political preference, yet many of
them include excellent men who have
achieved splendid results, some even
commanding national attention. Having
only to enforce laws and advise legis-
latures, such bodies now have little
responsibility. The main responsibility
for game laws lies in the legislative body
which makes them, and here responsi-
bility is intangible. Should a commission
be given full powers to regulate and
control the game, the responsibility for
success or failure would be localized on it
and on the agency which appointed it.
And long tenure of office would decrease
the political dependence of its members.
It is common sense to believe that a game
commission thus made fully responsible
for its acts, would be less likely to act with
1I8]
indifference, neglect, or with careless:
thought of the probable results. We are
not wholly without experience in Game
Administration, and in so far as it has been
practiced, the results have completely
justified it. Under the present Alaska
game law the Secretary of Agriculture has,
by the advice of the Alaskans themselves,
made frequent use of his administrative
authority to prohibit the killing of game
in sections where it has been threatened.
This has saved the game. Had he pos-
sessed no administrative power and been
obliged to await authority by congres-
sional action, the game in these sections
would have been exterminated.
The Migratory Bird Law, for the most
part, is one granting wide powers of
administration. Every year the Secretary
of Agriculture calls together the Advisory
Board, composed of experienced game
conservationists from various parts of the
country, who recommend changes in the
regulations only after careful study and as
full knowledge as can be obtained of the
situation. The results have been a steady
increase of wildfowl and shorebirds. It
has been proposed, with the best of in-
tentions but without careful study of
conditions, that this Advisory Board
should recommend drastic cuts in bag
limits and seasons, not because waterfowl
are decreasing (they are increasing), but
because population is increasing. Such
a method of applying game protective
remedies is unsound because it is illogical,
haphazard, and restrictive, rather than
administrative, based on a study of the
situation. We may have complete con-
(19]
fidence that the Secretary, having the
administrative authority, will so use it as
to maintain the full number of waterfowl
that the food supply will support.
The evidence gathered by the Biological
Survey, the active administrator of the
law, is that waterfowl are rapidly in-
creasing to the limits of the food supply.
Should they be permitted to increase
beyond it, wholesale starvation and death
to vast numbers would follow. Because
marshes and feeding grounds have been
and are being drained, the food supply for
waterfowl is decreasing. Should this con-
tinue, ducks could not be maintained at
their present numbers and there would be
serious danger of great loss. To prevent
such a calamity it has been necessary to
have the Game Refuge and Public Shoot-
ing Grounds bill introduced in Congress.
Its main purpose is to find a means of
preserving and administering the feeding
areas of wildfowl. It is supported by all
sportsmen in this country and its enact-
ment into law is a vital necessity to the
perpetuation of our wildfowl.
Limited administration of game by
State game commissions is gradually
being realized in many State laws. It has
usually taken the form of conditional
powers to curtail or prohibit the killing
of game. Even this is a step in advance
and the results have been most favorable.
But as yet no State understands the sig-
nificance and value of complete adminis-
tration of its game, and until the advan-
tages of it are clearly recognized we cannot
hope for rapid progress in accomplishing it.
The Izaak Walton League has caused
1 20]
to be presented in Congress a most
worthy bill setting aside as a refuge for
wild life, including plants and fish, the
Upper Mississippi National Wild Life
Refuge, to be administered exclusively
and unconditionally by the Secretaries of
Agriculture and of Congress. This is a pro-
ject of Game Administration, and nothing
is more encouraging than the fact that this
League of large and wide national mem-
bership should thus recognize the neces-
sity of the administration of game.
To assist the administration of wild life
in this country we have the Biological
Survey, a Bureau of the Department of
Agriculture. From the time of its es-
tablishment, thirty-nine years ago, it has
intensively studied wild life and all prob-
lems connected with it, including game
protective practice, administration, and
legislation. It is the highest authority
'in the country on all matters pertaining
to wild life. It has cooperated with every
game protective organization, Federal,
State, local, and private. It is the great
clearing house o information on these
subjects. No other country has a Gov-
ernment Bureau of this kind. When
Game Administration shall be under-
taken, the advice and expert knowledge
of this Bureau are available. When it
shall have advanced, the cooperation of
the Biological Survey will be invaluable.
It has a great force of experienced, tech-
nical experts in exterminating predatory
animals. Its wide outlook and knowledge
will be of the greatest advantage in assist-
ing the States to coordinate all their activ-
ities with game administration problems.
C '21 ]
Along with Game Administration
should be included that of all wild life,
birds, fish, and fur-bearing animals. A
discussion of these, however, is not within
the scope of this paper.
Enough has been said, we hope, to
show the necessity of Game Administra-
tion and the possibilities of finally es-
tablishing it. But we must clearly face
the difficulties involved in accomplishing
it. Our present historical game protective
policies have become the custom of our
thought, and cannot easily be changed.
Some State constitutions may not permit
the delegation of sufficient authority to
game commissions, and States may pause
before they recognize the necessity of
ceding such administration to commis-
sions and to the Forest Service. Other
difficulties might be mentioned; and yet,
whatever the obstacles, it is not impossible
finally to overcome them. It is a matter
of education. Advanced ideas of game
conservation have often grown slowly,
and even when understood their practical
realization has been slow. The very
necessity for Game Administration should
stimulate all to work for it. But it must
come gradually, step by step, each one
gained showing such advantages that the
next will be reached more rapidly.
All magazines devoted to outdoor life
and recreation should substitute the
term Game Administration for game pro-
tection and serve as propagandists for
the idea. They should become the leaders
in advancing it. All sportsmen should
study it and reflect on its significance and
advantages. It should be made a topic of
[ 22]
discussion in all meetings and gatherings
held to promote the purposes of recreation,
and every possible means should be taken
to get it into the thoughts of the people.
Finally, there is one fact which should
be clearly understood and settled affirma-
tively in the minds of all. We should all
have the highest ideals, but game con-
servation must be regarded not from a
sentimental but from a supremely prac-
tical point of view. With its future full of
dangers, the fate of game must not be
risked to await the fulfillment of every
ideal we have nurtured for its preserva-
tion. Before they can be realized the
game will disappear. What is needed is to
advocate the best action that is prac-
tically possible. At present in this coun-
try there is a tendency-apparently very
wide because of the publicity given to it,
but in reality very limited-to advocate
preserving game exclusively for aesthetic
purposes. This view seeks to exclude
sport as one of the cardinal purposes of
game conservation. Such views, however
sincere and well meaning, not only canhot
produce effective results, but they harm
and actually retard the progress of game
conservation. The great majority of in-
terested people work to conserve game so
that it may serve all its purposes. Nearly
all the actual workers for game conserva-
tion wish, if possible, to enjoy sport, but
at the same time they have due regard for
the other purposes to be served by game.
These are the only persons who have the
power to save the game and perpetuate
its numbers, and any policy which might
tend to discourage their active interest
( 23 ]
would, in the end, have no other result
than game destruction.
Therefore, a fundamental problem of
effective game conservation is the attain-
ment of a practical attitude of mind which
squarely faces these facts. If, with such
an attitude of mind, we shall adopt as
our goal the conservation of game for all
its purposes, with Game Administration
as a means of accomplishing it, shall seek
a policy of National Recreation to in-
crease the recreational spirit of the people,
and shall work actively and perseveringly
toward these ends, we may feel confident
of perpetuating the future supply of our
game.
THE BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
By the Executive Committee.
December 27, 1923.
1 24 ]
A POLICY FOR
National" and State Parks
Forests and Game
Refuges
NATIONAL PARKS COMMITTEE
GEORGE BIRD GRINNELL, Chairman
Boone and Crockett Club
J. HORACE McFARLAND, Vice-Chairman
American Civic Association
ROBERT STERLING YARD, Vice-Chairman
National Parks Association
BARRINGTON MOORE, Secretary
Ecological Society of America
JOHN B. BURNHAM, Treasurer
American Game Protective Association
WILLIAM F. BADE,
Sierra Club
DR. ISAIAH BOWMAN
American Geographical Society
H. A. CAPARN
Architectural League of New York
ALLEN CHAMBERLAIN
The Society for the Protection
of National Parks
DR. L. V. COLEMAN
American Association of Museums
CHARLES STEWART DAVISON
American Defense Society
M. 0. ELDRIDGE
American Automobile Association
DR. BARTON W. EVERMANN
California Academy of Sciences
HERBERT EVISON
Natural Parks Association
MADISON GRANT
New York Zoological Society
WILLIAM B. GREELEY
Camp Fire Club of America
WILLIAM C. GREGG
National Arts Club
EDWARD HAGAMAN HALL
Association for the Protection
of the Adirondacks
LEROY JEFFERS
Associated Mountaineering Clubs
HARLAN P. KELSEY
Appalachian Mountain Club
DR. GEORGE F. KUNZ
American Scenic and
Historic Preservation Society
DR. JOHN C. MERRIAM
Save the Redwoods League
FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED
American Society of
Landscape Architects
HENRY FAIRFIELD OSBORN
American Museum of Natural History
WILFRED H. OSGOOD
Field Museum of Natural History
T. GILBERT PEARSON
National Association of
Audubon Societies
MRS. JOHN DICKINSON SHERMAN
General Federation of Women's Clubs
HON. GEORGE SHIRAS, 3d
National Geographic Society
2
A Policy for National and State
Parks, Forests and Game Refuges.
Adopted, after submission to all representatives, at the National
Parks Committee's meeting of April 17, 1923. Construc-
tive suggestions for improving this policy will be welcomed,
and should be submitted to the Secretary.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.
Any policy dealing with national and state
parks, forests and game refuges must be, at
bottom, a land policy. To be sound, it must
rest upon the use of the entire land in the
country for the purposes to which each portion
of it is best suited in filling the essential needs
of the people. These needs include not only the
material measurable ones, food and shelter, but
the intangible spiritual ones which come under
the head of recreation. Thus we must have not
only farm lands to produce food, forest lands to
produce wood for houses, for newsprint and for
a thousand other indispensable commodities, but
also park lands for recreation. In fact, the
recently recognized demand for recreation, par-
ticularly outdoor recreation, is increasing so
rapidly, as its economic importance comes to be
realized, that the lands heretofore set aside as
3
parks do not suffice, and the need must be met
by utilizing lands primarily used for forest pro-
duction. A further land requirement is the
maintenance of a part of the natural flora and
fauna undisturbed by outside agencies, for edu-
cation and scientific research. This requires the
setting aside and preservation of certain areas,
selected so as to represent the more important
types of plant and animal life, and so far as
may be, the maintaining of the balance of
nature on these areas.
The tendency is for land eventually to be
used for the needs to which it is best suited, but
this too often comes about only after a long and
wasteful process of trial and error, during which
enormous values in natural resources are per-
manently destroyed. Among the values so de-
stroyed are not only the natural plants and ani-
mals so necessary to science and education, but
recreational features and vast quantities of tim-
ber and minerals. Hence the need for a sound
land policy extending to and covering in its
scope national and state parks, forests and game
refuges.
Whenever a particular area could be put to
one of several conflicting uses, a decision as to
which use shall prevail ought obviously be made
in accordance with a consistent policy based on
the public interest. Without such a policy,
there will be a continuance of the present strug-
gle between those who wish to develop and
consume all natural resources as rapidly as pos-
sible, often regardless of the future, and those
who want to make parks wherever possible, re-
gardless of legitimate needs for the resources
which would thereby be withdrawn from use.
The former argue that the general welfare re-
quires the opening up of all regions to their
fullest economic use; the latter accuse their op-
ponents of selfish materialism, and claim that the
public has a right to do as it pleases with its
lands and resources. There is danger from both
sides. The over-rapid exploitation of new
regions in the past has brought a reaction which
is reflected in the strong sentiment for parks and
in an oftentimes vague desire to preserve every-
thing, regardless of legitimate needs. It is im-
portant to find a solution which can form the
basis of a sound public policy.
PARKS.
PURPOSE.
The purpose in creating parks is to preserve
the scenery, the natural and historic objects, and
the plants and wild life. The objects are the
enjoyment of the people, and the aiding of edu-
cation and scientific study by keeping such areas
unimpaired. Thereby certain portions of
nature's handiwork will be kept for recreation,
for science and for education, both for this and
for future generations.
NATIONAL PARKS.
Basis for Creating.
National Parks should contain features di,
5
tinctl_ national in interest, and should preferably
be of considerable magnitude, the size ordinarily
to be governed by administrative considerations.
The establishment of a National Park must de-
pend on the character of the scenic, scientific or
historic features, not upon the opportunity to
develop a recreation resort. Herein lies one of
the distinctions between national and state parks
(see below).
Protection and Administration.
National Parks should be protected com-
pletely from any and all utilitarian and com-
mercial enterprises, save those necessary for and
subservient to legitimate park uses. The scien-
tific, health, esthetic and spiritual values of
National Parks will greatly increase as popu-
lation multiplies and the country becomes more
fully settled and more widely appropriated to
utilitarian purposes. Judge John Barton Payne,
former Secretary of the Interior, says, "If the
National Parks may be encroached on for a
commercial purpose, sooner or later they will
be destroyed."
The National Parks should be so admin-
istered that they may be used for the purposes
for which they were created without pecuniary
profit to private individuals or corporations,
aside from reasonable compensation for services
rendered.
The parks should be made as accessible as
possible to persons in every walk of life who
wish to visit them for what they have to offer of
6
natural beauty and interest. But they should be
kept wholly free from extraneous amusement,
particularly of the so-called "jazz" type, which
distract their users from an appreciation ot
nature's wonders, introduce an atmosphere of
vulgarity, and destroy the enjoyment of nature.
So also, to serve the uses of all, some parts of
each National Park should be accessible only
by trail for the benefit of those who wish to get
away from the tourist stream of the motor roads
and enjoy the charm of solitude and of the open
spaces.
NATIONAL MONUMENTS.
Basis for Creating.
A National Monument is an area, usually
comparatively small, set aside by the Federal
Government to preserve some feature either of
natural, archeological or historic interest, or to
commemorate some person, or event of national
importance.
This class of reservation is of value in itself.
and in addition, it sometimes serves as a trans-
ition in the creation of a National Park by af-
fording protection pending action in that
direction.
Protection and Administration.
The degree of protection required by
National Monuments depends upon their char-
acter and purpose. Natural wonders, such as a
grove of primeval forest or a remarkable geo-
logical formation, should not be subject to utili-
tarian or commercial uses. On the other hand,
7
areas containing cliff dwellings could be used
for grazing, mining or other purposes which do
not injure or prevent public access to the points
of interest.
The administration of National Monuments,
unless they happen to be located within or near
an area of Government land already under ad-
ministration, such as a National Forest, is diffi-
cult, because of their small size and isolation.
For this reason many of the National Monu-
ments are subject to injury and desecration on
the part of the thoughtless tourist and souvenir
hunter. The Departments having jurisdiction
over National Monuments should make a greater
effort to protect these places, and urge Con-
gressional appropriations for this purpose.
STATE PARKS.
Basis for Creating.
State parks should contain features of out-
standing state importance, or be suitable for de-
velopment as recreation centers for the use of
urban populations. Size appears to be unim-
portant aside from administrative considerations.
More than two-thirds of the states have, or
are about to have, state parks of one kind or
another. Some states have also state forests,
which serve for recreation. The primary in&
centive for creating these parks has generally
been outdoor recreation, to supply public play-
grounds for the congested populations of the
cities; often, as in the case of bathing beaches or
picnic grounds, scenic features are unimportant.
8
Thus in its primary incentive, the state park
differs radically from the National Park. Pre-
servation of points of historic interest has also
played a prominent part. In some cases it hat
been possible to preserve tracts, generally small,
of primeval forest which will be of increasing
scientific value, as well as beautiful, if some-
what sad, reminders of the generosity of nature.
Protection and Administration.
State parks should be protected to the cxtent
required by the purpose for which they were
created. Since, in the past, the purposes have
often been all too vague, the degree of protec-
tion is correspondingly indefinite. Owing to the
lack of understanding as to the proper aims of
state parks as compared with state forests (see
below), areas which ought to be state forests
have been protected and administered as state
parks. State parks should not be confused
with state forests, which are primarily devoted
to producing forest products or allied economic
enterprises, but serve also for outdoor recrea-
tion. (See below.)
FORESTS.
PURPOSE.
The purpose of forests, national and state,
is to protect and maintain in a permanently pro-
ductive or useful condition, lands unsuited to
agriculture, but capable of yielding timber or
other general public benefits. Forests not only
produce timber and forage, but protect stream-
9
flow, and thus play a very, indeed a most im-
portant part in irrigation and in water for do-
mestic use and for power, as well as in flood
prevention and soil preservation. They contain
economic resources, which in the National Forests
are very large, but which experience has shown
would be quickly dissipated if allowed to fall
into thehands of individuals. Among these re-
sources may be counted outdoor recreation. All
the resources of a forest should be developed to
the greatest possible extent consistent with per-
manent productivity, under the principle of
co-ordinated use. Thus in utilizing the timber
the forest is to be cut in such a way that it will
perpetuate itself, sources of water are to be safe-
guarded, and cuttings so located as not to injure
features of scenic importance. The principle of
use of resources is the vital distinction between
forests and parks; the former are conserved
through wise use, while the use of the latter
must be restricted to enjoyment and to scientific
and educational purposes. Forests pay for them-
selves and bring in revenue; parks, though
sometimes self-supporting, generally cost money,
but yield solid though intangible benefits much
greater than the cost.
Public forests serve the additional, and very
important, purpose of demonstration areas by
showing neighboring private owners how foiest
lands may be handled so as to yield a permanent
income rather than be exploited and abandoned
as so often happens.
10
NATIONAL FORESTS.
Basis for Creating.
The National Forests already contain the
bulk of the forested land remaining in the public
domain after the agricultural land had been
homesteaded and the cream of the forest lands
taken up under the Timber and Stone Act. But
in various western states there are still some
8,000,000 acres which are unreserved and
should now be included in National Forests.
Protection and Administration.
Since the National Forests are for use, pro-
tection against economic or utilitarian purposes
is not required, but only the manner thereof reg-
ulated. Resources which are worth m'oney,
such as timber, forage and water, should yield
their full value to the public treasury on a strictly
business basis. Minor exceptions may be made
in allowing free use, under permit, of small quan-
tities of wood and forage to some of the local
settlers who could not be expected to pay. Re-
sources which cannot be measured in dollars
and cents, such as watershed protection and
outdoor recreation, accrue to the public without
cost, except that of protection and development.
Since the National Forests contain much
beautiful scenery, and offer large opportunities
for camping, fishing and hunting, they are in-
cidentally national playgrounds of enormous
value. The Forest Service is fully aware of this
and is developing this aspect of the forests so
11
successfully that last year they were visited by
between six and seven million persons.
STATE FORESTS.
Basis for Creating.
Any land owned by a state and devoted
primarily to the production of timber and to the
use of its other resources, should be administeied
as a state forest.
States purchase and set aside lands as state
forests in order to conserve the forests through
wise use, to derive a revenue, and to set an
example in forestry for private owners. The
last is particularly important because state for-
ests comprise only a small percentage of the
total forest land, and though they will doubtless
increase, can probably never be depended upon
as a main source of timber supply.
State forests will not be selected for scenic
features; but the forest itself is an attraction to
all lovers of nature, and furnishes shelter for
game and other wild life. Hence state forests,
though serving an economic purpose, can be used
for hunting, fishing and camping, and therefore
play an important part in outdoor recreation.
States which own well-administered forests do
not need so many state parks as others, so far
as recreation is concerned. In such states, parks
will be necessary for preserving natural features
or historic sites which should be kept intact for
scientific, educational or other special reasons,
and for furnishing breathing spaces for the con-
gested population of cities.
12
Protection and Administration.
The protection and administration should be
similar to that of National Forests (q. v.) only
on a smaller scale. The more business-like the
administration the better will be the demonstra-
tion value of the forest. This does not preclude
state expenditures for recreation and other intan-
gibles which the individual would not make, but
such expenditures should be recorded separately,
so that the investment value can be readily seen.
GAME REFUGES.
The purpose of game refuges is the protection
and propagation of game and other wild life.
Game refuges serve as sources from which
the surrounding country is stocked with game,
and also for the preservation of useful and in-
teresting species which have become unduly
reduced in numbers.
Game refuges are both state and federal,
but as their purposes are more for local than
for national benefit, they should be established
chiefly by states. On the other hand, the
National Parks and a few other national pre-
serves in the west are very useful in the pro-
tection and propagation of such species as can-
not exist close to civilization.
Game refuges should be places where the
game is unmolested by man, and as far as may be,
is protected from natural enemies. Pennsylvania
is an example of a state which has handled game
refuges most successfully. Other states have
game preserves on which hunting is permitted,
13
but where the game is protected during close
seasons. These are not refuges, though they
have their uses.
ACQUISITION OF LAND NEEDED.
With increasing population and more inten-
sive economic development of the country, the
amount of land available for public parks, for-
ests and game refuges is steadily diminishing,
and the cost of purchasing it is steadily increas-
ing. It is advisable, so far as practicable, to
use a considerable proportion of available funds
in purchasing lands suitable for these purposes,
using a smaller proportion for constructing roads
and other developments, which can be post-
poned without detriment. It is, however, clearly
recognized that roads and other facilities must
be provided in order to permit the people to
have the ufe and enjoyment of these lands, and
in order that a more general use may give a
wider understanding of the purposes and values
of public parks, forests and game refuges, there-
by building up public sentiment in favor of fur-
ther acquisition and more adequate protection.
UNRESERVED PUBLIC DOMAIN.
From the point of view of a sound public
land policy, all the remaining unreserved public
domain should be handled under the principle of
co-ordinated use, just as the National Forests
are handled. None of it should be alienated
except that suited to the raising of farm crops,
an insignificant proportion. The rest should be
14
permanently withdrawn from entry and placed
under administration, preferably under the De-
partment of Agriculture. Forage comprises the
largest part of the resources on these lands, and
would be greatly increased by scientific manage-
ment, as has already been demonstrated by the
experiment carried on by the Department of
Agriculture on the Jornado Range Reserve in
New Mexico.
NATIONAL RECREATION POLICY.
Experience during the past year has shown
that there is a demand for the recreational use of
lands which do not fall within the class of
National Parks or National Forests. Where
such lands belong to a State or to private in-
dividuals, it is reasonable to expect the state
to develop or acquire the lands for state forests
or state parks. Where the lands belong to the
Federal Government, as in the public domain,
Indian Reservations, etc., it is logical to expect
the Federal Government to undertake the de-
velopment of the recreational opportunities which
are in demand. This need involve no transfer
of jurisdiction from one Department to another,
but merely the working together of all Bureaus
concerned for the purpose of drawing up a com-
prehensive plan which all can follow. This
plan would involve a canvass of recreational op-
portunities, with the needs for development, and
a co-ordination of the relation of objectives, and
of roads, etc., on the different areas, regardless
of jurisdiction.
15
,CONTENTS
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ...........3
PARKS ........................... 5
Purpose ....................... 5
National Parks ................. 5
Basis for Creating ............... 5
Protection and Administration...... 6
National Monuments .............. 7
Basis for Creating .............. 7
Protection and Administration ...... 7
State Parks .................... 8
Basis for Creating .............. 8
Protection and Administration ...... 9
FORESTS .......................... 9
Purpose........................ 9
National Forests ................. 11
Basis for Creating .............. I I
Protection and Administration ...... 11
State Forests ................... 12
Basis for Creating ............ ..12
Protection and Administration ...... 13
GAME REFUGES .................. 13
ACQUISITION OF LAND NEEDED ...... 14
UNRESERVED PUBLIC DOMAIN ....... 14
NATIONAL RECREATION POLICY .......15
N6
k-L
To Membtrs of the
Boone and Crockett Club
j MEETING of the Executive Com-
mittee of the Boone and Crockett
Club was held on November 26th
for the purpose of hearing from Mr.
Charles Sheldon his views on a Policy
for possible adoption by the Club for the
protection of big game in the West.
Those who look back for a generation
over the development in the West rec-
ognize that within the memory of living
men the big game has been swept out of
existence from the Missouri River to the
Pacific Ocean, except ,in the National
Parks, National Forests, and in such areas
of mountain an4 de sert country as are
not susceptible pf cultivation. The Na-
tional Forests on the other hand, are
fixed and will not be occupied by settle-
ments. They will be and, in fact, now
are, the only refuges for big game.
This Policy is the result of years of
study in Washington and of observation
in the field. Time and space forbid its
amplification, but there are good reasons
for every sentence that is written.
The Club should use caution in con-
sidering the question of supporting any
proposed action by Bureaus at Washing-
ton without full investigation of all sides
of the point at issue. As a body it should
not array itself on one side or the other
of the matter under dispute. It is not
our function to support one Bureau- as
against another; instead, the Club should
decline to act until the-Bureaus at Wash-
ington agree. Then we may support
them.
er considerable discussion and
any questions put to the speaker it was
oved and seconded that the Policy be
adopted and recommended to the Club;
that it be printed and a copy sent to
each member, and that at the Annual
Meeting the question be submitted to the
members.
This motion was carried unanimously,
and in accordance therewith the Secre-
tary is forwarding to every member a
copy of the Policy.
If the Club should'adot this Policy
and urge' adJministration ot the game
by the Forest Service, it must hold that
Service responsible for the work, and
also must endeavor to induce the vari-
ous States to pass over the control of
their game on the National Forests to the
Forest Service.
It is urged that members of the Club
study carefully the Policy recommended
by the Executive Committee, and if any-
thing is found in it that is not clearly
understood, that they write the Commit-
tee for further information, which will
be gladly given.
Executive Committee
November 30th, 1923.
Policy
HE attention of the Boone and Crockett
Club has been called to a problem of
game administration caused by the in-
creasing deer herd in the Grand Canyon Na-
tional Game Preserve, which lies within the
National Forest on the Kaibab Plateau in north-
ern Arizona.
Some assert that these deer have so increased
beyond the available food supply to support
them that they are threatened with starvation,
and that immediate steps should be taken to
reduce their numbers; others say that the food
supply is sufficiently abundant to maintain per-
petually the increasing herd and that an area
of this game preserve, a strip about twenty
miles wide containing most of the deer, should
be added to the Grand Canyon National Park,
which borders the preserve on the south.
The Boone and Crockett Club believes that
the facts may be obtained by further investi-
gation, and that its policy of big game protec-
tion in federal areas in the West will apply to
the administration of this deer herd. This pol-
icy may be briefly stated.
It is not the policy of the Club to advocate
additions to, or the creation of, National Parks,
where the areas to be included must be de-
tached from National Forests, until the pro-
posed lines have received the approval both of
the National Parks Service and of the Forest
Service.
The preservation of game is justified because
of its value to national welfare for three cardi-
nal purposes-aesthetic pleasure, economic use
for food and hides, and recreational use for
sport, photography, and study of its habits.
The uses of game for recreation cannot be
stated in terms of measured or comparative
value, but there is general agreement that they
are a national asset of the highest importance
to the welfare of the people.
Owing to the increasing population, constant
encroachment on wild areas inhabited by game
by economic pressure, the extension of roads,
motor cars, in fact the whole rapid advance of
material interests, the preservation of the big
game of the West depends on its proper admin-
istration in National Game Refuges, National
Parks, National Forests, and National Monu-
ments.
National Parks and National Monuments un-
der the management of the National Parks
Service should be breeding reservoirs where
game may be enjoyed for aesthetic pleasure
and the recreational uses of photography and
study. The overflow of game outside may
provide recreational use for sport and food.
But sport shoilddnot be permitted in such fed-
eral areas. When the, game increases beyond
the food siipply, it -must be officially reduced
and the carcasses' disposed of for economic use.
National Game Refuges and National Monu-
menits situated in National Forests should be
breeding areas where game not only serves for
exhibitionh, but also for breeding purposes so
that, 'when possible, the surplus game may be
transferred to restock other regions or provide
an overflow .to adjacent areas. Sport must not
be permitted on smaller National Game Refuges
under fence. But, the surplus game on other
overstocked areas not removed by natural drift
outside, should be reduced under the direction
and regulations of the Secretary of Agricul-
ture by any method he believes will best serve
the purposes of game preservation.
By far the greater part of the game exists
in the National Forests. Here a different and
broader problem of administration is presented,
and the game can be so regulated as to serve
most completely all the uses which justify its
preservation. It is one of the major products
of the forests.
For more than thirty years the Boone and
Crockett Club has maintained that all game in
National Forests should be administered uncon-
ditionally by the Forest Service. The Club has
full confidence that the Forest Service would
administer this game with the same efficiency
it has demonstrated in its administration of
the other forest resources.
The Club recognizes that the National For-
ests were created for the purpose of perpetu-
ally preserving for the nation'the maximum use
of all their products-timber, forage, water,
and harmless wild life-and that the use of
each must be so cooirdinated with that of the
others, that the people may realize the fullest
possible benefit. The numbers of game must
therefore be adjusted accordingly. Any policy
which might seek to increase game at such a sac-
rifice of other industrial uses, that the maximum
use of the forest would not result, would bring
a just public reaction which would tend to de-
stroy game conservation.
Properly to administer the game, the Forest
Service must have the responsibility that goes
with it. This cannot be assumed until the
Forest Service shall be given independent con-
trol of the game. The Club hopes that finally
the States will, as some States have already
done, cede the control of their game on Na-
tional Forests to the Forest Service.
Controlling the game, the Forest Service
must intelligently decide the numbers to be re-
tained on each national forest, and by scien-
tific administration perpetuate the breeding
stock to maintain those numbers undiminished.
Refuges must be selected in which the game
shall never be molested; smaller sanctuaries,
where game may feed and rest, must be estab-
lished in the areas where shooting is permit-
ted;.when practical, sanctuaries should be made
along highways and near tourist centers for
exhibition. In fact, the Forest Service must
study and solve all questions connected with
the complete administration of game, and regu-
late the uses of it for all purposes. But the
numbers should never be permitted to increase
above those which the available food supply
can support in a state of health and vigor.
The Biological Survey has been entrusted
with the administration of National Game
Refuges and with the function of studying the
problems of game conservation and of exter-
minating the natural enemies of game. This
section of the work of this Bureau has so ex-
panded that its advice and cooiperation are nec-
essary to every factor in the country involved
in game preservation practice. The Club be-
lieves in the continued expansion of this work
of the Bureau and considers its efficient serv-
ice inseparable from intelligent game conserva-
tion.
Further, owing to unrestricted overgrazing
andtunregulated use of the Public Domain, the
forage is greatly reduced and much of it is
depleted. Such a condition is not only dan-
gerous to the future of the live stock indus-
try, but also to the game. The Club, there-
fore, emphasizes the need of complete regula-
tion of grazing on this Public Domain, so that
the productivity of the range may be restored
and maintained.
Finally, the Boone and Crocket Club takes a
much broader view of the whole problem of
game conservation. It believes that this can
be encouraged to the most successful results
only by the completest development of all
classes of recreational opportunities offered by
all regions under national, State, and local con-
trol. Recreation in National Parks and Na-
tional Forests should be equally encouraged,
and complete cob*peration to that end should
obtain between government bureaus themselves,
and their relations with State and local proj-
ects. A permanent National Recreation policy
with a program is needed. To achieve this
end the Club believes that the President should
cause to be made a complete study of the ques-
tion with a view to a definitive policy which will
finally include a determination of the areas to
be included in National Parks, National Monu-
ments, and other regions with recreational pos-
sibilities; a coi*perative basis for their manage-
ment and regulation; a plan of development for
the purposes in view; in fact, a complete policy
to be adopted and realized in the future.
Only by the establishment of such a Na-
tional Recreational Policy can maximum recre-
ational opportunities be given to the nation
and the numbers of people who will enjoy them
increased. It must sooner or later be realized
that such a policy is vital to national welfare.
Successful game conservation lies in the habit
of mind gained from increasing development of
recreational spirit among the people.
MISSION RIDGE ROAD
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
,225:7:.4
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BOONE AND GROCKETT CLUB
44 Bu.&vxu STREET
NEW YORK
Ofce of the Secretary
'2 Jo eopold, s',, oecre ary,
af :r. Leopold:
T"3 < 'Or e of oonn seeatl .... 1t. ,I)i7
et Ys-d co Las "exe$ c ' xi c ioues to
secure copies ort -e7-.co to
::: t ' C n t neo n v.r . or %[e 0"
iy, fo ntrpose of 7ettin,2' su:-Cstions
bhere' to -aewe:it t -ae Izws i' tkeir o-, s o.
i' it is noLt hoe uc- r i 0I "
us s3veral copies of these lays.
Y'ci t1 fi ive 'or st
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BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB
44 BZAVMR STmtmr
N3w YORKi
Offce ofthe Secretaryil !9Y 1 -4.
,1.0 Leopold, s., 0cratiry,
e':. oiico Jama -rotective '.:;s fn.,
2Ab1querque, -:7 1exico.
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name w.s placed in nomination as ,Isocla-e . 170 er, tho
resd et 'pas azs:ed -e to advise -7ou of 'our' eletioCOn.
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of le aseest 'Far book of t e club.
Trustir'r, tlat th ere . Uy notbiL a;-n to hinler
your aocertnncep T0 - Ir j
Very trul- your s,
A'c tin,- ý"e r,
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GEO. BIRD GRINNELL
238 EAST 15TH STREET
NEW YORK. N. Y.
23.
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It would furnish an argument for progress that
even politicia.ns c -o u2-exstand.
It would be flexiblo and would avoid injustice
to +tat,, t.ha;t are re,,lly turyin to meet their res-
ponsibilities.
It wtiLld tL:Oe the teeth out of opposition on the
grouxids of "Staites rights".
It would Ia no ise. prevent the Joree.t Servico
and Biologc.1 2-u.-vey cooprati2ng actively with the
Stuato in the manaogement of gae on such Po-ests
reiain~in in 'Steto control.
It would leavo the question of ultimate outcomo
squarely up to the Stte t th IsCVe m, I f th0Y, 11 0
-o I..,, they 1 will acep juriodi cioi_.o. if thje f,&ll
doM t~h1j VwClJ 1loze thve 1,roast "same andl
Can lblamz
nobody bu.t O....... l-Vz
It woul.± b eit L. ... -omzit o'Ltzido t:2e
Forests, The !heldo-n c..ph' injure it.
The sa-e iJ-- i be ap od to areas -pcr-
Chase! by the , er ....u" the rblic
,.S~hootin&s b-1-11 If the0 stalte is o io
lot I t oer s 0 e. -1 ua a s n'U u s -' (,h,
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Of ccwrý-:,, thio hile-sz only hehigh poi, tZ1,.
'f ou &a!3 i.orco. ecoct in h detail, I will
t-Cy and sup7)1, it,
Very si~n-',,cr>, yours
pose yje__S
o:., the ul- j .'~
ON 0
DIVISION
O F
A1RCHIYES
. ... P%
ROBERT H. M. FERGUSON
TYRONE, NEW MEXICO
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OUTDOOR AMERICA
Fiindalmental Problems
By Executive Committee
Boone and Crockett Club G f
ITH the growth of the recreational spirit among
our people and the rapid increase of numbers who
enjoy our game, the problems of methods proposed
to save it are today receiving wider and more
serious attention than ever before. The dangers of further
decrease of game, in some cases even of its threatened
extermination, have been so advertised in r'ecent years that
many interested in the conservation of wild life have been
startled almost to the verge of panic. From one angle or
another the alarm is being sounded, not so much because
game is decreasing, as because the increase of population
signifies an increase of gunners, and the advance of material
interests makes possible greater opportunities effectively
to use the guns.
The outlook is indeed seri-
ous enough. But it seems
to have been forgotten that
the same and even greater
dangers to the future of
game existed several years IN 1887 THEODC
ago. Then, the numbers of
waterfowl and shorebirds founded the Boone a
were much reduced and were it has made more cons
steadily decreasing, and deer has any other body of
had greatly decreased in
many eastern States. Yet
along with the increase of To recite only brie
gunners and of material ad- ments would take a !
vancement, waterfowl and We hope the member
shorebirds are now increas- closely read and stud
ing, and deer in the States
have become much more printed herewith. We
abundant. Such facts should wellAfford to give it 1
cause reflection and a calm consideration. The
study of the causes which are greatly indebtec
have produced this more Crockett Club and w
favorable situation. Before
becoming so much alarmed as as the years roll on
hastily to propose certain ganization will contii
remedies which in the past way towardbettering
have failed, is it not better
to seek to understand the The League consid
fundamental problems of
game protection and to try its magazine officiall)
to apply them now and here- and Crockett Club
after, so that our game in medium to print "Ft
reasonable numbers may be of Game Conservatic
saved?
The methods commonly
proposed to save game-
chiefly by legislative enact-
this country from early colo-
nial times, began to receive
some attention after 1850 and active interest after 1880.
Reduction of bag limits, limited seasons and closed seasons,
game refuges, license systems, law enforcement, and ýseveral
other policies were and are the common proposals- yet so
far as they have been practiced they have never aforded a
permanent solution of the problem. The game has con-
tinually decreased.
In Bulletin No. 41, published by the Biological Survey
in 1912, Dr. T. S. Palmer, after much research and study
gave us: "The Chronology and Index of the more im-
portant Events in American Game Protection, 1776-1911."
This is his introduction: "Game protection in the United
States has been gradually developed during a period of
nearly 300 years and has been marked by an immense
volume of legislation. In no other country in the world
have laws for the protection of game been passed in such
numbers or amended so frequently. Among the character-
istic features of American game legislation are the division
of birds into three groups-g'ame birds, nongame birds, and
noxious species; the restrictions on hunting by nonresidents;
the limitations on the quantity of game that may be killed
at certain times; the prohibition of export and sale; the
system of enforcement by State officers; and the mainte-
nance of this system largely by receipts from hunting licens-
es." With few exceptions, which will be noticed, all
Your conscience should not let you rest until you writ
to vote for the League's bill of a 300-mile uppi
fed eral control of m~igratory
birds was established in law
so that all methods of game protection, including nonsale of
game, could be immediately applied. The result has been
the great and rapid increase of waterfowl and shorebirds.
Efforts, continued for years without success, had been made
to accomplish similar results through State legislation. And
yet some States had passed laws containing regulations
amply sufficient to save the game, if only they could have
been applied throughout the country and enforced. It was
the recognition of this policy of federal control, however,
that was fundamental to the problem.
Population and industrialism are increasing faster than
game. Is there any fundamental policy which, if adopted,
will meet such a situation and conserve the game? W think
that there is-one that needs the endorsement of all who
are interested in saving wild life and in outdoor recreation.
The 'policy needed is one which calls for the complete ad-
ministration of the game together with the accompanying
responsibility. Heretofore most of our legislation in behalf
of saving game has dealt with the protective side of game
conservation. Game protection, rather than game admin-
istration, has been our thought. So long as we continue
both in thought and by legislation to hold this attitude, we
cannot make wise laws fast enough to meet the changing
situations, nor can we quickly adopt methods which will
prevent the destruction of the breeding stock of game.
e your Congressmen and Senators 349
er Mississippi National Preserve.
!
F
!
r
!
1
[
t
'r--+ Thus tbe olic of
ime Coonservation
legislation since 1911 has been similar, and recent proposals
to save game have advocated nothing, save more drastic
applications of these methods. They are mainly prohibitive
or restrictive. They have failed because of neglect to tro-
vide the right practical applications of some of them, and
because others are not fundamental.
Yet some fundamental game protective policies have been
enacted in legislation, and applied. The results have been
immediate and game has either been protected or has in-
creased. Let us mention some of them.
The Yellowstone National Park, created by Congress in
1872 was a great federal refuge without legislative enact-
ments to protect its game. In 1876 George Bird Grinnell
first effectively called the at-
tention of Congress to the
threatened destructions of
this game, and continued to
agitate the subject until final-
ly the public became interest-
RE ROOSEVELT ed. Congress gave heed to
it, and in 1894 the Park
nd Crockett Club and Protection Act was passed.
ervation history than Here was a fundamental
American sportsmen. policy which has been ap-
plied to all National Park
legislation--the complete pro-
fly its many achieve- tection of game within the
book of many pages. limits of these Parks. Thus
s of this League will in them the game has per-
y the valuable paper manently been saved.
In 1894 Mr. Grinnell was
assure them they can the first to advocate the idea
their most thoughtful .. f nonsale ofgame, and he
sportsmen of America persisted in advocating this
I to the Boone and policy until the whole public
e have no doubt that had been educated to accept
it, as soon as a method to
this distinguished or- apply it was found. This
hiue to point out the was another fundamental
sports in this country. problem.
In 1904 Hon. George
ýrs it an honor to have Shiras 3rd, prepared and in-
troduced in the House of
chosen by the Boone Representatives a bill to place
as being the proper all migratory birds under fed-
indamental Problems eral control. This principle
in." was kept alive in Congress
until it was finally enacted in
WILL H. DILG the Migratory Bird law and
later replaced by the Inter-
national Migratory Bird
OUTDOOR
The Boone and Crockett"Club clearly recognized this
fact in 1912. In its Game Preservation Report of that year
it declared that the only solution of future game conserva-
tion lay in legislation recognizing completely the administra-
tion of game. The Club emphasized this in its report of
1915, and has since advocated it as the chief object to be
attained.
Administration of game has been the centuries old policy
in European countries, and game has been maintained in
abundance and widely sold in the markets while the breed-
ing stock has not been permitted to decrease below numbers
believed to be for the general welfare of the people. But
all over the world,- where'ver, without intelligent administra-
tiontion, game has been permitted to increase on areas
being more and more encroached on by civilization, it has
become depleted either by unwise killing or by death from,
starvation.
What is the significance of Game Administration?
The preservation of game is justified for three 1cadinal
purposes-aesthetic pleasure; economic use; and recrea-
tional use for sport, study, and photography. The value of
game cannot be comparatively measured, but there is general
agreement that game is an asset of high importance to the
people. The use of game must be coordinated with all in-
dustrial uses in such a way that our national life will enjoy
the maximum benefits of all our resources. Therefore the
numbers of game to be preserved must be adjusted accord-
ingly.
The administration of game is nothing more than the
plain common sense management of it so as to insure a
permanent breeding stock which, will perpetually produce
a given surplus to be used as completely as possible for -1
three purposes of game conservation. Although vastly more
complex and difficult, the problem is similar to the simpler
one of the management of cattle or chicken ranches.
Game administration will study the whole problem of
game in its relation to industrial interests and adjust the
numbers to be preserved. It will make a complete study
of the game itself, its habits, food, pathology, distribution,
and breeding; of the refuges and sanctuaries necessary to
be made, and the destruction of natural enemies; in fact,
of all scientific methods of increasing and preserving it for
the purposes in view. It will seek to determine all the
problcms connectcd with game in suchla way that evwey
action taken in regard to it will be an intelligent one.
Each reader should ask himself if it is not simple common
sense to believe that game can be better permanently
preserved under an unconditional system of active, im-
mediate administration than by the one, hitherto practiced
for the most part in this country, which in a somewhat hap-
hazard way attempts to protect game by passing rigid, re-
strictive, laws, inelastic, and so to be changed only by the
slow process of legislative enactment?
How can unconditional Game Administration be realized?
The first step toward its active realization will be to
convince sportsmen's organizations throughout the country
that it is necessary. No effective legislation in behalf of
game in this country has been accomplished except through
the interest and work of sportsmen's organizations. They
are the main agencies which arouse favorable public judg-
ment for game legislation, coordinate all the factors to
promote it, and do the hard work necessary to achieve it.
When any game legislation is proposed, sportsmen's organ-
izations are called on to support or oppose it. Without
sportsmen's organizations we could get no effective support
for or against game legislation, and selfish interests would
soon overthrow all game protection. The sportsman's
organization is so vital to saving game that in his annual
report for 1922 the Chief Forester of the National Forest
Service called special attention to the need for the expan-
sion of such organizations as the principal means of better
improving the conditions of game. Sportsmen's organiza-
tions can best be reached through sportsmen's and outdoor
periodicals. These should fully discuss the need and value
of game administration.
This step taken, we must concentrate on the broadest
conception of game conse~rvation-the continuous develop-
ment of the recreational spirit of the people. The platform
of the Izaak Walton League sets forth admirable principles
of recreation which are printed at the beginning of its
magazine.
A plan is needed-a plan of National Recreation, which
shall study, define and include on a coordinated basis all
national, state, and local possibilities. Such a plan can only
be brought about by the President, and he should be en-
couraged to accomplish it. All organizations interested in
recreation of all kinds should join in the effort to bring
forth such a program.
350
Your conscence should not let yc
to vote for the League's bill
AMERICA
Is unconditional Game Administration practical in this
country?
The Boone and Crockett Club believes that finally it is, as
soon as we see the necessity for it and make up our minds
to accomplish it. Suggestions to this end, like those of the
Boone and Crockett Club, have not aroused a wide interest,
for the reason that objections have been hastily brought
forward which indicate that most of us reflect not on the
administration, but on the restrictive aspect of game pro-
tection to which we have so long been accustomed.
It is also asserted that game can be administered in Euro-
pean countries where most of it is on large landed estates
wholly subject to regulation by the owners, but that in this
country where no such system of land tenure prevails, there
is no practical method of game management on a large scale.
Such objections, however, are not based on a study of the
situation.
For more than thirty years the Boone and Crockett Club
has maintained that all wild life in the National Forests
should be administered unconditionally by the Forest Service.
Here is a great Federal Bureau having complete control of
all the products of- the National Forests, except the game
which is one of its major products. This vast organization
patrols and guards each forest and administers them non-
politically and efficiently, wholly for the public welfare now
and in the future. The deer forests of Scotland comprise
-3,000,000 acres with 150,000 deer. Most of our big game in
the West ranges in the National Forests which include 157,-
000,000 acres of wild areas, occupied, according to actual
estimate, by 500,000 deer and large numbers of all other
big game, and game birds and waterfowl. Give the Forest
Service control of this game and we shall have complete
administration, of it on a scale never known in Europe.
This cannot be done by Federal legislation. The individual
States themselves must finally realize the necessity for it
and as some States have already done, must cede the con-I
trol of this game to the Forest Service, at the same time
reserving to themselves all the net revenue to be derived I
from it.
The Alaska Game Law, passed in 1902, contained a clause
giving the Secretary of Agriculture power, limited to re-
strictive measures only, to administer all the game. It is
now admitted by all sportsmen, by Alaska residents, and
by all others interested, that, if gai.e in Alaska is to be
saved, the Secretary of Agriculture must have complete
authority to administer the game. With that end in view,
the Alaska Delegate has presented to Congress a bill which
grants this power to the Secretary who must receive the
advice of a local game commission before he shall make
regulations for the game. All factions have agreed to this
bill. Its administrative feature will surely receive congres-
sional approval. Here will be Game Administration applied
on a scale greater than ever before anywhere in the world.
I can find no good estimate of the total number of game
birds existing on all European estates together, but certainly
they are not superior to those both in all National Forests
and on lands controlled by private clubs in this country.
Private clubs, once they understand the necessity for it, can
administer their game subject to State and Federal laws.
Already some, having large land areas under control, are
making preliminary studies with a view to intensive game
management. All clubs, however, can more completely ad-
minister their game as soon as complete administration by
the States can be put in effect.
But how can States Administer their game?
By recognizing the necessity for such administration,
granting the power, and definitely fixing the responsibility
for the results. This can be accomplished by appointing
non-partisan, expert game commissions with long tenure of
office and full authority independently and unconditionally
to administer the game. A commission having such com-
plete administrative authority could immediately, as the con-
ditions might demand, apply all known methods of game
regulation and preservation in any part of or throughout
the State. It would become expert in dealing with the whole
problem of Game Administration and would cooperate with
clubs and Federal agencies in control of game.
Objections might be made to entrusting such elastic
powers to a game commission on the ground of politics.
Such objections would, of course, have weight but usually
they would not, we believe, be well founded. Throughout
this country at present, with rare exceptions, game commis-
sions are composed of those having received political prefer-
ence, yet many of them include excellent men who have
achieved splendid results, some even commanding national
attention. Having only to enforce laws and advise legisla-
tures, such bodies now have little responsibility. The main
responsibility for game laws lies in the legislative body
n rest until you write your Congressmen and Senators
of a 300-mile upper Mississippi National Preserve.
OUTDOOR AMERICA
which makes them, and here responsibility is intangible, death to vast numbers
would follow. Because marshes and
Should a commission be given full powers to regulate and feeding grounds
have been and are being drained, the food
control the game, the responsibility for success or failure supply for waterfowl
is decreasing. Should this continue,
would be localized on it and on the agency which appointed ducks could
not be maintained at their present numbers
it. And long tenure of office would decrease the political and there would
be serious danger of great loss. To pre-
dependence of its members. It is common sense to believe vent such a calamity
it has been necessary to have the
that a game commission thus made fully responsible for Game Refuge and
Public Shooting Grounds bill introduced
its acts, would be less likely to act with indifference, neglect, in Congress.
Its main purpose is to find a means of preserv-
or with careless thought of the probable results. We are ing and administering
the feeding areas of wildfowl. It is
not wholly without experience in Game Administration, supported by all
sportsmen in this country and its enact-
and insofar as it has been practiced, the results have corn- ment into law
is a vital necessity to the perpetuation of our
pletely justified it. Under the present Alaska game law the wildfowl.
Secretary of Agriculture has, by the advice of the Alaskans Limited administration
of game by state game commis-
themselves, made frequent use of his administrative author- sions is gradually
being realized in many 9tate laws. It
ity to prohibit the killing of game in sections where it has has usually
taken the form of conditional powers to curtail
been threatened. This has saved the game. Had he pos- or prohibit the
killing of game. Even this is a step in ad-
sessed no administrative power and been obliged to await vance and the results
have been most favorable. But as
authority by congressional action, the game in these sec- yet no state understands
the significance and value of com-
tions would have been exterminated. plete administration
of its game, and until the advantages of
The Migratory Bird Law, for the most part, is one grant- it are clearly
recognized we cannot hope for rapid progress
ing wide powers of administration. Every year the Secre- in accomplishing
it.
tary of Agriculture calls together the Advisory Board, corn- The Izaak
Walton League has caused to be presented in
posed of experienced game conservationists from various Congress a most
worthy bill setting aside as a refuge for
parts of the country, who recommend changes in the regu- wild life, including
plants and fish, the Upper Mississippi
lations only after careful study and with as full knowledge as National
Wild Life Refuge, to be administered exclusively
can be obtained of the situation. The results have been a and unconditionally
by the Secretaries of Agriculture and
steady increase of wildfowl and shorebirds. It has been pro- 'of Commerce.
This is a project of Game Administration,
posed, with the best of intentions but without careful study and nothing
is more encouraging than the fact that this
of conditions, that this Advisory Board should recommend League of large
and wide national membership should thus
drastic cuts in bag limits and seasons, not because waterfowl recognie the
necessity of the administration of game.
are decreasing (they are increasing), but because population To assist
the administration of wild life in this country
is increasing. Such a method of applying game protective we have the Biological
Survey, a Bureau of the Department
remedies is unsound because it is illogical, haphazard, and re- of Agriculture.
From the time of its establishment, thirty-
strictive, rather than administrative, based on a study of the nine years
ago, it has intensively studied wild life and all
situation. We may have complete confidence that the Secre- problems connected
with it, including game protective prac-
tary, having the administrative authority, will so use it as to tice, administration,
and legislation. It is the highest author-
maintain the full number of waterfowl that the food supply ity in the country
on all matters pertaining to wild life.
will support. It has cooperated
with every game protective organization,
The evidence gathered by the Biological Survey, the Federal, State,
local, and private. It is the great clearing
active administrator of the law, is that waterfowl are rapidly house of
information on these subjects. No other country
increasing to the limits of the food supply. Should they ' has a government
bureau of this kind. When game admin-
be permitted to increase beyond it, wholesale starvation and istration shall
be undertaken, the advice and expert knowl-
Your conscience should not let you rest until you write your Congressmen
and Senators 351
to vote for the League's bill of a 300-mile upper Mississippi National Preserve.
OUTDOOR IQ AMERICA
edge of this bureau are available. When it shall have ad-
vanced, the cooperation of the Biological Survey will be
invaluable. It has a great force of experienced, technical
experts in exterminating predatory animals. Its wide out-
look and knowledge will be of the greatest advantage in
assisting the states to coordi-
nate all their activities in
dealing with game admin-
istration problems.
Along with game adminis- "I AM GOP
tration should be included
that of all wild life, birds, A GREAT soul and a
fish, and fur-bearing animals. Frank Irving Cobb d
A discussion of these, how- York World his pen did
ever, is not within the scope
of this paper. reet thought in America
Enough has been said, we ness and liberalism. T
hope, to show the necessity through his editorials ax
of game administration and deprived of the knowledg
the possibilities of finally
establishing it. But we must sweep and size.
clearly face the difficulties in- His intimacies ran from
volved in accomplishing it. enceau to the ward poli
Our present historical game were his daily associates
protective policies have be-
come the custom of our head Lake with him kne,
thought, and cannot easily be In his passing he hit
changed. Some state consti- always able to do, naturn
tutions may not permit the ufacture) which seems to
delegation of sufficient au-
thority to game commissions, than many which have b
and states may pause before history. And in this case
they recognize the necessity of not being apocryphal.
of ceding such administra- Just before he died hi
tion to commissions and to and pulngoff the swea
the Forest Service. Other
difficulties might be men- am going fishing."
tioned; and yet, whatever the He never spoke again.
obstacles, it is not impossible If ever a man deserved
finally to overcome them. Cobb.
It is a matter of education.
Advanced ideas of game con-
servation have often grown
slowly, and even when under-
Stood iTheir prarctical eealt~ag
tion has been slow. The very necessity for Game Admin-
istration should stimulate all to work for it. But it must
come gradually, step by step, each one gained showing such
advantages that the next will be reached more rapidly.
All magazines devoted to outdoor life and recreation
should substitute the term Game Administration for game
protection and serve as propagandists for the idea. They
should become the leaders in advancing it. All sportsmen
should study it and reflect on its significance and advantages.
It should be made a topic of discussion in all meetings and
gatherings held to promote the purposes of recreation, and
every possible means should be taken to get it into the
thoughts of the people.
is
in
'hi
ad
iti
a]
)
Lec
di
'1
te(
ti
The Children Ask Us
WTONDEB ING children, in a rural school at
Brandon, Wis., ask a question:
"'The heritage of our grandfathers was the
buffalo and wild pigeon; the heritage of our
fathers is the goose and duck, the muskrat and
the mink. If the animals of today are not pro-
tected and provided for, what shall be left for
us?"
In the names of the mothers and fathers of
these United States we answer that question:
"Nothing shall be left for you. We will dig
our drainage ditches through your marshlands
and swamps and drive before us your water-fowl
and your hyla. Our fires shall sweep over your
woodlands, searing the last of your song birds
and scorching out the dens of your foxes and your
wolves. We will cut the fringes of your timber,
far in the northland, starving your moose and
352
your elk. As we denude your land we will bake
dry your pools and your lakes, your rivers and
brooks.
."Your heritage shall be desolation-a land
swept clear of sheltering trees. As in distant
China, floods shall come down upon you, killing
you by thousands, scattering your bodies over a
parched countryside. Your agriculture shall be
a combat with insect hordes and. at the last, they
will strip you bare-for, without birds there can
be no agriculture and we shall kill your birds.
These things shall be your heritage. But with
them we will give you steel and bricks and stone
-man-made things on a land desecrated in the
name of civilization and progress.
"Thus are we dealing with your patrimony
and, in the name of prosperity and profit, we
promise you these-you, who are our children I"
An Edilorial from The Milwaukee Journal.
Your conscience should not let you rest until you write your Congressmen
and Senators
to vote for the League's bill of a 300-mile upper Mississippi National Preserve.
Finally, there is one fact which should be clearly under-
stood and settled affirmatively in the minds of all. We
should all have the highest ideals, but game conservation
must be regarded not from a sentimental but from a supreme-
ly practical point of view. With its future full of dangers,
the fate of game must not be
risked to await the fulfillment
of every ideal we have nur-
tured for its preservation.
; FISHING" Before they can be realized
the game will disappear.
great mind passed when What is needed is to advo-
d. As editor of the New cate the best action that is
ore than any other to di- practically possible. At
present in this country there
ito the channels of clear- is a tendency--apparently
se who knew him only very wide because of the
ieditorial direction were publicity given to it, but in
of his almost Elizabethan reality very limited-to advo-
cate preserving game ex-
clusively for aesthetic pur-
Lloyd George and Clem- poses. This view seeks to
cian. Those of us who exclude sport as one of the
rd who had fished Moose- cardinal purposes of game
the scope of the man. conservation. Such views,
however sincere and well
pon a phrase (as he was meaning, not only cannot
Ly, not the result of man- produce effective results, but
me to be infinitely better they harm and actually re-
come part of the world's tard the progress of game
conservation. The great ma-
the remark has the virtue jority of interested people
work to conserve game so
raised himself in his bed that it may serve all its
he was wearing said, "I purposes. Nearly all the
actual workers for game con-
servation wish, if possible,
to enjoy sport, but at the
a full creel it was Frank same time they have due re-
gard for the other purposes
ROLLIN KIRBY to be served by game. These
are the only persons who
have the power to save the
game and perpetuate its
.umbers, and any policy
which might tend to discourage their active interest would.
in the end, have no other result than game destruction.
Therefore, a fundamental problem of effective game con-
servation is the attainment of a practical attitude of mind
which squarely faces these facts. If, with such an attitude
of mind,- we shall adopt as our goal the conservation of
game for all its purposes, with Game Administration as
a means of accomplishing it, shall seek a policy of National
Recreation to increase the recreational spirit of the people,
and shall work actively and perseveringly toward these ends,
we may feel confident of perpetuating the future supply of
our game.
11111 ,1 111N111,
1
Albuquerqu, New Memo,
Mlay 22, 1920,
Mr. Goo. Bird GziennO,
238 J. 15th Streot,
New York City,
Dear -'r. (Frinneoll
Thank you for your kind letter of May 6,
I also feel @erta:n that eventually a treat
nmasures whioh now seem horelese are going 0 be
forthooming, I hope to send you in the near future
for your oritioism a plan for a non-.prtisea State
Game Oommision in whioh I think you would be inter-
ectede
ThawLing you for your encouragement,
Very trul yours,
* GEO. BIRD GRINNELL
238 EAST 1STH STREET May 6, 1920.
NEw YORK, N. Y.
Mr. Aldo Leopold
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I am glad *to have your letter of the 29th,
and to offer you my congratulations on the excellent
article which you had in the last issue of the Bulle-
tin of the American Game Protective Association. It
is a good article and I wish that it might reach a wide
public.
All these things which are really good are
coming after a while, but we have to practice more or
less patience and wait for the public to grow up to
its leaders. I have been working in these matters now
for very many years, and while I used to be tremendous-
ly pessimistic about them, I have seen so many good
things happen that now I have swung way over on the
other side.
It is pleasant to hear from you, for I have
long known your name and the good work you have done
through reports by Mr. T. B. Burnham.
A'
I
J
Natural History Survy
Dear Tedt
Iam "a that
useful to ou
dbappoitedo In
I am r 4
hbim.
It to; hard for me to fr*..i
*awa for thie proposed water,
?'d like to if I can cut l@i
With I
Aldo I
DEPARTMENT OF BOARD OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
FRANK G. THOMPSON, DIRECTOR FRANK G. THOMPSON.
CHAIRMAN
SPRINGFIELD BIOLOGY - WILLIAM
TRELEASE
FORESTRY
EZRA J. KRAUS
GEOLOGY EDSON
S. BASTIN
ENGINEERING
LOUIS R. HOWSON
CHEMISTRY WILLIAM
A. NOYES
STATE OF ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS-
DWIGHT H. GREEN, GOVERNOR PRESIDENT ARTHUR
C. WILLARD
STATE NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
THEODORE H. FRISON. CHIEF
URBANA July 22, 1941
V-"
Professor Aldo Leopold
Department of Wildlife Management .\
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
Many thanks for your letter of July 15, which came at
a most opportune time, as I was in the midst of the problem of
trying to get someone to keep our project at Barrington going.
Enclosed is a copy of the letter I have just written to
Dr. Elder in which you will note that Sowls will be leaving about
September 1. I am asking Dr. Elder if he is interested in working
for the Survey beginning about the middle of August.
Last Saturday we had a very fine conference at Havana in
which we went over our migratory waterfowl program to date, and
plans for keeping this program rolling the rest of the summer, fall
and coming winter. Enclosed is a copy of brief notes covering cer-
tain phases of this conference. Of course these in no way cover all
the points discussed at the meeting, or the reviews of the work done
to date. The notes were taken simply to ensure coordination of
preparation of materials needed well in advance and timing of work.
I mentioned the possibility of getting Elder to take Sowls' place,
and three of our staff members who knew Elder were very enthusiastic
about having him with us, if we can get him.
Would you be interested in joining us for a conference
sometime this fall while our migratory waterfowl program is in full
swing? We might meet at Barrington and proceed from there to Havana.
Perhaps I could get Pirnie down at the same time, and other individu-
als outside our organization who might give us helpful suggestions
with reference to our work.
If everything goes right, I am hoping to get away from
Urbana about August 9 and travel north, perhaps to the Quetico country
north of Ely, Minnesota. I am anxious to do a little fishing once
again with my boy, before he grows entirely out from under.
Cordially yours,
T. H. Frison
Chief
THF:ME
Endl.
DEPARTMENT OF BOARD OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
FRANK G. THOMPSON. FRANK G. THOMPSON.
DIRECTOR
C..HAIRMAN
SPRINGFIELD BIOLOGY . -
WILLIAM TRELEASE
FORESTRY . _EZA
-J._RAUS
GEOLOGY EDSON
S. BASTIN
ENGINEERING
LOUIS R. HOWSON
CHEMISTRY .
WILLIAM A. NOYES
STATE OF ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS--
DWIGHT H. GREEN. . GOVERNOR PRESIDENT
ARTHUR C. WILLARD
STATE NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
THEODORE H. FRISON. CHIEF
URBANA
July 22, 1941
Dr. William Elder
Delta Duck Station
Delta, ,ani toba
Canada
Dear Doctor Elder:
I have just received some information indicating that
you might be available for employment in connection with the
migratory waterfowl studies of the Survey during the next year.
As you no doubt know, Mr. Arthur Hawkins, Gamo Technician with
- the Survey, was called to military service in May, and we arranged
for 1r. Lyle K. Sowls to carry on with his work at barrington,
Illinois, and at Havana during the fall and winter months. Recently
) Mr. Sowls was called for exaiination and reports that he expects to
be called for service in September, as he 'as been put in class 1 A.
4uld you be interested in an appointent with the Survey
as Game Technician for a year, taking over the work started at
Barrington and assistinj with our program at Havana? 1'o doubt you
have yeard from Peter aard, Professor Leopold and others concerning
our program in the Illinois River valey on migratory waterfowl,
and perhaps of the rearing work and studies started at Barrington.
r A new problem which has arisen at barrington is the study of ways to
prevent the development of parat:phoid in wc-od ducks which we are
attempting to raise there in considerable numbers. The same problem
is also coming up In mallards beirn raised nearby, and I believe that
the two pýases of the problem could be made into one project
carried
on from Barrington.
Since Arthlur Hawkins was a fulltime, regular employee of
the Survey, he was given a year's leave of absence, and we shall hold
,is position open until his return, which may or may not be more than
a year. However, I am very anxious to do everytthing to keep our
program rolling along at top speed over a sequence of ye ars, without
interruption or change in objectives. If you are interested in the
vacancy here, I believe that an apj.ointment could be arrminged to
take eff7ect the middle of August, and thus Aive you two weeks work
with Sowls, so that you could better pick up the continuity of the
program at Barrington. Since all appointments with the Natural His-
tory Survey must be approved by the Board of Natural Resources and
Conservation, upon my recommendation, I sugoest that if you are inter-
ested you send me immediately a statement of your training and ex-
perience. fr. Sowls was paid at the rate of 42,200 for a year, with
expenses when away from regular established field stations and
headquarters.
Very truly yours,
THF: rE T. Ci. frison
ecc Professor Leopold Chief
Waterfowl and Marsh Restoration Programs
As Discussed in Havana Staff Meeting&
July 19. 1941
Date and : July 19, 1941, at the Illinois Natural History
Survey Laboratory on the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge near
Havana, Illinois. The meting was formlly called to order at
10:00 a.m.
Attendi& Dr. Frison, Bellrose, Low, Swla, Hawkins, John Anderson,
Harry Anderson,, Lemm, Yeager, Bradley.
Wood Duck Prorn,. 1941-42:
1. No more boxes needed.
2. Banding: Get one trap in as soon as possible on
Chautauqua Refuge in a location suitable for catching wood ducks.
Other than this no special banding efforts. Lemm assigned.
3. Study of flight and flocking movements to begin as soon
as possible. Bradley says concentrations have already begun (July 18,
1941). Notes to be kept as to points where concentrations occur.
"Use of light facilitates flocking study during evening hours,"
Bradley. Bellrose and Low assigned.
4. Feeding study, especially use of cornfields. Bellrose
assigned.
5. Relocation of boxes for 1942 study. Bradley will remove
and stack at boat house the 75 Natural History Survey boxes now on
refuge. Repairs and tin predator excluders to be made and attached to
stored boxes by February 15, 1941. Bellrose and Lemu assigned.
6. New box sites for 1942 studies to be selected by
February 15, 1942.
7. Wood duck mariscript to be brought up to date, including
all 1940 data, during winter of 1941-42. Bellrose assigned.
flarrin~ton Prog~razq, 1942:
1. Rearrange certain buildings, if possible.
2. Repeat wood duck and mallard rearing studies,
3. Broo counts and nesting studies on glacial lakes In
northeast Illinois.
4. Cover improvements on Barrington area.
5. Intensified study of paxtyphoid in ducks, in coopera-
tion with Dr. Graham of the Uiversity of Illinois.
General Fall and WLinter Watere wl rog 1941-42
A. Trapping and Banding
I. Repair duck traps and have all six traps in place by
September 20. Lemm delegated to select trap sites, which are to be
near the 1940 location; also to purchase one roll of wire and rough
lumber for fl1ooing two or three traps. Bradley said lumber would run
about t15.00 per trap.
2. Grain - m of 10 bushels per day to be supplied by
Bradley.
3. Begin banding by October 1. 1941.
4. Installation of Cimco Farm trap contingent on time
and personnel.
5, Anderson's system of keeping notes and data to be
followed closely.
- 2-
6. Print I,000 bird banding forms as per sample attached
by September 15, 1941, on better paper than used in 1940. (Note:
In event a supply already on hand, this point to be canceled.)
7. Supply of bands. Bradley's responsibility.
8. Banding crew Lamn,, Avery, Elder (?), and at times
Low.
9. Skin making - Elder (?),
10. Posters calling attention to bands on ducks killed.
Distribution one week before season opens. Iemm in charge of dis-
tribution. To list places where posters are left and follow up to
obtain bands.
11. Watch out for geese and wood duck bands especially.
B. Census - Bllrose in general charge,
I. Lem-m or Avery to handle Chris Craft on all trips,
including census.
2. Systematic census of Illinois Valley and Mississippi
River ducks.
C. ftnting and Feeding Studies -Belrose in Eeneral chare.
I. Special studies of hunting conditions on public shooting
grounds.
2. Cornfield feeding.
3. Kill cards to be given out by boat liverymen. Bellrose
to work up such a card and send in to office for printing.
D. Kill and Bag Inspection
I. Procedure similar to that used in 1940 studies. Low,
Elder (?), Avery tentatively assigned, with such substitution as may
be practical at times.
-4-
Marsh Restoration Project - FA 17-R:
1. Harry Anderson, leader; work in collaboration with
Bellrose, Low, and Lynn Hutchens.
2. Planting studies, using transplants, rootstocks, and
seed. About 10 of most important waterfowl food plants on representa-
tive areas in Illinois Valley, glacial lakes, and certain artificial
lakes. So attention to be given to the possibilities of horticultu.
ral techniques in aquatic planting studies. Practical planting
methods as well as techniques most certain to insure seed production
to be detennined.
3. Aquatic plant seed production studies along Illinois and
Mississippi rivers.
4. Bottom seed sample study to determine amoumt and what
kind of seed left by ducks.
5. Control of aqaatic vegetation.
6. General for leader:
a. Spend last part of July with Bellrose in getting acquainted
with areas and problems.
b. Work with George Bennett on the selection of desirable ponds
for s iudy.
e.. Prepare or have prepared a suffic ent number of gage boards
for use in studying effect of water levels on aquatic plants.
Geese, 1941:
I. Studies to be conducted at Barrington, Havana, and at
other points.
2. Study flocking behavior, family groups, breakup of
groups, etc.
5. X-ray technique to determine wounding at time of goose
trapping in late winter.
-5-
4, Obtain band series for geese as well as for ducks.
5. General studies on fall migration.
6, " and winter feeding.
7. Effect of new State of Illinois blind regulation on
goose kill.
,uuIrre-Rac Project, FA 14-R:
in
1. Bron, leader; to work/cooperation with Survey
personnel when both programs are facilitated thereby.
2. six or eight lite traps for use on Chautauqua Refuge
in renloving 25 raccoons to State Game Farm.
3. Continue raccoon scat collection to determine egree
of feeding on ducks. Collections should be made before and after
hunting season,
Other 14-R work not listed.
4
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a
a
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3. 4as ~$tur.
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vu~tg.
DEPARTMENT OF BOARD OF NATURAL
RESOURCE
REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
JOHN J. HALLIHAN. DIRECTOR * JOHN J. HALLIHAN,
CHAIRMAN
SPRINGFIELD BIOLOGY -
WILLIAM TRELEASE
9 ~ FORESTRY
1 GEOLOGY
EDSON S. BASTIN
ENGINEERING
LOUIS R. HOWSON
CHEMISTRY WILLIAM
A. NOYES
STATE OF ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS-
JOHN STELLE. GOVERNOR PRESIDENT
ARTHUR C. WILLARD
STATE NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
THEODORE H. FRISON, CHIEF
URBANA
Box 83
Barrington, Illinois
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 Univ. Farm Place
Madison, '7isconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I believe that the attached correspondence between Mr. Beckhart
and the Fish and Wildlife Service is self explanatory. Mr. Eustice
is
very much concerned over this. The loss of the permit would greatly
hinder waterfowl research and may even stop it on the Bright Land
Farm
We do not expect to lose the permit, however.
Yesterday I recieved a letter fvvm Albert in which he tells
me h
that Bill has been working on the duck disease and that with the
co-
operation of the University of Manitoba they have found thtt paratyphl
has been killing their ducks. You will recall that that is exactly
what we found here. We have had another outbreak and it seems extremet
hard to control here where all our pens are designed for a small
number of birds. I have a hunch that the whole place is polluted
with
the bacteria and that design of pens and location may be the best
preventive measure. I am going to have the men from the state
department of pathology come up and run agglutination tests among
the stock we have here to determine where it is. I believe that
cap:ive reared ducks who have survived this disease may carry it
into
the wild and be a menace to wild stock .
I recieved my physical examination for the draft monday
and
recieved an A-l rating. I have been given a 90 day deferment to
2....
complete my Naval Reserve enlistment. My educational, character and
citizenship papers have been accepted and I am to get my physical
exam the 14th of July. I expect to be here until about the first of
September. When you go to Delta would you kindly tell Al my plans to
get the ground squirrel bulletin finished before I go into Service. If
the Navy accepts me I am sure there will be no time to write for a long
time and I want the bulletin finished if we have enough data. Also
give my best regards to the Ward family and the boys. I certainly miss
being at Delta this year and am now certainly thankful for that training.
I want to thank you for the fine time I had at your place last
Friday. My best regards to the family.
Sincerely,
Bright Land Farm lvaterfowl Experimental Station
Barrington, Illinois
Re~port 77umrber I. Decemiber _1.- 1940
DuirinF a meetin- held at the Havana Laboratory of the Illi-
nois Natural History Survey on November 15, 1940, the Bright and Far
aterfowl xeriment Station becwme a reality. Present at this meet-
inc were Mr. A. L. Istice, Mr. Carleton 0. Beckhart, Professor Aldo
Leopold, Dr. iles ). Pirnie and the writer. This meeting climaxed a
series of conferences between Mr. Tiustice, owner of the farm, Mtr.
Bec rt, e keepr, ad one or more of the advisory group composed
of Professor Aldo Leopold, Dr. Pirnie ad tle writer. As early as
193C Dr. Pirnie pointed out to the writer that an unusual degree of
interest in waterfowl was being exhibited on the Bri.ht Land Farm of
Mr. 'ustice. In 1939 I became aware of the excellent banding program
at the farm and investigated. Not until 1940, however, did the pos-
sibilities of a waterfowl research station at Mr. Eustice's farm begin
to take shape. On September 2, 1940, Tr. Eustice, Mr. -Beckhart,
Professor Leopold ad the writer met at the Bright Land Farm to in-
spect the waterfowl work being done at the farm and discuss a possible
enlargement of the waterfowl program. Dr. Pirnie was unable to attend
this meeting.
Between the time of the Labor Day meeting and that of the
iavana meeting, Mr. Eustice removed any chance of doubt concerning ]hIs
whole-hearted enthusiasm for an enlarged waterfowl program on his farm
by constructing a dwm to be used in floodlng the experimental pond.
Hence, the Havana meeting was to discuss ways and means rather than
ifs and ands. On November 21 and 22, Mr. Peter dard of the Delta
Duck Station and the author conferred with Mr. B3eckhart and drew up a
working plan which is presented in this report.
Administrat ion
No formal agreements have been drawn, but the following
verbal coit.iitments were made at the Havana conference-
Mr. Eustice agreed to sponsor the waterfowl research program for
his Bright Land Farm so far as his finances will permit, provided that
the progrram is progressive and produces results.
Professor Leopold and Dr. Pirnie agreed to act in an advisory
capacity.
The Natural History Survey through the writer agreed, at the
request of .r. 3ustice to direct the research program of the statio
and to accept responsibility for any publications whic are forth-
cming fron the station. Dr. T. 11. Frison, Chief of the Natural
Histo Survey, has given his approval to this commitnent.
Plans are to make this station the Aerican counterpart of
the 1elta Duck Station of Canada and to act in close cooperation with
the Delta Duck Station In important problems that can best be solved
throuh the joint efforts of these two stations
Tentative Outline for Proposed Studies
Re arin_ pe ri~e
7,ood Duck1s
Life history and management studies of this species lhave
been conducted over a three year period by the Nlatural history Survey,
but certain problems remain unsolved. There remains the need to coin-
plete the embryo series showin- rate of development in the embryo,
and the need to complete the duckling series showing the development
rate in young ducks. The rate of developlment in ducklings raised at
the Bright Land Farm will be compared with those raised at the Delta
Duck Station to determine the effect, if any, of the longer daylight
hours in the north.
Two problems related to ma&naement will be studied at the
Bright Land Farm: (1) the feasibility of raising wood ducks in cap-
tivity for restocki-ng new areas; (2) the behavior of pen reared wood
duc's following release with the qfuestion in mind, will young wood
ducks raised in captivity migrate normally and return to breed the
following year to the rang-e on which they were raised? The problems
will be studied through barndin and through the erection of nesting
boxes. Di,,rin the winter months, the wood duck flock now housed at
the Bright Land Farm will be subjected to artificial lightin7 to
determine how rapidly the blrd will reach breeding condition.
Mallards
Thich basic information needed in the sound management of
Illinois' most important duck cannot be found in the literature con-
cernin, this species. Most of the hand-reared mallards banded and
released in the country h-ve demonstrated that pen rearinG of this
species is not feasible. Hllowever, similar efforts of the Delta Duck
Station in Canada have yielded excellent results (as measured in
terms of bandiný returns). The difference in success between these
two instances very definitely appears to be attributi to differences
in rearLnu tochniques for mallards. Most important seems to be the
selection of high class, wild mallard breeding stock rather than mon-
grel mallard stock usually used in rearing attempts to date. As a
corollary to this central theme is the need to study the rate and
mechanics of degeneration in wild allaeeding stock. A morea&j
detailed outline of the mallard studies given in s
report. It is important tht the semidomestic mallard stock now
resident on the farm be thoroughly culled.
Other Ducks
To corpare the rate of development in species other than
mallards aid wood ducks with the rate in those two species and for
general educational purposes, the Delta Duck Station has agreed to
provide a setting of eggs from at least five other species, including
two diving duck species, redUheads and canvasbacks.
Canada Geese
The present flock on the Bright Land Farm numbers 400.
These birds show unmistakable signs of degeneration due in a large
measure perhaps to the fact that they are not permitted to fly.
This condition will become more serious as the flock increases in
size; also, there is dangier that disease may enter the flock.
Danger from disease could be lessened by grevelliný the margin of
the doughrmt-shaped wintering and nestirn pond, and by permitting the
geese to fly. In our opinion, the benefits derived from perCittinCg
this flock to fly would far exceed the possible ill-effect of
occasional poaching.
I1estin4g Survey
An inventory of duck nesting in the wild on or near the
Bright Land F1arim is planned, to supplement infornation gathered at
the experiment station.
Ecliipment NTeeded
1. Incubators.--The incubators to be used are James Way
All Electric Small Flock, capacity 360 egs. These are divided into
two units with separate heat controls. Two of these will be needed,
capacity for both, 720 eLgs. Total cost of incubators at list price
is $154. These machines may bie purcased at Port Atkinson, prsconsin.
2. Brooders.--For the large bird house, two Anderson Even
Heat Electric Brooders, 54-60 inches each costing at list price,
$2.5 can be used. Six smaller units 3.1-35 inches each costing at
list price, $'.90 will be needed for the second brooder house. Total
cost for brooders will be '112.40. These may be obtained from the
Anderson Box Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. Incubator TlousinL.--Zhe room in which the incubator is
to be housed (see fig. 1) is 10 feet wide, 12 feet long and 6 feet
high. This building is already available and little work is left to
be done in turing it into an incubator room.
4. Brooder 'iousrnc.--Present on the Eustice larm is a large
bird house (see fig. 2). This house is air conditioned, artificially
heated, and contains a large swiu ng pool. Vlhen this pool is cen-
trally divided and two large brooders are placed at each end, it will
make an excellent buildin- in which to raise wood ducks. The pool is
large enough to handle about 250 birds.
--4
The second "buildlný to be used as a brooder house
(see fig.
3) is 30 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 3 feet high. It is divided into
six pens, each of which will hold 20 birds and this building can be
used for the mallard experiment. A sloping cement floor with a
swiLmuing pool 10 inches deep and Z feet wide running the entire length
of the house should be constructed. Into each of the pens will be
placed one of the smaller brooder units.
5. Outdoor R-ane.--Outdoor runways 10 feet long, 5 feet
wide, and 6 feet high are to be built on brooder house No. 2. These
will provide the birds with necessary exercise ad sushine. There
are already built 3 outdoor pools enclosed by wire netting Which may
be used if needed, after the ducks becoe old enough to live outside.
8. Pens for Tclding Captive Ztok.--ilans have been made
to build 4 outdoor .~ens (see fig. 4). hese pens are to be 450 feet
long, 12 feet wide, and 6 feet high, and will hold 20 pairs of breed-
ing mallards. The total cost of these pens will be $580. The site
chosen for the pens is a saall lake on the Eustice Farm. It is at
present dry, but a control dam has been built at the east end. This
dam will flood the lake at the point where the pens are to be placed
to a depth of about six inches.
7. Laboratory.--The building now used for a clicken house
would make a good laboratory. This buildigr should be equipped with
runnin. water, a sink, shelves, and work tables. It would b con-
venient if one end of this b-ilding were arranged for sleeping quarters
for the man working on the night shift at the incubator and brooder
houses4 A file, to house the current records of the station, would be
desirable. A smzll, quick-freeze refrigeration unit and an insect-
proof case for storing specimens are almost necessities.
No. Item List rice- Each Total Lst Price
2 Incubators $77.00 .$154.00
2 Bro s (large) 29.50 5 . 00
6 Brooders (small) 8.90 53.40
4 Outdoor Pens 145.00 530.00 846.40
Feed 250.00
Estimated cost for
construction and
miscellaneous equipment 500.00
Total estimated cost (first year) ------------------ $1i96.40
"Aiscellafleous Hatcher Teebni ese
A female wood duck durinr t1e course of a nesting season
should produce at least 20 eggs. 'Next to the wood duck in productivity
is t mallard.
Incubation dates for several species of ducksa mallards,
22-24 days; pintail, gadwall, shoveller, teal, 21-22 days; wood duck,
33 days; canvasback, 24 days.
0ixt of each hundred ea-s placed in the incubator, 20 in-
fertile eggs or embryonic deaths may be expected. After htching,
about 10 deaths per hundred may be expected from various auses.
bggs should e sprayed at least four times each day from
t1 tLi they are p-lced In the incubator until they begin to pip.
As soon as the sell is broken, spraying should be discontinued.
Always place the pip mark on the eo, upward.
\Lhen the eggs are placed in the incubator, the temperature
is set at 990 F., and is maintained thro-uCiout the entire 'atching
period. The embryos themselves are allowed to raise the temperature
within the compart,ents until at the time of hatching the temperature
will reach about 1050 F.
The temperature of the incubator room itself is mintained
at between 05 and 900 F. his temperature penmits the safe handling
of eggs, and the openlng of incubator compartments.
The ducklinLs are left in the incubator 24 hours after
hatching to dry off. Then they are trnsferred to the brooders, where
they are left another 12 hours before food is given them.
For the first two days after feedings is started, duckligs
are fed entirely on hard boiled egg. The egg is forced througja a
potato ricer which cuts it into very fine particles. After the second
day, a little "nash"*is added, and is grdually increased until
by the
end of the first week nash becomes their entire diet. Vqhen adding
mash to the hard boiled eggs, no moisture is needed; always keep food
moist and crumbly but not wet.
In all species of ducks, food should be placed near the edge
of the swimming pool then teachings the ducks to feed. In the case of
canbasback, food must be placed close enough to the edge of the pool
to enable the birds to eat from the water. Two or three mallards
llards placed in with a roup of young canvasbacks will start them
fecdinl, but the mallards must be removed at the end of the first
week.
Pood is left before the young at all times and is changed
completely twice each day.
7ie te "mash" here refers to the special waterfowl feed mixture,
the form-la for which is given in this report.
--6
Yoiung ducks must h ave soeie form of artificia lighting at
night. If this is not given, they will become frifhtened in the
dark and the resultant stampede will kill many of them.
The following is formula for the duck food used at the
Delta Duck Ztation:
C r eI 40 Ibs.
.al..... ...................... 42 lbs.
yteran............................. 2 lbs.
Powdered 9utte 9Ik ........... 31 lbe.
Oyster Shl...........2 1bs,.
Don~e Mea lb.
Ood Liver Meal.................. 3 lbs,
Alfalfa Meal...... ......... *.,...,, 6 lbs.
This formula is weighed out and then thoroughly mixed.
The meat meal must be screened to take out particles of hair and
course bone. About 50 Per cent of the weight will be lost in
screening, thus 10 pounds of meat meal screened will make 5 pounds
ready for use. Ordinary window screen has been found to serve
the purpose very satisfactorily.
Sand should be used to cover the floors and changed each
day. Each pen and water tank shuld be thoroughly cleaned and
dis infected each moring.
For the first two days it is best to prevent the ducklings
frwi having full use of the pen. If this is not done, they quite
often huddle in some corner instead of using the brooder. A small
pan of water anda another of food may be placed with them, but care
must be taken to see that these are changed often.
If possible, ducklings should be kept in lots of 20 or
less to prevent crowding. There is also less chance of disease among
them if they are held in small lots.
,u.xt 16, 194
thrm ODiroz4I.to Vnx *ble v w~itwaU p
Sto- Offovs A~lt
tJ~Vam , 10mi
If tU3g~m £~wat bird or n theml hoth f*14. it I ma~l
ttwmldrte, n Vo!nWn aat = -autho vivWofe
Ia- nromwa plusM n. litl ammici It tvo t nolhW,
on ,. aolo f *the atmor i Intaxwm otWnzi
of vh 4trout pwacaln 71 bsIv tphin It "M fo tov
Iti et 7w Ozl y difi~ to trn~tI from kmwtili
to wwtamlar on%,bont1m %wtsmal
-10-
The Upper Brule
State acquisition of nearly 10,000 acres
to be added to the Brule River State For-
est in the upper reaches of the Brule river
in Douglas county, believed by the conser-
Vation commission to-be one of its most
important land purchases, now gives the
state control over much of the area that
holds the key to the future character of
the famed trout stream.
The new purchase adds to the land in
the upper valley that had previously been
state-owned and which was acquired a num-
ber of years ago for similar purposes as
shown on the map appearing elsewhere in
this Bulletin. The vertical lines show the
lands that were previously owned and the
parallel lines mark the new purchases. The
rest of the area is in private ownership.
The land was acquired from Douglas
county for $27,489.16 and involves a total
of 9,909 acres. The multiple purpose of the
new acquisition is reflected in the method
of commission payment, 25 percent of the
money coming from the forestry fund, 25
percent from the funds for public hunting
grounds, and 50 percent from the sum set
up for the purchase of cedar swamps im-
portant as winter yarding areas for deer.
All objectives in the valley tie in with the
program of retaining the Brule as an ex-
cellent trout stream.
The new acquisition enhances the possi-
bility of an overall conservation manage-
ment. It is planned to reforest all areas
requiring such treatment and above all is
the need for protecting the spring sources
bog area that spells the difference between
life and death for the famous stream.
Investigation has shown that a number
of factors went into the making of the
Brule and continue to maintain it as one of
the best known fishing streams.
Commenting on the Brule land purchase,
State Geologist E. F. Bean says:
"The Brule river rises in the marshy
divide between that stream and the head-
waters of the St. Croix river and flows
north-eastward in a mile-wide trench 100
feet below the level of the barrens. This
gorge was eroded by the stream which was
the outlet of a glacial lake. A continuous
bog now occupies the bottom of the gorge,
Brule river headwaters.
-A 1A,
-11-
because the gradient of the meandering
stream is but a little over a foot to the
mile. The barrens are a perfect source of
water supply because the sand acts as a
sponge absorbing a high percentage of the
rainfall and delivering it to the stream in
numerous springs. The organic matter in
the bog holds water and slowly releases it
to the stream during periods of low flow.
Under natural conditions of shade in the
bog the temperature of the cold spring
water was kept low. It is fortunate that
the conservation commission has purchased
much of the bog and can maintain it in its
original condition."
Swamp Necessary
Prof. N. C. Fassett of the botany de-
partment of the University of Wisconsin
declares that rigid protection of the com-
paratively small swampy area, only about
a mile wide and 12 miles long, is absolutely
necessary for the preservation of desirable
Brule river conditions.
"There is but little surface drainage into
the upper Brule", Prof. Fassett says.
"Water seeps through the sand and enters
the river as springs in the swamp. The
swamp-and this is probably the most im-
portant single factor influencing conditions
on the upper Brule-functions as a great
sponge bordering the river and maintains
a constant water supply; in many places
the trees shade the stream and help keep
a low temperature.
"Preservation of the swamp is synony-
mous with protection of the Brule as a
trout stream. Where the bog border has
been destroyed and replaced by sedge mea-
dow or tussock marsh the water is warmed
and contaminated by organic matter freed
from the soil. In a number of places the
trees have been cut and the land burned
over. If they become too numerous, the
Brule is doomed."
Conservation Commissioner Aldo Leopold
expressed the belief that the commission
might well extend its influence beyond its
holdings in the Brule valley to prevent road
grading to cottage areas. Many of these
roads, he contended, could be made service-
able by merely graveling them without
grading and he pointed out that much of
the red clay silting that now afflicts the
Brule originates from graded roadways.
Dr. Edward Schneberger, superintendent
of fish management for the conservation
department, points out that the land pur-
The BruIg,
Sid I
3Z
17
32 33
s
14.
'3
23
. k
04'
AIIIIIIRIIOW
-14-
chase is a step toward protecting the habi-
tat of fishes in order to maintain fishing.
"The purchase of the Brule river forest
is regarded by fishery biologists as well as
fishermen as one of the most important
and beneficial moves in respect to fish man-
agement that has ever been made", Dr.
Schneberger said.
Artistic Stream
Gordon MacQuarrie, well-known outdoor
writer, former Superior resident and long
familiar with the Brule, says that fishing
history has been made on the Brule and
will be again if the Brule problem can be
solved.
"The Brule, edged with cedar and spruce,
is your artist-fisherman conception of the
way a trout stream ought to look," Mr.
MacQuarrie says. "A feature of this river
not to be overlooked is that it just happens
to come to that proper size so that fisher-
men may either boat it or wade it. It is
big enough to be a real fly rod stream and
yet small enough to that it has charm and
variety."
The Brule river commands wide attention
and many people have fished the stream
and lived along its course. Leigh P. Jer
rard, Winnetka, Ill., says that he fished the
Brule as a boy 40 years ago, has a cottage
on the river and has spent many vacatior
days there during the past 25 years.
Mr. Jerrard mapped the Brule and has
followed its history and says that he has
been reading with interest the stories about
the river that have been carried in the
Bulletin.
"I am pleased to learn from you that
the conservation commission has acquired a
large acreage in the Brule bog area", he
says. "I hope it includes the springs near
the head of the east fork. I am also inter-
ested in hearing more about the census of
trout caught on the river and the results
of trapping and tagging fish at Stone's
Landing."
An extensive investigation of conditions
along the Brule river has been carried on
under a cooperative program of the conser-
vation department and the university. The
investigation looks toward better manage-
ment procedure along the stream and direct
control over a greater part of the Brule
river valley is expected to facilitate such
management.
Nature Quotes
Hobbes clearly proves that every crea-
ture lives in a state of war by nature-
SWIFT.
So Naturalists observe a flea
Hath smaller fleas that on him prey;
And these have smailler still to bite 'em;
And so proceed ad infinitum.-SWIFT.
No- man is really happy or safe without
a hobby, and it makes precious little dif-
ference what the outside interest may be-
botany, beetles or butterflies, roses, tulips
or irises; fishing, mountaineering or anti-
quities-any thing will do so long ais he
straddles a hobby and rides it hard.-OSLER.
Nothing exists from whose nature some
effect does not follow.-SPINOZA.
Accuse not Nature! She hath done her part;
Do thou but thine!-MILTON.
Let us a little permit Nature to take
her own way; she better understands her
own affairs than we.-DEMONTAIGNE.
Come forth into the light of things,
Let Nature be your teacher- WoRDs-
WORTH.
Nature abhors a vacuum.-SPINOZA.
So Nature deals with us, and takes away
Our playthings one by one, and by the
hand
Leads us to rest.-LONGFELLOW.
Diseased Nature oftentimes breaks forth
In strange eruptions.-SHAKESPEARE.
In Nature's infinite book of secrecy
A little I can read.-SHAKESPEARE.
Everything in Nature contains all the
powers of Nature. Everything is made of
cne hidden stuff.-EMERSoN.
To him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms,
She speaks
A various language.-BRYANT.
All art is but imitation of Nature.-
SENECA.
To a person uninstructed in natural his-
tory, his country or seaside stroll is a walk
through a gallery filled with wonderful
works of art, nine-tenths of which have
their faces turned to the wal!-HuxLEY,
F. L e an September 5, 1944
E. Leopold
*dw. Schneberger
H. L. Russell
J. D. O0Donnell
Dear Colleaguest
The following is a series of observations, comments and
memoranda made during my recent visit to the Brule River, Douglas
County, August 23-30;
That the brown trout is well established is well known to
all of us, but the following table, constructed from some of the col-
lections made while I was there and added to by other Comparative
data, is very illuminating. Moreover, it indicates the small popula-
tion of fish in *good' sections of the Brule compared to a station
on the Flag and Iron Rivers selected for convenience of contact.
These data while not rechecked with original figures, indicate, among
other things, that greater fishing pressure on the Brule alone may
account for the smaller population of trout. It also emphasizes our
conclusions of the past that planting of legal brook and rainbow trout
should be continued at a scale which is in keeping with the importance
of the stream. Perhaps it might be well to advertise the other streams
of that area a little more in an effort to relieve the fishing pres-
sure on the Brule.
Composition & ouantity of trout in shocker collections
Station Area Brown T. Brook T, Rainbow Total Trout
in grams g/sq.ft. lbs,/acre
Flag River 8900 l,926 126 958 0.51 48
at jct. of forks
Iron River 2400 2,872 "14 1.26 117
road crossing
Brule River
lay's rip 7500 1,080 150 8 0,29 25
C6dar Is, 9600 1,526 105 1,059 0.27 23
U12 mi. below)
Mr. Jacobson and Berube stressed the need for rearing ponds
along the Brule on the order of the Cedar Island lakes. This idea
has been tried to my knowledge in Colorado, but the results have not
been tested experimentally. This might be tested in a future project.
The survey has verified the contention of local residents
that pike and pickerel are plentiful in certain areas of the stream,
but that no great increase is evident over the past 30 years. Never-
theless the local residents should be encouraged to harvest this crop
of fish at a greater level. Perhaps bag size and season limitations
could be taken off these fish in the Brule. Such a move might bring
law enforcement difficulties too great to surmount.
-2-
We started a memorandum. some time agojon the possible damage
to spawning beds caused by anglers wading in the streamllk-"ýe
early
season. It was suggested that areas) with a large number of redds,
could be posted during the spawning period. Has any action been taken?
We might discuss this point at our next meeting.
Since my return I have seen E. F. Bean relative to the
progress our recoxnendation made to the Highway Commission, that a joint
project be set up with WCD on better methods of county and town road$
upkeep in order to cut down erosion from that source. He has heard
of no action and will take up the matter again with Mr. Law. I was
reimpressed with the seriousness of the erosion problem in the lower
Brule when I canoed from linneboujou to Johnison's Bridge.
6ome of the areas I saw might be much improved by some
streamside planting, a point stressed by several of the group. We
can confer with J. Thomson and set up a definite plan.
We should discuss the Douglas County league's proposal for an
electric fish screen, at our next meeting.
The great abundance of suckers in the Brule continues to pre-
sent a problem, in my thinkingjabout the role they play in the trout-
sucker relation. How great can the sucker population get before it
is injurious to trout? Has that level been reached in the Brule?
The shocker collections in the Flag and Iron were low in suckers- the
trout population was greater than in any collections in Brule. is this
significant? It should be tested in some experimental stream set up.
Churchill informed me that no suckers have been identified in the many
stomachs he has examined--this indicates that they are not a great food
source for the trout.
John Hansen, Brule Ranger, suggested that the ice jams at the
mouth of the Brule be blasted to clear the way for migrating rainbows.
He felt that the value of the migration to the tourist trade was suf-
ficient to warrant some definite action to assure a yearly run of rain-
bows. He claimed that more people fished the Brule during the first
two weeks for any similar period in the summer.
Churchill gave some of the highlights of the stomach analyses
of trout. They are, in general:
Ants occurred frequently--shows the importance of terrestrial
organisms dropping in from bank cover
Mayfly naiads were abundant
Caddisfly larvae were abundant
Diptera larvae were abundant
Burrowing mayflies (Hexagenia among others) were common
Clams not very important
Lampreys were rarely eaten in spite of their great abundance.
Churchill claims lampreys are the most abundant fish in river.
We should make arrangements to have J. D. O'Donnell come to
Madison in the near future for a series of conferences to draft a final
report.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hasler
BRULE RIVFR SURVEY
Discussion on April 28, 1944 - Brule Ranger Station
Persons in attendance:
Dean Russell Mr. O'Donnell
Commissioner Leopold Mr. Thomson
Professor Bean Prof. Rusch
Dr. Hasler Dr. Schneberger
Mr. Churchill
Dean Russell opened the discussion by bringing up the
matter of publication procedure and the laying of plans for
publication that would follow the Brule River Survey. He
pointed out that the results should appear in separate articles
because:
1. They could be published with greater rapidity by
arranging the publication in chapters and would
receive more attention by the readers since the
articles would be shorter,
2. By issuing the results chapter by chapter, more
contact with the reports would be mpde,
The next item that was discussed was the place of publication.
It was agreed that it would be most desirable to have the articles
all published in one Journal so that the various bulletins would
be of the same size which would facilitate the final binding of the
chapters into one volume. The following places of publication were
given consideration:
1. Conservation Bulletin
2. Natural History Survey
3, Wisconsin Academy of Science
Professor Bean is to investigate the Possibility of
utilization of the Natural History Survey series to this end and
Dr. Hasler is to inquire of the Wisconsin Academy as to the speed,
financial arrangements, and such service that could be given should
this Journal be used.
The next item to be considered was the matter of chapters
that would be issued and the sequence by which the material would
be released, The following outline was discussed, but is subject
to modification, likewise the titles are subject to alterations:
-2-
Chapter I - Origin of the Brule - Bean
II - History of the Brule River - O'Donnell
III - Changes in Vegetation of the Brule River
Valley from 1856 to 1942 - Fassett
IV - Analysis of Present Day Flora - Thomson
V - Quantitative Measurement of Aquatics - Thomson
VI - The Brule River Soil Erosion Problem-
Bean, Zeasman, and Schweers
VII - Fisheries Biology of the Brule River - OtDonnell
et.al.
a. Physical and chemical characteristics of
the Brule river
b, The bottom fauna of the Brule river -
a quantitative study
c, The food of fishes of the Drule river
d, The ichthyo fauna of the Brule river; an
analysis of fish populations
e. The movement of fishes; an analysis of the
results obtained by the use of a two-way
fish weir
f. A four-year creel census on the Brule river
g. A fish management plan for the Brule river
VIII - Some Aspects of Anchor Ice Formation with
Particular Reference to the Brule River -
OtDonnell and Brigham
IX - Role of Lampreys in the Brule River - Churchill
It was the consensus of opinion that the articles dealing
with fish and fish management would be the most important of the
series, butof course, the others would be necessary to correlate
certain findings. Also, some of the articles would be of an
Introductory nature.
ES: JTG
5-26-44
BRULE RIVER SURVEY
Discussion on Erosion Control of the Brule River -
Evening of April 27 at the Brule River Ranger Station
Persons In attendance:
Mr. Schweers Comm. Leopold
Prof. Zeasman Mr. O0Donnell
Prof. Bean Mr. Thomson
Dean Russell Prof. Rusech
Dr. Hasler Dr. Schneberger
During the day, Messrs. Schweers and Zeasman were taken
through the Brule River Valley to make an inspection of the
sources of erosion and silt contribution to the Brule River
water shed,
The discussion in the evening was in the form of a summary
of the findings of the day.
The four contributing factors to the turbidity of the Brule
River are as follows:
1. Nebagamon Creek
2. Clay banks along the river
3. Highways
4. Agricultural land
During the discussion, it was pointed out that the contribu-
tion from farms was probably very minor and could be disregarded
altogether. However, to check on this item, an interview with
farmers was to take place the following day. Mr. Schweers and
Mr. O'Donnell make one team, while Mr. Zeasman and Dr. Schneberger
would be the other team, and definite areas were assigned.
Upon further discussion of the erosion problem, the matter
seemed to boll down to two principal items, namely the banks of
the stream and the highways as being the principal contributors
to the silt load of the stream, Control and correction measures
were then discussed and it appears that the only corrective measure
that could be applied to the places where the stream banks are
eroding would be that of rip-rapping. The cost of this would be
approximately $1,000 per area and since there are 27 to 30 such
areas, it was believed that the cost would be excessive and
prohibitive and in addition would not carry sufficient returns
on the amount of money invested. It was, however, the consensus
of opinion that considerable improvement could be brought about
by correcting the erosion from the highway drainage ditches,
The approach to the problem would be as follows:
1, Public education of the highway engineers.
2. Correcting the erosion in highway ditches using other
than highway funds. This would be in the nature of
experimental and demonstrational Preas.
3. It was decided thpt Dean Russell and Commissioner Leopold
would contact James R. Law, cheirman of the highway
commission, for a discuseion on the matter.
In conclusion, it was agreed that Mr. Schweers, Prof. Zeasman
and Prof. Bean would make a report on the reconnaissance survey
on erosion of the Brule River valley.
ES: JTG
5-26-44
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Ur. MitoAcmhr Rhijchtord
Dr. R1i P.nnett
Dr. Fauz1 B. Smv~r
Pr. Ira N. Gabrilson
Dr. 11. 1J. Thompson
O~ntlemnsIn
T vms abotit tn wdl out repltie to the lettern uhtah woe of
you sent me recently whon the following wire w-a rneeiyd fro7
Jay Dnrli*, in Floridt"
I rert to reovrt tot Chiutaoun Connerv.tio ik
of, Jul~y 14 hAs b..rn oamepid under cirmuinstances -Aial-
Xma istift "t. ter follows as soon O I US b
I o~ ~ r~Vj'in~ t ýa:uiiorintv V~ ich "!L of Ylu
sen~t w, and I ,a to tank all of ym for ynr gsnroxAs
wa-r,*rt of af eforts. ýio d4tibt Ja-y Ar~wll ý;-rit, u;.c'.
of ua as to tlA raon for his wifr.
iroftcosr of Wildlife ant
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
MADISON, WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 424 University
Farm Place
March 3, 1941
Dr. Ira N. Gabrielson
Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington, D. C.
Dear Gabe:
I have studied your manuscript carefully and believe it has only
one fault from a Chautauaua viewpoint: the audience will lack the
mental images needed to give meaning to the series of generalizations
you make.
We can't, of course, supply mental images for all of your points,
but
by supplying them for a selected few, we can make it easier for
the
audience to follow.
Take, for example, your point on pp. 9-10 which is, in brief: closed
virgin forests support less animal life than open ones. Why not
have
somebody on your staff work out a diagram, rough idea of which is
con-
veyed on attached yellow sheet? Figures needn't be accurate. You
have your new bulletin on rodents in Douglas Fir to draw on. It's
your
personal stamping ground, and therefore appropraite to present in
some
detail. Pictures of course would help show what the two forests
look
like.
On p. 12 you speak of faunal changes paralleling the plant succession.
Perhaps you could have someone diagram a case or two, in some such
style
as my "Case 5" and "Case 71" attached.
On p. 17 your parallel betweea marsh and upland fauna might be diagramed.
On p. 19 your idea of limited productivity might be expressed as
a chart,
diagram, or photograph.
On p. 20 you discuss the fact that eroded soil can't produce much
wild-
life. This is so important that it needs to be hammered home in
some
effective way. I have no suggestions as to just how.
Yours sincerely,
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Management
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
MADISON, WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 424 University
Farm Place
March 3, 1941
Dr. Paul B. Sears
Botany Deoartment
Oberlin College
Oberlin,
Dear Dr. Sears:
The replies to my circular which have come in so far do not
include any new names to handle the subject of water. Moreover,
they indicate that Rachford, instead of talking about vegetation
as avhole, is going to talk principally about forestry. I would
suggest, then, that the logical adjustment is for you to keep
the
subject of water and develop it not only from the standpoint
of
water as a physical resource, but from the standpoint of water
and its particular relation with plaints. This would bring the
subject a little bit closer to your actual specialty than the
original program indicated.
Yours sincerely,.
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Management
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
MADISON, WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 424 University Farm
Place
March 3, 194l
Mr. Christopher Rachford, Acting Chief
United States Forest Service
Washington, D. C.
Dear Chris:
You have your plans and materials so well organized already that
there is little I can add by way of suggestions.
Field to be Covered
As you point out, the content of your Monday program is a little
bit different than the outline Jay Darling gave me. My outline
reads, "Relationship of Vegetation to Soil, Water and Wildlife--
Mr. Christopher Rachford." The outline accompanying your letter,
on the other hand, deals almost entirely with forestry; that is,
it omits range management except as incidental to national forests.
Gabe has sent me a rough draft of his opening address, and I notice
that it deals to a considerable extent with the fundamentals of
vegetation and animals.
I would prefer not to inferfere with your scheme of hitting forestry
hard in your keynote speech. Could this speech say that the same
kind
of deterioration that has taken place in forestry has also taken
place
in ranges, and that your section meetings will include one on range
management? It seems to me that this recognition of range management,
together with wiat Gabe and Hugh Bennett will include, may constitute
sufficient recognition of that field. Let me know if this adjustment
is acceptable to you.
Keynote Speech
The keynote speech has only one defect: it implies that the pronosed
program will be a success if the average citizen votes"aye".
I can't
bring myself to believe this. I suspect a considerable part of
this
audience may be skeptical, and I suspect you are, and that you
have
omitted one thing by accident.
The "thing" I refer to is the public conscience. Unless
and until it
becomes socially untenable to own a wrecked forest, or to work
on one,
or to use or handle the products of wreckage, it will be administratively
difficult or impossible to make a success of the proposed regulation
plan.
-2-
Mr. Christopoher Rachford March 3, 1941
This is a teacher audience. Here is your chance to show the teachers' role.
Of course the public conscience must grow with the olan, but it must exist
in some degree at the outset. The degree to which it must exist is perhaps
this: a consciousness that the consumer is party to the present dilemma;
that
he must change his habits and tolerances before the producer can do much,
even under regulation.
I hesitate to mention the above because it approaches the field of political
belief. If you disagree with me, then ignore the suggestion. If, on the
other hand you agree, then I would modify the keynote speech to lead un to
this question of nublic education.
Section Meetings
One weakness in your sequence of presentation is that the audience will have
no way to understand w the alarming statements made in the keynote speech
are true until they attend a section meeting and learn something about the
resource mechanism. I repeat what I said in my first circular; we cannot
assume that this audience knows the resource mechanism. I urge your section
chairmen to prepare diagrams showing how and why "barrens" develon,
and I urge
your keynote speaker to announce that these "how and why" diagrams
will follow
his survey of the field. I attach a set of roughly parallel "how and
why"
diagrams for wildlife.
May I question the suitability of the evening lecture? It would be alright
if prefaced by the explanation: this is how we try to develop an interest
in
forests among children and uninformed people. Please keep this confidential.
Miscellaneous
By all means retain the moving pictures.
The keynote speech is an original copy, so I assume you may want it back.
Hence
I return it to you. If you meant for me to keep it, please return.
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Management
IN REPLY REFER TO ADDRESS
ONLY THE
DIRECTOR,
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
WASH INGTON
February 27, 1941.
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farp Place,
University of Wisconsin,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Leopold:
I have your note of February 12th regarding the conservation
work at Chatauqua on July 14th to 19th. Ding has already discussed
with me the question of getting a coordinator and we agreed that
you would be the best man we could possibly get. As you undoubedly
know, I would be delighted to see you accept this job.
As to your second question, of the three men mentioned I
think
that Studebaker would probably do the best job as he has taken more
real interest in conservation than the other two. But I like still
better your idea of Robert Cushman Murpjy who has been much more
active and I believe is much better informed on conservation from
our standpoint than any one of the three.
As to how to develop the material, I don' t know, but I have
drafted some stuff as a start. I am enclosing a copy of this for
any comment you may wish to make. This is as far as I have gotten
with it, and it can hardly be dignified by the name of manuscript
although it was intended as a beginning of the work on my presen-
tation in a formal lecture period on the morning of Thursday, July
17th.
It might be a good idea for Chris Rachford and et
to-
gether and discuss the question and see what we can cook up and
send
to you.
Sincerely yours,
Ira N. Gab elso
Director.
Enclosure.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
ADDRESS REPLY TO
CHIEF, FOREST SERVICE WASHINGTON
AND REFER TO
I
Information February 17, 1941
Meetings
Prof. Aldo Leopold,
University of Wisconsin,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Aldo:
Reference is made to your letter of February 12.
There is no doubt in our mind but you are the one to take
over the role of coordinator for the Chautauqua, July 14-19, and
from our knowledge of the way you propose to handle the final
Saturday round-up, I should think that John Studebaker would be
the best because of his wide experience in this sort of thing. I
understand he has participated in a good many forums which were
not especially tied into school work.
Our idea of the general scheme for the Chautauqua is a little
bit different from that you outlined. Mr. Darling outlined it to me
as follows:
1. Chautauqua will be held during the middle of July, 1941,
and an entire week devoted to conservation. He proposes to have
forestry as the lead-off subject, feeling that forestry has more
appeal to the average person than any other subject that could be
put on the program. He therefore points out that the Forest Service
has the best opportunity to start the program on a good, sound, and
emphatic basis. In other words I think he has in mind that the start
of the forestry program will be the keynote of the whole Chautauqua.
2. Monday morning will be devoted to a walk through the woods
with well-known naturalists, breakfast will then be served, and the
regular meeting will start at 11:00 o'clock.
3. The meeting at 11:00 o'clock will consist of the keynote
speech or address by some good speaker in the Forest Service or outside,
if that seems to be the better plan. On the platform will be a forum
consisting of representatives of the Biological Survey, the SCS, a noted
economist, a sociologist, and possibly one other noted person interested
in conservation. After the opening meeting adjournment will be made
for
lunch, at which time the members of the forum will question the keynoter
for an hour and a half.
4. In the afternoon there will be open technical meeting going
on, representing the various work of the Forest Service. The technical
meeting will give each division chief an opportunity to discuss his
particular work.
5. We will have ample space for exhibits.
6. In the evening the popular lecture with motion pictures and
slides can be provided.
7. The general plan of Monday will be followed each of the
succeeding days with the exception that Friday and Saturday will be
devoted to a discussion by the economists and the sociologists who
will attempt to correlate and coordinate everything that has preceded
into a general set of conclusions.
Enclosed is a tentative program and also a proposed keynote
speech, both of which have been worked up in accordance with Mr.
Darling's suggestions, and we were just about to send these to him
when your letter arrived.
You will note the program provides for use of motion pictures
to supplement the speeches and avoid the monotony of making too many
I alks without a break. However, this motion picture feature can easily
be omitted if you think best. You should feel perfectly free to suggest
changes in both the speech and the program, as we want to make our parti-
cipation fit into the scheme that you finally work out after receiving
ideas from the other people involved.
Ac'
Enclosures
-2-
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Washington, D. C.
FEB 28 1941
Dr. Aldo Leopold,
Professor of Wildlife Management,
University of Wisconsin,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Doctor Leopold:
This is to cast one solid vote for Aldo Leopold to be coordin-
ator for the conservation discussions at the Chautauqua School in
July. It will be a real pleasure to work with you.
Also, I want to cast a vote for Aldo Leopold to take over the
Saturday "Roundup". You are eminently 'qualified to handle this
feature
of the program and I, for one, believe we should look no further.
I agree with your statement about the need for establishing
the ecological attributes of resources before launching into discussions
of actual policies and programs. As you point out, there are advan-
tages in presenting events in sequence. I would like to know more
about your sample treatment of concrete cases in wildlife.
Personally, I had in mind developing the chronology of soil
mistreatment on this continent (particularly the United States) from
Colonial times to 1941. The causes, or contributing elements, of
this mistreatment are probably as important as the actual mistreat-
ment itself. This I propose to bring out, for conservation of soil
and water depends to a large degree, as you know, on correcting the
social and economic causes of the trouble.
I would like to give some considerable attention to soil con-
servation districts and their value as a practical conservation tool
in the hands of people throughout the country.
It is possible I may want to have an exhibit at the Chautauqua,
but I trust we may postpone decision on this a little longer.
I'll appreciate any word from you on how the manuscripts should
be shaped up, so that members of the "team" will play only one
position.
Sincerely,
Chief.
OBERLIN COLLEGE
OBERLIN. OHIO
February 18, 1941.
Professor Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Professor Leopold:
I am sorry for the delay in acknowledging your letter
of February 12th. I have been absent from the office
for several days recently and correspondence has been
held up.
Question 1. - Coordinator. By all means! You have
not only my vote but my enthusiastic support.
Question 2. - Program. I have met William Beebe and
like him, but cannot advise you about Andrews, Stude-
baker, or Murphy. I heard Stuart Chase give a swell
talk at the organization of the now defunct FRIEN)S
OF THE SOIL and would also suggest considering Lewis
Mumford who understand ecology, having had a start
under Patrick Geddes. Any of these 6 men should have
considerable appeal from thestandpoint of reputation.
Question 3. - Developing Material. I agree heartily
with what you say about ecological analyses in develop-
ing our topics. I am just working on a chapter for a
new history of Ohio, dealing with the conservation of
that state, and I am basing it all on a digest of all
legislation having to do with forests and vegetation,
wildlife, fishes, and land-use. Taken in connection
with studies of population changes, it makes a beauti-
ful ecological picture. I assume that something like
this is what you have in mind.
Question 4. - Physical Materials. I shall have to think
this over - not clear about this. I am no expert on
water, but believe I could develop its innportance in
relationships from field experience in various parts of
the country. If it develops that someone who really knows
the subject is available, I shall be glad indeed to step
aside or help in any way possible.
Question 5. - No particular suggestions at this time.
Sincerely,
6L / 'J"
Paul B. Sears
n
424Lnv1~jy Yr iqas*
J4; byt~ rimson of his MAOSO, Ot-*.4 -to to $Mk rwo. t',,fn
WA him b I vM14 It ff ptabl to "4t-"Pbo of "V~ t.s.
fr,) hma, And disup1 V, bot~mr hma vltbý lottors. ýiw I "
a. r&D- to agk
each of Yqu to 4Rfl rw dirsovy wht~ I avi tIt& ym "i as 'by1
J~ ~ I U~y~.1 ) v.1to reUv. gotjt yv a n . 4ýsak
Mt4 withot tftri qf ny t~kig cotr votow no a ~~lot
t t rr udcatwdi.;that thosrrsbd iix r 0,1ta at bjftt mtt~'r nd tW 1,
k'amtofnr ~ ont- et A uimT I~16u h
strik. no that the firszt two Nsw Wte littlo inteo.tti canovtm.Al
vr!~o thitwe tit bolter eit)e*r -Alt it ajtVt~teor. &allo t th,1 iM
'Ol 4v
with the ww mebrof the ternm t~o ran it. To 4w it 11 wl WW ri frig*
OttY~ r~r.
va ~ ~I am to 1-ttýAAn taý Ito th1.1
a WOW tho vw poita in jmretau scols for 1*mnt Vthýt 1r4n"
-4
4~wo 4lrsotly- Ltnt -ýo1Ic tat acttV,*a rorm wtthýcxt first
4el~thet
Uieecoo~ttl ttribuoes of Vv resourc thqra a~~ ab04s, n, I.tis ~be)wjt
Wor &,dftfw uaa. To fact of 4etaror.avAtlo are uswdI' 1; xp1A1.-*
butt the
rw~woa for thete facts am wlt or at best asserted as vatenttflo fiM~ngs
wth-
out ftM notet evzpl ývtti of vythe- aru ent~t1*1I tcno a ao
Tomk this Rjnitol worthy of the vmos. I aA*t oal of us btag vish oz Otat--%
to e*-ýAin.~ tb* ewmr sa Iaani tevue of ilUzrtm1,v* oinwet4e
oases, -41-t's
Lefet ~poliy *~ sotlon prw" utt we hta-ý astab~tihe the ngaa11tAUs
*$ehi dietate vald peoltoy smA progra.
Uf this prpslIs av eou, I offeir tý O~tit A OW,~1 tmetmout
of, eorereto axe#*
in utild~fe. ý YMa Mat thee?
Jqj vp*ý of submitting ininerints to e.*iý othewýr bett
bofom nwe&v tlhe Wabew
or nrprwtx~ mzmsacri.ta, I ýropoz that wo first we kertf v; xAz
of one atwi on hew
to deaop. our mterial,
If ym om air# kw 7 at hwa (or tit pubkiotatoft) j intterlaUs whir"
ludiento.7ot
pr--*sd in of attsaak will You lot M. see %!heat I don't MýAn
$RSýIva Unloes
-hyhp-* to hoalready t tiaM. Olvo ze, #a In ~ &V wyy arA hwrnwr
sketc.' iy,
* it s ~w in your asIM for 4swl~p1n ymr fiflAd.
I tokk i~t we aro &411 fr~e to vsm a4Ltional pewplo to ho,*Ip. If yvý
lo wes to use
thca, W I have amo andM a~m as
In the &'bwe t~wssion, 1, of ,oro roer o*1l*etiw~y to the locvtuwe, pano
,aMd
allssee fý'-, your q~. It will be1lp me uz~er#sw y-u aMif y-42will
Indlakto the
1)roosn4 fuiwtiiem of oach of thm thwee, "ws -if prvnatio.s
A# to wavai~ 'ntertatwont", I "o a paxictieur e4 of evor4llatioa,
Tho bosnttiag ain of ";vpils in oearnat"oa it thA, theyr
wist to ua~rtcr
Se0 atOnMO Without =,kywin the attirthtes, or twA th idetit7. Of thte VAu44S,
plant*# o*oils, fte. who awe %I# atow In theA drw
'go ax larg**I, but nqt .atiroI7 bblploss, to 4ypg this tavovsioa of the
asri utM
th-e hors*, We rnau within the almts of trans'rtaloiitys 17ml exhlbits.
If ym
mm-late uulAg &V oxhibits, will ym gie w a r 4. dsrt-A~tion
of tho*?
A" wehre *xW othr acotions *&Lcb ah vii be vniood tat this tt,-*,
or lator.bc, 10
theyr bear on tho ;ulity of oktr ealleatt*v roafrtuaxo?
an uao n iM1 a0y of this to Dr. Nestor *boo I 2401erev. 1, wPweweats the
Chm~m ast Tntittion$ to v" if this tvtlLxi raises &A 4lu"tion
i hia rdd. M
I also at zon4Leg a coM So Jay Dftl4Min L ~a fl.W , shool4 ho hnew mW canuts
Tolrs siaseawe Is
JAY N. DARLING
Written in Captiva, Fla.
Copied at
Des Moines, Iowa
December 24, 1940
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
Fine and dandy. I anticipate no
such feelings as you fear on the part of Hugh Bennett
but I am complying with your request just the same.
You will find enclosed a copy of
my letter to Hugh Bennett, containing suggestions for
his paper which he had asked for. I hope it meets
with your approval. Each one of the key speakers has
been told much the same thought but Bennett wished me
to write it out for him.
By the way, a letter from him just
received in answer to mine giving the final date for
the Chautauqua season says he has put down July lJ4 to
19 on his calendar for it and says so far as he knows
there is nothing ahead to interfere. Evidently the
South American junket is not interfering with our show.
I have some pretty voluninous notes
and suggestions which I have set down from time to time
which may be helpful. I'll send them along as soon as
I can get time to transcribe them in legible form.
You of course must feel perfectly
free to exercise your own judgment in outlining policies
and devices which may seem best for the purpose of giv-
ing the audiences a clear understanding of the inter-
dependence of water, soil, vegetation and wildlife.
I sure will be interested in the
final result of the Ames project under Errington. No
I had not forgotten it and knew something of the
general progress on the work as it went along.
Leopold #2
I'm beginning to get results from
the relaxation away from the constant pressure of the
home office. It has been a high pressure year indeed,
which probably accounts for the recurrence of the old
stomach ulcer trouble. The latter are not susceptible
to rapid methods and it will be several months before
I can hope to have them safely under control but the
treatment is largely rigid diet and repose, neither
of which is hard to take.
Best regards,
D:S
71ritter. in atv,
Copied at
Des iioine!, 10owV
December 2ý4,, 1940
Dprat of Arlcutu~e
Washing tonj, f1)A rC~t
Dear Dr. Barnett:
0lad to have yo reassuring letter
about the Chautauquta prosram July 14 to 19. 1 hla noted
soaewhere that you were scheduled to take on a Soil Con-
servaion project in Venezuela soetime soon and feared
it might be a c flictine interest.
The Chautauqua project is being plan-
ned on a large scale to brini in L'or the course, In addi-
tion to the usual Chautauqua asseblage, a general repre-
sentation from educational institutions, uational. eroaps
such as Garden Clubs, T 's Federation, 8tate Conserva-
tion agencies, etc. et. lhe publicity cawpaig begins
with the first of the year and will be generous In its
proportions *
I have been forced to q-uiet down a
bit in ty activIties3 "or a whIle., due to an attack of
wtomach ulcers*. othing serious; I. 'beea living with
them more or less intizately for the last twenty-five
years and a period of repose and rigid nales of diet
generally gets the deslred result6.
While I a relax in the interezt
of my alAentary eanal, I have askedAo Leopold to
handle the detasl. of preliainary arrangements for the
Chautauqua program. Mhis temporary arrange t however,
will not prevent m rcx keepin6 in touch with hks
and I have some notes on what sems to me important in
the interrelationship of subject mtter of the various
speakers on the protram.
Yar be it f r0 me to S6ugest how
you should dramatize your subject of soils. There is
no one in the field of CAservatlon work wh) hes so
greata capacity to stir an audience and clearly set
forth your subject as you.
be at I my contribute will onlY
be a general formula by qch the subject tatter of
soils, watr, ve;etatio %L and wildlife may be tied to-
gether .n the Iinds of the audience.
Within a few days I will have these
notei on the above "foraul in order aiu will send them
on to you.
Nst regards,
Ruh Bentt 02
JAY N. DARLING
Des Moines, Iowa
December 6, 1940
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
Your letter of December 3rd came
in after I had just about closed up shop ready to
leave for the south. Itm glad I caught it because
it allows me to analyze the job as I had contemplated
it and to set down some of the things I had in mind
in the way of preliminary coordination of the various
topics.
Having already personally visited
with Gabrielson, Hugh Bennett of the Soil Service,
and Rachford of the Forest Service, who, with their
staffs, will make up a large part of the program, I
doubt if any personal travel on your part will be re-
quired. At least I hadntt intended to do any myself.
It was my intention to have each one of the keynote
speakers send in a draft of his address, have copies
made of them and send them out to each one of the men
so they could read what the other men were going to
say and recast his own manuscript so there would be
as much elimination of duplication as possible and an
attempt made to dovetail one subject into the other.
I do not expect this job will be perfectly done be-
cause there is always the necessity of so dramatizing
each particular subject so the audience will feel
fairly rewarded for listening to just one speech even
tho it is impossible to attend them all.
I thought I might take the liberty
of making some suggestions to each one of the speakers,
provided his manuscript did not sufficiently contribute
to the ecological picture. I have already warned them
that this process of writing and rewriting might be
required and each one was anxious to do it because
there has long been the realization in each onets mind
that such a unified program should be provided. I do
not think you will run into any serious hazards in
that line.
Leopold
Wooddy Thompson who, you may
remember, spoke on the Relationship of Economics
to Conservation, in our little Des Moines Symposium,
has since that time recast his ideas and I think
would do a pretty good job, but Stuart Chase has es-
tablished a name for himself and thought along this
line considerably. He probably would make a rabble-
rouser speech which would please the audience but
might not be as thoughtful as Wooddy Thompson.
We did have a lot of difficulty
pulling the topics together in our Des Moines Short
Course School, but it ought to be a much easier job
with such men to work with as Hugh Bennett, Gabriel-
son, and the Forestry Service.
My theory was that, given the out-
line of the day's program, the responsibility for the
various headliners and secondary forums would be on
the shoulders of the man whose subject was headliner
for that day. That goes for everything except the
lunch forum programs, which ought to be fun and should
be a free-for-all, with Land, Water and Wildlife put-
ting Forestry on the pan at the Forest Day luncheon,
and so on through the week.
I do not have much anxiety about
the mock trial. Bestor would not be the director of
that effort but Bestor's dramatic department (which
he thinks is very good indeed) would be responsible
for the show, script and all, after the data is fur-
nished them on the habits of the crow and the crow's
characteristics, good and bad. Gabrielson has
promised to tend to that part of it and if you want
to chuck the mock trial out of your department I'll
be glad to relieve you of that item on the program.
I think I can do it by correspondence without much
difficulty. I would like to have you examine the
script after it is written and correct it for bio-
logical facts.
To answer your question more
directly, I see no reason why you can't carry on
this job by correspondence without any interference
with your school program, if you feel a real inter-
est in the project.
Of course if the thing doesn't
appeal to you as being very much worth while, and
does not enlist your enthusiasm, then I would surely
advise that you do not make the sacrifice necessary
to do it, but I had hoped you would gravitate to it
naturally.
#2
Leopold
Please don't do -t on my account.
I'd much rather turn the whole thing down than to
put any unwelcome or uninteresting job on you and
it isn't too late to sign off with the Chautauqua
Institution if we do it soon.
Best regards and good luck.
Yours very truly.
D:S
#3
JAY N. DARLING
Des Moines, Iowa
December 3, 1940
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
I am quite encouraged to see
that you are even willing to take the Chautauqua
proposition into consideration. I had feared
that you might have your schedule already so
filled that it wouldn't be possible for you to
consider it.
That outline of the program
which I sent to you is not necessarily - either
in personnel or detailed subject matter - a fixed
program, and if you consent to carry it out you
may take such liberty with it as you choose. My
whole thought in setting up this show was to
avoid the usual procedure whereby either the Forest
Service or the Wildlife Service or sometimes the
Soil Conservation Service holds a pow-wow and em-
phasizes only its branch of conservation without
mentioning its inter-dependence on all the other
ecological contributors, and anything you may
choose to insert into the program which will show
naturets organism functioning in all its aspects
and inter-relationships will be welcome.
What I held out to the Chau-
tauqua Institution was the prospect of a conserva-
tion school which would be comprehensive in scope.
We had in mind that we would get out invitations
and special notices to the various organized groups
interested in conservation. For instance, our Re-
gional Directors and State Directors of the Federa-
tion ought to attend. The State Conservation Chair-
men of the Garden Clubs in the United States should
be there. There should be a good field for atten-
dance among the public school teachers, particularly
in those states where they have a well developed
educational program. The Chautauqua Institution main-
tains a very competent publicity department and pub-
lishes a monthly magazine which is very extensively
read by the middle-class families who make up the
main body of the Chautauqua summer attendance.
Leopold #2
It is really one of the finest audiences that I know
in America and for special features in the main au-
ditorium they have audiences running from 1500 to
5,000 people, according to the popularity of the
lecturer or entertainment. They are giving over the
entire week to the subject of conservation, with the
exception of Thursday night, when the Symphony Or-
chestra opens its series of concerts. That is quite
a concession and I have an idea that if we are able
to dramatize the conservation subject as well as it
is possible, the annual conservation school will be-
come a permanent fixture in the New York Chautauqua
Assembly.
I am just gathering together my
odds and ends to migrate to Florida and probably your
next letter will find me there. It will be forwarded
from this office, and I do hope, sincerely, for a
favorable reply.
Best regards.
As e incerely,
D:S
JAY N. DARLING
Des Moines, Iowa
November 25, 1940
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
Gabrielson has been here and
gone since our last exchange of letters and a very
important circumstance has made it necessary to alter
my activities and come to you for help. What I am
about to suggest has Gabrielsonts enthusiastic endorse-
ment.
An old offender - stomach ulcers -
which once very nearly put me under the ground, hav-;
again asserted their authority and refuse to be reason-
able. For the next six months I have got to let the
steam pressure down in my boilers. The most serious
consequence is the effect it will have on my partici-
pation in setting up the program for Chautauqua Con-
servation Week which, by the way, has been switched
from the second week in July to July 14 to 19th. I
will analyze that matter later.
I realize that to even approach
you with the suggestion that you take over the manage-
ment of Conservation Week at the New York Chautauqua
requires an awful lot of crust on my part, but after
you have heard me through it may not be so bad.
In the first place, as Gabriel-
son said, there is no one in the country who could do
it so well as Aldo Leopold, and I thought I detected
a note of relief in Gabrielson's attitude when he
thought there was a possibility that you might direct
the program instead of me.
Now I am perfectly aware that
you could not attempt any such major activity on a
voluntary contribution basis and I am suggesting as
an inducement the sum of $2500 as a salary to you, to
be paid in instalments or in a lump sum, as you may
desire. There will be an additional $500 available
for such expenses as may be necessary to put on the
show.
Leopold #2
Fortunately the expense for
speakers and forum leaders is not much of a problem.
Gabrielson, Bennett (of the Soil Conservation Service)
Rachford of the Forest Service and Paul Sears of
Oberlin have all offered to contribute their own ser-
vices and those of their staff. I had planned, how-
ever, that at least Paul Sears' personal expenses and
any personal costs that reached beyond the regular
Sovernment per diem allowance would come out of the
500. Personally I shall be happy to defray any extra
costs which may come in from unexpected quarters be-
cause it seems to me this is a chance to return to
Society some of the rewards with which I have been un-
duly blessed.
To give you some idea of the
set-up, I am enclosing a copy of the program as roughly
designed up to date. This program copy is the revised
version just received from Dr. Arthur Bester of the
Chautauqua Institution and he has taken some liberties
in juggling the personnel which were not included in
my draft. For instance, he has put my name at the top,
to which I could raise many justified objections. The
assignment of various subjects also was made without
careful study. For instance, Paul Sears is scheduled
to key-note the subject of Water Resources, for want of
a better man to do it. I have since learned that Dr.
Ellis, of the University of Missouri, is letter perfect
on the subject and does a swell job of dramatizing it.
Paul Sears is willing to do anything and go any place
where he can be of the most use and the whole set-up
as now set forth in this preliminary draft is subject
to any readjustment that you might think wise.
Bennett, Rachford and Gabrielson
are all nailed down for the program, together with such
members of their staff as may be needed to put on their
sectors of the show.
The Chautauqua Little Theatre
Group is headed up by some experienced experts in drama-
tization, who conduct an all-winter Little Theatre move-
ment in the Cleveland Playhouse at Cleveland, Ohio.
They are presumed to be experts and Dr. Bestor has as-
sured me of their cooperation in staging any dramatic
entertainment which we might devise to spot-light the
program. I had in mind a mock trial of Old Jim Crow
in costume, arrested and brought into court by a game
warden, on complaint of perhaps a wild duck or a farmer.
Leopold #3
There would be character witnesses for and against the
Crow, sufficient to bring out the whole story of the
Crow's place in environmental balance. The prosecuting
attorney and attorney for the defense would sum up the
case before the Judge and Jury and the final instruc-
tions of the Court would be a moral lesson in the treat-
ment of the Crow. That is just one of the details which
will not be difficult and Gabrielson has promised to
furnish the data on the Crow around which the script
for the trial could be written. Dr. Bestor assures me
that the directors of their Theatre Group are expert in
such matters.
I shall await word from you with
considerable anxiety for the reason that if you do not
find it possible to take over this job, both Gabrielson
and I agreed that we would have to sign off and let the
matter drop.
On the other hand, if you see in
this project the same stimulating and challenging oppor-
tunity which I felt you will not find it an unwelcome
burden.
Sincerely,
D:S
prgg rarw~ed by Mr, Jay N.D1, a rlinrg, Ekmrar Provident Gwiw&1
Wildlife Federatio in cooperation with
Ohuaqa F3r "4 Tree Club, ~, ***1n Lk.Iizou, 11rsIdent
Ch ,auuqa Xati+Aitias, Othur ,*e*tor,,':resi dent
8Dr. thg t of Chitmoo 5.11 Casw l~mS Wl._ .~a~
4et r.l A442f Iedepsi4 one W~dLf tI ~o
Wisconin*
E*. Au1 I. 1*, wCofsor of lat.-y, Oberlin Colleg-.,
Dr. Im ý,Ga ilzn Chief hreauý of lioloGI.al 'ýre,
United
States Do-,rtrt of 4-riuatlt-ir..
Dr/ R.,. Th *sn 1,iversity of Ir. w a
Dr. Vudlph- Senst t~nlvarzty of 111ixnols.
Dr. !Lo ,,ad tiveroitty o-t Illinois.
Dr. . S'alyer, Uhted Latoe. IDepx~n~t of the Interlor.
Wýs. Gladys Fry, Ameriou ustm of 1tawt 1 r etQ
Dr. Jo)m :;akar, AA~hbm Liooitr t, TI'w York
.Jr. A. A. Alloug Oa l 11ivormity
Dr* . ?,ilb.r Farson, IF~re-lilnt Enoritua, A ~ eoi
barly bird hie =dr6ede& 8t 10 inpat
9 A.M. Hkr4 Club breakfast tw hibor*,TI&&rv !,all~1
20#48 L~awe Swriesq A~pithaatr
U160 bt us ) hem, Alai )ihall w1't& forum pwl ansu.b~eet ofmong
tile SBsehl of Conservation, Smith ,WLlkee bli
Wse Motion pictures, playu or lesturesg, Amphitheater
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or Soil to tho Proooemw
Dr# 11%4h Bennette
U*30 Forum Panel* Dr, Patul SON". MAirmaja, Panol.
Utehfard, GabrIelson, Lsoyald, Thoopw= and 5alyer,
PopuW leaturia an '-'Foliae Wtion platwvv lectxwo or p&Le&-A*
41-
Its Reltlonaadp to Soil# Uroetati and'A
v3 P l D
glib ,bm4 C~s)oa (F1) FihadAqai Mttov()Fod
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bramt1o Pwfcrr&-.*** Itook Trial of the Crowe
10145 L*etw-*, Relationship of nýld Lift to Vegertations Soils
Pro 4tbrieUovio
8115
21u The aao.
POSItiepatio of Ioe±4ty
Smo as. of a related 't hr
$01
Sarly bird4 biks~ dua loawgo 6 to 10 in pat
9.00 3I4 Club bre.kfact for hikers. Te Room A~lwmi !*11.
20800 Final 4m1 Discussio
11.00 CO04t Ohm~qm S~m rhsr&boadoet by 1faional Rmdoamtin
1.50 M~rmo bg mo fb1 * oUtg* Dr. kq Cbpm Md.,rwwmi 'Ar..or Anron
xMufiewo fthwum1 Jfatwy,
2240 F"01 MOSUSSIOD, Dr, L*Opold ChIrr*n.
Gabriolean, 3ftn4rttv PAt*Uord and rhompsan,
PM91, Messrs. Sears,,
Popular lecture an water#. ymizw
, picture$ 0,
and *,""tjo p3Ants, i,,mtr:, ýý&ter
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10145 toatwo* Ulatimad-Ap of Natural 91080uraos to ftist,,
and fhw*n 13161faro* Dar, S~,m or Dr, the"M. 11,000 rr"Parit
y
424 University Parm Pl.ee
Novembe~r 15, 19 0.
M~r. Jay S. Darling
a/* Rister-ribuno
Des Moines, Iowa
Dear Jay t
I Oan appreoiate Your prediocaent in the matter of tfiding a
speaker on water. I entirely agree with you that the Bydr-bio.logioal
Conference did not diselose aus timber. Th* best oAe I have found
is Kennoth Rood of the Isaak Walton Lwigue. Of eourse he is weak
on the technical end, but ths may not be a very grave deoet for
present purposes.
I have reserved the second week in July for you.
The ýAdwest Wildlife Conference at Urbana last week attempted the
same kind of ,na inclusive omnd-up as you attempted at Dos Moines,
and I think we did a better job. Rudolf Bennitt of Missouri helped
me with it.
With beot regards,
Yours as 4wer,
A1do Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Management
JAY N. DARLING
Des Moines, Iowa
November 13, 1940
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
Thanks for sending me a
copy of your review of "tThis is our Land". You
spoke more highly of the text than I had feared
it deserved; altho I realized it had a lot of
excellent material in it I thought it was a
pretty stogy production for a subject which has
so many dramatic aspects.
The Chautauqua Conservation
Week is again up for discussion. They want to
allocate the second week in July and carry out
the program a good deal as I outlined it to you
last year. I've already got the promise of
Bennett, Gabrielson and the Forest Service to put
on a day's show for each one of their subjects
but Itm still stumped to know where to turn to get
the right keynoter on the subject of water, its
management and its relationship to soil, vegeta-
tion and wildlife. I had hoped that I might pick
out one from the speakers at the Hydrobiological
Conference at Madison last summer but I failed to
be impressed with anyone who looked like a head-
liner for a big audience such as we hope to have
at Chautauqua.
I want you to pin down the
Second Week in July without fail. We couldn't put
on the show without you and if you do the things
I have tentatively allotted to you, you'll have
about the busiest week you ever spent in your life
but it will be all old stuff to you and will require
very little preliminary preparation.
Leopold #2
As for me, IVve got stomach
ulcers and am expecting a visitation from old man
bronchitis as soon as the wintry blasts begin to
blow. I really ought not to take on this Conserva-
tion School for the New York Chautauqua program but
I canTt see any way to duck it.
Bes. ar2s -
D:S
JAY N. DARLING
Des Moines, Iowa
March 29, 1940
(Dictated at Captiva, Fla.)
Mr. Aldo Leopold
University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
For a number of reasons, we have had
to cancel the Conservation Week program originally
scheduled for the summer of 1940 at the Chautauqua as-
sembly at Chautauqua, New York, but in canceling this
yearts plans we have secured a better opportunity for
1941, with more time to prepare the program and a hundred
percent prospect of getting the key speakers with which
to top line what we hope will be the most complete sympo-
sium of conservation presentation ever undertaken.
Word has just come to me that this new
arrangement has received the confirmation of the program
committee for the New York Chautauqua assembly. Put it
down in your date book that some time between the first
of July and the middle of August, 1941, there will be one
of the most representative and largest audiences in the
United States available for the presentation of a compre-
hensive conservation discussion.
It is my judgment that we can accom-
plish the most for our cause by showing the inter-relation-
ship between soil conservation, forestry conservation,
water conservation and wildlife conservation, rather than
by placing too much emphasis on the importance of any one
of the segments of the conservation field alone.
It has been the habit in the past for
soil conservation experts to talk to those who would lis-
ten to that branch of the subject; forestry exponents
have had for their audience those who were tree conscious;
water conservationists (if any) have been limited to such
audiences as power, irrigation and navigation groups;
wildlife conservationists have had for their audience
largely the sportsmen and bird fanciers. It seems to me
quite the general rule that the groups who have listened
to one specialty have not generally bothered to acquaint
themselves with the equally important other branches of
natural resources.
I*
Leopold
I hope that we can so pattern our pro-
gram that the interdependence of these various branches
of conservation may be made convincingly apparent. I would
like, also, to include in the program the relationship of
Government to Conservation, Economics to Conservation and
Sociology to Conservation.
I am going to ask each one of you to
give some thought to the best way of accomplishing the
above purpose and to let me know in the near future how
your particular field can be best presented so that the
audience will not only be vitally interested but convin-
cingly instructed. What features have you to suggest which
contribute to your particular branch of the conservation
field? And above all, give me the names of men who are
able to dramatize (and at the same time adhere to scien-
tific principles) the topics which are suggested by the
above outline.
I do not want to be the determining
factor in the framing of the above program but the respon-
sibility is put upon me to organize the program and I now
call upon you for concrete suggestions.
Following the receipt of your letters
I will make it a point to visit each one of you and lay
before you the preliminary draft of the program pattern
for your criticism and amendments. I want this preliminary
work completed in sufficient time so that we will not again
experience the disappointment which occurred when contem-
plating the program this summer, when only one of the seven
key speakers approached was able to fit his time to the ap-
pointed date. By starting out early we ought to avoid that
difficulty.
With best wishes, I am
Yours very truly,
)JA DAR~LING
P.S..This same letter goes to a limited group of con-
servation leaders who, in my judgment, will be
found coagenial to each other. It is necessary
to avoid anything which might smack of politics
in framing this program.
J.N.D.
D:S
Nra'ch 31. -19146
It. A.Wllijar "Mimth
1To& York gio.dal oaciety
Yaur letter cor-yjXonc -r that y-i oand lo1ok
alike the imtter of title of 7ill Vogtts
book, )1ovefr, as loe4 ,vi! 3 oesn1 t feel
sun resed. in the matter I upopa e eha4
bettor forget abrit it, ' ev the Win
thltn is wat i i-silde, n-1 *at Ai outul(.
I s atill hopinc to n thc 1" meetirg.
~1do Le@po~d
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
-AQ4D4GIGAr-.PARK
March 12, 1948
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Dr. Leopold:
I was very glad indeed to receive your letter of March
9 to the effect that you might very probably be able
to attend our meeting early in May. This would be a
real pleasure.
I have just come back from the Wildlife Conference with
Fairfield Osborn. He met your daughter. Unfortunately,
I missed her. It was a grand meeting. I wish that you
could have been there.
Frankly, I simply donlt know what got into the Book-of-
the-Month Club changing Bill Vogt's title. I can only
feel that the sales force, who in any publishing house
seem to be guided by some curiousand conventional rules,
rebelled at the negatives. Somebody at a sales conven-
tion, or in a college course, must have told them that
negatives in a title kill the salel ROAD TO SURVIVAL
sounds as if it ought to feature Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
Bill was in fine form in St. Louis.
Yours sincereJ.ý
A. Wi)A-ii Smith
1x*A111hlrim 3mith
Goan.-,Ao D Z4#1ioa1 o1
11ev To* 22, Nm, yort
Dmi Mr. Suith:
I Mw no prosnt, obutaol-, 7 I -5 maiW~,
bu f acnr-e I hnvmn to At v*4 ooaditlon
prvalat thmt time. t )ae r--t down the, 4atem
:nnd will try to kwp Viam clsaWi. I think It to
hil~ily probablc thzkt I All mikIt, lýt 11itil
m, eye is dfJtal)? evor with, I ,mud4 a
f~oolsh to rromie. tbi~ or wrting~.
Yen, I was dolijoitod to ligyr abnxit Bill V ýtA
wool., but I can't undvj~nta "VseI
title. 14ao "1Io Loaves j ?*e -ho h wvv
for bor of the A4cmth 1b
Yuan SIA00rely,
A~~z~~ ý1do 4pl
V'rqm
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
February 27, 1948
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Department of Wildlife Management
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Dr. Leopold:
I wrote to you on February 17 in connection
with the proposed meeting of the Advisory Council. We
are all very conscious of the desirability of coming
together at as early a date as possible. A quick can-
vass, however, indicated that we cannot possibly get
together more than two or three members of the Council
until Friday and Saturday, 7, 8, May, and we have fixed
definitely on these dates. Would you be good enough,
therefore, to make a note of taem and do your very best
to arrange to keep them for this meeting. I should also
be grateful for your confirmation that these dates are
in fact convenient for you.
You will, of course, have heard the news that
Bill Vogt's book is the June choice of the Book-of-the-
Month Club. It is to be published under the title of
ROAD TO SURVIVAL. Itts selection should ensure a really
good sale and, consequently, a far wider understanding
of the issues before us.
Yours sincerely,
A. Willam-emlth
AWS:Y
(
I
Mr. A. Willitam :Swmith
'onsmeption Divistio
Ncnw york o lýa Society
122 ýhst 58th Street
rew 0Yor 22, New Yor
Dar , r. Smitht
I an naid I have to 4,o out of the -.I-ne
meet1n;. i T 3wat !!ettinf ovr - op ,tion
on nY eyeq, and this Ws -:t 7e qo -ch. in
iuaer in teqin that I hiw no bumiueea
mOiuv triýps wntil the s-,e ter to voer. If
3i1l Vo:t is abbe to be there i will be -Ld
to hve him srpak for ~e I an sorry to
disappoint you, but for t0h -rannet I have to
W cars of r eye first. Yf*i migt tell
14r. Osboxm thAt I am w."psin the
wilflife confencre at St. 'TO ; I Mektton
this sIitply to show that I do not lJltly
.,abnon Ry hone wo Join inL the- snrinp me.-ting.
T o~ inearely,
A~dpn Aid XLocoId
kL:pm
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CONSERVATION
-Z~ee)E06eAL-P9%f*
February 17, 19483
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Dr.Leopold:
We have found it necessary to postpone our projected
meeting with our Advisory Council which had been
arranged to take place on Friday and Saturday, the
27th and 28th of February, as the majority of the
members of the Advisory Council are unable to attend
at that time.
We are, therefore, trying to find dates for the meet-
ing which would be suitable for as many as possible.
It appears that the end of the third week in April
(Friday and Saturday, April 16th and 17th) would be
convenient for some members of the Council. Would
you be good enough to let me know as soon as possible
whether these days would be convenient to you and,
if this is the case, please reserve them, at least
tentatively.
If these dates are not convenient, I should be most
grateful for alternative suggestions. We feel that
an early meeting is essential and that it should have
the benefit of as large an attendance as possible.
Yours sincerely,
A:-1 =a Smith
AWS:Y
kL SOCIETY
AQUARIUM
0 CONSERVATION
k VN..-ATL7 -~ i ~2l\iUN'
122 E, 3th St. New York 22, N. Y. ?ARM
PLaza 9-6934 -Pod t NOWVOA rol.-k
February 12, 1948
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Dr. Leopold:
I know you will be delighted to receive
the news of the British award of the
King's Medal for Service in the cause
of Freedom to Dr. oCaryl P. Haskins, a
member of the Advisory Council of the
Conservation Foundation.
Caryl Haskins work during the war was
shrouded in mystery. We know enough,
however, to say that this honor has
been more than fully earned.
Tours sincerely,
7~*&JtL:Z
A . WillIsurSlith
NEWT
EDUCATIO.
Er. )rfi4d Osborne
..'m York Zoologioal, .Q1octy
w Yoi: 20, New York
ir 7"Afeldl
At h nmot I )vvo te ua, of on1y one eye,
i v a'CI 10h ld for rn Iditio ltýo. Z
Ia..4 SO- lioeapls of 14t- so~I oon kni ý to -U1t
-t in the alcktr by thoi -)n of robrury, bu~t I
h-ve no) ausunuwf of it.. T-horo'fore, the b-est t
cal wV at this time is thAt I will o if 1 1an.
I;i v verz sor In -. LI- )o be obli3.nd t1 he1 e
on this natte.
Ath peronrl retrds,
Yours si~ erel,
Aldo Leopold
j,=a,7 ig4a
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New York
20, N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
January 13, 1948
Dear
Since the printed statement of Purpose and Program of the Conservation
Foundation was sent to you a number of developments have taken place.
Some of these will have a bearing upon the Foundation's international
activities, as well as upon other elements in our program.
Decisions in this formative period will naturally have a lasting in-
fluence upon the Foundation's work in the years that lie ahead. We
feel in genuine need of the collective wisdom and advice of the
members of our Advisory Council. Further, we want to bring you up to
date with what has been happening since we last met.
Consequently we wish to call a meeting in New York on Friday, February
27th, running over to Saturday, the 28th, and greatly hope that you
can plan to be present at this meeting. Naturally the Foundation will
wish to pay the travel expenses of those who live outside of the City.
We greatly hope that you will be free to come to New York for this
conference and I ahall appreciate hearing from you concerning this.
With warmest regards,
Sincere, vours
Dr. Aldo Leopold
Department of Wildlife Management
University of Wisconsin
'Madison, Wisconsin
FO:RES
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New York
20, N. Y.
CIrde 5-5750
December 31, 1947
Dear Aldo:
Thank you very much for yours of the 17th giving your
further observations on the need for "inspection" of
projects. This is most helpful and certainly we must
keep this problem greatly in mind as we get into action
on specific programs.
We are hoping to have a meeting of the Advisory Council
within the next month or two and I shall be communicating
with you as to your coming on for it. We certainly would
not wish to hold it without you.
With best wishes for the New Year,
Yours ever,
Preside it
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
424 University Farm Place
Madison 6, Wisconsin
FO : RES
(I
Docem-beýr 17# v147
MIr. Falrfield O~born
]-w ~oAi Zo~o! oal7C' Society
630 Fift" Xvemaf
Niew Yo~k Q, 0, Yo±
Dea ýIrfin!ld:
en tne 1iOtiOnOy to a Um.A r , it al*ost inevitably
vo'vr thie riustion of -n~ortion", to find. out frc ti!e
to ti how thi mny is b~n usod. T ten Uite 8 bli-he
denxr oby thris nd;Idlf Slc arez od xa1
of m, t n e of at least t of the mon° thFh tAek of Inpoea-
tion. 0n te otfer h~ui it i bios that too o i*eo-
tion or Inspection of th'e w~ kiiA ni~t be oonstnied as
lofoc of eonfidenceN
Insti~t goj~ve ne finids for rosoe." in half a dozen coll1e
ad ! a1 d the lob of mi su'e tho funds were bir weU
used. Thne roble cos don tc' t~s. Te ineoetr r,ýzt be
u1 in~irtkon to the reol fonts her than a poltloer.
4.i in turn i1 a Imestion of -mrionlht7 end of tehial
'o ld c. c Ca sew this A ro . fac!n yo in tre frturo,
d II I in(1ded Ws to ot ýt t fl ht the 'roblm exists.
I hve the strone imoesion thot lieorag mer will be
strg fro-- the ins i.tion -V Joust hiw to j~t r oo'
suCtion fron thr te*,hnical nnt fro¶ se-h a wide diverity
of entorprises in a hard on% for ¾ich X do nt 4ew the
auw Ir, It mi~t be woi d t whether the er,7tion
of thc. tti onl emn reh tonnAil on the teh! Cl nd vwud
be an asset.
i do not i hly at any of te be is -A news to yc. I
idontl'v failed to msa)v Clear - I wT driving it.
I :r iorin to say that 31i1 Yot has had to abandon his
trip to 14huton on acomt of illness in hi. family. I
still hiom to see him brieflr in hýCeA o, and to tal over
our affaira.
With best 0hristmas wishes,
Your* an eovew,
,Ido Leopld
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New York
20, N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
December 12, 1947
Dear Aldo:
Thank you greatly for your letter of December 8th. I am
wondering whether I can burden you to elaborate somewhat
on your suggestion regarding the inspection system. I am
sure that I am dull about it but I do not quite understand
what you have in mind and would therefore deeply appreciate
some clarification.
So glad to learn that you are feeling so very much better*
Keep aM its , 0+
Sincerely yours.,
Dr. Aldo Leopold
Department of Wildlife Management
University of Wisconsin
Madison 6, Wisconsin
FO:.RES
Ar. ftirtield Otbom
Alw York Zoo1chica Soclioy
Mw York -21, N" af
It Lurn ch p1w-ao thai the propocta is in print,
and I have Glvim it we huxvied r~andin without
t1Mincin .Aqti,,4 to tltll @x3int, and with
stron 4prem of Uthe job a* a who1e.
1ýaoly Q U24 0iatl mt I cn'ý iazse xt this
MO.MontRi totoMT ge%1zthe1~ 'If the
inmmt that gmate are w~s. I ha4d snms -1"t
pain~ful mcp~ri.onoe with ILz.imtnaequata . soto
qiuia of the "Wti4Ulfo Malta" ..estýblished
4eea.4e ago by the Wi~ldlfe lntltu4te. It Is of
ooitrio a poin~t of *vmt kind. as v.34 its how awi
fida quetiozi of stilaating, without interfenring.
Zios thwtt are, of omire, not ae" to you~ or
Mr* 73rawer, Va~t ~r Impr.*siin of thiw3 u1,t be of
sone £7351 use in. dalir; withý ooatribtors.
I An pretty wall bawl- on. r f-oet. IPleas coaaWe
'Un -,N rearda to 'Mr. Brvr
Your* slncare4-,
A~g~Aldo Leopold
Doembiv 9, 1947
Allq=
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New York
20, N. Y.
Cirde 5-5750
ITovember 21, 1947
Dr. Aldo Leopold,
University of Wisconsin,
Mpdison, Wisconsin.
Dear Aldo:
There is forwarded to you herewith the statement of the
Conservation Foundation's purnoses and near-term -orogram of ac-
tivities. I shall be greatly interested to get your reactions
to this report.
There is also enclosed a statement indicating the nro-
jected administrative budget, as well as sum-imary of the cost of
projects which it is honed the Forndation can undertake during
the yet r 1948.
Our next move is to secure financial sunnort which will
assure the work of the Fomundation for at least a three-year
period, namely for the years 1948 to 1950 inclusive. We are now
engaged in an effort to raise the necessary funds and, needless
to say, will report to you later as to how we are progressing.
In due course we shall plan a meeting of the United States mem-
bers of the Advisory Council and at a later time hone to be in
a position to arrarve for a joint meeting w4th the foreign mem-
bers.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Sincerely yours,
Sre sident
*05a~lAWý62,ý 00 Wi,00 0 -MM
N" 5#000 580050 5.000
Liull'"T 45W 9cm 10
?rxa (Stat) -50000 5#000 50000
aeaft Fnd50000 se00 58,000
TbtP4" 6,9 0 W 30*00
AdtrAMveS~ Ad0:1"NS..a
ARMAMUT.19
Pacqium 13UPU? SWWA3T
cUomervation ',.*aibit at the Now Twrk Zoological Pawk
StW! Iniuatigatioa of Goernin dction at the
School and College Lov4
N-blicatiofl Projet
Partialpatton in the Jaris f'wfeec to be Called by
UN,0ý; for the Czteation of an Internationa ibioa
for Natur Potcto
Now Yoi CofrneIn 1948s gor ý;rps keube of
W,ýorld-lde Surmy of the Izuziderm of So~4 Loslon
Rehabilitation of the International Off-le for the
Protection of Nature
Staf nvstiatonof Ground W'ater inbl the
Survey o" 1Assearch Opportumnities in the Field of
soil and Nutritio
'Investigation of Means of Bodn h aso
rvblio 1ntem.t and of Assurin~g N-blt. kation
Total
**$275,000 already appropriated by State of Now York
W3,500
9,00
7,500
3,000
10,000
15,000
$137,000
THE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
A Statement of Purpose
and the Proposed
Program for
1948
(NOT FOR PUBLICATION)
NEW YORK
November
1947
What the Conservation Foundation Is
T HE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION is the first enterprise of its
kind organized on an international plane to advance un-
derstanding of the need for conserving the earth's living
resources and to encourage intelligent use of these resources. It is
a non-profit organization operating under its own charter, spon-
sored by the New York Zoological Society.
The purposes of the Foundation are expressed in the second
Article of its certificate of incorporation, which reads as follows:
The objects and purposes for which the corporation is formed are
to promote conservation of the earth's life-supporting resources -
animal life, forests and other plant life, water sources and productive
soils - and to advance, improve and encourage knowledge and un-
derstanding of such resources, their natural distribution and wise
use and their essential relationship to each other and to the sus-
tenance and enrichment of all life.
PREPARATORY WORK
Early in 1947 the Zoological Society established a staff for the
purpose of making a general survey of work now being done in
the field of conservation, not only in the United States but in
other countries. In order to reach a determination as to the scope
of the Foundation's activities, as well as to organize its initial
work program presented in the attached report, a large number
of meetings and personal consultations have been held with men
in related sciences, government officials both here and abroad,
educators and others whose experience would be valuable. It has
been found that there is unanimity regarding the great need for
the Foundation's work and general approval of the sort of pro-
gram that is here proposed. Further, it is an accepted fact that
no such independent agency now exists either in this country or
3
abroad and that the potentialities of productive accomplishment
are very real.
One of the results of the planning and survey period has been
the selection of an Advisory Council whose present members are:
MR. HAROLD COOLIDGE, Executive Secretary, Pacific Science Board,
National Research Council
MR. CHARLES SUTHERLAND ELTON, Director of Bureau of Animal
Population, Oxford University
DR. CARYL P. HASKINS, research scientist in biology and related
bio-physical fields, New York
DR. G. EVELYN HUTCHINSON, Osborn Zoological Laboratory, Yale
University
DR. ALDO LEOPOLD, Department of Wildlife Management, Univer-
sity of Wisconsin
MR. WILLIAM VOGT, Chief of the Conservation Section of the Pan
American Union
DR. ALEXANDER WETMORE, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Invitations to the Council are being extended to:
DR. HARRY GODWIN, Fellow of Clare College, Lecturer in Botany,
Cambridge University
DR. A. V. HILL, Honorary Professor of Physiology, Biophysics Re-
search Unit, University College, London
DR. V. VAN STRAELEN, Director of the Royal Museum of Natural
History, Brussels, and President of the Institute of National
Parks of the Belgian Congo
Those already on the Council and those now being invited
have been consulted at length regarding the establishment of
the Foundation and are fully in accord with its purposes. Dur-
ing the next few months it is proposed that others, including
those with an industrial viewpoint, who may be expected to aid
actively in the Foundation's development, will be added to the
Council, or alternatively, to the Board of Trustees.
4
Table of Contents
Page
INTRODUCTION 7
I. BASIC RESOURCES SURVEYS AND PROJECTS 9
1. World-wide Survey of the Incidence of
Soil Erosion 11
2. Staff Investigation of Ground Water Problems
in the United States 16
3. Survey of Research Opportunities in the Field of
Soil and Nutrition 19
4. Rehabilitation of the International Office
for the Protection of Nature 22
II. CONSERVATION EDUCATION 27
1. Staff Investigation of Conservation Education
at the School and College Level 29
2. Publication Project 34
(a) Book Publication
(b) Articles in Educational Journals
3. Motion Picture Project 39
4. Conservation Exhibit at the New York
Zoological Park 43
III. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES 47
1. Participation in the Paris Conference to be Called
by UNESCO for the Creation of an Interna-
tional Union for Nature Protection 49
2. New York Conference in 1948 for European
Members of the Advisory Council 53
IV. ORGANIZATION PLANNING 55
1. Investigation of Means of Broadening the Base of
Public Interest and of Assuring Public Action 57
5
Introduction
TMHE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION is being formed upon one
basic concept, namely, that the well-being and even the
survival not only of the United States but of civilization as
a whole - let us call it the human enterprise - is, in the last
analysis, dependent upon the preservation and intelligent use of
the life-supporting resources of this and other countries. We
recognize the fact that as matters stand today our own country's
welfare is directly influenced, for better or for worse, by condi-
tions prevailing in other parts of the world. For this reason,
principally, it is planned that the Conservation Foundation shall
be international in scope.
The term "life-supporting resources," as here used, refers to
forests and other natural vegetation, animal life, productive soils
and water sources. The degree to which these basic elements
are being misused, or, in turn, the velocity with which they are
being actually destroyed, is only beginning to be recognized as
one of the principal causes for the alarming social and political
unrest throughout the-world today. The new science of conser-
vation clearly proves that these primary resources of the earth
are interdependent and inter-related, but because conservation
is a new science, this fact is not generally recognized by leaders
of governments, of education, of industry, or by the public as
a whole.
It is safe to predict that civilization will be faced with a series
of mounting crises unless a powerful movement counteracts pres-
ent trends and impels intelligent use of those natural resources
upon which human life depends.
We recognize that population growth and population pressures
lie at the core of the conservation problem. The Foundation can-
not exclude this factor from its consideration.
7
We are fully conscious that our effort is ambitious in the ex-
treme. We further recognize the possibility of failure in the sense
that it is not rational to expect that any objective will be fully
reached. Human effort is rarely, if ever, more than partial in its
accomplishment. The Conservation Foundation is certain, how-
ever, to accomplish some of the tasks to which it will direct its
energies. Time alone will tell to what degree it may be success-
ful in reaching its ultimate objectives, for there is no previous
standard of achievement; no similar or comparable enterprise has
been created either in the United States or elsewhere.
For our part, we feel that we cannot run away from what is
both an obligation and an opportunity. We are prepared to strive
with all the energy and intelligence we possess, with the hope
that we may aid in resolving one of the most critical problems
that face civilization today.
There is attached a list of projects which the Foundation de-
sires to undertake during the coming year. A few of them are
already well started. All are based upon the assumption that the
value of the Foundation's work will depend upon its ability to
accomplish results in two closely correlated fields of effort - fact-
finding and research on the one hand, education and the dis-
semination of information on the other.
FAIRFIELD OSBORN
Staff Collaborators:
GEORGE E. BREWER, JR.
SAMUEL H. ORDWAY, JR.
A. WILLIAM SMITH
ROBERT GORDON SNIDER
New York, November 1947
8
I
Basic Resources Surveys and Projects
T HE STRENGTH of the Foundation in the future will depend,
in the main, upon the amount and correctness of the in-
formation which it has on hand. Consequently, the de-
velopment of a well-organized fact-finding research division is
considered to be of primary importance.
The gradual establishment of the Foundation as a center of
information regarding productive resources may be expected; it
is our opinion that in the meantime the Foundation can do im-
mediate and effective work in certain special research fields which
are of basic importance and concerning which knowledge is either
lacking or not adequately correlated. With this in view, specific
projects have been selected for the coming year, the majority of
which would establish bases for work in succeeding years. They
are of prime significance and, successfully prosecuted, will help
to establish the Foundation's reputation as a source-center of
information on certain vital situations that lie at the very heart
of the conservation problem.
We consider work directed toward the protection of all forms
of wildlife as of compelling importance, not only for ethical and
aesthetic reasons but because animal life plays an essential part
in the economy of nature. Two projects in this field are already
formulated and it is expected that others will be undertaken in
the near future.
9
World-wide Survey of the Incidence of Soil Erosion
SUMMARY AND PROPOSAL
Man has so misused the earth that serious soil erosion exists
in many parts of the world, constituting a grave danger to human
welfare. While there are many evidences that this erosion is
widespread and continuing rapidly, there is no specific informa-
tion on its extent. No measurement of world-wide man-caused
erosion has ever been made.
The Foundation proposes, in collaboration with several organ-
izations and agencies aware of this condition, to make a survey
of the incidence, extent, character and rate of increase of man-
accelerated soil erosion wherever it occurs. These participating
agencies include the United Nations Food and Agriculture Or-
ganization, the Pan American Union and various bureaus of the
U. S. Department of Agriculture, all of which have aided in the
planning of this project and are prepared to cooperate actively.
The objective of the survey is a comprehensive report supple-
mented by authoritative maps. This information would identify
critical man-made erosion areas, and could be used to focus
national and international attention on the need for action.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
The report would include:
1. A world map of soil erosion on a scale of 1:20-40 million.
2. A series of continental maps of soil erosion on a scale of 1:5-10 mil-
lion or 1:15-20 million.
3. Statistical tables presenting information on the extent of areas sub-
ject to various classes of erosion under present conditions of use.
4. Photographs illustrating erosion.
5. A report providing by country or similar significant sub-continental
11
unit (a) a descriptive summary of the extent and character of soil
erosion; (b) generalized statements on the rate of soil loss as in-
dicated by data of soil type, rainfall, climate, character of land use
and by personal observation; (c) general descriptions of loss of soil
fertility due to other causes.
The minimum land unit presented cartographically and de-
scribed statistically would be one of approximately 1,000 square
miles. Classification of these areas would be in terms of the pre-
dominant land condition and its critical nature.
The amount of detail depends in part on the adequacy of the
information available. Authorities agree unanimously that the
survey should be undertaken if only to coordinate existing infor-
mation, and that this alone justifies the project. At the very least,
we would be able to compile a guide for an extensive field survey
project to be made later. At best, we might produce a document
which would shock the consciousness of the world.
USE OF THE RESULTS
Since no such information on the scale or of the precision de-
scribed above is available for the world, full appreciation of the
gravity of the problem is not possible until such a survey is made,
and no well-planned, coordinated action program on a regional,
national or international level can be accomplished.
The survey would make it possible to compare the gravity of
the erosion problem in various regions. It should be distributed
through FAO, the Pan American Union, UNESCO and similar
organizations to member governments, and by the Foundation
to key individuals here and abroad. It should be made available
to press associations and individual publications throughout the
world. It should serve as the basis for articles by a variety of
publicists. It should be given world-wide distribution through
direct sale. Thus, it could focus national and international atten-
tion on the extent of man-made erosion. It would identify regions
requiring remedial action. It could initiate a series of Foundation
studies of less sensational but equally significant nature on soil
fertility and productivity on a world-wide scale. This and sub-
sequent studies could be used to attract the attention of thought-
ful and influential groups able to undertake local action. This
12
action should take the form of more detailed regional surveys and
the application of proper conservation practices.
If data require substantial field validation, the initial survey
would serve to direct and guide the field observers.
METHOD OF CONDUCTING THE SURVEY
The survey will concentrate on man-made erosion as opposed
to geologic or natural erosion. The degree of detail will depend
on the availability of data, and the availability of personnel skilled
in its assembly and evaluation and qualified by experience with
the regions involved.
The first approach will be to assemble data on actual soil erosion.
Where these are non-existent, data on soil types, weather, terrain
and known land use will permit us to deduce working conclusions
about erosion. These data will appear in cartographic, statistical,
descriptive and photographic form, and in expert comment.
On the basis of expert knowledge and the array of data, land
classification standards such as the following can be established:
1. Land having little or no significant erosion.
2. Land where some erosion exists (moderate damage to productivity).
3. Land where erosion is severe and where loss has seriously reduced
or eliminated productivity.
This type of classification is necessarily absolute. Through ex-
panded legends on maps and particularly through the descrip-
tive report, rates of erosion, erosiveness of land, land potential in
relation to erosion, and current land use practices should be noted.
The data should be further analyzed to determine the regions
of the world where (a) no erosion is likely, (b) where erosion
is known to exist, (c) where careful examination of data, par-
ticularly aerial photographs, is necessary to identify little-recog-
nized instances of erosion. By assembly and evaluation of the
data, careful study of aerial photographs held by the Allied Mili-
tary Forces and reference to expert knowledge of specialists in
critical areas, the information should be translated into carto-
graphic terms and generalized description by significant sub-
continental units.
The judgment of the technical staff and the Foundation in
respect to the adequacy of the results should be confirmed by a
13
group of independent experts. If extensive field investigation is
required, a new project proposal should be submitted.
The final stage of the study should include obtaining plano-
metric data from maps for tables, preparation of the text and
preparation of maps for the lithographer.
ORGANIZATION OF THE PROJECT
It is planned that the study shall be a fully cooperative venture
of the Conservation Foundation and the United Nations Food
and Agriculture Organization. The Foundation should have the
responsibility for general direction, general administration and
financing. FAO should have the responsibility for technical di-
rection, office and routine operating facilities. Both organizations
should bear the responsibility for publication and distribution.
The headquarters of the study should be established in Wash-
ington, close to the chief concentration of information on this
subject in the world.
Personnel for the study should be obtained from technical
agencies within and outside the government, on essentially full-
time loan for the period required. Payment should be made at
the normal rate of compensation for full-time service. Specialists
on particular problems or specific areas should be called on for
short-term consultation.
The Foundation would be responsible for liaison with Allied
Military Forces supplying aerial photographic material, liaison
with financial sources and with private organizations which may
assist in finished cartography and publication, and initial liaison
with various agencies from whom technical personnel may be
borrowed.
COST OF CONDUCTING THE SURVEY
It is estimated that the survey can be completed within nine
months. It would require three to ten technicians at various
stages. Technical personnel costs will depend in part on the
identity of available experts. A technical director, a cartographer,
three assemblers and evaluators of information, several short-term
specialists, a statistician, several short-term translators and two
secretaries will be required for varying periods. Total personnel
14
cost is estimated not to exceed $39,050 for preparation of the
report and maps.
Necessary travel by the technical experts should not cost more
than $5,000. Administrative, office and routine operating costs
are excluded since they should be assumed by the cooperating
organizations. Lithographic, printing and distribution costs are
estimated at $6,500 for an issue of 2,500 pamphlets and map sets.
Total cost for the nine-month survey is estimated at $50,550.
15
Staff Investigation of
Ground Water Problems in the United States
BACKGROUND
Ground water, largely the result of infiltration of surface water,
is stored not in lakes and surface reservoirs but in the ground itself.
Ground water provides a large part of the available water supply.
Various agricultural and forestry practices, as well as industrial
practices, adversely affect the available quantity and quality of
ground water in any given region.
The full development of ground water storage capacity through
proper land use practices is a means of conserving both soil and
water resources, and of improving crop and forest yields. These
practices are known in general, and their detailed application
under specific conditions is being studied by the United States
Department of Agriculture and other agencies.
Capacity for ground water storage and the extent of depletion
of ground water reserves require intensive investigation. Nu-
merous instances of alarming water shortages indicate the present
critical nature of the problem. The subject is complicated by
many highly technical questions of geology, agriculture, forestry,
industrial processes, legal and social customs and governmental
policies.
PROPOSAL
It is proposed that a staff investigation of the ground water
problem in the United States be made. It is expected that this
would deal largely with information on water table levels and
their changes in relation to past, present and prospective use. It
should also recognize the problem of water quality.
NEED FOR THE INVESTIGATION
Civilizations have fallen for lack of water. Continued water
16
supply is primarily dependent on human practices. Superficially
it appears that except in regions of low annual rainfall, water
shortages should be no problem, and that even in these excepted
areas proper practices could be adopted for conservation. How-
ever, rapid urban development, combined with mismanagement
of forests, grass and croplands as water sources, is creating situa-
tions in almost every region of the nation where quantity and
quality of the water is a critical factor in the communities' exist-
ence and development. There is no reason to believe that con-
tinuation of present water use practices will not produce many
more critical situations in the future.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
The result of the investigation should be an internal report
aiming at the identification of areas where there is now, or in
prospect, a ground water supply problem. It should indicate
the nature of the problem. It should outline the steps to be taken
to investigate and develop remedial practices.
USE OF THE RESULTS
The internal report would provide the basis for a full-scale
technical investigation of critical problems. Because of technical
complexities, a variety of authorities must be consulted, to point
future investigations in the most effective and profitable direction.
Subsequent reports would recommend action to remedy ground
water shortages, based on interpretation of established facts. In-
dustry, agriculture, urban areas, public health bodies and others
will certainly use the results of the final studies.
METHOD OF CONDUCTING THE
INVESTIGATION
The investigation would be conducted largely by interviews
and correspondence with authorities on ground water problems.
Cooperation of such organizations as the American Society of
Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, the
American Public Health Association, and certain agencies in the
federal, state and local governments should be enlisted to identify
critical areas and to indicate the nature of the problem.
17
Finally, consultants should be retained for a brief period to
insure the technical adequacy of proposals for formal investiga-
tion. The character of these investigations and the staff to con-
duct them should be determined in detail.
COST
It is estimated that the investigation will not exceed $8,000 for
travel, research assistance and consultants' fees. This investiga-
tion should be completed in less than one year.
18
Survey of Research Opportunities
In the Field of Soil and Nutrition
BACKGROUND
There is an extraordinary similarity between elements in the
bodies of animals, including human beings, and those of plants.
Recognition of this parallelism is of relatively recent origin. The
relationship between health and the nutrients that come from
the soil represents a new and highly complex field of scientific
inquiry. While of late much has been learned, there are still
innumerable opportunities for work of high importance by medi-
cine and biology.
Knowledge gained only within the last two or three decades
about the chemistry of plants and animals supports the belief that
man's well-being and even his survival depend upon the preserva-
tion of the health of the earth - which today is already substan-
tially impaired by the violent and blind treatment man is in-
flicting upon it.
THE NEED
It was a bright day when the science of bacteriology made
known the causes of communicable diseases. The marvelous
progress of the medical sciences in coping with infectious diseases
has in large measure removed the terrors of plagues and pesti-
lences that once took such a heavy toll of human life. At the end
of the last century it looked as if mankind was about to enter a
new era of health and happiness. But while the life-span has
increased in many countries, even in these there are many evi-
dences of deterioration of some phases of human health. There
is a dearth of knowledge about the inter-relationship of land and
of human and animal health. We need to know more about the
bearing of this inter-relationship upon a whole series of "new"
illnesses, commonly referred to as degenerative diseases.
19
Civilization has brought with it many conditions of living that
are anything but healthy. It would, however, be a reckless gen-
eralization to state that any physical degeneration of people in our
own country and elsewhere is being caused solely by qualitative
nutritional deficiencies. Nevertheless, it would be of considerable
interest to investigate the extent to which the apparent increase of
degenerative diseases, including psychological and neurological
illnesses, is related to the known deterioration and wastage of top-
soil, the "precious, senisitive, living earth-cover through which
life flows."
PROPOSAL
The Conservation Foundation believes that it would be delin-
quent if it did not include among its initial activities a program
for advancing knowledge of this subject. We fully recognize that
various groups in the fields of biology and medicine are presently
engaged in such studies. Here, again, the Foundation's best op-
portunities for effective results may lie in its ability to activate
research in areas of inquiry where other workers are not now
engaged. Further, it should endeavor to disseminate information,
both technical and popular, on this vital subject.
In order to proceed effectively in this field, the Foundation
must inform itself with thoroughness about existing research,
competent personalities and available publications. It is believed
that the better part, if not all, of 1948 would have to be dedicated
to this purpose. With the basic information in hand, a more
active program could be launched the following year.
COST AND METHOD
It is therefore proposed that a fund of $10,000 be made avail-
able to permit the Foundation to engage the services of one or
more competent technicians, to provide for typing and recording
expenses, and to meet such modest travel expenses as might need
to be incurred. In this connection, it is significant that the Foun-
dation can draw upon the advice and counsel of eminent men
who are either already on its Advisory Council or profoundly
interested in its program and who have expressed themselves as
prepared to aid its development. Among them are Dr. G. Evelyn
20
Hutchinson, Professor of Zoology, Yale University; Dr. A. V. Hill,
Honorary Professor of Physiology, University College, London;
Dr. Harry Godwin, Fellow of Clare College, Lecturer in Botany,
Cambridge University; and Dr. William A. Albrecht, Department
of Soils, College of Agriculture, University of Missouri. Collabora-
tion could unquestionably be expected from many others.
21
Rehabilitation of the
International Office for the Protection of Nature
BACKGROUND
The International Office for the Protection of Nature has its
headquarters in Amsterdam. Its president is Dr. P. G. van Tien-
hoven who is generally conceded to be the leading conservationist
in Holland. Its vice-president is Dr. V. van Straelen, Director of
the Royal Museum of Natural History in Brussels. Its executive
secretary is Dr. H. J. Westermann of the Netherlands.
Dr. van Tienhoven has recently expressed his intention of re-
tiring and Dr. van Straelen has agreed to assume the responsibility
of President when asked to do so by the Board of Directors. It
can be taken as a foregone conclusion that the Board will make
this request.
The Office was founded at Brussels in 1910 and it passed
through the First World War and many subsequent vicissitudes,
surviving in difficult times because there was a real need for it.
In 1935 it was reorganized. The general management was en-
trusted to Mrs. Dr. Tordis Graim, under whose effective direction
it grew and prospered.
War again intervened and Mrs. Graim was forced to return to
Norway. The headquarters of the Office was transferred from
Brussels to Amsterdam and placed under the direction of Dr. Ing.
W.A.J.M. van Waterschoot van der Gracht. The work was virtually
closed down after the invasion of Holland, and Dr. van Water-
schoot died in 1943. The daily routine was carried out by the
librarian, Miss Johanknegt, until December 1945. A year later
the Office resumed its activities - though they were notably
curtailed from the old days - under the provisional direction of
Dr. J. H. Westermann. The Office is now domiciled in the private
home of Dr. van Tienhoven.
22
The activities of the Office are briefly described by the first
five paragraphs of Article 2 of its By-laws:
1. By centralizing, by classifying, by publishing and by distributing to
governments, institutions and persons interested in nature protec-
tion, documents, legislative texts, scientific studies, information and
data of any kind regarding nature protection and especially the
preservation of the fauna, flora and natural scenery in a primitive
state.
2. By encouraging and facilitating international cooperation between
institutions and persons interested in the above-mentioned questions.
3. By making studies and technical investigations in the domain of
nature protection.
4. By organizing the propaganda for nature protection especially from
an international standpoint.
5. By working by any other legal means to attain its objective.
The library contains some 8,000 books and bound periodicals
and 80,000 documents related to the following subjects, arranged
according to country:
General data on nature protection - Nature protection legislation
for land, flora and fauna - National parks and reserves for flora,
fauna and geological features - General data concerning fauna
(mammals, birds, fishes and reptiles) and flora calling for protec-
tion - Ethnographic data about primitive tribes liable to disappear
- Nature protection and education - Nature protection from an
historical viewpoint.
Unfortunately the collection has not been systematically in-
creased since 1940 owing to the interruption of the Office's work
by the German invasion. The first task will be to bring the
library up to date, which will necessitate re-establishing many
old contacts and establishing new ones with institutions and
bureaus of governments created since 1940.
The officers of the Office believe that again they may be able
to secure the services of Mrs. Graim, who was the person chiefly
responsible for creating the catalog of the library during its heyday.
Few people outside the personnel of the Office know the exact
contents of its library and archives. According to Mr. Harold
Coolidge the collection is "unique" and of very great scientific
importance. The Foundation's representative last summer made
a cursory examination of it which appeared to bear out Mr.
Coolidge's estimate.
23
It is felt, however, that before granting a subsidy to the Office,
a thorough examination of the library should be made by a com-
petent scientist and a careful appraisal of its value given to the
Foundation. Mr. Charles S. Elton has been asked to carry out
this task. Mr. Elton's report will unquestionably suggest how
much time, money and labor will be necessary to bring the collec-
tion up to date and put it in working order for scientific use. He
has also been asked to advise the Foundation whether a printed
catalog of the library should be made, once the collection has been
brought up to date. Both Dr. van Straelen and Dr. Westermann
believe this should be done.
The finances of the Office are in bad shape; indeed, they are
in such condition that unless the Office receives contributions
from outside sources it will probably have to be dissolved entirely
in 1948. In the spring of 1947 the American Committee for
International Wildlife Protection made a grant-in-aid to the Office
of $1,000, which gave temporary relief during the past summer.
Certain other small contributions were received.
Particular emphasis has been given here to the value of the
library, but the Office is prepared, and indeed plans, to carry on
its usual activities apart from specific research and subsequent
collection of documents. It proposes to publish annually a peri-
odical entitled "The Review of Bibliographies of the International
Protection of Nature" containing articles, reviews, excerpts from
publications and legislation, news of private organizations and
associations, etc. It plans to organize a world-wide inquiry into
the present status of all endangered species of fauna and flora,
both in and outside national parks and nature reserves. Further-
more, since the Office is vitally interested in all new legislation
affecting nature and wildlife protection, it intends to call public
attention to these matters.
In estimating future requirements, Dr. van Straelen and Dr.
van Tienhoven believe that the working staff would consist of
Dr. Westermann, a trained assistant, a librarian, and two secre-
taries - a total of five. Office space would have to be secured
either in Amsterdam or Brussels. If the latter city were selected,
Dr. van Straelen believes that the library itself could be housed
in the Museum of Natural History and made available for public
24
use. The estimates of total annual expenses ranged from Dr.
Westermann's figure of $10,000 annually, to Dr. van Straelen's
figure of $12,000.
PROPOSAL
It is proposed that if Mr. Elton's report is favorable, the Foun-
dation make an outright grant-in-aid to the Office in the sum of
$7,500 for 1948, and that if its work during that time appears to
justify our hopes, the Foundation be prepared to extend a similar
grant-in-aid for 1949.,
NEED FOR THIS PROJECT
Without a grant-in-aid the presumably unique and valuable
collection now in the possession of the Office cannot be brought
up to date and maintained for the general benefit of scientists
and for the particular benefit of those institutions and individuals
primarily concerned with conservation. Further, scientists and
institutions would be greatly aided in their own research if the
library and the archives of the Office could be cataloged in
printed form and this catalog were distributed throughout the
scientific world.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
Although a grant-in-aid of the size recommended will not en-
tirely satisfy the requirements of the Office, it will insure its con-
tinued existence and probably will serve to stimulate other gifts
which, together with the small funds already available, will suffice
for a full year's program. We may also expect that the Foundation
can in some measure direct the research activities of the Office
and thereby advance one of its own charter purposes at a very
low cost to itself. Finally, the Foundation will undoubtedly gain
most favorable comment in Europe by its support of a needed
scientific organization.
POSSIBLE USES OF THE RESULTS
An illustration is the service already rendered Dr. Francis
Harper in the preparation of his volume, "Extinct and Vanishing
Mammals of the Old World," a special publication of the Amer-
ican Committee for International Wildlife Protection. This work
25
is based in a large measure on data put at Dr. Harper's disposal
by the Office. There is every reason to believe that the Office
would continue to render important service of this kind.
Certainly a world survey of species of flora and fauna now in
danger of extinction, conducted by the Office, would be of very
great value to zoologists in universities and in private institutions
all over the world.
COST
A grant-in-aid for 1948, in the sum of $7,500.
26
II
Conservation Education
I T IS AN extraordinary fact that, with certain few exceptions,
the principles of conservation are not yet generally integrated
into the curricula of our schools and colleges. One need not
go far to find the reason for this. It is only within the last two or
three decades that we, as a nation, have been approaching the
crisis of our natural living resources. The formal processes of
education are rooted in the past and are slow to evolve. Whatever
the reasons, as matters now stand the youth of our country are
not being adequately instructed concerning a situation that affects
the future well-being of every student in every school and in
every college.
A well-organized movement to introduce conservation teach-
ing is especially necessary in view of the fact that almost 60%
of our population is urbanized. In. this direction lies perhaps the
greatest opportunity with which the new Foundation is presented.
A comprehension of the principles of conservation would give
added meaning to practically every subject - biology, geography,
chemistry, economics, engineering, history. Even the teaching of
philosophy would be illuminated by an exploration of the under-
lying truth that nature and man are all of one essence, that the
principles of nature are enduring and that to survive man must
learn to cooperate with nature.
During the many recent months that have been used to inves-
tigate the directions in which the Foundation may most effectively
work, we have been greatly struck by the urgent manner in which
many educators have expressed their hope that our enterprise
would be able to aid them in formulating plans and procedures
which would lead to this integration of conservation teaching
with formal education.
27
We believe the situation is so critical that an active program
for arousing public opinion must also be undertaken, using all
available media. Experienced observers feel that at this very
moment we are faced with the strongest threats to the life-
supporting resources of our country that have occurred since the
conservation movement got under way some forty years ago. No
one acquainted with the facts can fail to be alarmed at present
trends such as the incursion into the National Forests, the move-
ment to break up the public lands in the western states, the serious
injury to great river systems and the lowering of water tables in
many regions. Only a handful of people are out in the open fight-
ing these threats. We believe the Foundation can make substan-
tial contributions by directing public attention to what is going on.
28
Staff Investigation of Conservation Education
At the School and College Level
BACKGROUND
A basic objective of the Foundation is to stimulate in schools
and colleges the teaching of the importance of natural resources,
the dangers inherent in their misuse, and ways of using them
more wisely.
Despite the wide variety of experiments now being carried on
in the field of conservation teaching, there is little agreement
among educators as to objectives or methods.
The American Council on Education has emphasized the im-
portance of a program of education in the schools to insure "the
intelligent conservation and utilization of the nation's resources,
both human and natural."
A National Committee on Policies in Conservation Education,
consisting of representatives from a large number of civic organi-
zations concerned with conservation, representatives of govern-
ment agencies and educators from different parts of the country,
has formulated a tentative statement of objectives of conservation
teaching. However, the members of this committee are not in
agreement with each other, as revealed by the following excerpts
from their statements:
"The greatest bottleneck is the lack of training in the philosophy
of
conservation in all schools from the university on down."
"The greatest need is for a handbook in methods and materials for
teaching conservation."
"The first need is for a teacher-training program."
"Of first importance is planning before teaching conservation."
"The important thing is to ascertain the effectiveness of any program
of teaching conservation education."
George T. Renner of Columbia University, in one of the best
discussions of an educational approach to the problem of con-
servation, states:
29
"Opinion has been and is divided as to the advisability of having
general textbooks in conservation."
A large number of textbooks for isolated courses in conserva-
tion addressed to various levels of study, from primary and inter-
mediate grades of elementary schools through normal schools,
colleges and universities, are available. There is also available
much reference material for teachers and students, including
voluminous reports from the National Resources Planning Board
and from the several departments of the federal government and
state governments concerned with conservation planning. In
addition, there are available many visual aids, including maps,
charts, films and pictures related to conservation. These vary
greatly in approach, accuracy and method.
A considerable number of teacher-training laboratories and
summer workshops, sponsored in many states by universities and
by civic and professional organizations, have sprung up. The
laboratory organized by Professor George Free at Pennsylvania
State College is one of the better-known examples. Unfortunately,
as Professor Free has stated, there have been no follow-ups to
ascertain what the teachers completing his laboratory courses have
done to translate their knowledge into teaching at local levels.
The conservation education initiated in Cook County, Illinois,
and also that of the extinct Allegany State Park Commission proj-
ect have been cited as other examples of recommended procedure.
William Vogt of the Pan American Union has emphasized that
the greatest progress in conservation education can be made by
incorporating in the teaching of all of the common disciplines
the importance of natural resources and their wise use.
Renner points out that the essence of history is the story of
human use and misuse of resources which has led to the rise and
fall of civilizations and is today a major cause of pressure for
expansion and wars. "Any history teaching which does not con-
stantly teach this essential truth is unreal to say the least." So
also: "Conservation is applied geography. Any geography of the
United States which is not organized and taught about the con-
servation motif is, therefore, very feeble and ineffectual stuff."
And again: "From the standpoint of civics resources waste and
misuse are obviously everybody's business since they bear directly
30
upon the national welfare. . ... All this is simply to ask for an
entirely new spirit and orientation in the teaching of the social
studies in our schools."
Dr. Aldo Leopold of the University of Wisconsin has said:
The so-called "conservation education" now going on varies widely
from the really pioneering and good to the absolutely worthless and,
in fact, harmful. It must be recognized that every Tom, Dick and
Harry is using the term "conservation education." We have to
make
it clear that that is not our "education."... I believe that
the Founda-
tion should ascertain which efforts now being made are really worth-
while and push them, rather than try to develop new efforts of its own.
PROPOSAL AND METHOD
It is proposed that in 1948 the members of the Foundation's
staff undertake a preliminary investigation which will include:
1. Interviews with a limited number of educators and scientists most
conversant with present practices and experiments in conservation
teaching, and with the directors of the educational endeavors of our
government services concerned with conservation, to obtain their
considered statements as to sound objectives of teaching, the best
means of approaching these objectives at various levels, and the best
existing examples of their application.
2. Visits to those institutions employing the recommended methods,
to obtain from teachers and by observation detailed descriptions of
the methods used and the problems involved.
3. Interviews with recent graduates of these institutions, to obtain their
evaluation of both objective and method.
4. Analysis of all these data to identify the objectives of the teaching
at various levels, and then to interpret the methods of instruction in
terms of the conditions under which they were employed.
5. Submission of this analysis to a committee of educational and scien-
tific advisors of the Foundation with a request for comments on the
adequacy of the evidence, opinion whether further research is de-
sirable, and advice whether the evidence should be presented as a
report for distribution either through the National Education Asso-
ciation or directly by the Foundation to teachers and school ad-
ministrators.
The problems connected with initiating a major training pro-
gram for conservation technicians and teachers at Vassar and
Dartmouth, where interest has been expressed, or elsewhere,
should also be considered.
31
THE NEED
Because the majority of mankind does not understand the re-
lationship of life to environment or the need for planned social
action to conserve and manage resources wisely, scientists and
leaders of thought agree that the educational programs of the
several nations should be expanded to include basic instruction
in this field. William Vogt says:
The history of conservation throughout the world has clearly demon-
strated that a conservation policy cannot be made to stick until the
people of the country are in back of it, and that they are not likely
to get in back of it until they understand it.... One of the greatest
difficulties of education, from the time of Aristotle to the present,
has been a general neglect in teaching children and young people
that they cannot exist apart from their physical environment, that
their survival and that of the State depend on an adequate supply
of water, soil, forests, grasslands, plants and animals.
Because there is no general agreement among the scientists and
educators themselves as to proper objectives of teaching at various
levels, or as to the best methods of teaching, or even as to basic
philosophical approaches, the analysis here proposed appears to
be prerequisite to the formulation and prosecution of the edu-
cational program of the Foundation.
USE OF RESULTS
It is expected that some of the fundamental issues causing con-
fusion - particularly mixed objectives and incoherent methodolo-
gies - can be isolated by this inquiry and the best opinion as to
definition and method brought together in a single report. It
should disclose whether specific research projects are presently
desirable, and whether current experiments are sufficiently suc-
cessful to be attempted elsewhere.
It should be a valuable guide to institutions planning to inaugu-
rate, expand or modify conservation teaching programs.
The report would make possible a logical development of the
Foundation's educational program and reveal whether we should
consider establishing an educational advisory service.
COSTS
This preliminary investigation should not exceed $2,000 for
32
travel and an appropriation for honorariums to commentators and
analysts in the sum of $2,500. Any unexpended funds from the
honorarium allowance should be returnable to the Projects Ac-
count of the Foundation. The total cost of the project is esti-
mated at $4,500.
33
Publication Project
(A) Book Publication
BACKGROUND
Books clearly constitute one of the most important features of
an educational program. We feel that the Foundation should
foster the publication of books as part of its regular activities.
We are under no illusions in regard to the difficulties. Pub-
lishing is a highly technical profession and we should not wish
to engage in it actively, even if we were competent to do so.
Moreover, suitable as well as marketable books are the objects of
constant search by all publishing houses and the supply is never
equal to the demand.
On the other hand, the problem is far from insoluble. We are
in touch with authoritative potential authors and we are more
aware of the acute subjects than a publishing house is likely to be.
There is a very definite place for us as "bringers together" of
author and subject, and of author and publisher.
PROPOSAL
That the staff investigate and prepare a publishing program
during the year.
THE NEED
As far as we know, there is at this moment no popular book on
conservation equivalent, for example, to the writings of Sir James
Jeans on astronomy. In the schoolbook field the offerings are, with
few exceptions, indifferent. There is no question of the need for
suitable books in both the formal and the informal fields of
education.
RESULT
It is impossible, even for the professional publisher, to forecast
the effect of any individual book. It is, however, unnecessary to
34
emphasize the importance of a steady flow of books on conser-
vation at all levels.
METHOD
The sorts of books whose publication we might promote would
fall into four categories. In each case, the details of the handling
of the project would differ, although the principle would remain
the same.
Generally, the idea would be to bring a specified subject to an
author and then to put book and author in contact with a pub-
lisher. In probably the majority of cases the book would be offered
in no more than synopsis form and the author would be in need
of an advance on royalties to provide him with the necessary
financial stimulation. It would be unusual for a publisher to give
a new author an advance for a projected work of this kind. It
would be the function of the Foundation to provide it, if necessary.
We should expect to make arrangements with one publishing
house in order to insure continuity. The publisher would have
to agree, of course, to place the imprimatur of the Conservation
Foundation on the title page, together with his own.
This proposal has already been discussed tentatively with
various publishers. There is a real interest among them in being
included in such a scheme. If we can find the books and the
authors, there will be no difficulty in selecting a suitable publisher.
The broad classes of books to which the Foundation might give
publication assistance are:
Trade Books
This is the description applied by the publisher to popular books
published for sale in book stores to the general public (as opposed
to legal, technical, scientific, text, etc.). For financial, if for no
other reasons, we would not wish to be associated with any book
in this class lacking a chance of commercial success. We are not
competent to judge the commercial potentiality of any manu-
script which might come into our hand. In this field, we should
have to rely on the professional judgment of the publishing house
acting as our chosen instrument. This type of book would prob-
ably not involve any particular financial outlay in the shape of
35
advances, and might well result in a profit. It is unlikely, how-
ever, that we could hope to be associated with many such books.
Best selling authors are always at a premium. Authoritative au-
thors, moreover, are seldom best sellers and best sellers in any case
are relatively seldom written.
Scientific Works
Here we should expect to rely on the judgment of our Advisory
Council in regard to subjects and authors and in the assessment
of the merit of any particular work. In the case of scientific works,
it is possible that the publisher might require fairly substantial
financial guarantees to insure him against eventual loss, particu-
larly if the work in question, while receiving the wholehearted
approval of our advisors, had not stirred the publisher to any
particular enthusiasm.
Textbooks
At least two of the publishers with whom we have dis-
cussed this project have well-established educational departments.
Neither, as yet, has published a textbook in connection with con-
servation.
Acceptable conservation texts are rare. We should probably
select the writers and dictate the subjects. We should, ordinarily,
expect to accept as final the judgment of a publisher's educational
department.
In the case of books of this nature, advances to authors are
usually on a very modest scale, if granted at all.
Long-term Books
There is always a class of books whose sales are spread over a
long term of years because they are regarded as standard works.
The publisher is generally cautious in regard to these because a
text may not retain currency long enough for him to recoup his
original investment plus interest and profit.
In this field, some form of guarantee may be necessary to the
publisher.
COST
The above might seem to indicate a much more ambitious
36
program than is actually in mind. If, during the year 1948, we
are able to sponsor proposals for as many as four books and make
arrangements for their publication, we shall feel that we have
done very well. Various titles and authors are already under
consideration.
It is impossible at this stage to make any estimate of the pos-
sible cost of this project. Should we be successful in bringing
together book, author and publisher, and if an advance to the
author or a financial guarantee to the publisher proves necessary,
we shall make an application for a special grant-in-aid.
No provision, therefore, is made in the budget for this project.
(B) Articles in Educational Journals
BACKGROUND AND PROPOSAL
There are many journals in the professional education field.
Authors supplying articles for these are seldom paid more than
merely nominal sums. Too often, however, the honor of publi-
cation is considered its own reward. These trade journals are
widely read by educators. It is therefore proposed that the Foun-
dation subsidize a number of articles discussing the place of con-
servation in education.
RESULT
A steady flow of authoritative articles devoted to all aspects of
conservation education would undoubtedly stimulate increasing
interest in the subject in educational circles. It might lead to the
more general acceptance of conservation emphasis in texts on
various subjects. Further, it would serve to establish the stature
of the Foundation in the formal education field, thus helping to
lay the groundwork for our major educational activities at a
later date.
METHOD
Consultation with educators and other advisors will easily pro-
duce a list of articles which should be written. Examples might be:
The Place of Conservation in Formal Education
Introduction of Conservation Problems in the Teaching of Arithmetic
Experiences in Conservation Education
37
Conservation in Civics Courses
Conservation in the Natural Sciences Curriculum
A Conservation Syllabus for the Social Sciences
A School Superintendent Looks at Conservation in Education
Techniques for Teaching Conservation in Urban Schools
We believe that authors of this kind of article would not be
difficult to find, and that they would be prepared to write with
slight stimulation from the Foundation - $25 might well prove
enough inducement while $50 would probably be a top price.
We should, of course, leave it to the author to get what payment
he could from the journal on his own account.
There would be an element of risk in that any given article
might not be accepted by the technical journals. This, however,
is a risk common to any project of this nature.
COST
In view of the small amounts involved, a sum of $900 should
provide a fair number of articles for the technical journals.
88
Motion Picture Project
BACKGROUND
The Foundation's planning staff recognizes that motion pic-
tures constitute an effective means of informing the public of
the importance of our life-supporting resources and their use.
Demand in the schools for scientific pictures directed to specific
age levels and integrated with the curricula makes this medium
significant also in formal education.
Early in 1947 the planning staff held many conferences with
educators and with commercial producers of documentary and
educational films, exploring methods and costs of production and
distribution. While these exploratory efforts were under way
circumstances made immediately available to the Foundation the
services of one of the outstanding scientific and artistic photog-
raphers in this country - John B. Storer. Although no long-range
plan for motion picture education had been developed, Mr.
Storer's experience and service were secured to assist in the de-
velopment of such a program, and to prepare a brief series of
experimental films which would serve to test educational tech-
niques, disclose the cost and effectiveness of private production
of conservation films, and indicate methods of distribution.
A limited fund was procured for these 1947 experiments. Five
preliminary scripts were prepared under the direction of George
Brewer, a staff member, and John Gibbs, part-time consultant.
One documentary film addressed to adults suggests the precarious
condition of the earth's life-supporting resources, their inter-
dependence and essential importance to human life, the causes
of their rapid dissipation and the known methods of reversing
the trend of depletion. Four basic educational films on soil struc-
tures and uses are addressed to the secondary school level.
39
After extended photographic planning based on these scripts,
Mr. Storer went into the field in the summer of 1947 and has
taken 7,000 feet of superb colored pictures of the condition of
America's natural resources - soils, forests, wildlife and water
sources. These films are now being edited and assembled, ani-
mation and sound-track are being prepared. With the advice of
our Educational Advisory Committee and professional film ex-
perts these first five experimental films will, we hope, be ready
for release and distribution by the close of the year.
Experience gained in making these films has substantially ad-
vanced the planning of our long-range motion picture program.
We have developed a team of technicians and advisors able next
year to produce educational pictures, scientific in presentation and
containing rare beauty, which will effectively drive home the
lessons of conservation.
OBJECTIVE
The Foundation's films will aim to create an understanding of
ecological patterns upon which our productive resources depend,
their perishable nature, the dangers to which they are exposed
by ignorance and by careless and foolish exploitation, and the
means by which present practices can be improved. The object
will be to create a realization of the present dangerous condition
of these resources, and to provide the public with the knowledge,
vision and interest to exercise its civic responsibilities.
PROPOSAL
It is proposed that the Foundation carry forward in 1948 the
experiments initiated in 1947 by:
1. Retaining for another year the full-time service of John B. Storer and
the part-time services of John Gibbs to complete the development of
a long-range program of educational film production addressed to
various age levels, integrated with school curricula.
2. Continuing conferences with scientific and educational advisory
committees to enable the production team to develop satisfactory
scripts and obtain necessary photography for six educational films
along these lines:
(a) Forest generation, cycles, growth, uses, management, waste
and rehabilitation.
40
(b) Water sources - origins, use and distribution.
(c) Wildlife cycles and wildlife participation in the ecological
process.
(d) Final phases of the 1947 soil series: the application of modern
techniques of rebuilding, refertilizing and conserving soils of
various types under varying conditions.
3. Intensive prosecution of distribution studies and experimentation
with various means of distributing the 1947 films.
METHOD OF PRODUCTION
First stage Once the scope and methods of presentation for
appropriate age levels have been identified, with the advice of
educational and scientific advisory committees, the motion pic-
ture staff will proceed to prepare the scripts, carry out necessary
research, and determine the exact locations where filming should
be done and the months of the year when the most desirable shots
can be taken. (No subject will be developed in this way without
a thorough search of all existing and available films on related
subjects, to avoid duplication.)
Second stage * A field schedule will be prepared and Mr.
Storer will carry out the actual photography.
Third stage * When the material is all in hand (presumably
September 1948), the necessary cutting will be done and final
editing of the scripts will be completed. The films will then be
turned over to a laboratory for assembly and sound-tracking.
METHOD OF DEVELOPING
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
A number of commercial distributors, including Encyclopaedia
Britannica Films, Castle Films, and Brandon Films, have already
presented proposals and estimates of their ability to distribute
these films widely in schools throughout this country and abroad.
The royalty bases vary, but each offers prospects of substantial
return, over the years, of funds invested in production. Until
these first films are ready for release and we have made further
investigation of the problems of distribution, no final plan can
be presented. Intensive distribution studies are needed, includ-
ing careful analysis of the ability of each of the several educational
41
film distributors to compass their potential markets. Experi-
mentally some of the 1947 films will be placed in such professional
hands for distribution. This will constitute the first but only one
approach to the study of distribution. In addition the possibility
of obtaining the backing of one or more of the large picture pro-
ducing companies for commercial distribution of conservation
films should be thoroughly explored.
Direct promotion of sales and rental of films to schools and
civic groups will also be considered, although there is present
indication that the development of contacts and distribution facili-
ties of our own would be less effective and less remunerative than
the use of existing channels.
COSTS
The estimated cost of carrying forward this film program, in-
cluding the production of six films as described, is $37,750.
42
Conservation Exhibit Area
at the New York Zoological Park
BACKGROUND
An area of approximately twelve acres has been set aside in
the New York Zoological Park for a Conservation Exhibit and
Demonstration Area. The project will be developed by the New
York Zoological Society in collaboration with the Department
of Conservation of the State of New York and the Park Depart-
ment of New York City. The State has provided most of the
funds for setting up the exhibit. Logically, the detailed planning
of the exhibit area has fallen to the Foundation.
The broad purpose of the Conservation Exhibit is to show the
destruction that may come through the wantonness of man. It
will show how nature struggles to repair the damage and how
man by wise means may extend the processes of nature.
The Conservation Exhibit is probably the first of its kind. It will
serve as a pattern for similar exhibits elsewhere and will provide
a means to awaken the public to an understanding of and an
interest in these most vital problems.
It is planned as a self-supporting project. To become so it
must attract a very large number of paying visitors - at least
enough to provide an income of about $45,000 to meet the annual
operating budget. To be attractive to so large a number the les-
sons taught must be simple and direct. They must, moreover,
avoid undue austerity. Too restrained an attitude might defeat
the end by keeping the public away.
The exhibit will show that conservation, in addition to involv-
ing ethics and aesthetics, is essentially a matter of the proper use
of the earth's productive resources - forests, fertile soils, animal
life and water sources. These in effect are the capital assets that
provide a renewable income within which mankind must live.
43
The present trend that is exhausting these capital assets can lead
only to eventual physical and social bankruptcy.
THE NEED
At the moment there is no popular means of approach to the
public mind. The exhibit will provide, in simple and direct fashion,
explanations of the many questions that occur to people about
conservation.
While the exhibit will be aimed at the adult mind, it will also
offer an approach to conservation education in the school systems
of New York and neighboring communities.
RESULT
Any better understanding by the public of questions of conser-
vation must inevitably be reflected in a variety of ways. Apart,
however, from its service to the general public, it is hoped that
the Conservation Exhibit may be actually used in formal educa-
tion. With this end in view, a conference of the leading educators
of New York and vicinity has been held to discuss the means by
which the exhibit could best be of service to the schools. The
response to this first meeting was so enthusiastic that several others
have been planned.
These conferences represent a public relations effort with wide
implications. They have given us an opportunity to discuss con-
servation teaching in the local schools. If conservation could be
developed in the curricula of New York and Westchester County,
the example would have widespread effects.
METHODS
Briefly, the Conservation Exhibit will consist of an introductory
building with exhibits so arranged as to prepare the visitor for
what he will see in the main area outside.
The main area will show examples of disastrous erosion, waste-
ful land use, bad farming practices, water pollution, destructive
forestry, etc. Thence the visitor will be taken through examples
of natural recovery, reforestation, good farming practices (contour
plowing, etc.) and clean water.
The outside area will include exhibits of various birds and mam-
44
mals of New York State and a fish exhibit (trout, bass, etc.) in
which the visitor is taken below ground level in order that he
may see a stream bottom on a level with his eye.
The description given above is only a broad outline. Details
remain to be worked out.
The method of approach by the Foundation's staff will be as
follows:
1. Preliminary Planning
(a) Preparation of a story or script establishing the broad basis of
the lessons to be taught.
(b) Projection of known Zoological Park attendances as a means of
estimating peak loads and periodic attendances.
(c) An estimation of audience types.
2. Specification of the ideal exhibit without reference to cost or space.
3. Designing the Exhibit within the financial and space limits.
4. Execution of the project.
COST
The capital cost of the Conservation Exhibit will be borne by
the State of New York. Planning and other work in connection
with it is expected to absorb about half the time and energies of
one member of the staff and of a secretary. No attempt has been
made to allocate salary or administrative expenses for this purpose.
45
III
International Conferences
Conservation is a world-wide issue. Man's problem in his
earliest, dimmest, most far-away days was obtaining a living from
the earth. The wheel of human destiny seems to turn, but the
basic facts of life remain constant. Man's initial problem is still
with him - but there are new factors. The population of the earth
has more than quadrupled within the last three centuries and
doubled even within the last century. Human civilization has now
permeated virtually every area of the earth's surface. Vast fertile
regions have been injured by man, many of them so ruined that
they have become deserts and uninhabitable. The question now is
-can the existing productive resources of the earth be protected
and be placed upon a sustained-yield basis? Today this is an
international problem.
We wish to encourage international cooperation not only be-
cause our own country's well-being is directly influenced, for
better or for worse, by conditions prevailing in other parts of the
world, but also because collaboration with government officials,
educators, scientists, industrialists and technicians in other coun-
tries is sure to prove of mutual value. We Americans have much
to learn from abroad. In several respects, for instance, conserva-
tion practices are far more advanced in northwestern Europe than
in our own country. In turn, the Foundation aims to become a
source of information for other countries. Expressed in simplest
terms, we look upon this as a collaborative effort, having in mind
the potentialities of a well-organized independent agency where
none such now exists.
47
Participation in the Paris Conference
to be Called by UNESCO for the Creation of an
International Union for Nature Protection
BACKGROUND
An international meeting was held in Brunnen, Switzerland,
from June 27 through July 3, 1947, which was sponsored by the
Swiss League for the Protection of Nature. The purpose of this
conference was to create a new organization to be known as the
INTERNATIONAL UNION for the PROTECTION of NATURE.
The conference was attended by delegates from twenty-one
nations, some of them official government representatives, others
representing private conservation organizations. Eight interna-
tional organizations also sent delegates to the conference.
The following resolution was finally adopted by unanimous
vote on July 3:
I.
The draft of a provisional Constitution for the International Pro-
tection of Nature has been approved unanimously by the delegates
to the Brunnen Conference.
II.
It is desired by the delegates that the Swiss League for the Pro-
tection of Nature continue to act as the agent for our provisional
organization and carry out all necessary business as provided for by
the Provisional Constitution on our behalf. The delegates will
attempt to reimburse the Swiss League for all expenses incurred by
them for this purpose.
III.
The League shall immediately send the Draft Constitution to
UNESCO, asking for it to be transmitted to all Governments, invit-
ing them to communicate to UNESCO whether they can accept the
Draft Constitution with or without amendments.
IV.
UNESCO is requested to convene a congress at Paris, in July
1948, to discuss and finally adopt a constitution based upon the
49
Draft Constitution agreed upon by the delegates at Brunnen.
On August 8, 1947, the Swiss League in conformity with para-
graph II above, prepared and forwarded to all delegates a com-
plete transcript of the minutes of the Brunnen Conference. These
minutes, which are extremely voluminous, include the draft con-
stitution referred to in paragraph I above, together with a reason-
ably complete report of the proceedings of the conference.
The New York Zoological Society was represented at this con-
ference by its own delegate.
PROPOSAL
The proposal is made that the Foundation send two delegates
to the Paris Conference if it is officially called by UNESCO.
It is further proposed that the Foundation's delegates spend at
least two additional weeks in following up contacts established
this past summer with scientists and government officials in Eng-
land and on the continent.
NEED FOR ACTION
As a result of the Brunnen Conference, a world organization
for the protection of nature has been conceived and, if given
enthusiastic support by the Foundation, may emerge from the
forthcoming Paris Conference as the first permanent inter-gov-
ernmental organization of this sort.
There is no question as to the earnestness with which the con-
ference in Brunnen was conducted nor as to the immense poten-
tialities for the cause of conservation inherent in the Paris
Conference. It is not too much to say that the Paris Conference
cannot succeed without active and enthusiastic American par-
ticipation. Inasmuch as the New York Zoological Society, repre-
senting the Foundation, took a strong hand in the work at Brunnen
and as its delegate was a member of the drafting committee for
the constitution, our failure to take an active part in the subsequent
conference would distinctly threaten its success.
Although the constitution, as finally adopted, defines the in-
terests and functions of the International Union for the Protection
of Nature more narrowly than the Zoological Society's delegate
wished, these interests and functions are subject to redefinition
50
in the future. One of the most important decisions which the
Foundation's delegates must make will be whether or not they
should take the lead in redefining them at the Paris Conference.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
It is difficult to anticipate the results of the Foundation's par-
ticipation in the proposed conference owing to the fact that it will
be attended probably by more than a hundred, and possibly by
as many as two hundred, delegates with varying and even con-
flicting views. However, it can be stated with reasonable assur-
ance that the Foundation can play an extremely important role
in this conference and may readily exert a dominating influence
upon its destiny.
Participation as proposed represents a golden opportunity to
the Foundation to make its influence felt over the whole field of
its conservation effort. Failure to attend would be tantamount to
a refusal to accept the leadership expected of it. If the Inter-
national Union for the Protection of Nature emerges as a full-
fledged international organization next July, it must exert wide
influence. Many hazards lie ahead and the entire enterprise will
be stillborn unless it is vigorously and intelligently supported.
There are still a number of important individuals and organiza-
tions not yet fully convinced that the organization can succeed.
We do not yet know what the reaction of various governments
will be nor how seriously they will attempt to make the forth-
coming conference a success. Much will depend upon the Amer-
ican stand.
USE OF THE RESULTS
Providing the conference is a success and the IUPN comes into
full vigor, its usefulness will be considerable. We may hope that
new international conventions for the protection of nature will
be adopted, treaties drawn up and put into effect, local, national
and international conservation laws altered and improved, edu-
cation in the fields of conservation vigorously prosecuted, and
many other similar results achieved.
METHOD
A large amount of work will have to be done during the next
51
six months if we participate in this coiLference. The Foundation's
delegates must in first instance get in touch with the interested
United States government agencies and discuss policy with them.
In second instance, they must decide exactly how they will
cooperate with other private organizations in this country so that
the American delegation can be selected and instructed in con-
formity with a simple, clear-cut policy.
In third instance, the Foundation will be obliged to carry on
an extended correspondence with British delegates, and with
delegates of various other European countries, in order to pre-
pare a tentative agenda for the Paris Conference. Agreement in
advance will do much to insure the success of the conference.
These matters will require about a third of the time of one
member of our staff this winter.
COST
Two round trip tickets to Europe. ......... $1,200.
Thirty days in Europe at $25 a day per person . 1,500.
Travel expenses, approximately. .......... 400.
$3,100.
52
New York Conference in 1948
for European Members of the Advisory Council
PROPOSAL
It is proposed herewith that five leading European scientists be
invited by the Foundation to attend a one-week conference in
New York City in March or April 1948.
During the recent trip to Europe of a staff member, he dis-
cussed with a number of Europeans the possibility of their serv-
ing as members of the Advisory Council to the Foundation. In
each case, the men approached indicated their willingness to
serve in this capacity, and three of them definitely agreed to come
to New York. These acceptances were from Charles Sutherland
Elton, Zoologist, Director of Bureau of Animal Population, Oxford;
Dr. V. van Straelen, President, Institute of the National Parks of
the Belgian Congo, Brussels; and Dr. Nils Dahlbeck, Botanist,
Executive Secretary of the Swedish League for the Protection of
Nature, Stockholm.
NEED FOR ACTION
The Foundation has already created an Advisory Council con-
sisting of men of outstanding reputation and skill. Upon several
occasions in 1947 American members of this group met and con-
ferred with the Foundation. Their advice was of inestimable
value to us.
If we are to operate truly on an international scale it is abun-
dantly clear that we must have scientists and others from abroad
serving the Foundation in an advisory capacity. One of the major
purposes of the New York Conference would be to provide an
opportunity for our most active partners in Europe to meet their
American colleagues and to discuss with them and with ourselves
the problems confronting the Foundation. It is a matter of great
53
practical importance that our European advisors should take an
active part at the earliest possible moment in our affairs, because
much depends upon the degree and depth of interest engendered
by them among their own associates.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
The European delegates will return to their respective countries
with an infinitely clearer conception of the Foundation's scope,
purposes and objectives than they could derive in any other
fashion.
The Foundation itself will undoubtedly receive great stimula-
tion from European attendance and will also gain a much clearer
picture of the means of accomplishing its international ends than
would otherwise be the case.
Conservation problems in the New World and the Old World
are the same - and yet with differences. A mingling of experi-
ence cannot help but be fruitful to all of us. We expect that
the Foundation's program and its future policies will be altered
as a result of our growing experience, changing conditions, and
new and progressive thinking. Our European colleagues, too,
may take new heart from their realization of what we are at-
tempting.
PREPARATION
It is proposed that the three men mentioned above be invited,
together with Dr. A. Vivian Hill, Physiologist, University of
London, former Secretary of the Royal Society, and that another
selection be made from among scientists of equal stature.
COST
Five round-trip tickets............$3,000.
Per diem expenses: five men for seven days each,
at $20 per day. .............. 700.
American travel and entertainment. .........1,000.
Total.................. $4,700.
54
IV
Organization Planning
No organization, especially one engaged in such a pressing
field as conservation, can exist in a vacuum. Small, tightly-knit
groups can exert immense influence if their ideas are obviously
sound, but it is a basic tenet of a democracy that the people - all
the people - are concerned in public affairs, and the surest and
soundest way to attain goals in the public interest is to inform
the people and inspire them to take action in their own name.
The means of reaching the public and persuasively informing
it, depends in large measure on the agencies lying between the
source of facts and the public.
The Conservation Foundation does not want to stand alone;
it could not, even if it would. It is fully prepared to find the
facts and to report them.
How to make the best use of popular knowledge and enthu-
siasm? An appraisal of this problem is required at an early stage.
55
Investigation of Means of
Broadening the Base of Public Interest
and of Assuring Public Action
BACKGROUND
The Conservation Foundation has been conceived as an in-
stitution of dignity and high professional integrity, with an inter-
national outlook. As a matter of policy we feel that it should
stand apart from direct agitation in behalf of causes in which it
may be, nevertheless, vitally interested. We believe there is a
universal need for objective fact-finding in every one of the dis-
puted fields of conservation, and therefore that its primary func-
tion should be that of providing others with the most complete,
accurate, and disinterested facts obtainable. As a consequence,
education, both formal and popular, should be the Foundation's
major concern, and this should be buttressed by a series of studies
and research projects directed toward specific ends.
It is assumed that the financial support of the Foundation will
come from a relatively small number of givers. At the same time,
it is recognized that effective action on the conservation front re-
quires the very broadest public interest and public support; peo-
ple must become aroused to the point of demanding action on
issues of such moment.
At the moment there are many leagues and associations de-
voted to conservation in one or another of its aspects. These
existing organizations are frequently highly specialized. Often
they make an emotional approach to their problems. Almost
invariably their budgets are inadequate. No single group, con-
sequently, attracts sufficiently wide support to achieve the total
objective of conservation. Similarly, none wields the power or
commands the revenue that would allow operations on a large
scale.
With these premises in mind, the Foundation may well find it
57
desirable to direct some portion of its endeavor to broadening the
base of public interest that is now lacking. At the least it will
need to know what are the most effective instruments available
for translating ideas into action. The problem is one of major
importance and the solution will do much to determine the future
effectiveness of the Foundation.
PROPOSAL
We are of the opinion that the Foundation should undertake
an investigation of various possibilities. They may be summarized
as follows:
1. Can our ends be achieved by the use of existing organizations? We
believe that we might stimulate existing organizations to successful
action without infringing on their independence in any way.
2. Would it be preferable to set up our own action organization, within
the Foundation itself? This would entail a drive for public sub-
scriptions on a large scale and might compromise the objectivity of
the Foundation. Further, the activities of the Foundation as we
conceive them today might be completely overshadowed.
3. Would it be advantageous to sponsor a new instrument in the form
of a quite separate Conservation League of America which should
seek a very large membership (for argument's sake, bigger than the
combined memberships of other conservation organizations), spread
geographically over the whole United States?
4. If any one of these three propositions is accepted, how should it be
implemented - stimulated, financed, controlled?
An investigation of these possibilities would be extremely tech-
nical in character and should be attempted only under the very
best public relations guidance.
RESULTS
Broadly, the information to be sought can be summarized as:
1. A detailed analysis and assessment of the scope of all organizations
in the United States interested in conservation. (This information
will prove valuable regardless of the conclusions that may be drawn
from the investigation).
2. An estimate of the effects an attempt to enlist wide public support
for the Foundation might have on the Foundation's work and
policies.
3. An appreciation of the practicability of launching a new large-scale
Conservation League. An analysis not only of the ways of bringing
it about, but also of its possible effects on the Foundation's future.
58
4. Analysis of the experience of other large organizations seeking to
produce concrete results in fields analogous to our own.
5. Professional recommendations concerning the steps to be taken to
achieve our objectives.
METHOD
Although this problem has received careful consideration we
do not feel competent at this time to suggest the exact methods
to be followed in the investigation. Discussions with public rela-
tions counsel and with experts in nation-wide campaigns will be
required to develop detailed plans.
We can, nevertheless, make some general observations about
the line the investigation should take. We can assume full and
frank discussions between officers of the Foundation and execu-
tives of large civic organizations. This preparatory phase is one
which should not be turned over to public relations counsel, al-
though their advice would be sought from the outset.
At this early stage, we should study the experiences of other
bodies that have attempted great civic movements. We are con-
cerned with how they have met their problems of recruitment
and maintenance of membership, financing, organization of local
chapters, procurement and direction of staff, planning and control
of activities, publications, informational and educational services,
and relations with the press and with other organizations.
We know that the limitations of action by civic groups are
largely fiscal and organizational. We want to know whether a
program of grants-in-aid to existing groups would advance the
cause of conservation at less continuing cost than the sponsorship
and maintenance of a separate League of our own.
Once the facts have been marshaled with the constant guid-
ance and advice of public relations counsel, the second phase
calls for surveys and analyses by the public relations experts, and
preparation of a report and recommendations.
COST
This investigation will be difficult to make. We believe, how-
ever, that it is of such importance that it should be started at an
early date. We are asking for the sum of $15,000 to cover pro-
fessional fees, expenses, traveling, etc. This figure is an estimate
worked out with the assistance of a public relations firm.
59
- LA.
.p$.1 28t, 19$47
Mr. F-airfield Osborne
Now York Zoologica Society
630o Fih Avete
New York 20, NL T.
Dear Fairfield:
I had to wire youm imqtbility to atten the
may 16 meetin. That week conMans the fnl
exam on m yeolog ocoure, evemrl ays of
making exam papers, a meeting of the Cmoservation
Commssion (2 ays), and two days of student
intervim preparatory to wi4ndng up the semostes.
None of these dates Gay be hifte, d or Oca I
wish them on ay other person.
I' sorr to disappolnt you. I oan msen that
you probably need some outside testioin".
I hope the meetings go well.
Your*s eer,
Ald4o Leopold
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New
York 20, N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
April 9, 1947
Dear Aldo:
Thanks greatly for yours of the 3rd. I will take care of your Albrecht
material, which I am grateful that you are forwarding to me, and will
return to you as soon as I am through with it, which should be within
two or three weeks.
I have the Sir Albert Howard book and could not swallow it all, and so
I am glad to hear your comments concerning its tendencies to bias.
I have just finished a brief write-up on Australia but feel that the
rabbit end of it is not treated quite as fully as it should be and would
therefore be glad if you would mail me as soon as you can the pamphlet
by David G. Stead. I can return it to you within a few days.
I got back from Washington last night, having heard Bill Vogt speak on
conditions in Venezuela and Salvador the evening before; also had a
most interesting talk with Fred Renner concerning his survey of Greece,
as well as with Walter Lowdermilk concerning various things in our alley.
I have just had a letter from Starker this morning wanting more informa-
tion concerning our Foundation.
Activities are piling along and I think we are making progress. Will be
writing again soon,
Yours ever,
1,(
Dr. Aldo Leopold
The University, of Wisconsin
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
FO: RES
April 16, 1947
Mr. George 1. reve#, :r.
New Yor Zoological Society
Conservation Division
122 M. 58th St.
New York 22, W. T.
Dear George:
Your letter of April 5 rasles, an Y= know, Many questions too large
to be handled by letter, and also many on which T have no views.
Off han, I am skeptical of a videly publioiseA international centeren"m
as early as 1948. 1 would proosee quietly for a longer jeriod, to
give your organisation a ohanoe to feel out its Job. Several meetings
of the Advisory Omittee should precede a publioised conference.
If you do go ahead on a 1%48 Confrenoce, bettor got untangled first
with Bill Vogt who has an inter-American Conference in 1948.
An to a CannAdan Advisor, three names come to mindt !rfessor Ian
gc GCowan, University of British Columbia; Dr. Harrison Lewis,
National Parke Branah, Ottawa: Dr. William Rowan, Unidvert-lty of
Alberta, Mmonton. I would poll some Canadian opinion before making
a mmitmnt. Ask Albert Hochbam, Delta Waterfowl bRsearh Station,
Delta, Manitoba.
Y.e, I approve the 10ropeaf trip by Fairfteld and yoarself.
As to the charter, I haVe misgivings about 2c, It sounds too much like
a "developnent0 program. I don't think you meant it to be.
Also I have misgivings about *to produce" in I1 (4). If we bcome a
producer of educational materials we may bog down,
This ts a fragmentary reply. I lack time to do a real job.
Yours ever,
Aldo Leopold
00 Vogt
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
CONSFtRVATI(;N DIVISION
122 E. 58th St. Nbew York 22, N. Y. Z."ef
t
P~aza 9-6934
5 April 1947
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo I
I am enclosing with this note a draft of proposed powers
and purposes for our "Certificattem of Incorporation# which was
prepared by Sam Ordway. Sam intends to submit this to our counsel,
Alfred Ily, for his consideration and we hope to proceed with in-
corporation soon.
He is most antious to have your advice and the benefit
of any comments on the document that you would care to make. Naturally
it is of importance that our charter be phrased with the greatest care
and that it omit none of the objectives or ideals which we believe the
Foundation should advance.
I am also asking for your advice and counsel on another
matter; namely, the proposed international conference which we hope
to sponsor in the spring of 1948. There are two main points for our
consideration at the moment. The first of these is concerned with
persons or delegates who should be invite& to attend the conference:
the second is concerned with the proposed agenda for the conference.
In considering the selection of delegates we should bear
in mind the circumstance that some of them, Charles Sutherland Xlton,
for example, will probably be invited to become Trustees of the Foun.
dation and that others will probably be invited to serve as members
of an Advisory Council to the Foundation.
If I may digress for a moment, I am not inclined to favor,
initially, a large Advisory Council. We do need, however, five, six
or seven councillors who will be available to guide and assist us
during the active planning stage upon which we are now embarked and
which will surely not be concluded for a year and may not be concluded
for two years to come. You and Bill Vogt have already most kindly
agreed to act in this capacity. Most of the other members of the
Advisory Council, should, it seems to me, be within reasonable
"shooting distance" so that we can, if need be, go to them or
they
come to us for conference.
Again, as I see it, after the International Conference has
been held.- and certain Trustees appointed, we shall want to expand
the Advisory Council considerably and include among its personnel
councillors from many foreign countries.
/q
I am wondering if we should/ot now consider inviting a few
other people to join the Advisory Co oil and that if we do so decide
if we should not include one Canadian and possibly Mr. Elton, I would
greatly like to have your views on this subject and particularly your
suggestions of the individuals you might favor for selection.
To return to the earlier subject of the Conference* My own
view is that the holding of the Conference might properly be the first
major public act of the New Foundation; - the launching of the ship.
Outstanding ecologists from Europe, South and Central America, Canada,
Africa, Russia and China should be invited to attend - but the members
should, I feel, not be too numerous. The work the Conference should
undertake cannot be accomplished by a large delegation. Essential, far
reaching, philosophic principles will have to be agreed upon and an
"Atlantic Charter" of conservation written and underwritten by
the con.-
ferees. Wide publicity should be given this feature of the work and I
hope that the President of United States can be persuaded to attend the
final session and personally endorse the policies arrived at.
Our present feeling is that Fairfield Osborn and I should this
summer undertake a two-month trip to Europe (including Moscow) to inter.
view personally the chief delegates to be selected and to ask them to
assist at once in preparing the agenda for the conference.
Considerable funds will have to be raised to meet the expenses
of the Conference and a budget prepared. I am hopeful these funds can
be procured.
I should very much like to have your thoughts on my views and
also your best thought on the men or women who should be chosen as
delegates.
Further will you send me any views you may now have as to the
agenda which should be adopted.
I certainly shall understand if it takes you some time to for-
mulate your replies to the hnmerous and involved qubtions this letter
raises but we should like your views on our proposed charter provisions
in the meantime.
You will be interested to learn that certain changes have
occurred in our little staff: Mr. Hoyt is not going to continue with
us; his place is to be taken by Robert Snider who has agreed to work
with us, at least until January, 1948. He has an outstanding record
of achievement in research and we are very happy and I believe very
fortunate to have him with us. Colonel William Smith has also joined
us on the same basis as Mr. Snider and will probably be most active in
the educational program we are working on.
I was hoping I might see you at the recent Isaak Walton Con.-
vention at Chicago. I shall try to keep you posted from time to time
on major developments.
Please forgive the undue length of this letter. With my
very kindest regards,
Faithfully,
GEB/s George E. 'rewer, Jr.
Enc.
MMORANDX RSCA11Ct f.ICLRI
Tfi name of his corporation shall be. "T CW12MArI~TI FOUWDNTATIOR".
*Tho mr-oses of this Founciatig are;
I. To e-tavfrv,* tor' the lm-,.ftt -ý! mmikin truIcý
the 'Virld4
knolodga # w! no.rst~nelng of ý,,, oarth's nst~ur~l -,re living
rPIC~rc6 and
thtdr essential r.1.timt to* vtdi other rmt to t'~ qrnrI(chmt
T~ wdmainlt'ýmk
(~) Te 4t~~' -'n "u Oxtfmt of tk" ea~rth- r,,~~
of
do)ýwdont an: Art. vital- to tbe- *hjI,-- c an iI %
md OtI~ #ýxtent of c~ir-rtnt exitr.ýt-,re o q
vl.
teýy:w3" kU~tur0*' Jostr o! xI2
:4rd b7 enouraginr the *idaet. ofpmuch knowef seo and
wQ.thsOdV W proi te j>Ubb1c fit f~eat4' '-C . ý: 7c;
'3. To tti-O2&t.. t 0 ciI 4'Aý t.c'ticr, Inor *,t¶'r
-n h!oso-hy
whiaok s ploqtso th tir a2 wet-arg ýf mn.ut rvl t!.tn to RzIN4tro
and Aih~a
nee, 1 e' rsý'r Grcte m' ii e C~4 pit I: r"Al~ man~ riand
hia . ýisedt *I' life &a it, it, orw~ ,4In te4--u 'f the .satz
deglirs and
4 T O btT-u-' ~ný. ~ ; tl~h.to tho, Pr.
cenmer7 for purposes of d#monstrioR oT fwie lsnd uee, pubuce
adution d thoe en.ri et o' life;
+ To ork with Pr- aýsgvt Lndividunl, oroaaixed group,,
.vrnt4 . e , e any state or nhtia, and tematioui agici.es
to nouVr& und assure effeetive application of s rnervation
khavwlod~ro, practices sand motho4..
To thiaý sa t'ne foun~iat'ion; is aut),orisuc &nd ennovereet
1. To slicit, receive, hold snd m-sintaia faad. n d to pply
om-ch func;& or t4he ineos* therefror, Int wuch -rAnrnf.r as In~~~~~n
of
its traOteva WiaU best ".ry out. the pur.sep of the F* ato
S . ';4 To stialaot and enourage study,, resertt, catcn.r uder
stiiaiedv ket~ion thruo!tat tkta world thrlugt. IeeisueCineding
the previWin sand award of Kransi n.4.d, oclasruhi-,ps, ±Amcl and
prize*
te t-ho end thst boapu neock oozc demaais,, Pc the regentrutirig power of
nait~aro umAY Lv brought mar. aisarly into h#amony.
-3. To osagae in re,ehrch sne enonuct etudies of nyiturrl xd 11yiag
reeo-*urces w their reiativbip to s.ao other end to huma neor, ond deands,
,at; to publioh or subsicize ?bictatian of eiguiflc tt f~in ennd re~rt*
of scetiie, pictoriul or lit.rary nrtire.,
4. To enco-arage 'ýtradur.ton of, to produce And to mski Avnifplah
at 41 octisasl levels, aceurvte san stAiIing mat*ri*i* iltudig
filas, s, bns,- leetree, rsdo procrs and teloviwa broadcast*
relating to origins, distributionand5 interdqepondene of naturs4 roseures
.ad relating to effective metIh.4 for Vtoir moervetion ud use,
5, To proide the osbinery lor enforanc he d ro-n ltaet aong
advisor~y, arohýbc, plsanning, rivi.,pe ee11, *..tiwaal sad
ment~al agoaaie. which mry be ctoncemedJ with., or help in, the cot~rz--Vaticn
of natur4l &nd livinp resouruer, so thpt wapteful. duplication of effort
may be raiaimised -.nai new lieldrs 'ort coiiatructiv# researoi sand action
a
b~ moro clearly 4tinw.
6. o aat a. a Clearing huee for th *oU10ion, *vlai ,
d.ivneiatinu or intechkaug of ±eaforwation w Ubib1grftphi~and o1 ther
X,.
01e r f te*. talbl U not, leaI tthen twnty-n entor
more tho trty-.eyo, ew o ;, ot l .eb thJx- hi~f shi e w.1i; e eI of the
that Tri.-ttEer of v1*v leirk yolorei4 S roty. One4 ird o' the
te re.ittv ttetv~p of tht ~*e t tit. Ornd ,it no.e tbiln t whe ich
~~~i bR e r,,d- jo ctr C Onb~1 orA ah 1ot~ jý .1 t o~ r
Tih ~ueathra.Lne! It to ef T ata.
a st fc-pertuattng of Te fuo t oti cf mayeer re d
NT~~~ ~~ ol~~ u~~d2yb ts0 t~i, &ndtkna relrins open.
A 3ri, 7 !1*7
Mr. T1"UrflIeld Osborne
1ew Yozc Zoolog1,o~a $ooilety
630 Fifth Ave*nue
siew YorL d(, )ie York
I Ixm u1; -ou Cr com2llo'e ooleotion Of the Albreoht
reo-lis, ind do i few rela t ts whith I thou- t
you C'. ti'ouh h it. :.btJows yo: -vn in mid1 t'he
OV-:dionn ~dil foJg :ve us ,C× ,t t:r fi:lty of th
t~b'eh rj ~ a
tLf to your lioryn'.
o uale. 4. . 19~4~5. .-' ; " . it L
ij% i3.oo.
~~~~~~~~f ai'~t17 ulad~~d3
study of organic #ricuLturo. Doven- c¶ r Go., 'hr Yo:.
I haye a god deal of resteot for ile'z hoO but
1iua'd' view i8 biase, nand n' to be c meeto aS
scentifie f's, andr in ingt,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
OFFICE'O THE
SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue,
New York 20, N. Y.
CIrcle
5-5750
March 20,
1947
Dear Aldo:
This comes as a reminder that I would immensely appreciate your forwarding
to me as
soon as you can any papers (probably especially those by Albrecht) that bear
on the
relationship of land health, or rather, good soil conditions, to human health.
I
am very eager to get a good chapter on this subject into my book* I quite
realize
there is not too much data that has beln developed on this but I presume
there is
enough reliable material which would permit of definite indication, if not
proof,
that as soil conditions decline human energy and health decline. Also I want
to
try to dispel the present illusion in the public's mind that vitamin pills
"do
the trick"; in other words, would wish to attempt to show, among other
things,
that vitamin pills are merely activators and are not substitutes that will
give
energy and health to human beings in lieu of poor land products from depleted
soils.
(I realize this vitamin end of it is a little tricky and has to be handled
with
care.) All in all I think you know what i am after and, as I say, would very
deeply appreciate your forwarding to me any material that you know of that
would
help.
Also, I am afraid I am burdening you further by asking you to send on such
strik-
ing examples as may occur to you of the value of animal life in the ecological
scene -- when I speak of animals I am of course not thinking merely of mammals
but all the way down the scale - especially perhaps striking examples of
actual
cases where the whole economy of nature is broken down because of destruction
or
non-protection of certain forms of animal life. I am going to attempt to
also
write a chapter in my book on this subject. As you know, the book is a brief
effort or an argument rather than a treatise and therefore all I need for
its pur-
poses is the citIng of certain special and striking cases to support the
general
expression of the thesis that animal life in all its forms must be recognized
as
an integral part of "land health."
I will be deeply grateful for your sending to me any material along the above
lines
that would fit this bill.
Since you left here we have made a lot of progress already, of which we will
keep
you informed in detail as time goes on.
Wi th warmest personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Aldo Leopold Pre *dent
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
FO: RES
March 18, 1947
mr. Fairfield Osborn, President
New York Zooogial Society
630 Fifth Avenue
New York 20, N. Y.
Dear ftirfieldt
Thanks for your good letter.
One of the deprossing aspects of the present situation ts the small pro-oportion
of traine men who have a broad grasp of the world situation in respect of
conservation, There mst be more of them than I know personally, but I can
onl draw on my own acquaintance.
Gre A. (Men in their thirties)
JO*2i. HckeF. Patuxent Laboratory, Bowle, Maryland. Probably
obligj-ated ba G eih m. I am trying to get him here.
S er Le d. Musem Yertebrate Zoolog, Berkeley, Olifornia.
1 Il obligated to finish his book on Mexico.
Grade B. (Men in their thirties)
Frederick N. Naaerstrom, Jr. % George Reserve. Pickney, Mich.
Pehapes not obligated.
Arthur S, Hawkins. Fish andW ildltfe Service. Present address
424 Vair rsityF arm Place, Madison, Yfis, Perhaps obligated..
Charles Schwartz. % Board of Agr~culture and Forestry, P.O. Box
3319,
Honolulu 1. Haaii. Soon footloose.
Lw1e K, Bowls. % Delta Waterfowl Research Station, Delta, Manitoba.
Older Men
mest 0.1 HEot. % Soil Conservation Servioe, Washington, D. 0.
2.
I find in trying to write such a list that the job it so large as to befog
the mind, i.e.: I am not sure of my own Judgement. ,very one of these
men
is good, bat I am not sure there are not many others Just as good, especially
as good as list B.
Some of these man have their aim on a research creer, and you 4ght find it
easier to borrow them for a year or two than to employ them for indefinitely
long poriods.
With personal regards.
Yours over,
Aldo Leopold
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTTIFIC RE1SEARCHT CANM.IflVA TTCNh.
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New
York 20, N. Y.
CIrce 5-5750
March 13, 1947
Dear Aldo:
Your letter of the tenth is at hand and we are immediately forwarding
check in reimbursement of your expenses under separate cover. Our
debt to you is very great, even granting we are all working for the
same purposes. Your coming on at substantial sacrifice to yourself,
in the sense of the long trip and the time away from yotir own work,
is profoundly appreciated and it is beyond me to tell you how great a
contribution, and even a permanent one, you made to our planning.
I wonder if you are in a position to answer the following inquiry. We
all feel at this time that it would be a very great advantage to add to
our staff a man with training in biology, ecology and conservation.
While there is no immediate hurry, it is obvious that our group wouli be
better equipped if such an individual was associated with our proposed
enterorise.
Your son made a very deep and favorable impression on George Brewer.
Could you give me some kini of a reaction as to whether you think he
might be available. We should like to get to know him better and dis-
cover whether his point of view and ours would be compatible for the
work into which we are entering. I think you will agree our enterprise
presents a unique opportunity for the creation of an outstanding career,
Will you let me know your reactions?
With warmest regards,
Sincerely yours,
Pres dn
Dr. Aldo Leopold
The University of Wisconsin
Department of Wildlife Management
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
FO: RES
Y
..4anca 10, 19k47
Mr. Pairfield 09 born*z
New York Zoological Society
630 ?ifth Ave',nu
New lork 20, Now Tork
Dear Faibrfield
The trip to New York wa- gratifying to me and X
anreciate your u m~tn it wossible. It vai a deep
satisfaction to learn that your gWoun is willin to
jwp the grooves of tho-ught which have hretofore
limited the ooinseration mov.ment,
I anpwiate your hoscitality, both nysical wa
intellectual. With reronal bost wishes.
ALDO LUPOLD
P.S. I will end soon the material I promised
George Brewer,
r-penso amoint for trip to Now York
Conservation meatin of March 7-9, 1947
Aldo Leopold
3/7 Plsa ticket to New York, round trip $ 93.26
Cab to airnort, Madisont 1.00
Limousine from Newark Airport to New Tork 1.15
Cab, ýoorter-5
39 3rafast
Cab to Univ. Club 5
3/9 Btrakf ast.6
Cab to and from Univ. Club 1.00
Hotel bill 3/7 - 3/9 17.72
3/10 Cab from Airport, Madison 1.0o
I
/
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New
York 20, N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
1 March 1947
Mr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I am enclosing with this letter a preliminary
estimate of the problem which we are going to discuss during
the series of conferences on Marth 7th and 8th. I am also
enclosing a ten-point research proposal.
All of us feel, in spite of the tentative
nature of these drafts, that you should read them before
the conferences begin on Friday morning and we are most
anxious to have your views on the various questions raised.
We are holding our first conference at the
Park in the Bronx and Mr. Osborn and I will be at the
University Club, One West 54th Street, at nine o'clock
Friday morning. I suggest that we all meet there at
that time and motor up to the Bronx.
I can hardly tell you how greatly we anticipate
your arrival and the help we know you are going to be able
to give us and we all deeply appreciate the personal sacri-
fice you're making in coming on to New York at this parti-
cular time.
With kindest regards,
Faithfully yours,
GEB/s George E. Brewer, Jr.
Enc.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATIONt
A PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF THE PROBLEM
Premise
Obj ectives
Approach
Research
Education
Organization
Political
Plans
Natural Resources Conservations
A Preliminary Estimate of the. robem
Premise:
The world's natural and living resources of soil, water,
plant and animal life (and certain essential minerals which sustain
life) are being rapidly and dangerously depleted because man's
present demands upon Nature exceed her present power of replenishment.
In the past thirty years the trend of dissipation has rapidly increased
and points toward increasing destitution& toward widespread starvation
within IOC years and possibly the eventual extinction of human life.
The problem is a world-wide problem which cuts across all
geographical and racial lines. It is a problem which involves the
interdependence of all natural resources so that separate efforts
to conserve or restore water resources, or soil resources, or wild
life, or to prevent pollution, or restore a balance of bird and
insect lifo, are not alone sufficient to combat the trend, however
useful such individual efforts may be.
Ultimate Objective:
The ultimate objective is to reverse the destructive trend
and to reestablish the regenerating power of Nature in sufficient
measure to sustain continued human survival and a civilised standard
of life on Earth.
Intrmedigte ObJoetives:
Firsts To bring public opinion, which means all citizens
of the world, to a thorough understanding of the dangers inherent
in dissipation of resources; and the vital necessity for restraint,
and for concerted action of public and private interests to
achieve specific and over-all conservation.
Seconds To gain acceptance as fundamental policy, by
private enterprise now using natural resources for profit, of the
long range view that it is in their own interest, as well as in that
of the public, to carry on their activities in such a way that all
renewable resources will be used on a sustained yield basis.
Thirds To assure that all of the agencies of governments
concerned with any of the phases of conservation in every area
have an integrated, enlightened policy and adequate programs for
the study, dissemination and application of conservation techniques,
with adequate staff, adequate appropriations and authority to
accomplish their aims with the least possible interference with
private enterprise.
Political, social and religious implications of any
practical effort to approach accomplishment of these objectives
are manifold and need to be examined most carefully in the
development of our planning,
Approaches to the accomplishment of our objectives lie
in the fields of research, education, organization and political
action.
I. Of Research,
Basic to all other approaches is the ascertainment of
accurate facts concerning resources existence, use and dissipation
in all parts of the world. It will be necessary at the outset to
define the nature of the facts which will be needed in this endeavor,
and to define the form in which such facts should be made available
everywhere. In the compiling of data it will be necessary to have
- 2-
common points of reference and uniform understanding of terms and
statistical method. The problem of procuring uniformity in the
marshalling and dissemihation of needed information will be a huge
problem in itself and the ways and means of gradually assuring the
production and use of such data deserve consideration at this time,,
Sponsorship and encouragement of research studios loading
to the production of uniform basic data may well constitute an
attractive opportunity for possible donors of grants in aid.
From such research studies should flow material of immediate use
in education and program planning.
There is appended hereto a statement prepared by Mr. Hoyt
proposing a ton-point program of research which should also be
discussed at length at this time,
II. Of Educationt
Education is a very broad term and the targets and instru-
ments of education are many.
Organized, formalized education in the schools and colleges
throughout the world presents our broadest opportunity to reach the
largest number of individuals who will be the leaders of thought
and action in the years to come. Such education is therefore a
vital medium for long range instruction concerning the facts which
premise our endeavor as well as for instruction in technical and scientific
methods available in mn's effort to conserve resources.
Concurrently, and of equal present importance, the targets
of education-planning includes private enterprises and individuals
who are now dissipating natural resources for profit or from ig-
norance; elected and appointed officials of government Ao can
spread knowledge of the facts, encourage self-help and authorize
-3-
and enforce necessary controls as an alternative to self-help; the
adult public, from whose understanding and will action springs;
and finally, all those organized groups of citizens who, by joint
endeavor to influence thought and action, whether for an ideal or
for gain or both, powerfully influence action in the world.
If education in this cause is to prevail in time, the mani-
fold media of education will need to be molded and pointed to the
Foundation's aim. It will be necessary to procure and assure the
fullest use of such pointed media.
This imports the preparation of proper texts for use in
all curricula at all levels of education, and a long struggle to
got such texts adopted and properly used in the educational systems
of all states and nations.
So also, audio-visual educational media will need to be
developed and employed,
Other media include literary and artistic works, technical
and non-technical magazine articles, bookes press releases,
exhibits and demonstration projects, and a wide network of con-
potent lectures and radio education.
Which of these media should be developed at any time or
place, and by what moans, and how their use may be assured most
economically and effectively in different hands under different
conditions, dre basic problems of planning and selection.
The way by which our projected Foundation should employ the
educational approach as part of its long range program should be
determined at an early stage of our planning. Whether primary
emphasis should be placed upon the sponsoring or stimulation of
local educational activities, or whether the Foundation itself
should embark upon particular forms of educational activity and
--4-"
the desirable extent and timing thereof, should be considered at
the outset.
III. Of Organislatto:
Another apparent approach to our objectives is through
organized public action in all parts of the world.
The hope of developing effective action through the enlist-
ment of existing or now local action groups, instead of developing
a decentralized organization of the Foundation itself, nay well be
the only hope of economical achievement of our intermediate objectives,
It is not reasonable to expect that education alone will
automatically generate sufficient, effective action to achieve
soon enough our objectives in the field. The belief that action
automatically flows from knowledge is illusory. Action has to
be planned, stimulated, and fostered.
But very thorough plans will be required to stimulate useful
local action throughout the world. The addition of conservation
education and conservation action to the programs of such groups
as Rotary, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Chambers of Commerce, #omen's Federa-
tions, etc., and the use of such organizations for public pressure
locally, is not altogether impractical; but it is an end sought
by many other national organizations with many other important
civic aims. National and local organizations all have their own
preferred axes to grind, with already inadequate budgets, and
are never anxious to be diverted from their major purpose. Com-
petition in this field is great. Therefore, such effort will
have to be better conceived and more thoroughly pressed than are
the programs of competing endeavors, - not to the exclusion of
other worthwhile causes, but to attain the objective of this.
*5".
It will not be sufficient alone to concentrate the
Foundation's effort on national headquarters or policy committees
of large national or international organizations, hoping that the
indoctrination will reach down through national headquarters to
the grass roots. Experience, confirmed by Pan-American Union and
Rockefeller Foundation Reports, indicates that this does not
happen effectively.
If such approach to the enlistment of support of existing
organizations is eventually to be undertaken, it will be necessary
to hold planned gatherings of civic leaders and groups, either
severally or combined, at the grass roots level and, after in-
spiring those present at such gatherings, call immediately for
organization of local cooperating committees, call for the desig-
nation of an Acting Chairman, and then provide for a Rid See-
retarZ and initial oDeratigg budset. Sometimes local enthusiasm
can be persuaded to produce the money forthwith for such a budget.
More often, however, it will be necessary for the Foundation to
provide the Secretary and some financial help, at least for the
first year, until the local organization can be put en a self-
supporting basis. It is due to lack of such support of local
enthusiasm, lack of a detailed action program, and lack of follow-
up that most efforts of this type collapse*
It is premature, at this time, to project any detailed
outline of such local action program methods. Each local program
will have to be based on thorough study of local conditions,
needs, personalities, and the political situation. Nevertheless,
those responsible for planning can and should devise a pattern
for launching such local efforts in all sorts of areas, and for
the establishment of such efforts on a self-sustaining basis0
- 6*
Such a pattern may well embrace four local action aims
and may well require the development of Field Teoas, fully
trained in the method of launching such local effort. There
might be needed on such team one highly competent local organizer,
to deal with local school and college authorities and educational
associations, who would launch the program addressed to the educa-
tional system; one highly competent in dealing with governmental
authorities, and conversant with local political psychology and
limitations, to plan and direct the governmental program; one
highly competent in organiizug local civic support and raising
funds to make the local effort self-supporting; and one able to
develop locally means of winning the understanding and support
of leaders of self-interest groups and individuals using natural
resources for private profit*
Any endeavor to launch such four-barrelled programs at
the local level would require a field director, and continuing
team direction paid for by the Foundation until local people are
able to carrt on and finance their efforts locally. The Foundation
should take no credit for launching such local programs; local
sponsors should receive full credit for accomplishment.
While it is too early, at this stage, to discuss fruitfully
the details of any such organizational approach, careful considera-
tion should be given, at this time, to the question of whether any
such effort is likely to be required in the future; for the
projected scope of the Foundation's eventual activity will substan-
tially affect present plans for its own organization and financing.
IV. 0fooitica Astions
The power of government to compile and analyze necessary
factual information, desseminate public information, establish
-7-
local self-help programs Rind furnish technical advice in the
field, as well as ultimately to regulate and control the use of
resources, provides one of the most important approaches to the
more rapid twcomplishment of our objectives. The Foundation
may need to direct a large part of its effort towards implementing
the most effective use of the power of government everywhere.
It may well be found desirable, through the type of local
organization described above, to seek to keep constantly before
elected and appointed officials the importance of local and world-
wide resources waste, as well as to offset the propaganda of adverse
pressure groups. Powerful public opinion will be needed and will have
to be stimulated to support wise and oppose unwise proposals and
policies at public hearings. There will need to be prepared ques-
tionnaires for candidates for public office. Their position on conser-
vation issues will have to be ascertained and made known to voters.
There will have to be planned, integrated addresses to be delivered
before join sessions of legislative bodies. In short, the approach
to political action begins with the effort to educate those who are
responsible for government action.
The battle for adequate appropriations for agencies engaged
in conservation work will be continuing. The battle for technically
competent and incorruptible staffing of pablic agencies will be con-
tinuing. The battle to achieve coordinated action by national and
local governments and international groups will be continuing.
Governmental action everywhere to disseminate education for self-
help of small as well as large landowners, timber owners, cattlewien,
farmers, sportsmen, miners and manufacturers, will have to be greatly
increased and made effective and the timing and extent of governnental
control of the use of resources will require coordinated decision and
pressure at the grass roots level. How best can the Foundation plan
to use this vital approach to accomplishment of its objectives?
It ia, of course, to be hoped that the Foundation's world-
wide effort can be effectively integrated with activities of the
Pan-American Union, the World Food and Agricultural Organizatioh,
UNESCO and the United Nations, and it appears possible that one
or more of these organizationu may eventually be able to take over
a largo measure, If not the full scope, of the Foundation's work.
Again, the scope and method of our endeavor to utilize the
power of government for our objective requires immediate and long
range consideration in our planning.
Obviously, the foregoing thoughts are very general in some
respects and too boldly detailed in others. They are submitted
primarily to indicate the scope of the problems we face. They
are offered, in part perhaps, to allay any notion that a small
organization or small plans will make substantial impress en the
present world-wide trend,
The Foundation's Own OrganisatEio,
It is apparent that for the first year or more we shall be
in the fact-finding and planning stage, and that any elaborate
organization which may eventually be needed can only grow out
of such preliminary work.
There is attached hereto, as a kind of shot in the darkp
an organization chart (labelled Chart I1) indicating what might
be the ultimate scope of organization of such a Foundation if
plans mature and it is desired to embark on an action program
beyond stimulation of research and education. Such chart is
offered for the purpose of emphasizing the importance of moving
- 9-*
slowly in our first yearts planning.
There are more immediate decisions to be Made.
Within the limitation of funds presently available, it is
necessary to decide what is the beat method of utilizing those funds
this year.
It appears that there is already opportunity to participate
in the preparation and supervision of production of at least three
films in the coming year, and there appears also the possibility
of develeping, for immediate use, radio scripts. Regardless of
the ultimate value of such immediate effort on our part, (for other
agencies are already supporting similar educational activity along
somewhat narrower lines), the production and dissemination of these
films and the sponsorship of such radio broadcasts should be useful
means of implementing a present effort to raise more substantial funds.
Furthermore, an essential of any future development is
attendance at continuing conferences on conservation matters in many
places, and the further developmont of acquaintanceship with those
working in the field.
It also appears desirable to arrange conferences with and
invite the assistance of a number of outstanding leaders whose
advice will be of the greatest benefit in the development of our
thinking and whose interest should be enlisted at the outset of
planning.
It also appears desirable to build up, at the outset, a
strong international Advisory Committee to aid us in understanding
conditions abroad and to aid us in meeting and planning with all
individuals interested in or active in this field abroad. Some of
such advisors may well become members of the Board of Trustees of
- 10li
any Foundation to be formed.
Initial fact-finding and research work should be outlined and
started shortly; for information is basic to the development of our
plane, our educational endeavor, and any act ion program eventually
undertaken.
It appears desirable that we first consider with competent
advisors the form of information we are to seek this year. The
ten-point Hoyt Program of research attached can be discussed at
length. It is my belief that, even with a sizable staff of research
assistants, it is not probable that all of the data called for in the
ton-point program can be obtained and developed, in one year, into
a well presented, comprehensive report on the United States and other
countries and world mzongies. It is hardly possible that comparable
data is available in all countries; and there will undoubtedly be
large gaps in the data desired for various portions of the United
states alone.
We should consider perhaps whether one of our first aims
should not be to ascertain the kind of facts and information which
will be needed in our work from all countries and prepare a formalized
statement of comeon terms, points of reference, statistical method
and coverage in a report entitled, porhaps, *Uniform Data Needed for
International Conservation Planning *. The United States Government
or the Pan-American Union, or some group in the League of Nations or
the United Nations has undoubtedly thought about the need for such
uniform compilation of data, and much work may already have boon
done upon it. However, we shall need to know just what data we
shall want for our own purposes. Work already done in this direction
may or may not be sufficient.
- 11 -
In connection with this preliminary project, we shall
ascertain details concerning the data on resources existence and
use which is currently available in the United States, and learn
the extent of its world coverage, which will aid in arriving at
intelligible definitions of minimum uniform data required in places
whore it does not exist today.
Such study might directly lead to the development of an
additional project. That is, the preparation, by the conclusion
of the first twelve months, of a well presented report upon the
"Information Now Available Concerning Natural Resources in the
United States -- Their Distribution, Use and Dissipation". The
object here would be to collect and analyse data available not only
in Washington but regionally as well throughout the United States,
and present facts and conclusions in graphic form which should be
a startling basis for the appeal for long range funds. It seems
probable that at least two or three graduate students might have to
be given grants in aid and assigned to several regions of the United
States to compile available material for such presentation. Their
studies would have to be carefully planned, coordinated, and directed
by a mature Director. Contacts and openings would have to be made for
them and there would need to be close follow-up of the time on the ac-
tivity and program of each.
A third desirable project, in view of the sponsorship of the
Zoological Society and the wide interest among philanthropists in the
wild life aspects of conservation, would seem to be to analyse all
that has been written with reference to the relationship of wild life
to other forms of resources conservation, and perhaps issue a
separate report, well illustrated, concerning the affect on animal life
of the facts disclosed in the proposed report on U. S. resources, use
and dissipation.
- 12-
These three projects involve a combination of planning, compi-
lation, analysis, supervision, direction and editorial effort. They
are not easy projects, but may well be the simplest which would produce
valuable results in the first year. We should discuss all alternate
suggestions fully as soon as possible.
Along with these projects, work should go forward on studies
of the longer range programs including methods of organization for
education, research, and use of data throughout the world,
If the Society's present consultants are to be most useful to
the Foundation in the future, they will need to spend much time this
year beconing familiar with the problems involved in conservation work,
the people engaged therein, and the history and literature of the move-
ment. They should not be too heavily loaded down with ieodiate pro-
duction responsibilities#
There is accordingly presented here, a chart suggesting minimum
interim organization required to initiate the limited type of research,
planning and education activities discussed above. It is not to be
expected that such an organization would carry on field operations
designed to make any notable impress on present trends or produce any
very novel contributions to either scholarship or progress. Such a
limited organization, however, provided with a small office and
necessary resoaroh matorials, sould inaugurate activity capable of
expansion as plans and program evolve and additional funds become
available.
Staffing, even at this stage, is of maximum importance; no
individual should be retained for vital planning work simply because
he is *highly recommended'; objective investigation and evaluation
of experience, reputation and capacity should be a prerequisite of
even interim employment*
- 13
CHART I (planning Stage)
Bce rd
Of
Trus tees
EjotaJt
I
Advisory
Council
(World
articipat ion)
Con sultant
on
Research
Fact Finding
and
Ana nays is
Development
of
In fo rma t ion
Center
Pres iden t
of
Foundation
(also President
of N.Y.Z.S.)
Consultant
on
Education
Arranges for and
participates in
preparation and
use of Films,
Scripts, Texts,
Lectures, etc.
School, College
and Civic Group
Con ta ct s
Consult an t
on
Program-Planning
and
Staff Services
Long range planning
for the launching
of Local Self-
Sustaining Act ion
Programs
Budget, Personnel
Fiscal and Offlie
3fnagemen t
Government, Civic
an d Commero Jal
Contacts
-
B
as lsta J
|Assistant Ibnageo c -Ofn
l__ and
Secretari
Pool
CHART lI (Operating stage)
I res iden t IDirector
ýBoard of Trwsteeý of
Foundat i
V.r F _ -
iField Operting
Teams
Director
Of
On era t Ion
J Advisor ConoI
"(sord Re-reentat onji
Research
Division1
Fact Finding
Aknalysi --
-w - - -
nf omat Ion
Center
Libry
Plann in
Division
School & College
sect ion
Oover;nmn t
Seot ion
Civic section
Commero la &
Self-Het
aeotioa
so ient Ifl I
Division
Soil Tech-
niqu
viild Life
Teohln iq u es
Fc etry -
0a1 -t on
Graz in g
--9
I -
ield operating
Teams I
Sduoatien
Divis ion
idm; ,
M- a S M
1adio
Le~tures
--e-
Administrativ*
Services DPivivie
Budget ieR rat loin
Personnel Sect ion
FisOal Oontrols
"
Training
Division
Organ iz~t 1on and
-ob jeeat ves
Relat Ion sh ips
Operating
Technique
Field Op ating
Team Director
*1 e- - ft WOe
Aoademio operative
Govenment Operat £v
Civic Operative
Commerclal Operative
I
I
I
q
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Suggestions
January 20, 1947
RESEARCH DIVISION INITIAL FROGRAM
Sherman ki. Hoyt
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -I-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM
The general purpose of this Division has already been
described as keeping the Institute advised of all matters and
activities of a non-political nature with regard to Conservation,
and conducting research when necessary*
More specifically, the first objective of Resear~ch shall
be definitely to establish the urgency of the need for an intensive
educational program in Conservation.
Are we in, or are we only threatened with, a Natural Emergency?
What are the causes of the present situation? Whatt and how rapid,
are the trends of Natural Resources qnd their Production? How
immediate and broad are the needs of c orrective methods? What
has been done along Conservation lines, and mhat is planned?
The foregoing questions, and many more of a related nature,
must be answered before the Institute's active program can be
formulated, or its overall strategy determined. This is the
first objective of Research*
Until this first objective has been attained, the Research
Division cannot lay down any further definite program, Its
general plan will be, however, to maintain close relations with
all active Departments, Agencies, and Organizations in fields
allied with Conservation and Natural Production; to maintain an
authentic, progressive and continuous information service; to
undertake, when necessary, independent investigation and research;
and, as a result of constant analysis of information received from
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -2w
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM
all sources, to integrate all these components into whatever form
will best serve the purposes of the Institute.
The Division's initial tasks in attaining its first objective
will be to determine:
l* Government Departments and Agencies, and other
Organizations in fields of Conservation and
Natural Production*
2. Products (specifying key products) covered by the
above agencies.
3. Production data on above products as far back as
available.
4. Population data as far back as available.
5. Per Capita Production data.
6. Per Capita Requirements.
7. Earthts surface usage data, as far back as available.
8. Conservation activities, findings, and recommendations
to date by existing organizations.
9. Conservation programs by existing organizations.
10. Report by Research Division, based on above findings,
summarizing the urgency of applied Conservation*
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -3-
RESEARCH DIVISION WROGRAX& INITIAL OBJECTIVE
I. Determine Government Departments and Agencies, and Other
Organizations concerned with:
A. Conservation in
1. United States
2. Other Countries
3. World Agencies
B. Production of Necessary Products in
1. United States
2. Other Countries
3. World Agencies
C, Make listing for each organization, showing
Product Types and Individual Products with
which it is concerned, Type of Activity
conducted, Key Personnel, and record.
D. Index as followst
i. Alphabetically
2. By Countries
3. By Product Types:
a, Farm
b. Forest
c. Marine
d. Mineral
Purpose. This listing is to be a basic and perpetual index
to All Organizations in any fields related to the Science of
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -4-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAMs INITIAL OBJECTIVE
I. Conservation, together with their objectives, field and type
of activity, key personnel, and record of accomplishment.
This listing should be kept up to date continuously.
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -5.
RESEARqCH DIVISION PROGRAMs INITIAL OBJECTIVE
II, List Natural Products Necessary for the Support and
Enrichment of Human Life, and covered by the above
listed agencies.
A. Make listing for each item, showings
1. Type of Product
a. Farm
b. Forest
c. Marine
d. Mineral
Indicate Key Products in each type.
2. Function
a. Food
b. Clothing
Co Housing
d. Industrial
e. Other
3. Occurrence
a. Country and State
b. Topographical
4. Department or Agency concerned
5. Date all entries
B. File Listings
1. Alphabetically
2. Typically
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 **-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM& INITIAL OBJECTIVE
II. 3. Functionally
4. Departmentally
Purpose. This listing is to be a basic and perpetual
index to All Natural Products whose control comes
within the scope of Conservation; it should be
continuously kept up to date.
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -7-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM: INITIAL OBJECTIVE
III. List and Plot Production of Necessary Products (listed in II)
a6s far back as records are available, as follows&
A. Production in
1. United States
2, Other Countries individually
3. World total
B. Combine Plots in A in Product Type Plots:
1. Farm
2. Forest
3. Marine
4. Yineral
C. Combine Plots in B in Overall Plots for:
1. United States
2. Other Countries individually
3o Yorld total
Purpose. These Plots are of primary importance in
determining and controlling the program of Conservation.
Their purpose is to indicate the production and rate of
change of production of the Necessary Products, and to
suggest future trends.
They should be brought up to date annually.
Note. Plots should be made in standard units and also
on a percentage basis*
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 194T -8-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM: INITIAL OBJECTIVE
IV. List and Plot Population as far back as records are
available , for:
A. United States
B. Other Countries individually
C. World Total
Purpose. These Plots are of primary importance in
determining and controlling the program of Conservation.
Their purpose is to indicate populations and their
rate of change, and to suggest future trends*
These plots should be kept up to date whenever new
data is available.
Note. Plots should be in on a numerical basis and also
in percentage.
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20p 1947 -9.
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM: INITIAL OBJECTIVE
V. List and Plot Per Capita Production as far back as records
are available, by combining production and population plots,
as follows:
A. Combine IIIA and IV to show per capita pro-
duction of individual products in
1. United States
2. Other Countries individually
3. World Total
B. Combine IIT and IV to show per capita pro-
duction of Product Types in
1. United Statess
a& Farm
b. Forest
c. Marine
d. Mineral
2o Other Countries Individually:
a. Farm
b. Forest
c. Marine
d. Mineral
3. World Total:
a. Farm
b. Forest
co Marine
d. Mineral
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -10-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAMs INITIAL OBJECTIVE
Vo C. Combine plots III and IV to show total per
capita production fort
1, United States
2. Other Countries individually
3. World Total
Purpose. The purpose of these plots is to show the
variations in production on a per capita basisc
Since a declining plot indicates a trend toward famine
with respect to the product or products concerned$ and
the degree of decline shows the imminence of the famine,
it is obvious that these plots are of the utmost import-
ance in determining the relative urgency of applied
Conservation in regard to the various Products and
Product Types.
These plots should be kept up to date annually,
Note, All plots should be in the usual units and also
on a percentage basise
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -w1-
RESEARCH DIVISION PkOGRAM: INITIAL OBJECTIVE
VI. Determine the Per Capita Minimum Adequate Requirements
for the products listed in II in:
A. United States
B. Other Countries individually
C. World Total
Purpose. The purpose of this information is to provide
a measure for use in determining the adequacy of pro-
duction of Necessary Products*
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -.42-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM::INITIAL OBJECTIVE
VII. Determine the Earth's Surface Usage data as follows:
A. List and Plot, as far back as records are avail-,
able, the areas devoted to the products listed
in IIl in:
1, United States
2. Other Countries
3. WVorld Total
B. Combine the data in A to show areas devoted to
Product Types* in:
1. United States
2. Other Countries
3. W7orld Total
C. Combine data in B to show areas devoted to
Total production in&
1. United States
2. Other Countries
3. World Total
D. Combine above data with Population data in IV to
show the ?er Capita usages in%
1. United States
2. Other Countries
3. World Total
Note. For preliminary analysis these may be limited to
Key Products.
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -3it
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM: INITIAL OBJECTIVE
VII, Purpose. The purpose of this data is to whow the past
and present utilization of the Earth's surface, and to
suggest future trends.
The per capita data here presented may well give the
best overall view of present conditions, future trends,
and the urgency of applied Conservation.
Note. All plots should be both in standard units qad
on a percentage basis9
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -14-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM& INITIAL OBJECTIVE
VIII. Determine the Conservation activities, findings, and
recommendations to date of existing organizations (listed
in I) as follows-
A. List the following for products ?covered by
each organization:
1. Present status
2. Causes for present status
3. Corrective activities
B. Combine the above data in A to give Product
Type * pictures.
C. List recommendations by products and product types.
Note. For preliminary analyses Key Products will suffice*
Purpose. The purpose of the above information is to get
an experienced definition conditions, explanation of causes,
and enumeration of measures taken to date of a curative
nature. This is to establish the complete picture of what
Conservation has found out and accomplished; to define the
foundation on which the Institute will build its program,
The recommendations in C above, in conjunction with
analyses of the findings in sections II - VII, will serve
as the blueprint from which to build on this foundation*
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -15-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM: INITIAL OBJ2CTIVE
IX. Determine Conservation and Related Programs of Existing
Organizati ons.
A. Classify as to:
1. Type:
ao Educational
b. Applied
2. Field:
a. Soil
b. Irrigation
c. Crops
d. Livestock
e. Forest
f. Wildlife
g, 'aste control
h, Pollution
i. Etc.
3, Objective
4, Locality
B. Maintain contact with progress of all outside
programs*
Purpose. The purpose of this listing and classification is to
guide the Institute 's planning so as to avoid duplication of
effort, correlate all parallel or related activities, and
establish a continuous tributary source of data for the
Institute's information service*
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -16-
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM: INITIAL OBJECTIVE
X. A Review and Analysis of the urgency of applied Conservation,
and definition of the present status of related activities#
The trends of production of Natural Products and of
Population Variation have been determined; their relation-
ship to each other has been expressed on a per capita basis
and compared with established minimum adequate requirements.
The World's productive areas have been analyzed in a similar
manner, and the productive land per capita defined as to
amount and trend. The activities, findings, and recommenda-
tions of existing organizations have been ascertained.
We are now in possession of those facts which define
the present state of the Natural Emergency and point in
unmistakable terms to its future trends, as well as high-
lighting its most dangerous and imminent aspects.
The Institute is now in a position to plan its long
range program in the most effective manner, since it has
adequate knowledge of past history, present conditions,
causes, and activitiest future needs and trends, and the
relative urgency of Conservation's objectives.
This concludes the Initial Objective of the Research
Division. Its future program will involve the continuation
of all the above described fact finding activities, the
CONSERVATION INSTITUTE
Research Division
Division Program
January 20, 1947 -1'
RESEARCH DIVISION PROGRAM- INITIAL OBJECTIVE
X* conducting ef independent research and investigation,
the correlation and analysis of all findings, maintaining
the closest cooperation with all other divisions of the
Institute and outside organizations, and the pursuit of
its general and specific purposes in whatever form will
best serve the expanding activities of the Conservation
Institute.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New York 20,
N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
February 24, 1947
Dear Dr. Leopold:
In response to yours of February 21st, we have made a hotel
reservation for you for the nights of March 6, 7, and 8, at
the Hotel Seymour, 50 West 45 Street.
We are all delighted that you are able to get in here to New
York on Thursday P.M. I will call you at your hotel about
8:30 on Friday morning, so we can make our plans for the day.
We look forward with keenest anticipation to seeing you and
are deeply pleased that you have arranged matters so that
you can be with us.
Sincerely yours,
Pi sident
Dr. Aldo Leopold
Department of Wildlife Management
University of Wisconsin
College of Agriculture
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
FO: EES
EDUCATION
THE AQUARIUM
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH -
CONSERVATION
ftbsiary' 21, 19147
Mr. haizr*eld 0sborne
New Torir Zoological Society
630 Afth Ahvn
New York Cty, Now Yor
Ur, Osbrnet
I -tlred yo% several dq ao tbAt T have been able to arn
to fly to Now Tok arrving, If oil ties, at 9:O0 7', Tkrzayo
March 6. Acmowrdiily, I an at yrmr disposal beginnin Friday,
tho seventh. I will iot hav to retr iintil Suay, the ninth.
I would a,)-oiate it if your secretary could =3o* a hotel
resoemtion for me at some point nonvenit to yor office for
tho niL-hts of M"arh 6,7. T and If this o be don I woud
air>eiato your sesartary writing where the rserations are
3o that I my vased aaorirtytly.
I -, 1ookine forward to our 41 s-isseoa.
With nermonal regards, I am
Tours sinaerely,
ALD)O I2PLD
A~i PM
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK -
- SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
IE AQUARIUM
- CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New York 20,
N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
February 18, 1947
Dear Dr. Leopold:
We are deeply gratified to learn that you will come on
for our conference on March 8th - in fact, I find it
difficult to express to you how much we appreciate your
planning to do this. I look forward to your letter which
will give me some idea of what time you expect to arrive
so that we may all be ready for you.
Upon receipt of your telegram I at once called Bill Vogt
in Washington and he is planning to be with us. I think
there are real grounds for belief that we should be able
to accomplish a great deal.
Looking forward keenly to seeing you then,
Sincerely yours,
- ident
Dr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
FO: RES
EDUCATION
robruary 14,o 194?
N'm York 20, . NJ.
Dour Mr. Bpfower
I apoite 7QW writing me# but I Iaste, to assur you
thtym nee have no regres about ou hurried axorw
at SanAtonio. We both had t Wa lot ainashort 'U
and I omaw with the frioniost go4 wisehs tmw-Lr
the big enterprse *lh ym aksdhe4 I would 1li ohn
better Chun to talk this ove tuathpr with yo and M'r.
sbom and Mr. Or~ but I has itnte to re7mmulWna
u~W the trip 41l the wa *ut lie tor the pmpoe
Threi a fair possbility that the Wlens oit
will holdI nn eastern motLg Ln June *md It the.ýt do I
will attend. Thi~s woul4 mnk pns~ible a umetlng with y"
grop at so. nor* coy~n povint. It you will -Ip
me a line late I should be ýtl to toll vok v~nhew thiw
orsm other meeting will W" ne east. I nho,,ld L-io
Ivalue thm privilee of mi briefwuitnnadhp
that we shall son eah other mor oftam in the huo
With parsonal -~d, yor ineey
Ald Leopol
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
ZOOLOGICAL PARK - THE AQUARIUM
EDUCATION - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - CONSERVATION
OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY
630 Fifth Avenue, New
York 20, N. Y.
Circle 5-5750
8 February 1947
Mr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopolds
I want to thank you most heartily for your kindness
to me last week during the conference in San Antonio.
I fear that I gave a most inadequate account of the
current planning which my colleagues and I in the Zoological
Society are doing. In a comparatively short time, say three
or four weeks, I think it will be possible to send you a fairly
concrete outline of vhat we hope to accomplish during the next
year, and it would be of the utmost value to us if you could
find time to read it through and then let us have the benefit
of your reactions. As you will have gathered from my brief
talk with you, the undertaking is of such scope that an exchange
of letters on the subject would hardly provide an adequate sub-
stitute for a personal discussion. I therefore should like to
plan for some sort of meeting in the spring, at which Mr. Osborn
and I, and possibly Mr. Samuel H. Ordway, could go over our prob-
lems with you. The thought occurred to me that you might possibly
be coming East some time between now and May, and that if this
should prove to be the case we might be able to arrange for
such meeting at some point nearer New York than Madison. However,
if you are not planning to come East, I feel quite certain that
we could arrange to come out and see you there.
I regret I was unable to stay at the conference later
than Tuesday and was thus obliged to miss hearing the summary
which you gave on Wednesday. However, I expect I shall receive
a re-print of it shortly. Thank you again for Your kindness to
me and thank you also forln'dezrstanding, and *Ke encouragement
which I received from your comments. I shall be dining with
Ellen Garrison this coming week and I shall most certainly give
her your kind regards at that time.
Faithfully yours,
GEB/s George E. Brewer, Jr.
Comments on the Proposed Researeh Projeet on Animal Soieaties
Under Ntural Conditions at Jakson Hole, Wyoming,
from the Wildlife Reseenrh Point of View
John Xmlen, Univ. Wisconsin, 2/1/4?
B g I have never visited Jackson Role but am familiar
in a general way with the fauna of the region and with the published
literature on local forms and wildlife conditions. The committee ts
doubtless aware that some excellent studies of the behavlor of game
and predatory species have been made by competent naturalists In
te Xellowstone and Jackson Hole country. These studies will pro-
vide a backgrund on which more detailed studies and eyperimente
may be built. I particularly commend the following:
Rush, Wm. X. 1932. Northern Yellowstone elk study. Mntana
Fish and Game Comm. 1932.
Skinner, M. P. 1925. Migration routes of elk in Yellow-
stone National Park. Journ. Iamwal. § (3). (Also
other excellent papers by Skinner on elk population*.)
furie, 0. J. 1932. Elk ealls. Journ. Kxal. a: 331-336.
Xurle, A. 940O. Zoology of the coyote In the Yelloetone.
Fauna of the National Parks of the U. s. #4$, 19O.
For a recent sumaary of the elk situation:
iurie, 0. J. 1944. Our big game In winter. Trans. 9th
. mer. Wildlife Conf., 1944: 173-1?6.
The committee it alse aware, undoubtedly, that 0. J. Murie,
an exceptionally skillful and competent observer of wildlife, lives
in Jackson. His eooper~tion and counsel would be invaluable to the
project.
fisae i 2rtuniest Headquarters at Jackson Hole would
permit aecees to a wide variety of habitats and species. The fol-
lowing species of mammals and birds would appear to offer special
2.
oportu tes for studies of social behavior in the Jaokson Hole
region:
- Herd rganazation, leadership by females, sex relations,
family relations, effects of udernourishment on behavior,
etc.
9 - Herd organization, leadership, seasonal cycles, social
Interrelations of two closely related species (White-tail
and Mule)).
,4iiti heei
n- (Of course the local herds are not strictly Wundor
natural condtions".)
krat~o gg!(if they occur loeally) - one of the fev gro
garious rodents.
B - Family relations.
J gliRjbbtj(little known but sure to yield. Interesting In-
formation on sociality at low level of organization).
C - Apparent idependence, family relations, aggressive
displays, packs.
:Sa~e Gguee - (if t; oceurs locally) eex relaitions and or
ganization, seasoal changes (ref. J. W. Scott).
U n L o sition and ortaniaation of feeding flocks,
Raleq )factors which inueflocking.
broetE 1aogbIrI- Relations within and between breeding
colonies.
Field g-oerajLgion Committee members who have had experlence
with behavior studies of wild animals under natural condition are,
of course, awae of the great amount of time required for pre-
liinary work and preparations. Zxeept perhaps with certain small
3.
and sedentary species, very little can be aeeoalished in the course
of a few 1r months. Most studles with the larger game specles
will require a vast amount of preparation and of baokground knowledge,
which can only be gained through prolonged residence and study. Pro-
parations such as selecting the site for a particular study, trapping
and marking the aninals and planning the field procedure could be
done, at least In part, by the resident staff preparatory to the ar-
rival of summer researchers. Skill In finding, tracking and obser-
inE alert and timid wild animals, on the other hand, must be per-.
sonally acquired through extensive practice and experience In the
field.
It seeme to the writer that succews of the proJect will depend
largely on selecting a thoroughly competent and well trained permanent
staff eontaining at least one or two men with extensive field ex-
perience. The continuity which to essential to success of the project
will depend on the ability of these men to follow animals thrott the
entire year. The social behavior of wild animals In temperate regions
passes through profound seasonal changes which mst be thoroughly under-
stood If s er observations are to be propeprly Interpreted. Such
studies of seasonal cycles of behavior would eonstit"te a particularly
valuable jase of the project by providing the data for analyzing
environmental influences (external and Internal) on a single genetc
background.
The plan of Inviting guest researchers and advanced students for
special work Is certainly excellent. It could assist tremendously
the program of the permanent staff and Drovide a valuable stimulus
through cooperative work and distussion. Xt would also provide an
4.
excsellet onportunity for aneotalista and grad~uate stu~dents to get
field experience and to disaous their work with others having similar
Interesta and training. University profe#@#rg woul4 welcome such
an opnort!uity for their graduate students.
It would be desirable for the projeot if guent researchers were
encouraged to come during winter, spring nrd fail, as well as sumer.
Such vists might not be praotliable for professional in, but; her
would doubtless be h.D. candidates from tims to time who would
be interested In opportunities rnd faoilit tes for winter or for the
year' round. field. research at the station.
CONSTITUTION
9f the
Cooper
Ornithological
Club
1912
Nace Printing Co. a San Jose, Cal.
CONSTITUTION OF THE
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
ARTICLE I.
Name and Objects
Sec. 1. This society shall be known as the
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB.
Sec. 2. The objects of this Club shall be the
study and advancement of Ornithology, with
special reference to western North America.
ARTICLE II.
Divisions and Chapters
Sec. 1. This Club shall consist of two co-
ordinate bodies known as the Northern and
Southern Division respectively. The Northern
Division shall hold its meetings at such places
as it may determine upon in the cities about
San Francisco Bay, and the Southern Division
CONSTITUTION OF THE
shall hold its meetings at such places as it may
determine upon in the cities of Los Angeles
County.
Sec. 2. Local chapters outside the territory
described as the home of the two Divisions may
be instituted on application made by five or
more members so located by residence as to
render such chapter meetings a convenience.
Such application shall be transmitted in writ-
ing to either Division, and the same shall be
acted upon by both Divisions in the same
manner as upon applications for membership
as hereinafter provided for. The powers and
privileges of such chapters shall be as sub-
sequently defined.
ARTICLE III.
Members
Sec. 1. There shall be three classes of
members of this Club, active, life, and honorary.
Sec. 2. Any person interested in the study
of birds and of not less than sixteen years of
age shall be eligible to active membership.
Sec. 3. Any active member may become a
life member by paying into the treasury of the
Club the sum of fifty dollars and notifying the
secretary of his Division that he desires to be
enrolled as a life member.
Sec. 4. All applications for active or life
membership shall be in writing, signed by the
applicant and by the member proposing him,
4
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
and shall state the name and permanent post-
office address of the applicant. Such applica-
tions shall be forwarded to the Secretary of
either Division, and he shall immediately upon
receipt of same forward a copy to the Secretary
of the other Division. Such applications shall
be read at the first subsequent meeting of both
Divisions, and shall be acted upon at the second
subsequent meeting of each Division. A two-
thirds vote by ballot of the members present
atoa regular meeting of each Division shall be
necessary to elect an applicant to active mem-
bership.
Sec. 5. Every application for active member-
ship shall be accompanied by the suni of two
dollars ($2.00), as dues for the calendar year,
in consideration of which the member shall be
entitled to all publications of the Club, for such
calendar year, and to all benefits accruing to
active members of the Club. This fee shall be
transmitted to the Business-manager of the
Club. In event of rejection said fee shall be
refunded to applicant.
Sec. 6. Any person who shall, in the opinion
of the Club, have rendered sufficiently valuable
service in the advancement of western Ornith-
ology, shall be eligible to honorary membership
in the Club. '
Sec. 7. All propositions for conferring hon-
orary membership shall be in writing and
signed by at least four active members of the
Club and filed with the Secretary of either
5
CONSTITUTION OF THE
Division. Such a proposition shall be acted
upon at a regular meeting of the Division in
which it is introduced, when it shall be sent to
the other Division for similar action. A unan-
imous vote at a regular meeting of each Division
shall be necessary to confer the degree of hon-
orary membership. Honorary members shall
be exempt from all dues of either Division of
the Club, and shall be entitled to all the rights
and privileges of active members.
ARTICLE IV.
Officers
Sec. 1. The officers of each Division shall
consist of a President, Vice-president, and Sec-
retary. There shall also be an Editor and one
or more Business-managers of THE CONDOR
chosen from the active members of the Club,
who shall be nominated by the officers of both
Divisions acting as a committee of the whole,
such nominations to be submitted for the ap-
proval of the two Divisions at the February
meeting of each year, and, in order to stand,
shall receive the approval by ballot of two-
thirds of the members present at such meet-
ings.
Sec. 2. In case of public meetings, or general
meetings at which both Divisions shall be rep-
resented, such meeting shall be presided over
by the President of the Division nearest whose
home, as indicated above, such meeting shall
6
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
be held, and the Secretary of the other Division
shall act as recording officer. In case of in-
ability for any reason of either of these officers
to act, then their vice-officer shall be the
like officer of the other Division.
Sec. 3. The Secretary of each Division shall
keep a record of the meetings of the Club; shall
give notice of the time and place of meetings at
least one week in advance to members who re-
quest it and so signify in writing; shall notify
those members-elect whose application first
came to him of their enrollment as members in
good standing; shall conduct the correspond-
ence of the Division, and perform such other
duties as properly devolve on this office.
Sec. 4. The Business-manager shall have
control of the finances of the Club; shall re-
ceive all dues from members, subscriptions to
official organ and donations, and shall receipt
for same; shall expend the funds of the Club in
the payment of debts authorized by the Club;
shall supervise the raising of special funds, by
private subscription or otherwise, and expend
same as directed by the Club; and shall render
a report to each Division in January of each
year, and at such other times as may be re-
quired. The Business-manager may appoint
one or more assistants.
Sec. 5. The Editor of THE CONDOR shall
decide upon all matters usually pertaining to
the conduct of a periodical, providing that
CONSTITUTION OF THE
nothing thereby conflicts with the purposes or
exceeds the resources of the Club.
Sec. 6. Vacancies occurring in any office
shall be filled until the next annual election by
a majority vote of the members present at a
regular meeting of the Division in which
vacancy may occur, except that where vacan-
cies occur in offices regularly requiring election
by both Divisions, new officers to fill such
vacancies shall be re-nominated and re-elected
in the regular way at the first meeting follow-
ing such vacancy.
ARTICLRE v.
Elections
Sec. 1. The nominations for officers in each
Division shall be made at the last meeting in
each year.
Sec. 2. The election of officers in each
Division shall occur in January in each year,
and the term of office shall begin immediately
after election and extend until their successors
are elected and qualified.
Sec. 3. The election of all officers shall be
separately and by ballot, a majority vote of the
members present being necessary to election.
ARTICLTE VI.
Meetings
Sec. 1. Stated and special meetings of the
8
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
Divisions of the Club may be provided for as
deemed expedient by each Division, provided
that not more than two months shall elapse
between any two stated meetings, unless by
postponement for unusual cause.
Sec. 2. Special meetings may be called in
either Division by the President thereof, pro-
vided that due notice be given by the Secretary
to the members of such Division.
Sec. 3. Seven active members shall consti-
tute a quorum for the transaction of business at
any meeting of either Division.
See. 4. The regular meetings of the Club
shall be open to the public, except when
deemed inexpedient for special reasons.
ARTICE VII.
Resignations and Expulsions
Sec. 1. All resignations shall be in writing,
addressed to the Secretary of either Division,
and may be accepted by a majority of those
present at the next regular meeting, provided
all dues and assessments of such resigning
member shall be paid to the date of filing of
resignation.
Sec. 2. Any member may be expelled from
the Club on satisfactory evidence that such
member is an improper person to be connected
with the Club. Such expulsion must be by
motion in writing, signed by two active mem-
bers in good standing, and introduced at a
9
CONSTITUTION OF THE
regular meeting of either Division. Such
motion shall specify the grounds alleged to
render such member an improper person.
Upon the introduction of such motion the Sec-
retary shall at once notify the member of such
motion and transmit a copy thereof to him.
Evidence may be produced at the next regular
meeting in support of the motion, and the
member shall be allowed to be present and to
present such evidence in rebuttal as he may
have. After such evidence has been presented,
the President of the Division shall submit the
question to the members and a two-thirds vote
by ballot of the members present shall be neces-
sary in order to pass such motion; provided,
however, that the action of a Division in the
expulsion of a member shall be ratified by the
other Division before such member shall be
deemed to have been expelled.
ARTICLE VIII.
Powers Defined
Sec. 1. Each Division shall, in the manner
provided by this Constitution, have the power
to elect new members to the Club subject to the
approval of the other Division, to elect its own
officers, levy such assessments as it sees fit,
frame, adopt and amend such By-Laws for its
own government as may not conflict with this
Constitution, and perform such other functions
as may come within its province. In case of
10
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
disagreement between the Northern and South-
ern Divisions upon any matter appertaining to
the Club as a whole, such matter shall be
balloted upon by each Division at a regular
meeting within two months of the time of such
disagreement; such ballots shall be counted in
open meeting of the Division in which cast;
the Secretary of the Southern Division shall
immediately forward the result in his Division
to the Secretary of the Northern Division and
the matter shall be decided by the majority of
the total number of votes cast, for or against,
by the two Divisions. In case of a tie the
matter shall be brought up in the same manner
at the next regular meeting of each Division,
and votes canvassed as above.
Sec. 2. Each Chapter shall be amenable to
the two Divisions of the Club, and shall be
entitled to elect such officers as are necessary to
its organization and operation. The Secretary
of a Chapter shall make reports including
transcript of minutes promptly following each
meeting to the Secretary of both Divisions. A
Chapter may levy assessments upon its own
members, but shall not incur any indebtedness
in the name of the Club. Each Chapter may
elect its members in the manner provided in
this Constitution, such action to be acted upon
bv both Divisions at the first revular meetin-
following. Any pzp ;d bzfcrz an; Chaptar
imeeting shall be transmitted it" .. ditzl.
11
CONSTITUTION OF THE
h e =to thae Iditor I IHE CON DOýRt
-_hldl' by 1hi,, f.r tIhe Gihb.
Sec. 3. Whenever any public or other in-
stitution shall present a request to either
Division for its co-operation or supervision in
connection with the establishment and mainte-
nance of any museum or other enterprise look-
ing to the promotion of ornithological study and
research, then such Division shall be empow-
ered to undertake such co-operation or super-
vision on approval by a majority vote of the
members present at any regular meeting and
ratification at the next regular meeting of the
other Division, and to appoint in the usual way
proper committee or representative for such
purposes, and such committee or representative
duly appointed shall have power to act in the
name of the Cooper Ornithological Club, pro-
vided that neither Division nor its representa-
tives shall have the power to incur any indebt-
edness in the name of the Club, except when
duly authorized by a two-thirds vote of the
members present at a regular meeting of each
Division.
ARTICLE IX.
Finances
Sec. 1. The dues of an active member shall
be two dollars ($2.00) per annum, payable to
the Business-manager in January of each year.
Sec. 2. Life members shall pay the sum of
fifty dollars ($50.00) in full of all dues.
12
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
Sec. 3. All bills for current expense of either
Division shall be paid by the Business-manager
of the Club out of the general fund, including
expense incurred for the publication of THE
CONDOR, special publications, and necessary ex-
penses of the Secretary of either Division.
All other bills shall be first authorized by the
Division for whose benefit the said expense is
incurred before they shall be paid by the Busi-
ness-manager.
Sec. 4. Any active member who shall fail to
pay any dues charged against hiiu within four
months after being notified of his delinquency
may be subject to suspension from the Club.
ARTICLE X.
Scientific Publicalions
Sec. 1. The official organ of the Club shall
be "THE CONDOR", a bi-monthly periodical
published by the Club.
Sec. 2. The proceedings of each meeting of
each Division shall be briefly reported in THE
CONDOR, together with such other matter as
the Editor may deem advisable.
Sec. 3. The Editor may, at his discretion,
appoint one or more associates to serve through
the current year.
Sec. 4. All publications of the Club shall be
mailed to all active members in good standing,
and to all honorary members.
13
14 CONSTITUTION OF THE
Sec. 5. The Club shall have the power to
publish such reports, proceedings, memoirs, or
other works on Ornithology as may be author-
ized at any regular or special meeting of either
Division, and ratified at the succeeding meet-
ing of the other Division, and to supervise and
direct their distribution as it may see fit. The
Editor of THE CONDOR shall act also as Editor,
with such associates as he may appoint, of any
other publications of the Club.
ARTICLE XI.
Amendments
Sec. 1. This Constitution may be amended
At the pleasure of the Club; such amendments
shall be in writing, and must be proposed at a
regular meeting of one Division, action to be
taken at the next regular meeting. Amend-
ments must be passed by a majority vote of the
members present, and ratified similarly by the
other Division.
COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
PUBLICATIONS
THE CONDOR: A Bi-monthly Journal
Established 1899
PACIFIC COAST AVIFAUNA: Devoted to
Papers of Unusual Length
Established 1900
MEETINGS
Monthly at Berkeley and Los Angeles
Annual for Entire Club
OBJECTIVES
The observation and co-operative study of
birds;
The spread of interest in bird study;
The conservation of birds and wildlife in
general;
The publication of Ornithological Knowledge.
To THE SECRETARY OF COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB:
active
I wish to become an member of the Cooper Ornithological Club,
and I enclose
.... sustaining
$.................... in payment of dues and Condor subscription for the
year beginning January, 195....
NAME (in full) ------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDRESS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A D PE S............................................................................................................
Proposed by --- - ..... .................. D ate
......................................
Active membership, $4.00 per year Members outside
U. S. A.
Sustaining membership, $5.00 per year.
Life membership, 0 add 25c for extra
postage.
December 27, 1929.
TO MEMBERS OF THE COOPER CRNIT-C'L0GT "AT CLUB:
At its April, 1929, meeting the Northern Division of the Club
passed resolutions authorizing an investigation of the problems of bird
conservation in California. (See page 139 of volume 31 of The Condor.)
President Tyler appointed a committee to carry on this inves-tigbon and
a preliminary survey was then made of conditions in the state.
In general, the inquiry disclosed an abundance of facts which
provide opportunities for worth--while work in bird conservation in Cali-
fornia. Also it indicated that Club members do not, as a rule, keep
themselves well informed as to the most pressing needs in bird preservation.
Nor is any appreciable effort bei ng made in resnonse to the opportunities
which present themselves for bird conservation "ror:.
A report on this investigation was read at a meeting of the
Northern Division on December 7, 1929, and considerable interest was
shown by the members present, in the group of projects submitted for
consideratinn. It was the general opinion at this meeting that each
member of the Club favorably inclined shculd undertake some active work
in bird conservation in California. In order to test further the opinions
of Club menTer7 on this problem and to give those persons, not present at
the December meeting in Berkeley, an opportunity to indicate their willing-
ness to work in connection with some of the projects needing attention,
the
enclosed ballot is being mailed to members of thu Club resident in California.
It is aimed here to avoid undertaking any activity that will duplicate or
interfere with carrying out any of the sug 'ostions contained in the report
submitted to the Southern Division by 11r. George Ifillett.
The original bird conservation committee of the Northern Division
was enlarged so that now its members are, in addition to the Chairman,
Joseph Dixon, C. B. Lastretc, Donald D. McLean, and Tracy I. Storer. The
function of this committee is to correlate the activities of those members
who indicate a desire to help in any projects for bird preservation.
The 6ommittee would appreciate it if you would indicate your
response to the suggestions just outlined, on the enclosed ballct and, if
possible, before January 10, 1930, mail it to Jean M. Linsdale, Chairman,
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of CaliforAia, Berkeley,
California.
Berkeley, California
Specifio Frcjects Prcporsed for Consideration by the
Northern Division of the Cooper Ornithological Club
December 7, 1929
should
I believe that the Cooper Ornithological Club should not undertake
active work in bird conservation in California.
I am willing to contribute energy to help the club carry on work
in connection with the projects checked below:
Sage Hen case
Tule Lake waterfowl refuge
Eagle Lake drainage project
Mountain lakes in northeastern California
State parks survey
Biological Survey waterfowl refuges
State game refuges and public shooting grounds
Pomona Valley hawk shooting
Regulation of grazing in game refuges
Examination of wilderness areas
Protection of white pelican
Census of depleted species
Distribution of important facts to selected persons
Watch for notices of bird-killing campaigns
Report on proposed land-development schemes
Salinas Valley to coast road.
Inform ourselves on subject of predatory animals
Assist Deputy Fish and Game Commissioners
Member C. 0. C.
THE EXECUTIVE GROUP
S. C. KENDEIGH, Chairman
University of IUinois
Vivarium Building, Champaign, Ill.
A. 0. WEESE,
Chairman Committee on Preservation
of Natural Conditions: United States
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Okla.
J. R. DYMOND,
Chairman Committee on Preservation
of Natural Conditions: Canada
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto, Ontario
H. C. HANSON,
Chairman Committee on Applied
Ecology
North Dakota Agricultural College
Fargo, North Dakota
A nature sanctuary with its original wild animals,
for each biotic formation
ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
COMMITTEE FOR THE STUDY
OF
PLANT AND ANIMAL COMMUNITIES
Devoted to the Preservation and Study of Natural Communities
ESTABLISHED IN 1931
THE ADV SORY BOARD
is composed of forty members, se-
lected because of their knowledge of
special fields or of communities of
special regions.
R. E. YEATTER, Secretary
Game Specialist
Natural History Survey
Urbana, Ill.
January 18, 1943
Professor Aldo Leopold
College of Agriculture
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Professor Leopold:
Enclosed you will find the correspondence that you kindly sent me
last November 10th. I was very much interested in looking It over.
Concerning the sub-committee to tackle the problem as to over-
utilization of natural areas by deer and other larger ungulates
about which I wrote you early in November, I finally asked Mr.
Costley to serve as chairman. As you know, he is very much inter.
ested in this work and has the energy and enthusiasm to make a
good job of it. He has consented to serve.
I am now arranging for the complete membership of this committee
and I would very much like you to be a member of it. I am sure
your advice and aid will be very welcome and valuable to Mr. O
Costley and myself. I hope you will agree to serve in this oapa-
city.
BCK:cfn
eno.
z
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
ADDRESS REPLY TO
CHIEF. FOREEST SERVICE
AND fRW=E TO
General January 16, 1942
Professor Aldo Leopoold
Coll. e- e o. A"ricu trre
university of kisconsin
a° ..... oisconsin
DeIr -ido:
I agnreciate your letter of December 18 aiu your thoar: ,-rovoking
rouect statement concerning a. "Deer Irruptien Stuay."'
The Forest Service, as you hno Er, ba s been working x it the deer
-razing )ro, -e.r on t e national f'orc ' ts for a ý..ood many
years.
It is true that it hasn't 0een )ossible, becac'se of lack of auth-
oriued funds an f9acilities, to o into this roble 7as deely
a" w.e ould like to, or as it vHawrrats. Hoever, our various
surveys, obqervwtions, and IdKrnistrative studies, such as those
-)nducted on the ?,sibab eave helped a great deal in outliningr
the broad a.- ects of tie Droblem. All of >i;ese observations end
exi)criances indicate -that a serlous impediuent to the solution
of the deer problem on t'e natioal2 orests is the lack of control
of the breedingr hcerds. Kemova of oucka only there deer are plenti-
ful simply is not the solution to the problem. A proportionate
amount of ferle deer as vela as males need to be removed to keep
number of der in balance -vith vwi Tble fora{, e supply, as is te
case in ann rns'e livestoc u anuelent.
Unfortunate!-, it has not been oossible until the last vear or so
to -'et many oU the states to effect any sort of control of deer
nerds. Tree iicersinr for tue huntin" of does, as vxs done in
Utah
this isst season, if sufficient nu._bers are actually removed, will
ueip greatly in eliminating the pressure on the nov' oversoopulated
deer r.- es in that state.
Even thoui h the control of the deer breeding herius by the removal
of excess numbers each year to ksee iumbers ane fora&ce in balance
es to be tie reaL Key to the problem, we ore also a'are of
tbe urgent need for critical study of the deer raný-e probleic
to
determine the basic relationships existiny. on the ground, parti-
cularly as they telarte to the use of the range by both domestic
2-Professor Aldo heopold-January 16, 1942
livestocic and deer. This is a real 2roblerm, much larger than a
one-man setup. It will necessitate thorouvh-oing resea'rch on
an adeciuate basis to ferret out and properly xeigh and analyze
the various highly complex factors involved. !'e already have a
good deal of generalized information and much survey material
regarding irruptive herds, out except for a few instances, we are
ltcking in the more fundamental asnects of the problem.
From time to time we have prepared statements regfarding the neces-
sity for such studies. In some cases, such as is being cone in
Utah in cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the
State Game Commission and Agricultural Ex-erirent Station, we
have gone ahead on a limited basis on one or two aspects of the
problem. But there is a limit to )Ahit can be done without spe-
cific provisions of funds for the work.
It is impossible to divert anywhere near the amount of funds and
facilities from our regular work that would be necessary to proper-
ly approach this problem. There are impending cuts of more than
two million dollars in the funds for the Forest Service. Great
losses in man power and equipment are resulting from curtailment
of the varicus relief programs. While this curtailment in funds
and facilities is taking place, there is a tremendous increase
in the vork load which the Forest Service must carry.
It is not possible under present conditions to start any project
such as you suggest. I appreciate your deep interest in this
matter and I hope it may be possible to go ahead with the needed
deer range studies in the future.
Acting Chief,
D3U ZWMITIOJ STUDY
Ald Leopold
Prwwo.Irrptions of door f.Md *lk) a" becoming a problem in all
forest rgieon. Studies Of trruptions have beo so far aiueL to
allevtate the trouble rath thea to find out h it occrs an how
to prevent it. e eseach situatio pamlleeu that of fire reseosre
P *. It is propose& that the Fish and Wildlife Service and the
Io"S* SorIv ae ask a joiat attomt to dig Mmper iato the prblem.
Ste: 1942. u Test a sulected fielt worker by havi
the htstory of a typical Irruption,
4icnss e it, on preot plas. for a widepread
1943-45. h Oether the sa" histeries of iLreptioaS
nt ted States. Can , a&M MexLeo. Do=
slee1 . , .e*, lo for deno minator*.
Compre Iwrrpting hard# with nral ones.
19 s.Strt serew tal vrfication of
ltests of preventive treatments.
ftmIrptive population b vior most arise from abmaties
In the reprofetive rste or the mertality rate. Ther my tb ao.nw
mompllsatioas in abUswuaj sex ratio*, abnormal sex wavival, or
nutritionl phonomm. It In certain. tbat pedation, as well as biatniag,
affect, the mtality rate.
Motality &aa pzedation cannot be studie4 in confined "e
ntal
leer. ht4ition aea. bep.o-tive rate and sex ratios ia&, *=pt as
they a" affeoted by predation sad nutrition in-th&-wild. It is clear,
theu* that the problem uast be Psbaken dtow to one or more simple
hypotheses before experim tal verificatioas *s begiA. This is the
*o. of the sure.
2
13 the folowin capttions, the fr- ont of *leiaSM w avai aUle
,re dieueed.
? j .n Iwmptine (to "et immediately fellow renoal of preitors.
Tus in Pes2Rylvaia, prodAtore were reev*4 in the 1700's, ut irptions
414 not bstin until the 1920'S.
Abeesene of ffective predators myj, however, predispose a rag to
Imption. I know of no irruptlons in the presence of proeation. I
kiev of deose hsrds In Mexico whi hbye volves adt Ueso, ^A do
Irrupt.
What are effeetive predatos? Prosumby wovsee an leos. Were
aV door ranes orignally devoid of either? This is & critical point.
?*Ars of the Northwest may have osa,.
What was the original door-prsoator ratlet b1ay ;oumnlo show
Sa Satonishing scarcity of deor la parts of Utah, Axisona, an along th
umpor Coluabia. Some of this rane is now irruptive. Is it postbile
that prodatbs onstltte an offective eheck only at low prey deity
levels? If so, then the awormwl &*or herd met have been very spar-e,
and all "good populations* are abnormal. The gmnral deteri~oration of
deer rag** in ropa mght be construe to support this view.
The present cooperative predtor-.atrol operations offer *AW
chances for 5#erimeantl work which, as far as I knew, are nS tIutl.ize
What are the asch"Ies of lin oonaectnc tlra on incipient irrptioes,
L.e., hig spots? Frem what distancos they conso What *e*m" a aesT
Does such concentration leave a vawma elseswbhr? bAing, if pmaticable,
wouldI throw light on these questions.
What selectivity In prey hold for lion sox ent age class*? One
hoars that only old week-toothod lions attack sheep. Wuld It be possible
to toga population an tbus vri or discard this puey empirieca
onclusion? If it is true, then the Impat of lions on d40r might be
strengthened. and that eo sh"p w, by seleotive control. If
this study should, in the enl, indiate the advisability of predator
xaa t for deer oontrol, *heR adv&wo informtion on these critical
questioas miht be of great value. Ia sany evet, suoh inforumtioa hs
osologicsl value.
Srowee fttrition snd &W. here are may indiations tht an ov
browsedr n my, aring the prooess of Irruption. yi browse food
of uperior mtritiomal quality. By mtritlio is aesat alitativ*
(mineral, vitamai) as well as quantitative amritiot. hs Wa effeet
reproductive rate, or peraps even sex ratio. It may accout for the
self-aewavating behavior of excess ppultloas. Aerimental verift-
ection of ths critieal point is perhps possiblne w*. It 1i t8 ortant
to livestock a well as to deer. I know of no stud.s directe to this
One of the striking peculiarities of recent Irapties in Utah and
the Xaibab is the high percentage of palatables it the woody veg tton
available to doer. Palatable *pool** comprse the bulk oef th winter
range, whereas in the Laek States, the Arixou Wershfields, California,
Or.s, ada Pensylvania they comprise but a semil tractioa. Is this
liherent or inued? Io a 'pre rane. one upset, more liabl, to
violent ups, ad downs than a dil-ate. reung offering afnfeor *buffer*
foods? Presuably yes, especially if overbrewsing enhanses quAlity.
Do browse plantts attan a sufficient ae0 to be analse for irrup-
tio&-history by rig widths? The assuaptiea that irruptions are all
recent night thus be tested.
Itf there ar li e wlfles doer r e of high quality irp-
tions (food cycles) presmbly always occurre there. Rin-a yis
might discos~e their history. Naturally only plants higher than the
plinsoll line would survive to recori the story Ag-classes in brewse
reprodcion, might also reeerd the sto..
D preset -a.e studies and range policies take acount of brows.
reprodutioa as well as browse prution? O the Xbab they cearly 4o
not. The policy to to increase the herd becauso the surviving~ brows
skoft woevesry. The brow * killed during the irruption, but not yet
roplaeel b reproctio, bas been forgtten.
ftr*Ohtive bUtt. and Sex Patios. On the Kaibab, the faw cro rose
,with veyromwing. Is this true of other iuptions? Is this tied
in with the possible t of mtitiomn. 'valvoe dusia m browstl
Is the rpted inowtse in famle fans n overbwomsed Pennsylvaia
1age asod by the oveabrotweia, or by some other fatr?
I. ts ver brief sketch shoews that the prpsed svey t
delve in history as ell as appraise the present. It show that o
ipertant resesr-keo are ripe for action now; others will take for
later. The survey then. should servo as liaison between (aMd advisor of)
field gnies a istitutions. This, of course, does not iMply
afnistwative authority. It also shw that the field worker t have
espetewe in and sypat h with the entire pmt of bioelgiaAl oensem-
tion activities, ffm pure ooiOa on the one hand to practical mw
agmeuwnt on the other.
r H t s . 3we forage is long-lived Palatable browse
iimbtedj aemumLtel in hug reserves en r kept nearly doorless
5
'b prdation. (It has recently a.valato& In huge reo*TY o5 a
kept do.rles. by bunting).
ftah imoundes appoach instable equilibriua In respect of door,
Jast as alluvitag waersheds approach iutable equilibrium in respet
of eroslon. The first accdental relamtion of pw.4datz'-presvure brings
*a the irruption: exhaustinms ioff sequence recently illustrated on
the Laibab. Just so combinatonas of drouth an ramnfall precipitated the
erosion cycle In vuln. able S of soil.
In preosttlemnut times such behavior was sporadic, i.s*, at any on*
time a glllibU fration of the potantial irruptions were active. Just
so a negligble fraction of the watersheds were active. In both. aetlv
periods wer .elf-tormnatizg. both *e*apo detectioan i hiestouial
2Wort.. Soe. soil i u ad e had sufferel no activity since gtlaIa
tines (Utah Canons). Soms browse Io ts may have continued indef-
$.itoly. All such bees.. increasiaglyw lnerable.
Some browse ipudets were increased (male more vulnerable) by
lumbering an fire, which left uitform and favorable sub-climax stages of
the plant succession over large (Pennsylvania, Lake Statez).
Then came oyerpaslug by livestock (in the West) followed by removal
of prdators, oroatton. of reftges, and better law enforcement. These
act* in various combinations as the ltri.er'pII' to activate all ,ul-
amble deer ra.s almost aimaltaueusly. Hence the present "rashO of
irraptive her from Oregon to Caroaa, ?Pensylvals to Oaliforaia.
The same overgraing palled the trier on the vulnerable watershe
of the West. BI apimlture d±1 the same in the 1aet and Soth.
These man-idueet cycles are not self-terminating, either In &eer
or
6
la erosion. Predatr control ctius today on vry irrupting dor
na.. I hav soon. Livestok vergrazicont ues oa m an prrating.
Iz the cose of eroesin, the preaux. of livstok an farming hs tbm
lifted in only a few ca*, bnt it has been~ eased in =q.
Bya la rge, the, we are slidin down & tboga o
,
Srat, a torexultio6 mU sO4y Is H a ouh for bw. or Lvrsios
In~ the doer toboggan.
Ladysmith, Wiso ons in
Dec. 9, 1941
Professor Aldo Leopold,
University of Wisconsin,
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
The attaohed comments are briefly some of my
thoughts on the subject of deer and eruptions and I think
are pretty much in harnozr with yours. I looked over your
rough draft thoroughly and, in general, thought it was all
right as you have set it up and a good proposal.
You will notice that the comments and the corresponding
portions of the draft are numbered, but these comments are not
intended for additions or deletions unless they suggest some
change that you wish to make.
With best regards,
W. S. Feeney
Coments on "Deer Irruption Study"
From our present limited historical knowledge, we
assume that in the past in northern Wisconsin before deer irruptions
were thought of, there was less summer browse, fewer deer, and more
predators. 1here unrestricted hunting became a factor there was
supposedly a downward irruption followed by over-oontrol and poor
land use ( logging exploits) which caused an upward irruption. The
one natural check left is about to cause a steep downward slide in
the deer population, but as yet there is no leveling off in sight.
There is no doubt that a study and compilation of the history
of the deer herds in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota would be
enlightening and might give us a key to ýhe real causes of irruptions
in the Lake States.
"Irruptions", we suppose, are caused by upset natural
balance
and lack of adequate substitute controls. It is a mystery if they can
be prevented unless we change our whole system of mismanagement, and up
till now this has not appeared likely. L%./,I/4/)
It seems that xmong the known quantities we must have deer
predators, less indiscriminate logging, fewer deer refuges now, better
land use- and more undisturbed wilderness.
For several reasons we can hardly expect much real improvement
by control of causes in less than a half a century.
(1) Very good.
(2) possibly it could. The experiment might be worth enough to fence
a to ip wolf-tight and deer-tight and see how they get along
together. Also, I have been thinking of Madeline or Stockton
Islands- both still O.K. but on their way to trouble.
(3) Perhaps predators are just one of several natural regulators which
double check against abnormalities. Maybe a dearth of predators
alone, especially as revealed by crude measuring, would not cause
an obvious irruption until paralleled by change of cover by logging
and fires, etc. A visible irruption might be likened to a case of
double pneumonia.
One thing certain, the irruption begins before it is seen. Some
people don't know yet that there is an irruption in the deer herd
of Wisconsin.
(4) I presume the other environmental factors are also not much disturbedl
(5) There are indications that predators are very effective in keeping
a balance up to a certain stage but I wonder about their regulating
efficiency when the growth of the prey species is unduly stimulated
by abnormal changes in food and cover.
(6) Good theoretically but seemingly impractical to either tag wolves
or lions or to control their age classes. However, the sheep
mausadering individuals might be selectively eliminated regardless
of their age class, etc.
(7) A phase of study untouched.
(8) Untouched. Since we don't have any reliable norm it is unlikely
that aul returns could be had in less than 10 years. I think
it should be tried but there is some doubt if an experiment could
be set up which would yield certain conclusions.
It is time to begin but I doubt if our "Chemistry of Wildlife"
is
advanced enough yet to isolate and study the parts and then know
the relationship to the whole and how the catalysts not examined
affect them.
(9) If I recall correctly the K ibab irruption, in the presence of
palatables, was hit by dis ase whereas the Lake States irruption,
with shrinking of palatables, results in starvation.
(10) In the Lake States there is little doubt that an increased deer
population and overbrowsing has caused a decided decrease in
ratio of palatables to deer in wide areas. Cedar for example is
almost completely browsed out and balsam is now being heavily
browsed.
(11) Apparently this is a safe presumption but the dps and downs may
be far apart. I think a completely browsed out winter range
followed by an extreme low in the deer cycle could not irrupt up
for a long time where deer depend on winter yards.
This reminds me of a possibility I have been thinking of.. Could
it be that if we didn't try to check the ocmpounding upward
irruption of Wisconsin deer, both the deer and the forest would
be better off? If the herd were mare suddenly reduced to near
zero by an extremely hard winter when the population was at a
peak it might be better than a prolonged struggle of mediooraca
which could result from far lagging artificial controls pre-climaxly
applied. In other words, is there a ossibility of a deer herd
remaining just large enough to eat all of the conifer reproduction
until the seed trees have fallen? If so, we could lose both the
vulnerable forest and the deer in the northern belt- imaginative
to be sure but chances are it is a tendency worth some speculation.
Of course we would like to try management, especially unhampered
and well thought out management- and there is still plenty of
thinking to do.
(12) I don't think it would work. Deer tfect trees' growth for not
more than 20 years of the trees early life. Early age rings are
hard to read. Many other factors effect tree growth. Often
nearly all trees of a certain species and certain age class will
be killed by browsing and leave no records. Also trees 25 years
old and older and above the browse line, when subjected to heavy
browsing would not likely be set back in growth of rings and
therefore tell no story.
I'm going to check some 10-15 year old balsam that I know were
browse-killed last winter and see if there is a tapering off in
ring widths. This then could be checked against ring wldths for
the same years in older unbrowsed trees. We should not overlook
the fact that this particular intrusion was sudden. Deer did
not touch the balsam until the cedar and more palatables were
exhausted, then suddenly faced with starvation turned on the
balsam and stripped them in a hurry- probably within three significant
years with by far the heaviest browsing in the last year.
(13) Possibility as a check.
(14) Yes in our range studies we attach more significance to browse
reproduction than to browse production. Administrative policies
usually have overlooked it except in the Forest Service.
(15) It is quite possible but I'd like to see the proof. I doubt if
anyone knows what the norm of a fawn crop is and even if they did
it
is doubtful if the Kaibab men or anyone else ever yet measured
the variations in the reproductive rate accurately.
Good
Good
Good
Very true and significant.
(21) Good
(22) Correct
(23) Very good.
(24) Poor brakes would burn out
if a leveling off is too remote.
W. S- F.
12/3/41
(18)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
C /
~4~fr*4~AJ 4M.A~~P.
a, x &24A
cr2u44/
December 7, 194!
102 C Vivarium
Wright and Healy
Champaign, Illinois
Professor Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Professor Leopold;
Reference is made to Miss Harper's note of November 26th.
I have read your preliminary draft of "Deer Irruptions"
with considerable interest and enthusiasm, and have delayed
answering in hope that I could muster enough time to actively
study it and possibly add some further contributions. My
work here is, however, piling up in such staggering propor-
tions and, because I'm leaving for the Marine Station at Beau-
fort, North Carolina in a few days, I have decided to return
your story with only the notes and comments I made in my first
reading of it. Personally, I think that what is to be said
has been quite adequately stated. Naturally, I was particu-
larly pleased in your statement to the effect that the field
investigator "must have competence in and sympathy with the
entire gamut of biological conservation activities, from pure
ecology on the one hand to practical range management on the
other". Far too many of our practices in Wildlife Adminis-
tration have stemmed from "investigation" by individuals and
agencies with an axe to grind or a policy to uphold.
If you have further ideas or opinions on which you would
like my reaction, I will be more than glad to give it. I am
sure (and certainly hope) however, that the story as it will
be presented will make a favorable impression on Doctor's
Gabrielsen and Shantz and Mr. Clapp. Incidentnlly, the more
I think of the various possibilites connected with the pro-
ject, the more I believe that a government financed job would
work the smoothest.
I am enclosing, for what intetest it may prove to be, a
copy of the "prospectus" I submitted last fall to the head of
the Zoology department here at Urbana. This was necessary in
order to line up an acceptable thesis problem. Dr. Shelford
has approved it with the understanding that any reasonable
alteration would be alright. Incidentally, he further stated
that if any of these alterations were approved by Dr. D. I.
Rasmussen, he would automatically accept them.
I imagine that when you present the problem to the gen-
tlemen at Toronto, they will want to know about the quali-
-2-
fication of the individual you have in mind for the job. I
realize that you have a fairly comprehensive personal case
history of me as presented in my ill-fated fellowship appli-
cation of last spring.- However, in a short summarization,
and with this above prospect in mind, I feel that the follow-
ing particularly qualifies me for the work: I
1. Was born and almost entirely raised on a livestock
ranch in Idaho.
2. Spent my high school years on a State Game Depart-
ment Fish Hatchery in Idaho. While there, I worked
at odd jobs for the state during summers and vacat-
ions, and absorbed good deal of the problems and
attitudes of the average state conservation depart-
ment.
3. Graduated with a major in Biology from a small wes-
tern land grant college. While there, I had courses
in Range and Wildlife Management in the school of
Forestry and Conservation. (Under Becreft and Ras-
mussen).
4. Had experience in Field investigative work with the
Utah Agricultural Experiment Station and the U. S.
Bureau of Fisheries.
5. Hnd six years experience with the Forest Service dur-
ing which I was Chief-or-Party of a Grazing Survey
being carried out over areas on which both the deer
and elk herds had outgrown their ranges (Manti For-
est in Central Utah). I was also a District Ranger
on the Logan Canyon district, and my interest and
accomplishments in Wildlife and Range Work on that
job earned for me a promotion to my present posit-
ion (December-1-1939) as assistant to Orange Olsen
in the Regional O,.fice at Ogden. In this latter po-
sition, I have had an active part in studying all of
the irrupting herds in Region 4. I have also been
personally accountable for a good share of the For-
est Service's participation in the series of deer
feeding studies being carried out in the large en-
closure at Filmore on the Fishlake National Forest.
6. Have my M.S. in Animal Ecology (with a Minor in Plant
Ecology) under Shelford here at Illinois. I took
leave without pay to return to school to better pre-
pare myself for more effective investigative activi-
ties.
7. I am sincerely interested in the project and only
wish that I had more time to devote to it now.
I want you to understand that the above is no attempt
to "toot my horn" to you, but rather an effort to concisely
state my cualifications for the Toronto Conference.
Yours ry truly,
;ý7. MI; ýA
LMW.ýKmm-& 1ý114
Ali
. TeU IV
3a,,,oo4O val-qa
*0l* mta.'
tyM t of Ut * vqieotwa forokD. InALX 1U at tb
a.
- in~s &U wiJMr pvabl p* most OOWSU P
$9 0 ao o te oa ot~i e 0 e til U O QUAAM O
suc em and b" bet p omM . 1r h O Ut M
2mAs suppotIM a how et big am/m~m pusol hav o~ beW~~
-wU& s..sof. IM loo of ae In 1kbU 1atuw 1Isem 1a
wkinl boomu Ut 00 1t at a st~stekUM Of Utb &GM Ot 010
-ove tbat Mw puw bmd smn Smeftl1r aOV 4*.h Tb* 10*
s1av.f lusIUtm at U y bW l Um
V~~fUMMO*$oftb hor and th eapI0W blotio InftnMO
Of"VC 116 10 t Ut"%~t
,1u. IA W"U" rw t M Ot'o
of Its vwaM WA U dWW d1*d tinVt Mt **AI
th vio SM4 tho X~w %V" am to all OUVr yte~noin
haximy ~ wb 4wbuIM ofm to 1'o boor* This wtm is repwUa
It54t 4s a iUbO t int 1A UM ,*an foeW kido ftoS2y
OO~fe ViM1,0 MUa uta be Oettss4 a nsh 4oe bws,
Ot the dem4t. tlot oainhpo uwmlt t Frma
xxtbe mkUlnedaa Me oo$p at mqpwm an ozmswK to *1*pim
SV9hi OL1 tMS. I belew ~tht, Wm the" 5 istftMO~alk.4aa to
Obw bo msto a aftin a (M bwa 04 b up wor It *JU be PO
stgto 40tr~e h ~~ pop.tim 10.w at whg a. bolm abO14 bo
min~ned.Th5sr* a Itstoa rUa1a *0 iat ~an m sw11ablo and
ItI 5weU katto U siteawto fthe" pmbem r tbmt V
wU sub 5*tts Thaw to*A equa t awearn., th*be that$, exo o
th i awtcroy .bsevott$ by wil. ownn but not too m~ Wlm
U4v1u*sOths o in mowo bad So be vwAqb befn p~uba *%to"
t u aftuo to the exten that myv approl45*rw ot4 . was
b*tal", 1s4. a rou41k nery &U1o it w beet lfm~e rg"
%40 t4U ba pr"e b~s bomotle & h Peaki ~po4ft~io
p~emm m renbsdau U4e in1u Lmmis#4a bo~~at *0 4.*IsaIs ft
IO1 tht frm ths ftibab ObeSOMUMSi ~we *inm 0aftat with SW
UOUtI of a h* or la 4m emi Its babita0t ftlwi Its hain
4c, avq It mt beWA0It4 quite I~nat of the blotle "lM4ion
ApparD 1*t tho im an It was beftr sh VuwWS*rAiot
at~ b-RI 4K eM tVAte
a Cosm #~ ot Vvlift histort" w ewlgMm #4 #4emop of the
%bit, wi b~sa~I. de eM o the CA Isrl m~o dvW. ThV bo nt
Mw V~mb Q*opsmiv nosom tkt ha bowsay1w We# anml#
htmamLs W4 It PIAU tha thisIs no t an Oft~r to 44AOS Mi
ot Iav vo*, nor ~to voela, ot s~ir hos.
51* %o w1jr~e of 1934-3 be" beenspedn mi of at M t1 In
as 3t1WLv -k at Me ~ e cmth rnw o UtahI md Zdshs My
qwoo a ~ it a 0tý,wte poiy*M be to Mte dtM
Iahnftesto to be u.m In wrvivt at a swoossfu ew~Alr of WOane a
wAIt* lW.0fmkMlPWO1144 ItMIe4t~sms " b
Ott* 0641t4.ft he" is Wo *110 ut. m, tug is 1 I hav h" emO
potIly to m~stom ad of oban"U*40 t~t WW hel In obtaialM
In th mawft my f life. I w: r b-tI amni.oa"rht b
tit T,,me It to antletpute tbat I will atu to tbo job I mm baw md
so a~ ro~f tho additional tftinM b te Ina sttm. to
Ittointtat.bVhiLrst deimbe bst to amte ap R ~.*5- voll
W Ziv ats foltgcal w~rt to to *u1bo w7 ubo very deiitl a sos
moamhi* aea s ary pamotv of all arose treaety th*s
*pol$aspoilew to emenmy stet~ Us 4 of yWbs th~ere At~
IntetivmLa rw~, a Owee4s bee mpe6. 1% is In rirhoft
13h n -s kwmas the 3tme-uvy (or GLa~ile b.Im ai
OU oth rup, Is 410UA wwayo Ue 'itanor VM11 00t
ibhs =it Is #U~ha voyvl deftm "tolt island MA~ prm
It is fet that th ao epoe or i04s Im~fltIMto *xAI be lo
*m th4iw hat a Lie blaia voIztloasps and *5tfl~yumV
lotion uwmuIc** Iti s believed that the t$iwa0 tow. wMl be perlima
to the prba immo by tb ohe t wpi hed um of so n
'emtom he" intoe 148.
As pVri"1V Asia, Uso WIbm Is moU - m m *a n ra1
has buwell OWIo gj the peaki nww wissr*m Wdo
botcmhe j~atýotU"aMa this o" viii bo r intmrstFlg
jwt~~~~~~ .tt of# th otfs awo w 4t I*)m. It Is abot 30
alle *fZ1 04 At l~ko city (76 u54.4 tm GA) RAM ?c 044 nil". Ot
mo0n*r th laaL- aMt lwml i )Qvi
'MA t*5iat is about S3MR O s og ~4n 10 uiies*R vi
I~t I I r~lty aill "na ,ýw isiaMt 1 i rane.~ For all
a*%%~ ~ -latr..devv o n ia of ýwtrn Utah rod Vvada Its msnt,
Le abftp with SVM~I r*" Ov R,000 fto and with th hihs late
ý'mut,vV.eln hu Oa1vatia c: 101'm fot. ',I V*UY flow*On
tb* sait and tb wst ftv"%. botuw 4.K0 and 50QO ft.t Mwv
bow or tb* no (about 70,O ..in is wiU Us n atiarm foe
god to kcm as the 3ateviU~ 4ivisio, of Va a 5chl.tiona Zm~at.
3w Uogm s to S ;;It boiaM mdvymgoD*peno
*Uwp 4ope arA jutting mfa iM 06m- s .t~mt on-hido thefv
Is i.*wimeba to liwstock, *,atw isb~ &amm m4ewaly disti1u*4v
'Alw ~~ miUnraoIlkst to ugitly iI..*stav m4orat4 by & fr mt b44
ofnt** Lave depe*ts anpom ~to* a esintoubl extet 4lon
th# 0*" 4$ t# r"*t% Ss bouv4M a tber~l W tr Om Shl~t
6
Laf (it wo a, pejsa meaciAT Into old )~ks botwie) %.Ui ft
the meat b~y tbo sU 4Awot of 'Iul JRU t to mou,0 tvm tho
Omn, dvrrr"ran tin o the w thbeV re~nivwly low 10aml
No. t to bo~n onts*t h7 Ruk" Ar4 Tfol val bert of
Inth m4oy IUQ'es th tlwo of Tool au1y took mr the ~t
if. a i ý'vt 1nnz"t bov. Aw locnX mul4. rmA the 'oil1 OoAz-
"Vt*I 5vr4.c ao: ý ObsomtI. Mare~t of mbmt IAO.O S&
alw but the cý-lztru tos ver .med*WorVa tor~lii the4 a
tr~ a the xv mtirit flat. eM *m A *cvt boA,,v fw abu 6I im. 3
Ze4e . fbot"c "h. We suar mee P eMi Si
ft te uuira let.t Mika au aSt Laelt .th mote ol* sItowl
ar amn e 4~mkl ASt ho wuay up the eM wtmM
tMA WQ m*=1"au t~d r P (ma U4. Wt
f~tvthOtP 04lt VASJ. Pofu W~i p in~ as a fom~j shu
Suhof hero .,a fw% cm J. m. laerI.A to as ftw ut*h nS It eus
AUQAWStrng LU o itetnst about this "m apposms IIm~
to Us totlI k of azy oý braa so *am= ontet
"u iaa.us of th ,wbut a als 1wakI toO
W~t Te ~ebavo cvwof Whin intm4Iate vun Is wou
untl of -m0 w11Wm
~alpn fir C'A )iýASJ~jt%5&aAwiht" t
p1ao
Irpteal~~ toIt Ith ý4!m ra i~rea
Uf~trl b U vutamuo htm al to thearn "01
mewt. rqmo, ifw wolv wwo cw or .h.a thyavnow bow e
kwmto wmibL tew ý,jon Lazaos b~ok 11 kr* heRI llamedu
,1o" of coytes thht Z*!"ieutra r~~"i b,4j t
deser ft." *To IV wbt ruo~is .-. "r w 1. %1w *u.0 o
W fusm at V4 otal". 'al %b ZIStVw 'Ard o Pre an w1U no U
dWtm gmus asM aoeiwshv bwat no44
'r~mt Sa 1@ceM-t~ of q~k UO~.A Mawd (5OOU,4-0QX
hoM) tha huv in swv4q Abi L~ ;,%a ft"wsao bo to "pt" It
a -an *.miav to a awo of *wa oUl thewot
-1l aUobLh M~ th for" " so utwanlI tho vu.*p Vt'e
IS t go -. i Otf tzw " b eat L- 1208. ThIS lvS row
ftWI ka st. *a ama LnIn a~ arm "s wes until th I4fr
aMbainaticavom o
De - 1,=L
yalhtTue .w1-M, *00VOM1 -AM"*
mbio m-onvehorvaoff arnsn Cate ao
mq@ 3 inlw stl imti IG -#tbg Rum tCS 8atl O~k4 jvt :jp
to41 ente le us l, ettl lb. I* aw how or
pf,,AS 2rt11.8,vle 1ame=t*"te a.Made 9
saalt Ittawt~ lbvas re!24N I.- oio vL
-411f to to oftr-w 1-41 -r:2t= U c t; o r ithe wat
aw" ~ e~ ato~~ o~ ~$
ýtar rsTv atvi 0,OMU~,lwkl*O h
"P4wt~r ~ M tI
-ins uR* liýT1 U.tb
* .v on a N t(,o hot~jt* x t QV.-ý PC UM M
.1uov. i .a ert.1ý- t- iv efIa4 1940 u IM
1~ Sb. ware tvvi otr 1940~i f'llwl 4v 14a
oq- c" nMfho t1W. i-A em~ 0,M gI*ho 40ti ~
(11 with a cre lu furt? an r-b m w1rtvr. *on-
,h Ot b* vwv Sb. toW wl-o I R 4vwl tbýtth
vmlw17y ,4U-ju zo .avor1.a cm ,, n- r flesh~ Ooltor .IfIst4
vath~"ts of t( h 1'. 14, Timm tm JSV0 IO)V b.3M V-0 O&V
y~~~h ~ 094e GUM t1=1 I4li llmlt joeue rd t~e III
an =Pon* SeeM Sth wxx of ~e tto of att?
t1c W113 be dot up of, ~14t?~t ot4~w
thO ht MA UO herd
mw mm anka$ Ml th tvw rovtted ltSoý, h ftmpt ý,mVvee he*
duhie, WOem (1041i eA une rTjoint SPO"1810n bWn cry
ft a WyLt awl meumowW rOMUW4 or Stb p"10-W co
Ze rost tf W will be fm Ultmelw mp ot tw
SM a' StUtv,0"
"dalatable tl ofs4 Ow cald1U. eswt. of _______ hevy-nto
rurý. w~bI 4*viso iLan~ efro to 0t as beitt !Aet & StA
"17,v Ute on the muta I no hav zbot 3WP veoddoeNlr
that Aill 4vv Wntn~ m- srn'em w uae 70" t~r,t
smvaio c~aitat, :0 fmw tamý iwo*%* nvete Vwr
Wpwl-wmo Aftt Mstcr. ý (The.. owv he~ i rbs
Dade by? th "Owo al e)wZaw elaa7 ndjma~t tvbt 'em or *1*t
Prprdbý h aro ýiav ~, 7afl
vwon beaUo ttwtInte m
bav T~r"4 o~mqjete 00matlv m.* Im~a out it#
In aumrl~ w ItmstL 0,4t!ei
Photo No. GRAZING SURVEY WILDLIFE RECORD
Wasatch Nationa F rest
Date
Natural Unit
Sec. , Twp. Rge.___
District
Designat ion
oAppro.. Area
Calc'd
Dist.... traveled in typoe
Mi.Ch.
Time of day
Observer
Elev.
Los
E XQos.
Name
wer Upper General
S W N E S~
Start. Finish Time
Dist. to water
Mi.Cho
Weather ,
ulear -Lt. Clouds
Heavy Clouds
OBSERVAT IONS
Deer Live Animals Seen
......Deer..ttle3oyot obat Snk PorcWeasel,
Bucks oes awns ncl.Total
Approximate number of deer missed
________DEAD DlEER SREEN
Approx. date Cause _____ __-__" _______
of death Group Acci- Coy.-- Othe-.rPoach--"Uniden- Re-
____ dent otes .Pred. .inE - tified marks
Died.this Buks
sumier Does
Fawns
Uncl.
Died. before Bucks
twinter Does ....
Un-ci.__
last winter iDoes ..... .... ...,
T lead
Dee r L if e Hts to ry Notes.
Storm
No.0
I
I
AftI
Range Conditions,,_______
Poor Fair Good
Current"Utilization ....
Over Proper Under
Utilization by speci. . Percent of
So e~ies J... Percent Current Use Total
Cover.
P. tr.err.. uloi... __"___ s...__..__"_
~b 4. ~ 'so 100O
P. melanocarra "__
10 30N 50 70 go.
SY horicaroos s.- "
0 20. 4.60 so ..
C.lediifolius
C. montanuis
.. ......o ...." 20 o 60o ... 80 ..... 0o
30.-30 .50.70 90,
_j utahensisij
0 0 .46 J.. 0 100
* , so ... ..
, tri.entat'a
~10 3900 7
P. tridentaia.' *,,.___
0 20 600 90 0 100
C.s stansburiana A
10 30, 50"''7- 90
Gene-ral-Remarks: .--1W
D sigaation
GRAZING SURVEY 77ILDLIFE RECORD
Vasatch National Forest
compi)ation Sheot
Sheet No.
Dist. Dist. Total Area
kpprozimatO.
Ro. Date from Elev. tra- Area Acres Live Animals
Seen __ Live
waor (ft.) ye d Chocked ApproxCalc. Cattle CyotdBobcat 3
rC.ao ol Deer Deer Totao No.
*
B!D F~ n -Tot. Missed , e r
Inm- IA.ch. - mi. _c (acros)l
DeerI .
_ _-* ii
- _-
- -_ _ -'
- __
TEE
. -- ce f orward__
-
Grand total (to date,)
. . o , V
ad Deer Seen ____.. .
No. Rang Current Mle d Thi# Died Last Died Before Buried
Condtions Utiliza'n summer Winter La t 7 tter flIer
_.. ..G~QU~ ADPU P 11 - Seen $ . KS
- - - - - - -- -? - - .....- - .. ....... .
. . -___ __ ___ __ ___ _-
p IU B 1 I U IB DI. Fl U' D 1P.
sbee+" - - - - - - - * .---
Baanhce forward- -- - - - - - -
Grand total (to - a - - -
a
K
A
/
k
X I
v
J U
M
L L
sovi.AIf
LakeJJ
-
e8 E A v
/W
w
z
z
Foh*O v
M 0 HO A VKE
1130
E TI
,.L 0 R
* A
!A ~
A 9 1
rdlno-.0
/J
---- 1 -ý
pC
ýHZIGT AL K) K A
PA
A (
K& .~b
1K~ *'
\' $
II
MILES
50
t0o
0N 0 I
1939
g* n W A( T Eemrer R ' -
- - - - -l -,-
1 C R!
41'
*\ N\ m G
\0 9
-.-. I - ,, ,- 1IT <
A I Lk4'.. 0 F A T
W . A SA if-_
IE N4o E'~
~'40N EE Z.r U I
N \E % WICOn -'
.3 1 * '. iM~RC1
S09' 37*
)N. A*~ V J'- %.Pcf 1- E N
1110 it 00 lo o1080
0
I R 0K'
A I /N o,
St Goo
I
11
40
1 ' "
I *
0
BASE BY U.S.GS.
.... " 7t.'l
%*-
r . A
hi
9-
T "0
!
Rough Draft
12-7-41
A STUDY OF DEER IRRUPTIONS
ALDO LEOPOLD
PREM I SE.
Abnormal irruptions of deer (and elk), like forest fires,
are rapidly becoming an almost universal conservation problem.
As yet, the limited studies of irruptions have been local and
their objectives have been definitely empirical, i.e., they
are aimed at alleviating the trouble rather than at finding
out why it occurs and how to prevent it. The current sit-
uation parallels the one regarding Fire in 1918.
PROPOSAL.
It is proposed that the Fish and Wildlife Service and
the Forest Service join resources in attempting to probe more
deeply into the problem, and it is further suggested that
this study be carried out with some third party that has not
been involved in past controversies, commitments, or history.
The proposed steps are:
1942: Testing of Methods and Field Worker
At least a year should be spent on some de-
finite problem area in the intensive development of
the story of a representative irrupting unit, and
in so doing, to experiment with and finally adopt
a set of plans and methods to be used in the ensu-
ing survey. This preliminary work will also give
an excellent opportunity for testing and training
a selected field worker.
1943-45: The Survey
This will involve the study and prepara-
tion of P detailed case hist-ry of all known
areas of irruption in North America. Simul-
taneously, an equally detailed study will be
made of a number of normal (providing such can
be located) deer ranges on which irruptions
have not occurred. A careful analysis and com-
parison of these data will culminate in a num-
ber of "leads" (denominators common to all of
the irrupting ranges and lacking on the normal
ones) which will be the investigative problems
to be examined in the experimental work to fol-
low.
194b: Experimental Work
The investigative phase will begin with
the initiation of controlled experiments in
order to verify, or discount, the leads as
deduced from the Survey and Case histories. It
follows, of course, that any such investigative
work will carry through to the testing and adop-
tion of corrective measures for the "leads" vpri-
fled.
PLAN OF ATTACK
It is apparent that a population behavior such as is char-
acterized by "irruptions" must arise from abnormalities in
either the reproductive rate or the mortality rate. These may
have secondary but contributing complications such as abnormal
sex ratios, abnormal sex survival, or nutritional disturbances.
It is certain that predation, as well as hunting pressure, is
reflected in the rate of mortality.
It is evident that mortality and predation cannot be ade-
quately studied on confined experimental deer, but the compli-
cations of nutritional disturbances probably can. It is also
expected that the sex ratios and reproductive rates, except
as affected by natural predation and nutrition in the wild,
can also be investigated on an experimental bpsis. It is
readily apparent, therefore, that the problem must be "shaken
down" to one or more simple hypotheses before experimental
verification can begin. This is the purpose of the survey.
DISCUSSION OF THE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE LEADS.
Predation:
What records are evailable, indicate that irrup-
tions do not always immediately follow the removal of
predators. It is known, for example, that the bulk of
the predators were extirpated from Pennsylvania in the
eighteenth century, and that it was 1920 before disastr-
ous irruptions began to occur among the deer in that
area.
Absence of effective predators may, however, pre-
dispose a range to irruption. I know of no irruption
in the presence of predation. I do know, however,
dense herds in Mexico which have wolves and lion, but
do not irrupt.
We have no published information to show just what
animals are effective predators. We have more or less
taken it for granted that cougars and wolves fall into
this category. We do not know whether any deer ranges
were ever devoid of these species. If our survey indicates
that certain areas never did support large resident populations
of the predators (and indications are that such wps the case
in the Pacific Northwest) a critical pointwill have presented
itself.
On P.rens where it is certain the predators were abundant,
we do not know the original ratio between them and the deer.
Early journals show that on areas in Utah, Arizona, and along
the Upper Columbia that are now carrying irrupting herds, or-
iginally showed an astonishing scarcity of deer.
The present cooperative predator-control operations offer
many chances for experimental work which, as far as I know,
are not utilized. What are the mechanics of lion concentra-
tion on incipient irruption, i.e., high spots? From what
distance do they come? What sexes and ages are present?
Does such concentration of cougars leave a scarcity elsewhere?
A tagging program could throw some worthwhile light on these
quest ions.
We do not know what selectivity in prey choice is held
by the different sexes and age classes of the lions. We
often hear that only the old weak-toothed~attsck sheep. A
tagged lion population would verify or discard this purely em-
pirical conclusion. If it were true, then the impact of lions
on deer might be strengthened, and that on sheep weakened, by
selective control. If this study should, in the end, indicate
the advisability of predator management for deer control, then
advance information onthese critical ouestions would be of
great value. In any event, such information has immense eco-
logical implications.
Browse Nutrition and Range.
There are many indications that an over-browsed range
may, during the process of irruption, yield browse food of
superior nutritionwl quality. By this is meant qualitative
(mineral, vitamin) as well as quantitative nutrition. This
may affect the reproductive rate, and perhaps even the sex
ratio. It may also account for the self-aggravating behav-
ior of excess populations. Experimental verification of
this critical point is now possible, and should not be de-
layed. This information is basically important to livestock
management as well as to the proper handling of deer. I
know of no studies directed to this end.
One of the striking peculiarities of recent irruptions
in Utah and the Kaibb is the high percentage of palatable
species in the woody vegetation available to deer. These
species comprise the bulk of the winter range, whereas in
the Lake States, the Arizona brushfields, California, Oregon,
and Pennsylvania, they comprise but a small fraction. Is
such a condition inherent or induced? Is a "pure" range,
once upset, more liable to violent ups and downs than a
"dilute" range offering inferior "buffer" foods? Presume-
ably this is true, especially if overbrowsing enhances qual-
ity.
We do not know whether browse plants attain a suffic-
ient age to be analyzed for irruption-history by ring widths?
If so, the assumption that irruptions are all recent might
thus be tested.
If there are lionless and wolfless deer ranges of high
quality, irruptions (food cycles) presumeacly have always
occurred there. An intensive ring-analysis of forage browse
might disclose their history. Naturally, only plants high-
2
er than the plimsoll line would survive to record the story.
An investigption of age-classes in browse reproduction might
also produce P record of the secuence.
It is doubtful that present range studies and range
policies give proper consideration to browse reproduction as
well as to browse production. On the Kaibab clearly they
have not. The policy there is an effort to increase the
herd because the surviving browse shows recovery. The browse
killed during the irruption, but not yet replaced by repro-
duction, has been forgotten.
Reproductive Rates and Sex Ratios.
On the Kaibab, the fawn crop rose with overbrowsing. It
is not known if this hold true in other irruptions, or whether
this is correlated with the possible enhancement of nutrition-
al value incident to overbrowsing.
I wonder if the reported increase in fem'ale fawns on kt
overbrowsed Pennsylvania range is caused by the overuse, or
by some other factor?
General.
This very brief sketch shows that the proposed survey
must delve into history as well as appraise current condit-
ions. It shows that some important researches are ripe for
action now, and that others will take form as the survey pro-
gresses. The study should then, serve as liaison between
(and advisor of) field agencies and institutions. This, of
course, does not imply administrative authority. It also
shows that the field worker must have competence in and sym-
pathy with the entire gpmut of biological conservation activ-
ities, from pure ecology and the academic approach on the one
hand to practical range man-gement and conservwtion depart-
ment administration on the other.
Preliminary Hypotheses.
Most woody forage is long-lived, and as a result, pala-
table browse undouotedly accumulated in huge reserves on
ranges kept relatively deerless by predation. (It has re-
cently accumulated in huge reserves on ranges kept deerless
by hunting).
Such impoundments approach unstable ec'uilibrium in re-
spect to deer, just as alluviating watershed approach un-
stable equilibrium in respect to erosion. The first acci-
dental relaxation of predator-pressure probably bring on the
irruption: exhaustion: die-off sequence recently illustrated
on the Kaibpb. Similar combinations of drouth and rainfall
have precipitated the erosion cycle in many vulnerable im-
poundments of soil.
In presettlement times, such behavior was sporadic, i.e.,
at any one time a negligible fraction of the potential ir-
ruptions were active. In a like manner, a negligible frac-
tion of the water sheds were active. In the case of both im-
poundments, periods of active dissapation were self-termi-
nating, and escaped detection in historical records. Some
soil impoundments have suffered no activity since glacial
times (Utah Canyons), and similarly, some browse impound-
ments m~iy h~ve continued to build up indefinitely. In so doing,
each has become increasingly more vulnerable.
Some browse impoundments have been rapidly increased
(made more vulnerable) as the result of lumbering and fire,
which left uniform and favorable sub-climax stages of the
plant succession over large areas (Pennsylvania, Lake States).
In secuence, came overgrazing by livestock (in the West)
followed by removal of predators, the creation of refuges, and
better law enforcement. These Pcted in various combinations
as the "trigger-pull" to activate most of the vulnerable deer
ranges almost simultaneously. This is reflected in the pre-
sent "rash" of irruptive herds from Oregon to Carolina, and
Pennsylvania to California.
Overgrazing"pulled the trigger" on the vulnerable water-
sheds of the West, and improper agriculture did it in the East
and South.
These man-induced cycles in deer irruptions and erosion
are not self-terminating, and as a whole, man has not done
much to improve conditions. In fact, non-selective predator
control still continues on every irrupting deer range I have
ever seen. Livestock overgrazing continues on many irrup-
ting western ranges.
In the instance of erosion, the pressure of livestock
and farming has been eased in many cases; it has been lifted
in only a few.
By and large, then, we are sliding down a toboggan of
unknown length, gradient and destination. This study is a
search for brakes or diversions in the deer toboggan.
Rough draft
November 24, 1941
DEER IREJPTION STUDY
Aldo Leopold
Premise. Irruptions of deer (and elk) are becoming a universal problem,
like forest fire, Studies of irruptions have been so far local and
empirical, i.e., they aim to alleviate the trouble rither than to
find out why it occurs and how to prevent it. The situation parallels
that of fire in 1919.
Proposal. That the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service
make a Joint attempt to dig deeper into the problem, in cooperation
with some third party not involved in past controversies, commitments,
or history.
Steps: 1942. Feel-out. Test a selected field worker by having
him gather the history of a typical irruption.
193-45. Survey. Gather the history of irruptions in
the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Deduce
"leads", i.e., look for common denominators.
1946. Ixperiments. Start experimental verification of
leads, and tests of preventative treatments.
Strategy. Irruptive population behavior must arise from abnormalities
in the reproductive rate or the mortality rate. There may be secondary
complications in abnormal sex ratios, abnormal sex survival, or
nutritional phenomena. It is certain that predation, as well as
hunting, affects the mortality rate.
Mortality and predation cannot be studied in confined experimental
deer. Natrition can. Reproductive rate and sex ratios can, except
as they are affected by predation ai nutrition in-the-wild. It is
clear, then, that the problem mest be "shaken down" to one or more
simple hypotheses before experimental verifications can begin. This
is the purpose of the survey.
J /
2
In the following captions, the fragments of *leads* now available
are discussed.
Predation. Irruptions do not immediately follow removal of predators.
Thus in Pennsylvania predators were removed in the 1700's , but irruptions
did not begin until the 19201s.
Absence of effective predators may, however, predispose a range to
irruption. I know of no irruptions in the presence of predation. I
know of dense herds in Mexico which have wolves and lions, and do not
irrupt.
What are effective predators? Presumeably wolves and lions. Were
any deer ranges originally devoid of either? This is a critical point.
Parts of the Northwest may have been.
What was the original deer-predator rat~s? harly Journals show
an astonishing scarcity of deer in parts of Utah, Arizona, and along the
upper Columbia. Some of this range is now irruptive.
The present cooperative predator-control operations offer many
chances for experimental work which, as far as I know, are not utilized.
What are the mechanics of lion concentration on incipient irruptions,
i.e., high spots? From what distance do they come? What sexes and ages?
Does such concentration leave a vacuam elsewhere? Tagging could throw
light on these questions.
What selectivity in prey holds for lion sex and age classes? One
hears that only old weak-toothed lions attack sheep. A tagged lion
population might verify or sharpen this purely empirical conclusion.
If it is true, then the impact of lions on deer might be strengthened,
and that on sheep weakened, by selective control. If this study should,
in the end, indicate the advisability of predator management for deer
control, then advance information on these critical questions might be of
great value. In any event, such information has ecological value.
3
Browse Nutrition and Rnge. There are many indications that an over-
browsed range may, during the process of irruption, yield browse food
of superior nutritional quality. By nutrition is meant qualitative
(mineral, vitamin) as well as quantitative nutrition. This may affect
teproductive rate, or perhaps even sex ratio. It may account for the
self-aggravating behavior of excess populations. Eperimental verification
of this critical point is possible now, and should not be M.ayed. It is
important to livestock as well as deer. I know of no studies directed
to this end.
One of the striking peculiarities of recent irruptions in Utah
and the Kaibab is the high percentage of palatables in the woody vegetation
available to deer. Palatable species comprise the bulk of the winter
range, whereas in the Lake States, the Arizona brushfields, California,
Oregon, and Pennsylvania they comprise a small fractiono Is this inherent
or induced? Is a Nlpure" range, onee upset, more liable to violent ups
and downs than a "dilute" range offering inferior "bufferm
foods? Presumeably
yes, especially if overbrowsing enhances quality.
Do browse plants attain a sufficient age to be analyzed for irruption-
history by ring widths? The assumption that irruptions are all recent
might thus be tested.
If there are lionless wolfless deer ranges of high quality, irruptions
(food cycles) presumeably always occurred there. Ring-analysis might
disclose their history. Naturally only plants higher than the plimsoll
line would survive to record the story. Age-classes in browse reproduction
might also record the story.
Do present range studies and range policies take account of browse
reproduction as well as browse production? On the Kaibab they clearly do
not. The policy is to increase the herd because the surviving browse
shows recovery. The browse killed during the irruption, but not yet
replaced by reproduction, has been forgotten.
Reproductive Rtes and Sex Patios. On the Kaibab, the fawn crop
rose with overbrowsing. Is this true of other irruptions? Is this tied
in with the possible enhancement of nutritional value during overbrowsing?
Is the reported increase in female fawns on overbrowsed Pennsylvania
range caused by the overbrowsing, or by some other factor?
General. This very brief sketch shows that the proposed survey mast
delve in history as well as appraise the present. It shows that some
important researches are u% for action now; others will take form later.
The survey then, should serve as liailon between(and advisor of) field
agencies and institutions. This, of course, Aoes not imply administrative
authority. It also shows that the field worker must have competence
in and sympathy with the entire gamut of biological conservation activities,
from pure ecology on the one hand to practical range management on the
other.
Preliminary Hypothess. Browse forage is lone-lived. Palatable browse
undoubtedly accumulated in huge reserves on ranges kept nearly deerless
by predation. (It has recently accumulated in huge reserves on ranges
kept deerless by hunting).
Such impoundments approach unstable equilibrium in respect of deer,
just as alluviating watersheds approach unstable equilibrium in respect
of erosion. The first accidental relaxation of predator-pressure brings
on the irruption: exhaustion: die-off sequence recently illustrat*&
on
the Kaibab. Just so combination of drouth and rainfall precipitated the
erosion cycle in vulnerable impoundments of soil.
In presettlement times such behavior was sporadic, i.e., at any one
time a negligible fraction of the potential irruptions Zma active. Just
5
so a negligible fraction of the watersheds w active. In both, active
periods were self-terminating. Both escaped detection in historical
records. Some soil impoundments had suffered no activity since glacial
times (Utah Canyons). Some browse impoundments may have continued
indefinitely. All such became increasingly vulnerable.
Some browse impoundments wete increased (made more vulnerable) by
lumbering and fire, which left unnform and favorable stages of the
plant succession over large areas (Pennsylvania, Lake States).
Then came overgrazing by livestock (in the West) followed by removal
of predators, creation of refuges, and better law enforcement. These
acted in various combinations as the *trigger-pull" to activate all
vulner-
able deer ranges almost simultaneously. Hence the present "rashm of
irruptive
herds from Oregon to Carolina, Pennsylvania to California.
The same overgrazing pulled the trigger on the vulnerable watersheds
of the West. Bad agriculture did the same in the Bst and South.
These man-induced cycles are not self-terminating, either in deer or
in erosion. Predator control continues today on every irrupting deer
range I have seen. Livestock overgrazing continues on many irrupting western
ranges,
In the case of erosion, the pressure of livestock and farming has
been
lifted in only a few cases, but it has been eased in many,
By and large, then, we are sliding down a toboggan of unknown length,
gradient, and termination. This studr is a search for brakes or diversions
in the deer toboggan*
- ' I - ,.
.. . .
424 Untivnrity Farm PlacO
Novmber 13- 194~1
Mr. A. B. Hatch
600 Weatherly At1l41Dg
Portland, Oregon
Dear Hatch:
You are the first on. to reply to n note in the
Wildlife News, ad I a= Ve17 matoful to yao for
your good information.
I1 of course, have long known of your interest
in the subject of over-populated ranges, an if
I ever get set up to do any organised work on the
question, I shall certainly take advantage of
your offer of help. Meanwhile, I am keening your
letter for further reference.
With best regards,
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Mawgement
CO Gostleo
I4~ * fr.4 I, bohusoa
?~U% Offte ~U41~
A1~vqu, Jew ~x~o
~ar Ww.4s
eotL~, I
aa hafl~ ,1L4*e ma4e of the 4w
aspen 5pw@uti~
I Qe~tai~y ~e with y~i ~ha~t .~ ~ ;~
of Caew pe~i~.t~ons with .peoW. ~r.f.r.no. to
p~e4atio~ ~e~44 to be ~4e. I have b..~ t~1~g ~
1~t.we.i ~. 5h~tt eM QaW1.l~o~ ~ ~h a
pwJ~S. !~ case ~htoh ~ cite 1* v~ 1q~*~"
I i~h enjoyed. ~r trip toC.tbew, and. part1~lar2~
apprelate y~r ooui~g all the w~ ~ there to
enable us to hay, a visit,
Tours sincer.l~~
AI4 1~*p.U
ftotessor of Wildlife ~xa~snt
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
SOUTHWESTERN REGION
ADDRESS REPLY TO
REGIONAL FORESTER POST OFFICE BUILDING,
AND REFER TO ALBUQUERQUE. NEW
MEXICO
October 18, 1941
Mr. Aldo Leopold
Professor of Game Management
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wis.
Dear Leopold:
nclosed are a few photos taken during your recent visit on the
Kaibab (North). Leo Couch suggested that you would like to have
them.
You will be interested to know that we have a bumper fawn crop on the
Kaibab (North) - the best ever reported. Late September counts show
that fawns make up 34% of all deer counted. On a theoretical basis
of 12,000 deer in the herd, this means an increase of 4300 deer.
In 1939, when we first started the summer trapping work, our September
fawn counts represented 28% of the deer seen. This is an increase of
9% in the fawn crop since the summer trapping work started. This year,
over 270 coyotes have been taken so far. So even if fawns do not
show up in coyote stomachs or scats and they take only an occasional
fawn, it is believed that several hundred coyotes can be very effect-
ive.
Since our deer have shown an increase in body weight and our fawn crops
appear to be increasing not only in number but in size of fawns, it is
hard for me to see where there is anything wrong with the breeding
potential that would indicate cyclic behavior. I am inclined to believe
that carnivore are far more effective than ordinarily believed. I
should like very much to see an all-out carnivor-deer relationship study
11 started in order to get some qualitative and quantitative measurements
made on this relationship.
2-Al do Leopold--lO/IS/41
We all enjoyed having you visit the Kalbab abd feel that you
contributed much to our work. Look us up when you come West again.
Very sincerely yours
FRED W. JOHNSON
Range Examiner
Enclosures
SU~dversity T Place
October 15, 1941
Mr. H. L. 51~ntm
Chief. Division of Wildlife
Fuer~al Building
?uTosoa, Alrixoa
Dear " M-nt z
T-.lks for your note beut the der irruption projet.
I az still boplag to talk~ this over with ym u inperson
ramther than by letter, but I woul4 like to ask you one
question abot your stAterent, "I'm not so ore that
anyone ould, bp the further amlysi of the data on
han, help mwuh in explaiaing deer IrriAptions." Has
anyone ever tuutlyzed all the data on Yaz to look for
soe c denomimtor? If ouch a @romon denominator
exists, it might give us presurptive evidewe of cusation.
All of the cmes I know kbout (and they zust be much
less mixmrous than the ones you know about) have the
coomon denominator of previous predator control, either
at the time of irruptions or before. Conversel, all
the normal herds I knw hnve normi prkdator presire.
I a,-, of course, not Jur1w at the conolusion that
pre&dtor control auses irruptions. I am merely trying
to explain wfat I mean by a study of the data.
With porsonl reards,
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife H nsmnt
ea Gabrielson
Costley
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST
ADDRESS RKPLY TO
FOREST SUPERVISOR FEDERAL DUILDING,
AND REFER TO TUCSON. ARIZONA
October 9, 1941
Mr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Leopold:
I had hoped to see you at one of the meetings and that is my reason
for not having answered your letter relative to Mr. Costley's work.
I had previously talked with Costley and still think he should get in on
a
deer herd that has not already exceeded its food supply. Too many
research men insist that research work be done on over-used ranges
and insist that nothing be done until they have more facts. This
happened to us again and again. It's as if the cause of a fire must
first be determined before the fire department is allowed to move out.
Yes, I thin4 we need to know a lot more about many phases and especially
the behavior of a herd which is just starting to increase. In this
respect, Costley is wise since he knows that there is still feed avail-
able for the herd he proposes to study. In other words, in most cases,
we have passed over the important stages and concentrated on the few years
of decline, and I'm not so sure that anyone could,by the further analysis
of the data on handhelp much in explaining deer eruptions. Dften,&S on
the Kaibab exact informntion is lacking and we infer much from a few
scattered observations. Costley proposes to start with a herd in bal-
ance or one that has not yet reached the optimum population.
424 University Farm Place
September 13, 1941
Mr. Richard :. Costley
203 Vivarium
Wright and Healey Streets
Cha"aign, Illinois
Dear Dick:
This letter is to summarise my opinion about the need for Spanish
in the execution of your research on irruptions of doer.
Tour research is an attempt to deduce the nature of the mechanism
behind deer rrptioby c ang unhealthy herds with healthy ones.
By "healthy" I of course mean that capacity for self-adjustment
in
a population which insures aainst both over-population and unezr-
population.
M trip through the West this wumeer further convinced me of a fact
which I have long suspected: there are no really healthy deer
herds left in the United States. You can find on this side of the
border examples of almost any kind of ecological distortion, but I
cannot think of any herd which I could conscientiously call normal.
On the other hand, I know from my own experience that the un&m
settled parts of Northern Mexico contain mmerous healthy herds.
On these ranges all of the natural predators are still present in
practically their original numbers. There are plenty of deer but
never too many, and the deer stand up under a rather heavy kill
without lose of density or distortion of sex ratio or deterioration
of weight or antlers. I never heard of episootio diseases or an
considerable degree of parasitism.
No one has ever censused such a normal herd nor described its make-up
in terms of sex and age classes or its mechanism of population replace-
ment. In v opinion your study cannot be complete in any scientific
senseenor can it achieve its full value as a guide to conservation
policies.,until you have studied these Mexican deer herds at first
hand.
No corresponding opportunity exists in Canada because the deer belt
in Caada is very narrow except on the coast, and the cover conditions
make censusing very difficult.
, f t
Richard J. Costley
September 13, 1941
Page 2
Anyone doing biolorical work in the Uck country of Mexico must
kow Spanish, not only to extract information from local residents,
but also to search the literature for historical eyidenoe on past
conitions.
I therefore hope that the University will permit you to substitute
Spanish for French as one of the laui 8aes required for your
doctorate.
Yours sineorely,
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Manaeowmt
ALsah
September 9, 1941
Champaign, Illinois
Professor Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Professor Leopold:
I am now settled in Champaign-Urbana, and am be-
ginning to get my clutches into what I hope to be a success-
ful school year.
I have discussed thesis problems with Shelford,
and he is satisfied with a proposal for a study of the
"population dynamics" of our native big game animals. So,
it now seems that I am, at least partially, on my way. In
view of your statement that probably the best check area
would be in northern Mexico, Shelford will also support
my petition to the Dean that I be permitted to substitute
Spanish for French as one of the languages required prepara-
tory to the granting of the Ph.D.
am informed that such a petition has to be very
strong to have any chance of approval. If you believe it
worth while, I would appreciate it very-much if you would write
a letter to me (enclosing an extra copy) covering the desira-
bility and possibility of our proposed Itudy, and includel
a statement as to how a knowledge of Spanish would greatly
facilitate the investigation.
I realize that this will find you at one of the busi-
est timesof the school year, but if I could get this petition
out of the way within the next ten days, it would facilitate
things on this end.
Thanking you for your trouble, I remain
203 Vivarium
Wright and Healey Streets
Champaign, Illinois
-424 University Fars Place
Auigust 15, 19)41
Mr. Ira T. Gabrielson
Fish and Wildlife ServiOe
Washington, D. C.
Dear Gab.t
While I was in Utah, I had a pipe dream. Basmnssen,
Paul Miller, and Leo Couch helped formlte it. This
letter is by wmay of advance notice that I would like
to talk it over with you either at Toronto or at some
earlier occasion if you can name a date and place where
I could meet you. Why don't you stop over here on your
return from the Alaskan trip? You have a standing invi-
tation to go out with me to my farm and cogitate on
such matters.
I wrote this letter to Dr. Shants because he happened
to write me, and naturally he is a party to the,question
of irruption.
Will you let me know when and where I may see you to
talk over the whole thing? I am a little mistrustful
of talking of such things at Toronto because you will
be too busy.
With personal regards,
Tours sincerely,
Aldo Leopold
Professor of Wildlife Mamagement
cc Costley
424 University arm Flaee
Auegust 15, 1;41
Dr, Homer L. Shntz
2415 Twentieth Stroet, N.W.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Dr. Shants
I especially apreeiate your good word for "Wilderness As A
14va Laboratoz7'. I enclose a reprint in case you have any
use for it,
I fully share your regret that you and I have never been in
the field together. The same thought occurred to me 4urie, a
recent trip through Utah and the Kaibab where you wer frequent-
ly quoted.
I take it tht you are e1 qu nted with . J. Costley, t
have the following pipe dres lay hisml on sone kind of
*impartil" funds to employ Costl.e to k a roundup of the
whole subject of deer and elk Irruptions, try to d auses,
and lay out research work to further verify nd explore the
whole subject.
My wn hypothesis as to the cause of Irptionis stated in
the attaehed extract from ry report on the Utah and Oren
units. My ges, of coursme, y be wrong, but whatever the
case, the question is of such fuidamental m.portaace that it
deserves the attention of esme brainy yowa man who can throw
himself into it and dig to the bottom. These irruptions are,
in rV opinion, a worse threat to the future of the national
forests than ny other one thing, saye only fire.
Costley, as you probably knw, is unAer Shelford at the
University of Illinois, and this ought to equip him with the
Shelford viewpoint. fie is already equipped with the forestry
and rang, a a t viewpoIt. If he could then be given
a Job under some kind of impartial, non-bureau eomittee, he
might turn up something worthwhile.
If you think well of this idea, I'd like to go into a huddle
on it with you and Gabe at Toronto.
With best reUrds,
Yours sincerely,
A.1do Leopold
Professor of Wildlife
cc Costley
Oabrielson
HOMER LE RoY SHANTZ
2415 TWENTIETH STREET N.W.
WASHINGTON Df C.
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t~t~t~t~1 fr~ ro-rort t;At T amno~ T-,r(
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i to It T t~ eh yyfi.
,TT Joe J. riokTy
I
342 e6fCadison ,qvenue
WNel, York Z7, N. Y.
May 31, 1950
Dr. J. J. Hickey
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Dr. Hickey:
A clipping from the April 27th Wausau Record-
Herald reports an interesting talk by you at the annual
meeting of the Wisconsin Federation of Conservation
Clubs.
I wonder whether you spoke from a manuscript,
or from notes? If you did speak from manuscript I would
be very happy to receive the loan of a copy from which I
believe a story might be written which would be quite
interesting to the readers of our Quarterly magazine.
If you did not speak from manuscript, have you
or anyone in your department written anything which
covers the same material. We are continually on the
look-out for information which would be of interest to
duck shooters, and apparently your studies of banding have
disclosed some information which would be exceedingly
interesting not only within Wisconsin, but in the country
as a whole.
Thanking you in advance for any courtesy which
you can extend us, I remain
Very truly yours,
Wendell A.Teague
Public Relations Director
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Press, Ot,* 5 14
~OVMLý' wit! .3tan Beteam
Buntra, are n_ i the fieldnad mazas of mniitobe afttr tk air qtAr of
birds ed the e pnte on the seson are still beln, rgister. 1st
mec!03 so 1,an tva~~uto rcea1ted in aý I a -nsl beiN,ý reeoived
by
the writer. Q-a of the mot at lettra received n fro,- 1:. Al-
bs.ert toc1ibaumu oth Dflta Wptewfwl Researwchi stao , icie is c-,,ns-nrd
bk t nited VJt 141ife mt ttute
The lettr is r d as bl 1
Deer Stan:
~Ulit ~Or~W 151Ontl~~ tOdi~uG yQoO1wE1 T., - at 2' it Is,"
neverbelaa, extrvsmc Tntly Imir that I .-ant 1. 1lasngao3
few c t t
Firal e" orJ ni youl left out a- 'varn sijý'tifC~nt zal~ ou
utto
of Chale Johnonj Minap ýi Sr stat~cjrnt !; tte Zr.It repds a
follows: 'in i- bon, mcbny Trime 4iitnv, 'Utnr toAy fror , is
lntez l Iion of trhe ,,tob h.tunt with te p tion that
Caodnn reupina~movr t~i a rt ao~n~de~13 limitl'
Your colwon aim ly oleres on tis P in ' in 1& vn ta ri'vew
f eel in. -wv i (;1, s ur wc yo u, ex 13ti iný but a ev j -inOds
in i_- rea rion,
dot1 yýoa -ad ir, atobinm-n c-ponrentl. arc etttin tofa few ca
ol
into ,.- of cl
Touc-orry f: benrvg -'11Wnea -- ainokýt a reniytn!uixtkeio biol-
Ogiat_ in "aner-a. In rnplyý I ctan only, tiy tAt tlj 1 all
J-1 thef: tenD yfmars
I nva stu"died d7UCia; at Dltf 1, have nel etred 1f o co- ef%1 :-on!
exe, -Ail on za~j~t a euse oaei tO~r~i but*etainly
the nmbeis there we~o und3et no Or ision to abide by id=aev I eeA,
In re' to kDll, Vf- 1bnoy, t era fn ebod t 4,j
tht tha :76 11l, eýV(-4 -Cow orniný vty wFi nre ert 1pouion.
Jine en~asek nr ite i kio I in ~ef di. rbut io.n I _-el t itin o~a
t"o bvixai t is- fe.ct v. tCa tgiou 4j Wia wiýllif weij-%at.1l
fl
tonA~io a. t ceb~rtvny, Tlio vo1 lerT o ,o!ýa m~utv ir
wha ,t is in, sýtorer 1r L;:o.i izCaainu ~1~ i. vt a nrl
Y_
V a 1p l fot in non -usr ý,. rr_ n, on ýiaua",,
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
you w uxn tt , '- ue A .ri 'p< "'n I -.i~ bioloý.-ý
+rtý ''
bee ~~c~ mn&id n ~ 1z; ~n! it :n: t~# uecco~rto
tbhs ettin tao % itxPin s-uc ooo erion, nd of , ~f Oi five, th~ree
sre Uedinni.
I ~e~2i' se% ) e 4 t one reet ti in at duoe see Th the co iern,
Se)t uC dU tjt ha n* thw4 te vriouo nv le~ies i' done
tions here njt dow to the llxm at 17 ioi', ducks.
v y, *1" vili
ut, e t ror the {therins of stuble birds, the drtc is sed, Ieýhn
But xen - cor r trci l sioi
It is Ixnforlu~ete nbrsn~db rlei i
clnely It Ou will e00 t- 0 04 you wiý f d eut of tre-
isoe~w theyk ors p ser i~o~ Uni t u un they e new yr bore ytI s,
cri i r oo, -tond c F
0iu', 0 ud wlmo Pu t you ow hrn _Ab iofhpst' r i fft,
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 0
From Winnipeg Free
Press, Sept. 27, 1947
OUTDOORS with Stan Bentham
Manitoba duck hunters have been sold down the river. They
have two of the three greatest duck breeding marshes in
North America in their province and they have received the
poorest set of season limits on the continent.
The sister provinces have received a better deal from the
dominion authorities. They have an errlier season and in
some cases more birds. Hunters in Saskatchewan and Alberta
are banging their birds now. American hunters were able to
choose their seasons to get the most birds. Manitoba sports
men are still waiting their chqnces and watching the weather.
.we've another week to go until sho-ting opens.
In Manitoba the hunter is allowed 3b birds for the month't
shoot. Alberta has a season from Sept. 20 to inov. 11 while
z-askatchewan opened Sept. 22 and the hunter riay shoot urtil
October 61. Here the season- opens Oct. 1 and closes at the
end of the month.
Hunters of fhe United States have four birds a day with eight
in possession but they may legally shoot 120 birds for the
season. Mexico has practically no limit and the Cubans
are shooting as they have done in the -ast. Who's to blame?
Thatts the million dollar question. Many are blaming
the Manitoba Federation of Game and Fish associations.
The bag limits ;re ýat were asked for at the Clear Lake
convention in June. The hu ters, who are laying the
blame at the door of this association, are those who
never a teInd a meeting or even pay membership.
Charles Johnson, of the Minneapolis Stpr, sizes up the
situation this way.
"Canadian game officials never again will pay any attention
to so-called authoritative information on ducks that United
States experts pass onto them...
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
"Because of the mid-summer scare created by U.S. wildlife
experts, Manitoba isn't opening up hunting in the Delta
marshes u til Oct. 10. That means that the Canadians will
get no more than two weeks of shooting this fall before the
freeze-up. They can work the fields from Oct. 1 on, but
all the birds are in the sloughs and marshes and probably
will stay there until they migrate. In Manitoba, they
have a seasonlB limit of 35 which means that Americans
can shoot more than twice as many ducks as they can."
Johnson may have come close to the truth. Throughout the
marshes of Manitoba seven American biologists have been
studying our ducks. One provincial employee of the game
department has been working with them. We have listened
to the wrong side of the story.
At the Clear Lake convention B. W. Cartwright, chief
naturalist of Ducks Unlimited and chairman of the game and
fish waterfowl committee, read his repgwt. The delegates
listened to Hockbaum and recommended the season.
We took something that started at the Wildlife
conference in Mexico last winter when Mr. Hoahbaum
stated that Canadians took more canvasbacks on the
opening day than were raised on the Delta marsh last
year. We listened to the wrong party and ended up
with a poor dea.
The game and fish will not be caught again another year.
They have, at Mr. Cartwrigh Is suiggestion, streamlined
their waterfowl committee. Now they are willing to let
Amerlcan biologists make a report, Ducks Unlimited another,
and the fish and game clubs a third. The three independed6
surveys should come close to the truth.
We're not hammering for a slaughter. We want conservation
and will continue work'ng for it but we don't like other people
getting ducks and the gravy while wel'e going to be short on
gravy.
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
This year duck season Gan close With a Snow storm before
it starts, Let's get more of bur own biologists and
follow their reports.
Ottawa has been hammering for years for more oonservat ion
and through the Manitoba Federation of Game and Fish
associations they have it. Ottawa has its own federal
migratory bards officer stationed in Winnipeg and if the
duck season is a federal matter they should use the inform-
ation of federal biologists not that of men from another
nation.
eptembet2 12 l)I7
IAr. Bert It. krtwi;ht
3Q0 u of Oomm.eroe Chwbera
iJi~ulpet, Initoba
~eaD Bert;
I iih apr te your coeirtts in eep ne on
the xili list. This extordirary favor
njI T irnw it.
1}j daxh~tert hd li'ea told hIe about ireetiiy
ad I am veIry 4d indeed ti-ut they had a chn=e to,
Your ren~rc abot understanii eab othem view
points contains, I t hin, a lot of -erit. I a= not
sure that letters are -,o go in this ecnnetion.
I am by now more tha ever c +rnvinced that% x wh
drawal fr- JU was rifýt, 1,t I anm not at aIl eon-
vined that I he rces:.'l, conVeed zI(,nts.
With personal gerde+.
Your sincerely,
Aldo Leo-told
AL jpý.ý
DUCK S/##
% & n &Z(CA NA DA)
A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation
201 Bank of Commerce Cmhabers,
Winnipeg, Manitoba*
August 11th, 1947.
Prof* Aldo Leopold,
The University of Wisconsin,
College of Agriculture,
Madison, Wisconsin.
Dear Aldo:
Referring to yours of August lst, first I would state
that your name is being retained on the mailing list
to receive all Ducks Unlimited publications. There
will be no charge.
I have been following the interchange of correspondence
between Mort Smith and yourself with a great deal of
interest and I believe it is leading to a better
understanding of each other's view point.
In two days I shall be leaving on the aerial survey
and will write to you again on matters of mutual
interest when I return.
I was out to Delta yesterday and had the pleasure of
meeting Mrs. Elder whom I had met before and your younger
daughter, Stella, whom I met for the first time. They
both seemed very well and enjoying their stay at Delta.
Stella has gotten such a tan that she is almost as brown
as an Indian.
With kind personal regards,
Yours truly,
B. W. Cartwright,
Chief Naturalist,
B1C/FVH
To Increase and Perpetuate the Supply of Ducks
DUC KS7 (CANADA)
A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation
201 Bank of Commerce Chambers,
Winnipeg, Manitoba.
August 27th, 1947.
01,
Prof. Aldo Leopold,
The University of Wisconsin,
College of Agriculture,
TA T)Tvr T W ./'4 IhJ-,D4AI.
Dear Aldo:
Just in the office for a couple of days between
flights on the aerial survey and note your recent
letter requesting copies of the duck chart and
comments. The chart and comments were published in
the Quarterly but the subsequent comments dated May 14th
have not been. No general distribution has been made
of either. I will be pleased to have your comments on
the whole thing in due course.
With kind personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
B. W. Cartwright,
Chief Naturalist.
BWC/PVH
Tb Increase and Perpetuate Lie Supply of Ducks
I
tbrarr
May 14, 1947.
CO TS Olt THE DISAPPLARANCE OF 1ILLIONS OF WATJ RFOL FROY ONE
TO ACCOT FOR BY LWAL KILL
Leopold et al -4as shown that the life span of the pheasant is three to
four
years and that the juvenile component of a fall population
is
about 70%.
Roy N. Bach .-has confirmed these results in North Dakota and derived certain
principles which I believe are applicable to waterfowl for
the
following reasonesa
Ducks Unlimited's banding studies of waterfowl indicate a similar life
expectancy for ducks, namely tee to four years.
Ducks Unlimited's brood countd'0averare six per female, hence post breeding
population. are coýposed of about 70,' eniles,
Bach's principles are therefore as valid for waterfowl as for pheasants.
They are quoted (in part) below.
1. "These 'ercentages vary seasonally and will depend largely
upon the
nestinL successos for any particular nesting season."
2. "Any given population (of North Dakota pheasants) Nould not
last much
longer than three years, if not replenished by new broods."
3 "Natural die-off is much higher than we uight at first expect
and th,
rate of natural die-off is proportional to the size of the population."
4. "The natural rate die-off, however, is not constant over the
three
major years in pestion. The rate (in bird lose per day) is highest durinG
the first yar.-
5. "Any factors which might seriously affect nesting successes
for a
period of two years would seriously and drastically reduce our pheasant
population no matter what that population had been to start with,"
6. "The pheasant population in North Dakota depends almost entirely
upon the success of the nestinG season each year."
7. "The overall picture is one of a very short-lived or traasient
comodity, It appears to be a resource that cannot be saved for very loug.
If this study points to one major principle it is thist Provided that the
population is not too low, the largest harvest practicable should be made
of
our pheasant during the fall imnediately followIng a successful nesting
season*"
The basic facts from which these princippls are derived have been
established for waterfowl and, in ir opinion, are equally applicable to them.
Reference to the attached chart of waterfowl populations reveal that
1941 and 1942 showed a tremendouE upsurge in numbers (F. & W.S. estimates),
folloyd in 1942 and 1943 by similar upsurges in D.U. post breedinG estimates.
This reflected a healthy return of breeding stock, successful breeding seasons
and reduced hunting pressure.
Applyin, the foregoing principles we can see that the 1943 breeding
stock
would be largely composed of one and two year old birds from the 1ý41
and 1942
hatch. Only a small residue of the 1940 hatch would be left alive.
Consequently, a large percentage of the population was due to pass out of
the
picture in 1943 and 194. In consequence, the 1944 increment, which incident-
ally, was relatively small oupared with the previous two years, in spite
of
the fact that 19L4 gave us one of the best brood averages in our experience
(6.50 per fenmale for Surface feeding ducks and 6.68 for Divinng ducks).
This
increment would have been much greater if it had not been largely offset
by
the die-off due to take place from the 1942 hatch. In 1945, the residue from
1942 hatch and a large part of the 1943 would pass out of the picture.
Superimposed was a partial hatch failure in 1945. No increase was shown in
1945 as compared with 1944 by D.U. All the ingredients for a population
collapse are there and is exactly what took place.
Unfortunately, these events, so little understood, have induced panic
and confusion among administrators and sportsmen alike, causing them to doubt
their own findings and experience. This is quite unjustified. One of the
unfortunate results was to cause the Fish and Wildlife Service to change
their
method of estimating the post-hunting breeding population, resulting in a
low
of 54 million (January, 1947), which, I believe, is artificial and certainly
not comparable with their 1945 (January, 1946) estimates. Another unfortunr.te
result was to cause D.U. to abandon their brood counts in 14% - because w
thought we had established a constant bf six - and furthor investigation
was
redundant. That us the very year in which the brood average (from small
seleoted areas) fell to 4.3 and probably pertained over the entire breeding
range except Alaska. However, D.U. continued the same method in computing
the post-breeding population estimate so their 1946 total of 106 million
is
strictly comparable with their previous estimates.
The published kill (legal) 1946 hunting season - 23 million - which
also
includes the estimated drippling loss, is small compared with the indicated
loss as shown by the attached table.
There can be no doubt that the loss of birds from one spring return
to
the next is terrific and legal kill and crippling loss is not the major
factor, Normal die-off of three and four year old birds is probably the
major factor but as ducks are oapable of living much longer than this, it
shows that the combination of haiards, after the birds fly south from Canada,
take a larger toll of birds of all ages than does the legal hunter.
Research on these losses would seem to be overdue.
BW, Cartwright,
1. Leopold, Aldo, Theodore M. Sperry, William S. Feeney and John A. Catenhusen
191 -Population turnover on a Wisconsin pheasant refuge.
Journ. Wildlife Management (7) 4, 383-34
2. Bach, Roy 1,
1944-Population fluctuations of the North Dakota pheasant 1938-1943-.
N.D. Outdoors, Jan. 194ts 8-10. Fish & Game Dept., Bismark, N.D.
3. Cartwright, B.Wo
19ý4--Waterfowl Brood Counts in Manitoba, Saskatche-o.n and
Alberta - 1935,
1938-10. Journ. Wildlife lanagement (8) 79-80.
Memo re Conference at Dr. Cottam's Office - 1 May, 1947.
Presents Dr. Clarence Cottem Dr. Mr. Crouch.
Mr. LH. Barhausen, Frank T. Clarke.
During the metinZ conducted by the Fish & Wildlife Service in Chicago
on
April 30, Mr. arikhausen had questioned the figures of 19 million legally
killed and 5 million crippled and lost given out by the Service. This meetiag
was held to discuss the mater..
According to YMr Barkhausen the figures did not balance if the total losses
were shown as P4 million on the Department' s ovm winter survey estimates
for
19146 and 1947.
Dr. Cotatn replied that the 5 million figure only referred to the crippling
loss from the legal kill and that there were many other losses which would
have to be taken into consideration.
Dr. Saam4&e enlarged on the "Other Losses" by making a hypothetical
case of
what might have happened to the 80 million birds e.stimated by the Srvioe
in
their vinter survey of 1946.
Dr. ~d ~ 4Sviwjarys
19L6 winter survy ,,,,*****
Dr. Q = e:tjtixated that with winter aand
spring migration losses there would only be
25 million breeding females
25 million females would produce
Total to be aooounted fort
Legal kill estimated by Service 1946-47
Crippling losses estimated by Service
1947 winter survey estimate by Service
Losses not accounted for
80,000,0000
130,000",000
19,000,000
19,000,000
78,000,000
529.000,000
Mr. Barkhausen took strong exception to the estimated legal kill of 19
million by the Service, Ie pointed out that Ducks Unlimited had infoniation
from the majorty of the State Game Departents that the legal kill would
not exceed 5C/4 of the kill of te previous year which had been estimated
by
the Service at 23 Million, The total legal kill should therefore not exceed
ll-4ý million.
Frank Clarke pointed out: according to th Servico's own figurs a total
loss of 52 mllion birds had not been acoounted for in compaIrso to the
Servicets estimated legal kill of 19 million. In spite of their own estima-
ted figures all their publicity stressed the legcl kill instead of keeping
it in their own perspeotive of 19 million to a total loss of 76 million.
Dr. Cottam agreed that probably too much publicity was being given to the
legal kill in coiparison to the total losses but this -as the only loss over
which the Federal Government had any immediate remedy. He proised that the
whole picture would be presented to the future motings being held by the
Service in the various States a scheduled.
may 12, 1947
Ma.1 Slak. and Alt
Species Female With Broods Total Youzg Averaje
Mallard 2,12 1.673 6.98
Black Duck -...
Pintail '9240 6,019 6.4o
Shovoller 1 359 2,2142 5.93
Baldpate 99 592 5.97
adwall 198 1,186 5.99
D.Yi. Tal 369 2,338 6.33
GW. Teal 221 1,188 5.37
Teal (UrtdentLified) 2 ! 5.86
Total 4,551 2,9680 6.50
Redhead 72 522 7.15
Canvasback A34 1,839 5.50
Ring-nock -- -
Lesser SQaup 597 4,66( 7.82
Am. Goldec-eye 60 327 5.45
Bufflehead 28 167 6.Oo
Sopters 93 423 4.55
Ruddy 50 6.6877
1,a215 81066
GIIZJ'LD TOýTAL 21ýE-37-80
6_L5
May 7, 1947.
BROOD COUNT
Speoies Female With Brood Total You Average Brood
Mallard 3m578 20,939 5.85
Black Duck 17 73 4.3
Pintail 1,360 8s{ 5.91
Shoveller 812 4,188 5,15
Baldpate 358 2,033 5.67
-adwll 125 719 5-75
B.W. Teal 681 4,281 6.28
GeV;. Teal 2514 10588 6.25
Teal (Unidentified) 50.2247L
144,112 5.81
Redhead 140 7142 5.3
Canvasback 384 2,197 5-72
Ring-neck - -- --
Lesser Seaup 809 5,497 6.79
Am. Goldeneye 89 5278 6.149
Buflehead 70 41o 5.85
Bcotrs 6o L2 7.05
Ruddy 5316 6_.3
1.602 10,163 6.34
GRAIMl TOTAL _ __
- r
A-4*
I h A4
(3/ (/
,4
MINNEAPOLIS 11, 1114A4.
Ai +- L I .L A 4- 1 Ir
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
Thanks kindly for your letter of
August 13th which I have read carefully and with
interest.
I can assure you that Ducks Unlimited
will only publish statements based on conditions as
we find them and if conditions are bad or poor we
will not hesitate to publish that information.
If you can help me to a better under-
standing of the conditions affecting the duck situation
at anytime, I shall be most happy to hear from you.
I beg to r main
Yo y incerely,
M. W. :mith I-res
Ducks Unlimited Inc.
MWS : L
~kQ~ Ltý
I
(~tV4 4L4'LUd
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& *tAA +4A 4/+ TC t+
++,..&* 4++-4 £+L Lt+ ++.p.++++:¢L+ +,d ++++.,+ &+
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444 Gfr"k cAelwr t* ko 4~ t-ý 4,4, 41 f
r4 Lt CC~ c, ct a ý, l i fLLr t JU./~5 1f~
~LL~L 4j44 V-i 4L 4(4
fle /o Ofl 4 -
4ý fetP A
p A.44 i
MINNEAPOLIS 13, MINN.
July 29th, 1947
Yr. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
IMadison, 'Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I appreciate your letter of July 24th and your
several cormients. As to "DU's sights being too low as to what
is a good duck crop" could be debatable but you may recall in
1944 when it appeared that the crop that year in Canada
promised 140 to 150 million, the Fish and Wildlife Service
were worried about the capacity of the wintering grounds to
carry those numbers and the further fact there had been
complaints from Colorado and California that year about damage
being done to their crops by ducks evidently influenced the
Service to increase the daily take and to continue the eighty
day season. Certainly the rank and file of DU members were
not in favor of any increase in the daily bag limit in 1944.
I have been trying for the past year and a
half to find out what studies that may have been made to
determine just what the carrying capacity is of the wintering
grounds and what changes have taken place to reduce that
capacity. I have been unable to secure any information which
leads me to believe there has been no study made over the years.
Do you know of any such studies? In my opinion that study
necessarily must be riade before anyone can say what the danger
line is to our duck population.
As to your statement that "DU has persuaded
the public that the gun is not the cause of the shortage "and
with that you do not agree. In my opinion the destruction of
the nesting grounds by agricultural encroachments on the
breeding areas and adverse changes in wintering grounds are
primarily the basis of the disappearance of waterfowl. You
doubtless must base your conclusions as to the hunter's take
being dangerous to our duck population on careful study. A
large percentage of gun clubs have kept a daily and annual
record of the hunter's take and also a record of bands taken
and returned should give some basis for study which might
determine the extent that the gun has influenced a shortage in
our duck population. It would indeed be enlightening if you
would outline what studies have been made by yourself or others
which might be used as a basis to determine the seriousness of
the hunter's kill as affecting the waterfowl population. It
is not my intent to be argumentative but I am sincerely seeking
MINNEAPOLIS l15 MINN.
Aldo Leopold 7/29/47 Fage :2
information based on sound study. If you can help enlijiten
me on these two questions cited above I shall be most appreciative
of that information. 'We all have opinions but to be worth
while they should be based on facts.
As to your statement that DU would gain by
showing the sportsmen of this country the danger to our
waterfowl population. That thought we have constantly tried
to impress on the sportsmen of this country and is primarily
the reason why we have had increasing support in numbers and
contributions for carrying on the work program which was
planned for in the nesting areas in Canada. We have tried to
tell the public the facts as we saw thei and have stressed
the iiMportance of being conservative in our statements. In
comparison the DU census figures since 1937 reflect favorably
that intent as compared with the Fish and Jildlife figures
with the exception of 1945 and 1946,which we consider
que sti onable.
'ie have high regard for the integrity and
ability of Bert Cartwright, our naturalist, anid we have confidence
that the coverage of the three provinces thru personal observa-
tions of our staff and kee-men throughout the year give us a
sound basis of facts on which to base conclusions. Naturally
we resent any statements of ulterior motives. Our ultimate
goal is just the saie as the scientists and the Fish and dildlife
Service which is safe-6uarding our waterfowvl population and we
are honestly endeavoring to do our part thru the stabilizing
and improving of nesting areas in the three provinces in
Canada. That we intend conscientiously to give the facts as
we find them as was well stated by Bert Cartwright in his
letter of July llth to you - "I shall continue to record the
facts as they come to me from all sources and as I see them
myself, balancin; the good with the bad and arriving at an
overall conclusion wihich will represent the truth to the best
of my la-owledge and belief."
I do koiow there should be close and friendly
co-operation between Ducks Unlimited, scientists and the Fish
and 'dildlife Service. Working together we can more easily and
quickly obtain our coruon goal. Constructive criticism is
always desirable but to be sound must be based on facts. I
shall be grateful to you for a better understanding of the basis
of your opinion as to the danger line in our duck population
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
11r. Aldo Leopold 7/29/47 Page 3
and also such studies as you may have relative to the
importance of the hunter's kill as compared with the total
annual disappearance thru other causes which we know are
taking place. Keep in mind that I an solely seeking
inf ormati on.
I remain
IrrS :L
Anvat 1. 194T
Mrw. B. W Cartwe-d-t
Tf .e1s Untlmited (Qanada)
a01 of o0 t nerhe OMianbaTr
D-iaa Bert*
I aýippOtate i roetesy !i $flir4ea tnis e-,4.
in y: )1--art r t Ins v 1tiss aricmi; -bout the
Ir I 1 d 1 1 it o e tr 1 hau I ctpi hope
Un1oi1~ed It. ~ou his fa 'Ivx
ýA-t'3 vaide to oxu Qig I wn Xjll I Lzae
~ ho Vttht ýunv~to :rbn-i~u~x'
~ oitto o~ c~ f 1pbied1on-'±n t
I w~il. 31~U t,, t~a~ 1i. aoý¶-' b t I IIIi hOD)O to
-70vf TrA to YAve be~i wnrol, I W11", bo 'wick. ýAhoMld
it pil othiwse, I r. ll in hops ttn
polikiee wil)L o e.
With n l roerrds,1
Aldo Leopold
-AL WH
A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation
201 Bank of Ccameroe Chambers,
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
July 23, 1947.
Professor Aldo Leopold,
Dept. of Wildlife Management,
University of Wisconsin,
124 University Farm Place,
MADISON, Wis.
Dear Aldo:
Replying to your letter of July 15, I regret that we are not able to
fill all your requests for Quarterlies and Duokologicals.
The Quarterlies sent to you under separate cover are all that we have
here, but we have none of the Duokologioals requested.
There is no charge. With kind personal regards,
Yours truly,
B.W. Cartwright,
Chief Naturalist.
BWC/BM
To Inerease and ~erpeauate fhe Supply of Duce"
,(CANADA).
taks Unlimite4 (Ca,adn)
203Bank of Gomnwrce Qeambers
WI.,uipeg, PmaitobA
Dear eBarwts
I wat to asure you that tho withda wal of th e onftmee fmu w a
serious w tth r ith me, partienare in view of the cordial prsonl rela-
tions whi& bai' al Ifweto exitted betweh us.
I suspect that at boitn or differenc is ono of b h marks or plains of
rferena . xoou yIt be tr tht the prospetive 19147 cop s e ne ra
better tan 194;. Ls this :?=j Ix lob gatting optimiatit,'i It as
so
bad t ht it wmv1d. tfte c ye)rf t "ttax to 4uStief ayWOptimiew,
fro.
my point of iw
There are mar alltU en i beti~e -vA A" i Uhe Mxý_c~ dogr
to which these
middle men an U 4 tv'et tes kt hn f:"= !_=t lt_'i yu nse
so*~ic* is -_a1&0nZ1y' iJwrwte xi..~ ~ icQ~~ ie 210, byr X
Neal nder the hri i h
b yasinss Is bas n0. by aid you Lo fee so omfox es aather of the
in4rmsIod nthA Vt*re is no deolln ih 5rie" uo
Rya are ndssiroak.i !-n askniwý *,hat _AýoýLbet 1.3h
tho o4 _ uroe of
my irmp asve aui. 1%, of ocours, ],.j Qii uI :: :ridea ane IL hs skil
asn
Ia fPPraiser of 153 n , but bxt I 1tavc 3 1 t "ar othor
Iefomints who rot uwbl, li: inrow ý, A who iý:Ivo z'
the 1f=ta1 store
that I,* does. Iiox-.ivir I zam like rt otlier lnuvm~ býelng, in~fluewod
bjr what
I see with Mr o-w.,n; eyss I can aasuz.e yoi thiAt biso41zg &Lci:Z i~n.
',:1oonsin are
nearly oxtinict. We-ý liave invested in. aix fii'sIn th rst1to
of rws,.r,
but tbay r.re e-trly.zty,, but fo- -"tiý We nolu14
IotA ~o~byjaztifyý them
as "Dack Vatories'. If we took the oa4 hag n thesoe -irshes zoui divided
It by thai~r crityxt in recent yýýra it -'7,Ad womo to :I1,o
~~a er duck.
Can youra.oa1 el~.cet me uner tho i~ioto ý,oqiiusce, cheerfully
in propiza~ncl- -h-i&- tells thepb~ic that overythiag is prety od
I haye sent you for the last two yearsa a swzxa7r of my own htckc wanting.
On~ a
marsh -here anV _,ood hInter could kill his limit In the mvjrly 1.9401u,
I have
(lurin~g the last three years, in the courso of six or eight Diominir in
the blind,
each year killed one duck, and that me a WoodAy. Last ,ýsar iii the
course of .i~it
hunts, I did not even [ýt a shot and the total ducl see warn. hax~ly
m~ore than
one could4 have bnt-,gd hailf a dozen ycat --a Such -, record for a 74ingle
year
would, of course, mean nothing, but Aicn It ro'ep-ts year af1ter -yerr under
good
water conditions wýhat do you want mes to believe?
&ly 24, 1 )AT
-a2
I an still in hope. that IXI will tU a new loýf and tell the Aodc
hunter wiat he is rmfy up ainst. lie refane to think that DU met fod
him with false optinism in order to CaIn his sport. I cannot forget
that it is only two yeas Ao thAt so of yor state hatiran -ere 5nriouciy
talkine live dewy*, I cannot help but conclude that you ar basin y
appraldals an the best cone itrations, both in winter and in swuir, mM that
you ar u of the f~act that Jek Munting is a thing of the -ast for th
average wil(Ilifer~. I rould like to see 31! uAM also the rish and Wildlife
Serviae
tam rn siare aroumd -iaxe-b~ on ta ftyn-yeav plan to bring about not a
mew.
increase izu &J4~, bu~t an increas u-- to the point whiere the famwe
squeals. The
earl.y stM, of -v,& w ai nrense iruat be bzi-nv*t -abct by outrtaflinp
te .
Later we xwny be -a~l to subý;titute a for Y-.rt of this cur-A2lriont.
but,
to asmao that the u-ola thii cn,% bj, dtrme by rge is dnou e illusory.
yott r sincO-eAY,
AL:?M ~1d.o locpold
AP
'(CANADA)
A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation
201 Bank of Cconerce Chambers,
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
July 11, 1947.
Professor Aldo Leopold,
Director Of Wildlife Management,
University of Wisconsin,
MADISON, Wisconsin,
Dear Aldos
I received copies of the correspondence which has passed between you
and Mort Smith, and to say that I am astonished at your reaction to
the June Duokological, is to put it mildly. I feel deeply wounded at
your statement, "Your staff continues its incredibly expert job of
taking a given set of facts and so twisting the emphasis as to create
an overall impression that is false." I am responsible for the state-
ments in the June Puckologioal. Your statement not only impugns my
honesty but debits me with a cleverness to twist facts for some
ulterior motive of which I am wholly unconscious.
Your second statement, "The overall impression one gets from the June
Duckological is that things are not so bad after all, and that by
opening day we may again expect a pretty good flight." This is
exactly right, Remember we are reporting on current duck conditions
in western Canada. The July Duokological was completed and in the
press before your correspondence was received, and strikes an even
more optimistic note.
I not only have the information from our own Kee-men, biologists and
fieldmen, but also copies of the preliminary reports of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife biologists. Bob Smith's summary of the duck population
in the three prairie provinces is, "Averaging the three provinces
together, if that can be done, we arrive at a 'no change' status."
How on earth can this statement be reconciled with a collapse to 54
million from 80 million in 19h6? Mort Smith has already quoted Fred
C. Lincoln's release of July 8.
The plain fact is that things are not so black as they have been
painted and to say the shortage of breeding ducks with the exception
of Alberta, is almost catastrophic, is sheer nonsense. I say this
with a wealth of experience of duck populations over the past nine years.
We have such an abundance of surface water on the prairies this year
that even if 150 million ducks had returned it would still give the
appearance of being occupied much below capacity.
To Increase and Perpetuate the Supply of Ducks
Prof. Aldo Leopold -2- July 11, ±vY4.
A very fine duck crop is being produced on these western plains this
year and I confidently expect that - barring a major oatastroph1'e
between now and opening day - the duck population will show a very
satisfactory omae-baok.
I do not intend to wallow in the slough of despond which Al Hoohbaum
has created for himself at Delta. He seems to be unduly influenced
by local conditions. He seem so bogged down in dispair that one dare
not record any encouraging facts without incurring his wrath.
You know how quickly the waterfowl can recover given a favourable
breeding season or two. Well, they are demonstrating that this year
and I shall continue to record the facts as they come to me from all
sources and as I see them myself, balancing the good with the bad and
arriving at an overall conclusion which will represent the truth to
the best of my knowledge and belief.
To see you waver in your confidence in me is what really hurts.
Yours sincerely,
B.W. Cartwright,
Chief Naturalist.
BWC/BM
c.c. Mort Smith
S, Johnson
C.A. Gross.
7/)
I ~~44 Lfvtt. tt*. L k~.i t~A
t u:t L
2t ýNle~ I~
, 4A
A C4AC4
e .
7
QC~ i~JA ~t 2 ~iC.4% Q4J I~I /
1204 Flour Exchange Bldg.
ITiinneapol s, 15, Hinn.
July 19, 1947
Professor Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
Ne dison, Wisconsin.
Dear Jr. Leopold:
Thanks kindly for your letter of Ju-ly 15th and your further
confirmation that you are a believer in the overall olans of Ducks
Unlimited. I regret that you feel our administration is wrong.
Fun damentally, it is ny firm belief tnat the chief trouble is
tnat the organizations sincerely interested in the waterfowl problems
lack the close friendly contacts that shoIld exist between organiza-
tions interested in the sa-me goal.
Personally I nave been interested in ducks all my life
and since havinh an active interest in te D.U.0rga ization, I nave
been seeking i-aformation -Nich mIEigt enable me to a better under-
standing of VV terfowl conservation problems. So far as I rave any
knowledge there h. as been no close study miade of cLang s which have
ta en place and affectJin' he waterfowl wintering areas nor has
sufficient study been made of banding records. I nave been unable
to Find any soind basis for determin .ng losses through hiunters' kill,
legal and illegal, criopling, drouth, disease and predation as tney
nay affect duck population. Failing to receive such infoimation
leads me to the conaclusion that tnese studies have not been made.
Dr.Griscom receitly published a bulletin emnh sizing
Gnat wintering and b eed-in[ areas are of basic importance in tne
survival of waterfowl. TIis seems to be proof of ýLe necessity for
restoration of tne Canadian breeding areas narticulaly in Yhanitoba,
Sas atchewan and Alberta. Do you now of any i lfox ation that will
enlighten i's acout the condition of wintering grounds as comrared
to previous years? Unfortunately the trouble seenis to be tnat
thce Fish & 5gildlife Service ccnsiders Ducks Unlimited as upstarts
and some other organizations classify us as killers. I do know
we aave friends in tLe Service and also amonr st scientist
t~ere also seems to be a great deal of persnal prejudicE
tUe reason for wich is nard to understand.
I covered about 5000 miIe s b- auto throuch
game areas of Northwestern Sta,-es and Provinces - No-ltl E
South Dakota, Wyoming, bontana, Saskatcnewan and llanitobE
and was dumb-founded at the scarcity of w.lldlife other ti
waterfowl seen. Upland name hias Lad protection f r-al the
-_ - _-- - _- --
-2-
Vce~& 74Cmire~
Professor_" Aldo Leopold July 19,1947.
hlu lter but th~ae fact remains that therehas been no overall improvement,
which leads me to the conclusion tat tnle hunter is not chiefly re-
sDonsible for the loss of our wildlife. I eas raised cn 'ne orairie
and ai old el ough to re etber ra'*.e populations in tne late 801s.
Agricultural ooerations in my ooinion a-le largely respooisible for
6c-e loss of our game birds. If D.T,. does nothing more than affect
thie oreservation of substantial areas in Canada against unprofitable
drainage and encroachmeihts by impractical farm operations, it will
nave served a very worthkvnile purpose.
In answer to your itýquiry relative to publicity ,iven the
black duck study in the 1",aritime Provinces, I refer you to the D.U.
Sep-e ber 1946 Quarterly, Volume 9, Page 7, rou will find an article
coverinc, the Bruce ;lright D.U. Canada Report, showing his findings
of a decrease in the black duck in the areas you refer to. I am
asking our INew York o0fice to send you a copy of that quarte.,ly
for Your files.
Your critcism of D.U. appears to be directed towavc, ds our
publicized reports waich you say distorts facts. I know we are telling
conditions as we find Ghem and I can assure you no aueup is lade to
influence the re orts of our field staff. Tie reports are not all good
but indicate beuter co-nditions than we were led to believe -y previouisly
oublished cofiýti. ns and ooinions. This is the first year the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service nave attempted an extensive coverage an the
tnree Canadian provinces and fro, ivnat reoorts I aave seen, statements
reg. -ding conditions as we find them apparently check fairly close.
It is generally agreed that 1945 was a bad breeding season and that
1946 wrr.le better was not quite good enough. to permit a large increment.
Water conditions are .ood this season, tne number of ducks in Saskatche-
wan and Alberta and elseviuere do not verify the gloomy estimates we
Lave been receiving fron wintering grounds surveys. In addition the
broods now seen are well over avera~ e in numbers. For tnese
reasons I believe D.L'.
tic picture.
I am hooeful tl
-idat be mistaken, we
support.
I beg to remai
LTWS-----
- ~- --~=- -
~ el Irk
t-
~~A~~~&44 hý& Fi.A (t~V 4' 4 ~ LC c~
I
tCt
k( I t
CC / J.4
FOR C. A. qross, 3tate
CLairman
FOR10 i1. Ada=s Street
July 17, 1947
Doctor Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Doctor:
Your letter to Mort Smith did not come as a complete surprise to
me. You had previously informed me of your dissatisfaction and
your intention of resigning a year or two ago. However it is
difficult for me to understand how a man in your position can
condemn Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is doing a very inportant
and necessary job and making a substantial contribution to the re-
storation of our migratory waterfowl. You state that you are very
deeply concerned and that the maintenance of waterfowl on this
continent is very close to your heart. Can you suggest a better
plan than the Ducks Unlimited program? You state that the staff of
Ducks Unlimited are giving out many false statements. I know this
is not true and I have every confidence in the reports issued
from Canada and I am sorry to state that I feel that your statement
as to the dangerous position of our waterfowl is grossly exagerated.
Understand I am not taking a position of being an expert, but there
are a few things that I am familiar with that I would like to call
to your attention. For two years or more the Wisccn sin Conservation
Department and yourself have stated that our duck population is way
down. We will take your statement of early 1945 which appeared in
the Milwaukee Journal. Following this statement according to the
Wisconsin Conservation Department's own figures, Wisconsin had one
of the largest kills in history. Last year was the same. I naturally
could not understand this as I watch the flights very closely and
I am in the marshes most of the time myself. We had a very substantial
increase of birds on Green Bay last Fall and throughout the state.
When the Department issued the statement showing how the kill was
down they did not take into consideration the fact that the season had
been cut from 80 to 45 days and that the kill per day was larger than
in 1945.
This Spring one of the men from the Conservation Department made the
statement in Green Bay that there were hardly any cicks left in
Wisconsin. Needless to say most of the duck hunters in the audience
FOR C. ,A. Gross, 3tate
Ghairman
13o 11. Adams Street
-2-
who saw the flights last year were wondering where this man
could have obtained his information. Later another man from
the Department told an audience in reply to a question of how
the Department was going to help the duck situation that there
was a millon dollars of P R funds in Washington and that the
Department was going to try to get a part of this. He was very
much suppkised after the meeting when I informed him that this
fund was in excess of fifteen millon. He offered the excuse that
he was in the service and had not been very well informed. Mr.
Walter Scott admitted to the Green Bay Press-Gazette that his
figures were not correct and that he was in a hurry at the time.
It seems to me that as a member of the Conservation Commission it
might be well for you to devote some of your time to straightening
out your own department.
During the seven years that I have been chairman of the Wisconsin
Ducks Unlimited Committee I have never criticized your Department.
In fact I have always praised the work and asked the public to
cooperate. Your own men can substantiate this. But I now feel it
my duty, especially to the thousands of men who are contributirgto
Ducks Unlimited in this state, to state my views. I would like to
know what the 6onservation Department is doing, if anything, in the
way of waterfowl restoration. I think it is high time that these
questions are brought before the public. It will create a healthier
situation. I would also like to suggest that you give the press the
letter you wrote to Mort Smith so that the public will know where
you stand. I would also like your permission to read this letter
to groups. This will at least stop the whispering campaign in the
Department. At the present time some of the men are saying that
Leopold quit Ducks Unlimited. They are making capital out of this
and hurting Ducks Unlimited.
I have always known that the Department was not very friendly to
Ducks Unlimited. If you will recall, last year Wisconsin was host
to the National Trustee's Meeting. The Department did not see fit
to as much as put a notice in the conservation bul-L tin. Certainly
if there was any friendly feeling this would have been done.
FOR
Wisconsin
C. A. jross, State CAaivman
130 n. Adams Street
Green Bayi, Wis.
-3-
A. copy of this ke tter is being sent to Governor Rennebohn.
I plan on being in Madison in the near future and I will call
you up in the hopes that we might have lunch together.
Sincerely yours,
C. A. Gros s
Wisconsin State Chairman
Ducks Unlimited Committee
CAG: HE
Copy to Governor Rennebohn
Bert Cartwright
Stan Johnson
IN REPLY REFER TO ADDRESS
ONLY THE
DIRECTOR.
FISH AND WILDLIFE 9ERVICE
UNITED STATES
ýýV4
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
WASH INGTON
July 21, 1947
Prof. Ald.o Leopold,
424 University Yarm Place,
Madison 5, Wisconsin.
Dear Aldoo:
I was pleased to receive the copy of your letter of July 8
written to Mort Smith and advising him of your resignation from
Ducks Unlimited. I think you have taken a courageous and worth-
while position. This year of all times when we are struggling to
get the widest possible public support for reductions in the kill
of birds, their recent publicity giving the American public the
opinion that everything is rosy makes our jobs just that much more
difficult. The boys who detest restraints have already seized upon
the Ducks Unlimited propaganda as an excuse for further criticism
of the Service and for doubts about the information on which we
are
basing our judgment this year. I too had hoped that the situation
would clear up with Tom Main's resignation, but I am beginning to
get a bit discouraged and I know that several of our boys in the
field who are working with the problem intimately feel that there
has been very little improvement.
Sincerely,
4K
Albert M. Day,
Director.
IRA N. GABRIELSON C. STEWART
COMEAUX
President Treasurer
C. R. GUTERMUTH WILDLIFE NINSTITUTE ETEL
M. QUEE
Vice-President MANAGEMENT Secretary
Dedicated to Wildlife Restoration
INVESTMENT BUILDING, WASHINGTON 5. D. C.
Y'redericton, IT.T .
July igth, !947.
Dear Professor,
I am attaching a cony of my reply t tele gram from
Dr. Cottam re the status of v;terfowl in this area. I tm sorry I could
not be rore specific for him, but it is no use guessing. Wi.en my census
fiures are in I can quote them, but till then it can only be an inte]kient
estirmte.
I will be interested to hear what DU have to say about
irhy m report ias never mentioned in the Duckcological. Joseph HaGar has
been here mnmpinC me for all his w.iorth for the last few days and I have
told him that all he wants to know- about this area is contained in my repott
to DT,and he is going to irrite and ask when it wrill be available. Cart"wrijt
rrote and. acknow~led.ed the receipt of my latest report and said they -vere
Uconsiderin- -!hat step they should take about its publication2 In Texas
he
and B'rtley both told me it would be pulished in ITem York this summer.
Hoiwever, as it contains more bad news, they are now pondering.
The census is noy in r 'ull swing. a saw four moose,
ti.o nice bulls and t,o cow7s, a beaver, a deer favai, and 109 ducks yester-
day in about 25 ,iles of canoeing.
.Jith best wishes, in haste,
il
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Dedicated to Wildlife Restoration
frederitons 14v Brunmlk
19 JlY )-%7
Dr. cixemC, Cottem
-ez ae -t .eali
Dor --,r CQottan
býi reply to your t4lý,ru of yesterday re the
eoo th uutc qoiu1.tlgL of teis aea$ it, Is not
posbeto, -ive a direct zwarie.1oqaienwthls
yur a the will not be osmpleted until 17th.
.our study area it the estuary of the t. JoM Rivwe
et n s a decrasee of a in5 breadn
ti= btweow 1945 and 1946, ,11 eberations sie* the
fibtarivl =tis pig miae t thmeo is a tte
decrese this year, but It 4,w not ww apea to be ac
the herill be =U1 the oeas Is completed Awust 17tt.
'he study rer ao o st.s of 3250 ace of
the best section of the lowands of the At. Xohu, and It has
beos badly 4nesokdwth brooders for the post two
5sea~s. The available~ habitat woul appe*r to be caa~ble
of carrying at lomst twic. the popUlation now resident on It,
Thi*6 underitockiw, is- )Lrtly aocuatol for by the praotlse,
so woll described bLy ALoctun at Son lmtonio, of buri~g
out the nviwsh b-y ea'ly 6eaon idooting before migrants have
arrived to d'ilute the local 'breedtng stock, esd partly by
the ganertd cvr1oto f the flywajy.
111ia eondition cooss to be rather loea in
echaracter here, an o& the At. Xa,.ence the Vres-t majority
of the shotiA&, Is A-ne ou wlxtin- birds from the whole
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Dedicated to Wildlife Restoration
a oxhe it 411i be iaayyeaýr'. before
they bx to ate a ermse. Te h q
ezea orii ch ht bwiG ot. sems to be a
little better oft for bee0*n thaxt we are t4his year, but a
deerees.e alo noted thr last fall
~a' tady artv in the only bre,ýdnkis xondIu
to) týe in 'It Cage.n 'ubsr aufficiait ae~iled oboera~tioua
possible any uot of' dtailw- sualysia of vot Is taking plat**
)erefore, I feIt that while we ma be affeote by se fx
r -d 1k u k5 W have 4easosd slightl~y tra
last yeawr, ai4 they are nolese tcazn valf the 1945 Puation,.
The msxLh tUig-kiecked -u" hatch iv coini, otf at ths writi,
but so far we eem to hav* ew - lee# than t ywr, Gold
ey e, an -ýcn-Wlg Teal seem about the same*,
:ýocx losav, of first clutches of all tarrestial
neatif&- sp-~eal. wer -widespreadUo.tu ýAtr oanti
' he reuctio in se of the seca4 alutch reolts In
a radct4cin I the o frr tLe be n . -vienee of
tiitin of bwods in rathew wo mred tm usoau ths
year*
I am s copes of this letter to the belw
noted interesto partie -*at of whom have ased for the so*
intrm~tIo Tbu bA'v my p sulo to ýqte this ltts6r
Yours sincerely
ce. ; Dr. ;aijrelson Director
D r. Lewis
:WTo. 44*o Lepold
Jt-_ 15, 1947
Mr. Bert W. Cartwr1igt
Woks Unlimite (Canada)
201 Bank of Comrew Bl.
wjn~ipeg Ceanad
Dear Bert:
I am anxous to oomplete an bn Mr sets of th
Du&,* Unlitdted 4v -,atery a of the o*
)y set in. short of the followig issues of the
, rterlys Volme 1, mvmbew, 3 an nmber 14. 1938
Volum 2. number. 2 an 4, 1939; Volume .4, mbers
2 and 3, 19141; volume 6, mmbews 2, 3, and 4, 19143;
and Volume 3, nmuber 14, 194#5.
It is short of the followin DIco)logioalas YVo1umes
1, 2, and 3, and Volune 4, no. 1-7. IHowver, we
do have June 1939 an Jay, Ast, 3etfober -m
October 19140, which ares xuzabered&
Some of these of course my hamve never been Issued,
buzt I would like to fill in from purchase of your
stock, whiatever you can spare. Will you asee what
you oan dto aMd *and me the bill?
With best regaz'i,
Yours sinczerely.
ALtPM Aldo. Leopold
absence to avolid deWa.
7/ 14/ 47.
DUCKS UNLIMITED PUBLICATIONS
Ducks Unlimited
We have
v. 1 no. 1
2
2 1
3
3 1
2
14 1
14 14
5 1
.2
3
14
6 1
7 1
2
Ap, 1938
July, 1938
Jan. 1939
July, 1959
Jan. 1940
Ap.
July
Oct.
Jan. 1941
Oct.
Jan. 1942
Ap.
July
October
Jan. 194
19
DuTckologcal
June,,1939
July, 1940
Aug.-
Sept.
Oct.
(no vol. or no.
The DulkoLo:gcal
v. 4 no.,
5 1
2
5
6
7
8
6 1
2
5
6
7
8
Feb. 12, 1943
May 3, 1943
June 30
July 1
August 1
Sept. 1
Oct. 6
Nov. 6
Mar. 15, 19414
May 6, 1944
June 1
July' 1
(small size)
(small size)
August 1
Sept. 1
Oct 2
Nov. 1
Feb. 10, 19145 (small size)
v. 7 no. 1
2
3
14
5
6
7
8
2
3
14
5
6
7
8
9 1
2
May 1, 19145
June 1
July 2
Adg.1
Sept. 7
Oct. 12
Nov. 6
March 15, 1946
May 7, 1946
June 9
July g
Aug . 13
Sept. 10
Oct 12
Oct 31
Dec. 5
May 5, 1947
June 12, 19147
' Missing
v. 14, nos. 1-7
v. 1, 2, and 3
T V.
1 no. 3
14
2 2
14
4 2
3
6 2
3
4
$ 4
1939
1939
19141
1943
1945
8 1
2
3
9 1
2
3
4
10 1
2
1945
1946
1947
We have
Aly 15, 1,144
Mr. L4 if.SOt
Dmr tt~. %A1th
7%=k vm& for Ltw lo. I14o not th~':thr oaz s ~ytj4 thI*qeet
IV attiud 1, not 4w oaf4r% I an t 1a*. in a pol o141 iue
wi* th thso o ; - ,r V iuA U yo, will ywA W otrckoal l
wntwfow 1#'mt! t!:ft " w * M SriUR Thor nre foritw~nvA~ alba
WW~ I *Wst, Mw. b~ib. "t Mai mttar -n- bam no I-X ia L, ym rgj
uatioat~k e~ rel inenWIni" .1s ,v no v.vnr% tAt Vm, doin Itt.
Your surf uwwlul slft. th. f~t.c. L-t me Pon ut jut amipe
to 4,ro tYh,1at coul u14Ar~dl.-. smeaxt s blzm* duck St.4y. 'ý4'
Ven
*145 miA ,b '-- fowM A tro-mvoc# Yas-u tis fro ma ofyi
%taýft "rn bosu -vbll4o Ii. AthLer tle ý,-t-rly or mj~p
If it,
),,y* bsawe. vmd"ý4g VAG lvjncotia a lftlAr' .Inoe th b4irl of
th" Atn
an I it bnli-, 1,mv kt i t !ha. ;ma -,oo ie o fjji rM nrw~itýt
- mm
,ýrs * lowo of It If I mn coret wem vro~ %m ix-r atr
Otht T %nvbesu too tol-4nt, -"Ahpt tha-t r ut-*wvr'44 c~m I
m
still a firr toqAvir in the w1nra VJAIIA~dt Am~i .
not beý ýt~x % Výý% I'c~t I i~ed~ ou VA
th Pe fiast ,o -,e vlJh
lhmtinxto ,ýeIs It. I still V4* W a j-ck IfllrAtte Im nx -no
I an mkrw tw hamru vx spp-t iLauie I an sut viwVýofthi
L
is wt lstVImeI tho us
-Ud ',Apld
S
Season a- Limit
30 days x 10
45 " xx 10
45 " xx 10
60 xx 10
60 " xxx 10
70 " xxx I0
70 " xxx 10
30 " .j[I0
80 10
45 7
DU Sumt, er Esto. Wildlife Service Stamp Sale
Winter Ests,
40,000,000 36-49,0000C- 03,623
50,000,000 a48-58,000,000 893,039
62,000,000 65,000,000 1,002,715
69,000,000 70,000,000 1,111,561
75,000,000 a 100,000,000 1,260,810
97,000,000 a 119,600,000 1,439,967
125,000,000 125,350,000 1,9629
140,000,000 a p05,500,000 1,1C4°19
140*000,000 79,000,000 1,47),455
106,000,000 54,000,000 1,725,505
Annual
go t ;ITabl -a
I'
'I
'I
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
a Not including Mexico and other countries South of UoS. border. kcrippiing
1OssJ
x Canvasback, redhead, ruddy, bufflehead and wood duck protected.
xx Only 3 canvasback, redhead, ruddy or bufflehead ducks.
xxx Only 3 redheads and buffleheadso
# Limit 15 for mallard, pintail, widgeon.
"The estimate of .,ildlife Service of 80,000,000 waterfowl made in
January, 1946, covers all
waterfowl that migrate from or into the United States. In other words, the
estimate
include all of the waterfowl in the North American continent plus the few
that migrate
to South America."
Note: Wildlife Service Winter estimates are made each January following the
shooting season.
169000,000
715,000,000
20,000,000
23,000,000
19,000,000
&
5,000,000
July 9th, 1947
Mr. Aldo Leopold
Department of Wildlife Management,
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I am very imuch disappointed in your letter of
July 8th, especially so in your statement "Your staff continues
its incredibly expert job of taking a given set of facts and so
twisting the emphasis as to create an overall impression that
is false." I do not believe that the record will bear out any
such statement.
I am enclosing a comparative statement of the
estimates given by Ducks Unlimited and the figures quoted by
the United States Fish and 'iildlife aService and I believe you
must agree that with the exception of 1945 and 1946, Ducks
Unlimited's figures were much on the conservative side when
you consider that the Wildlife Service figures taken in
January after the season's kill and included the count of
ducks hatched in this country ;,-hich, of course, would not be
included in our figures. Definitely the unfavorable turn came
in 1945 and continued in 1946 because of fewer birds returning
from the nesting grounds because of the reduced duck population
in 1945.
This year Ducks Unlimited has made careful
survey thru their kee-men in the three provinces - Alberta,
Saskatchewan and IManitoba - and a number of our Trustees and
other contributing members have spent up to several weeks
covering a substantial portion of the nesting areas in the
three provinces and from what they report and what I personally
have seen this year, I am satisfied that the overall picture
is much better than has been forecast since January of this year
and yesterday's release given by Frederick C. Lincoln is
credited with the statement "t}±at eight fish and wildlife
biologists in the Canadian waterfowl breeding areas and two
in the Alaska sector have reported a slight but encouraging
increase in bird population over last year."
Consequently I am very dubious and much
surprised as to the correctness of the reports which you
indicate having received on the Canadian waterfowl situation.
I know of your interest as a scientist and a student of con-
IIIDIINt;ArVLI5 IJ, "L&ýA.
MINNEAPOLIS "3, MINN.
Mr. Aldo Leopold 7/9/47 Page 112
servation but your interest in ducks and conservation is no
greater than the vaiters and other 11>embers of our organization.
Je are and have been trying to do somaething beneficial for
conservation and that interest is far from selfish. If the
facts indicated a critical situation, I am satisfied that the
vast majority of our members would favor a closed season.
So far as 1 have kno-vvledge Ducks Unlimited and the
United States Fish and iildlife Service are the only organizations
which have attempted to give coverage to the nesting situation
this season in the three provinces. If you have any factual
records of broad coverage as of the present nesting season it
will be interesting to have such records to check against Ducks
Unlimited's reports. In a large area such as contained in the
three provinces there is bound to be areas which are not satis-
factory and this year Manitoba and portions of Central and
Northern Saskatchewan and Alberta are in that classification.
I do regret the attitude as expressed in your
letter as one in your position could and should work with and
be helpful to an organization such as ours. I remain
Ducks Unlirmited inc.
M&:S :L
or M. X6
u, tb t f-
14-106. ~wt 1~m
loor oe K~th
A-*pwt knw* *m 'Wý flt acdty A4 'AA *; I~o f~tIeO4
ta A~hr*of'Atcab .M,1 ntmq~olno
ýft Te zlkdd u po o w kWtt*A
J'4e~a mmOmim A m#1 hAM ýOr Ot'Uw t
DELTA WATERFOWL RESEAR,
Delta, Manitoba, Canada
June 25,1947
Dear A.L.:
Here is something to think about. The enclosed
duckologicA, in which D.U. is 'pleased" with the duck situi tion,
shows the area of hbthnst duck concentrPtions as black &n
their r'ap of the Prairie Pro-t nces. On the basis of the fignires
coming in regsrding the number of breeding birds per squerp mile of
the best duck country of Saskatchewan and Alberta, guess bow much
aren would have to be block to accorrmodate 54 million ducks. If
there are 54 million ducks they rould require an gll of Minnesota,
g]I of ihrth and South Drkotas, all of Yontana, all of Zanitoba,
8satchewanAlberta and British Columbia all of Yukon Territory and
ll of Alekalk mmummmmamd as their breedingr grounds. In other
words, to hold 54 million breeding ducks in concentrations such
as are found in the beet of E3hsktchewan this year, all of these
areas --mountainxlake.,mmhal spruce forest, citie",desert end all--
would have to have the same densities of breeding ducks as the
black now shown on the Uuckological. 1811 bet there hare not
been that many ducks in the last 40 yesrs.
D.U. tried to put across theor optimism at the recent game
and fisb meetings here. It didn~t go across because most people
here know they are not telling the t ruth. But the AmericRn
sportsmen are still vulnerable to their unchanged publicity policy.
Yours,
Cý.
& iiv2 4 A 'V 4
SPONSORED BY THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
201 Bank of Commerce
Chambers
June 17, 1947.
Mr. F.F. Montague,
Secretary-Treasurer,
Manitoba Federation of Game & Fish Assns.,
204-348 Main St.,
WIfINI PEG, Manitoba.
Dear Sir:
Through the courtesy of Ducks Unlimited (Canada) I am able to present
a
comprehensive report on waterfowl conditions in the provinces of
Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Alberta, and supply each delegate with a copy.
A majority of the observers' reports were received prior to the occur-
rence of general rains which started on June 2 and continued on and
off
until June 10. Danger of drought losses has been removed from a huge
area
of southern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta, where duck nesting
this year
is much heavier than usual.
On the other hand, we have received a number of reports commenting
on the
frequency of ducks' nests on stubble and summerfallow which are destroyed
by farm operations. Many of these ducks will renest in safer territory
but the broods will be late and many encounter a mid-stmmzer drought.
The heavy north gale of June 9-10 in Manitoba, piled water back into
the
Netley-Libau Marshes and destroyed the first clutches of Redhead
and
Canvasback nests. Art Anderson of Libau reports that seven nests
- 5
Redhead and 2 Canvasback - that he had under observation were all
destroyed
and he believes none of the over-water nesters escaped. He states,
however, that a heavy breeding population is occupying sloughs and
pot-
((holes on the southern fringes of the marsh and these were not affected
by
the flood, in fact, broods are appearing in good numbers and are
large.
Wile this report shows that Manitoba is the poorest of the three
provinces in nesting waterfowl this year, this does not mean that
there
i is an alarming shortage of ducks in the province. There is a deficiency
Sin south-western Manitoba but north of No. 1 Highway to the Riding
Mountains, increases outnumber decreases.
If the duck population at present breeding in western Canada represents
the "low" in the current duck recession, then, in my opinion,
there is no
cause for lsiism Conditions right now are favorable and
a good
hatch is showing up. There is still a long way to go before the hatch
is
safely on the wing but prospects at the moment are definitely good.
Yours truly,
B.W. Cartwright, Chairman,
Waterfowl Committee.
Del ta, Manit obs
June 16,1947
Dear A.L. :-
Thanks for yours of the 4th. Nina and Bill are settled
down and seem to like it here. We enjoyed your brfther's
visit/. All in all there are twelve fellows here with a
steady stream of itinerepts so that the place has taken on some
of the aspects of a dude ranch.
I am glad that Schwartz is helping you with the
illustrations. The book Pete and I are doing for duck
hunters calls for a cut facing evry page, which is quite a
bit. Should you be caugEht short on your pictures I would
be glad to help; but it still prevails that thnre isn't much
more time for anvtbing except what has to be uune and finished
at once,
Not much painting for lack of materials.
Glad to hear about Joe Hickey. Your dept is replly
growing.
The advertsing and bounties must be hard to take. Ecept
for the duck comnercialism, things are pretty good up here.
Since your name is mentioned frequently bmdtom by the
D.U. personnel I presume that you see some hope for them and
are still trying to help them along. We see very little of them
any more; but what we do see ueiham heae makes it clearer than
ever that the fraud and clumsy misstatements continue bigger
and betterm,nstrengthened now by the silencing of any who might
be able to say something about it. What we see when comparing
ducks and Ducks Unlimited propag.anda is simply impossible to
believe.
Lyle estimates( on the basis of eight aerial counts)
that there are all of 30 pairs of Canvasbacks breeding on the
Delta Marsh. If they pick up a little this year they will
be almost aan abundant as Marsh fIawki in a few years*.
We can't figure out your ground squirrels. Ours bhat
you by a month'
Yours,
Ducko
gy DUCKS UNLI
SUMMARY
1. More ducks are breeding on the
southern prairies of Alberta and Saskatche-
wan than last year. Fewer ducks are
breeding in Manitoba.
2. -The spring flight in Alberta was down
about 20% so the increased breeding stock
in the southern sections is probably at the
expense of the more northern areas.
3. The increase in the breeding popula-
tion in southern Saskatchewan is phenom-
enal--estimated at 50-75%o more than last
year particularly in the western section
of the province. The ducks thin out
gradually east of Regina and into Manitoba
where the nesting population is less than
last year.
4. Spring opened very late in Manitoba
and eastern Saskatchewan, about two to
three weeks behind southwestern Saskatche-
wan and southern Alberta. In the northern
areas of all three provinces the season was
J
SUMMARY OF KEE-MEN REPORTS UP TO JUNE 6, 1947
Province
Manitoba ...........
Saskatchewan ......
Alberta ................
Totals ........
No. of Dist.
Reported on
73
....... 146
......... ....... .... 1 2 7
......... 346
Ducks Breeding Water Levels Prospects
More Less Same High Low Dry Good Poor Avge.
20 34 16 42 24 4 35 17 18
76 39 21 103 35 8 75 19 44
65 45 15 78 37 2 59 21 37
161 118 52 223 96 14 169 57 99
SUMMARY OF KEE-MEN REPORTS BY SPECIES
SURFACE FEEDING DUCKS
Province
M anitoba ..........
Saskatchewan.
Alberta ......
Province
Manitoba...........
Saskatchewan....
A lberta ..............
Totals .....
Province
Manitoba ...........
Saskatchewan....
Alberta .............
Toti1
Mallards Gadwall Baldpate G.W. Teal
I. D. S. I. DL S. I. .s. I. 1 . S.
24 24 22 4 21 2 '4 24 13 -1 30
64 39 35 17 "8 28 19 28 23 38
57 38 28 10 20' 19 14 1' 25 21 37
145 101 85 31 46 68 35 4 77 57 (87 105
Redhead
I. S.
6 26
........ 1.10 t 3,7
9 19
Buffiehead
I D S.
4 18
.... 7 25
... 12 27
23 32 7n
DIVING DUCKS
Canvasback
I. D. S.
9 27
27 39
15 24 26
51 69i 92
I.
0
4
4
Scoters
S.
13
10
24
e '-i1~ A7
I.
5
9
11
B.W. Teal
I. , 2 S.
11 28
29 39
17 38
57 x 105
Scaup
S.
21
23
32
25 39 76
Ruddy
I.4 S.
4L 14
2 17
4 15
Shoveller
1. 4 S.
7 26
36 37
22 35
65 64 98
Ringnecks
3 19
3 17
8 (L9 47
Canada Goose
I. S.
4 25
15 A 28
25 13 23
AA ý,ftZ 1 70.
Pintail
I19 2 S22.
71 31
56 23 18
14 (70 71
Golden-eye
I. S.
2 17
5 24
10 20
17 61
Coot
I. D S.
12 25
26 25
24 38
1 Gt~') '7 QQ
We are pleased to announce that
the Federation executive has appointed
F. F. (Ray) Montague as secretary
of the Manitoba Game and Fish Associa-
RAY MONTAGUE tion succeeding Gil Law who resigned
early in the year. We are particularly
fortunate to name a man of Ray Montague's
business ability and knowledge
NW ~de'ati Scf~tfjlof game and fish matters in this key position.
He is fully experienced in
Federation affairs having served
as the organization's first president and
therefore had a large share in its
launching. Complete story next issue.
GAMI& AND FISH. Jdjoe, We don't place lduqh faith
in the KEANr~p ,rts; 11
ann apparent yu doesn~t either. In all but two of the above
there
are more declines than increases. I item 6
is the beginning of an
assault upcn the F&7W,18 figures.
I(ver)
MITED CANADA
slow and ice remained in the lakes until
well into May. These conditions are
reflected in the distribution of breeding
ducks.
5. Surface water conditions on the
southern prairies are excellent. Heavy
rains have been general during the period
June 2-10 inclusive, halting the deteriora-
tion of sloughs and potholes. Cloudbursts
east and north of Regina, Sask. may have
caused some flood losses.
6. The overall picture of the spring flight
and breeding population is that many more
ducks returned than we had any reason to
expect from the official Winter populatioh
-e-sti-mate of fifty-four millions.
7. Breeding conditions are favorable and
the broods, which are appearing in increas-
ing numbers daily, are average or a little
better. Prospects right now are encour-
aging.
Ducks Unlimited spring questionnaire to
J
more than 800 Kee-men was sent out on
May 17 with the request that returns be
made by June 10 so that the information .S
could be made available by June 15. Up
to June 6, 346 reports had been received
and are summarized below. The number is
sufficient to indicate current conditions,
keeping in mind that surface waters have
improved since a majority of the reports
were received.
Pintails dominate the breeding popula- "
tion with Mallards a close second. The
reverse has been our experience in the past.
All other species except Shovellers show
more decreases than increases. Redheads
and Ruddy ducks, prairie breeders, con-
tinue to show recessions. Ring-necks,
Golden-eyes and Buffleheads are birds of
passage through the prairies, and the same
is true of the bulk of the Scaup (Bluebill).
Consequently, the Kee-men observations on
these species may not be as significant as
on species of dominantly prairie habitat. j
We are pleased that we can repirt favor-
a51h-oflditions at this-time, both as regards
Sand breeding conditions.
P definitely good but much can
happen between now and when the bulk of
the hatch is safely on the wing. The
weather between now and the end of July
will be the deciding factor.
* Feathers AN FinsD
Contributed by Research Committee
Today is the Tomorrow we were going to
do such a hell of a lot about Yesterday.
"The finest things in life are those
A bursting buucf[bird that sings,
A glowing western sky.
And friends to love-these are indeed
Well worth their weight in gold.
And may you know the gladness which
Such things forever hold."
"Give me a friend apd I'll worry along;
My vision may vanish, my dreams may
go wrong;
My wealth I may lose, or my money may
spend;
But I'll worry along, if you give me a
friend.
"Give me a friend, and my youth may
depart,
But still I'll be young in the house of my
heart,
Yes, I'll go laughing right on to the end,
Whatever the years, if you give me a
friend."
A man should never be ashamed to say
he has been in the wrong, which is but say-
ing in other words that he is wiser today
than he was yesterday.-(Alexander Pope)
"The trout by nature mark'd with many a
crimson spot,
As though she curious were in him above
the rest,
And to fresh-water fish, did note him for
the best."--(Michael Drayton).
FISHING
On the cooling bank
Patiently musing, all intent I stand
To hook the scaly glutton. See! down sinks
My cork, that faithful monitor; his weight
My taper angle bends; surprised, amazed,
He glitters in the sun, and struggling, pants
For liberty, till in the purer air
He breathes no more.
-(William Somerville).
GRIST AND ECHOES
Insects are reckoned to cause annual loss
of about 10% of all food and fibre crops.
The Mississippi River, which charts one
of the great migratory bird flyways, collects
drainage from about 40% of the United
States.
In New England, 600,000,000 pounds of
seafood are caught by fishermen each year.
The turkey is the one pheasant native
to the New World. The name arose
erroneously about the year 1524 when
ascribed to the bird by a Swiss biologist.
He overlooked that this famous bird of the
festive board had been acquired by Turkey
from western traders.
Cattail floss is a substance of many uses.
It is a good heat insulator and suitable for
filling cushions. Indians used it widely.
Pigeons were used as messengers by that
man renowned for wisdom, King Solomon.
The Persians are credited with employing
pigeons as long ago as 560 B.C. In 43 B.C.
these feathered messengers conveyed prompt
news of winners in the Olympic Games.
Most animals in their native haunts are
vegetarians, living on leaves, stalks, seeds,
fruits and berries.
Drops of moisture on the leaf tips of
grasses in early morning are there as a
result of root pressure. When the sun
comes the water evaporates. Only aquatic
plants seem capable of securing moisture
supply through their leaves.
Roots of plants require air. It is very
interesting to study the various devices
the water plants have developed to supply
needed air to the roots.
Annual rings, which characterize cross
sections of stems of our common trees are
due to the tubes which convey sap being
relatively large in spring, when growth is
rapid, but more compact and smaller in
autumn when growth processes have
A solitary pocket gopher has been re-
ported to dig an underground tunnel more
than 600 feet long in 48 hours time.
Bird song brings charm and delight to
woodland, moor and meadow. . It is for the
purpose of announcing preemptive claim to
the area in which it is dispersed. A
parallel is found in that common domestic-
the barnyard rooster. Obviously a bird's
song is not for the intent of beguiling his
lady love, as some of the finest and most
enthusiastic melody is wafted into the
spicy springtime air before his mate has
returned home in migration. Of course,
home is where the nest is built.
Poison Ivy, that troublesome small mem-
ber of the sumac family that does a fiendish
job on many people, by promoting itchy
blisters, is common in some of our woods.
"If leaves three, let it be." About one
person in three is nearly insensitive to it.
Perspiring humans are particularly suscept-
ible. If resistance is once broken down,
thereafter the individual is likely to be
poisoned by the slightest contact. When
exposed, wash the skin with a strong
laundry soap. Dissolve ferrous sulphate in
half water and half alcohol to make a 5%
solution of the salt. Apply a coating to the
skin and allow to dry. The iron salt forms
an invisible deposit and neutralizes the
alkaloid in the poisonous juice before it
can work its misery. The solution is also
approved for treatment.
To stock American waters with six to
seven billion fish each year, the Federal
Government of the United States operates
ninety-nine fish hatcheries.
Otters and badgers seldom experience a
food shortage as their diet is so diversified.
They eat, among other things, snakes,
honey, roots, worms, frogs, eggs and fruit.
Muskrats have curved teeth which grow
continuously. They must be worn down
and sharpened. Nature has endowed them
with the ability to swing the lower jaw for-
ward. Thus the lower teeth can be sharp-
ened against the upper and the upper
against the lower.
Algae, or green slime, can be checked in a
small pool by addition of potassium per-
manganate. In garden pools a teaspoonful
of a saturated solution of the salt for each
gallon of water involved will be harmless
to fish and water lilies.
Early Norse boats were steered with an
oar placed on the right side. Thus that
side became known as the steering-board,
and later the term was shortened to star-
board.
Mother Nature is not a nudist by choice.
If left to her own ways, she would clothe
herself in a leafy smock of forest trees, or at
least in a sarong of weeds and prairie grasses.
In making that kettle of camp coffee it
is timely to recall that coffee beans are 15%
fat Grounds sould not.be in the water
more than five minutes. Have the water
boiling:- Keep coffee in storage air-tight
and cool. High temperatures tend to
chemical change, with decomposition of
fats and loss of the aromatic oils that
impart the fine flavors. Coffee in open
containers may absorb moisture and foreign
odors.
Heaviest bird mortality is usually within
two days after the young leave the nest.
Losses in some situations are estimated as
high as 50%.
Deer were kept away from a forest
ranger's garden by spreading moth balls.
These graceful creatures of the glen have
sensitive nostrils and the napthalene odor
was offensive.
Ever Been Fishin' There - Co.t'd
it. I couldn't figure out what I had on.
I knew it wasn't either a Great Northern or
a Walleye, no matter what size, since they
do not act like that. Then out he shot
about 18 inches and shook his head, trying
to free himself. I knew then, as I had
caught hundreds of the species, that it was
a small mouth bass. But it had been so
long ago that I had forgotten their action.
On landing him I found he wasn't as big
as the Great Northern Pike, being only
31/2 lbs., but a mighty nice bass in any man's
country. So remember, folks, fish are right
where you find them.
12 Owrote this rýPort. TT henwe asked him GAME AND FISH.
June, 19I47
fartwright
the many rePorts
od decreases called for more caution he said:"'When I think the
situation i cserious will say S'....
)kq 13* 1-ý)?
!A* OwtwMVIO anliatds4w in a ,at. V
td~ndw *.a A, toaihIA 1"dV ,Aofva
r4OXIMA UR a t-a ~#t
Inviatia " orn Axý- 10ý, r it
istat
DELTA WATERFOWL RESEARC
Delia, Manitoba, Canada
Dear A.L.:-
Art tells rg.. n .ou ha-rý hi a bucy Trinter. Brtt1,,r coyr-
on up thin
sumcmer while BI' and Nino arn here.
Eniclosod is eoncthinr -"+ich -4-.1 intrest you in t-1, U it
Is" th,
first local vport srnviis proposition that stvei birds for romiplqcr rlse
as well as at home. Tbe only end small o'jf,.vtion by mnv mrnbors of' the
local group whon tlis vlir Torkpd up was tb)t what vrq th ure of saving
ducks here when they wfre going to nt bell b)nved out of th-m soyneplace
else anyway. And the objection was ovirp-ruled by thV philosophy that
comnebo]y hos aot to 7nt the bcnll rolling mnd Vf yoI savf( duchk at hormn
you can't help but save theem for someone else an well.
Incidentally, the fel.orsr in Portagi got this up on their own; I only
s~t in on it5 This has much more than local bearing. There are lots of
other arenas with tle eam problem df transients -- the Fish vnd Wildlife
S:- r i, --Rfuges by Pnd larte serve transients the spme, way, and in some
places I dare say rih the samn effects.
The plni hps b>en drawn up with an attempt at non-s-r,,ntion.
In as'inU the non-resid-rits to hold off until tho l1th, the local
res~idnts nre cuttinq 19 dayse o" t+eir own seavon. And it t- not ei-ied
at any sroeial group of non-resi&dnts although it will, of course, hit
the commercial cpmps.
will
Hspvrr Vo i.) seýen C prt-vrri g~ht 's' crashý
d ýýclin.e" tl-, ory_ 4'c, du cks? Th Is
IF d! -r-l"O.'! p*IIlorhlr pvrtcul½,-Pl whsn not upoor-.t
1 by substant a1
frcws afnd gr4en Iven as 8 positive rtit-m'nt to s lay ,r-oup. It t o-Ic
. th.o.gh tb.y ar going to ul saience r, P(oalk now to Drojct thIr
idra.s I ar afraid: it wlln bn vyars besfore t wo7rk 0,4 tb, I,. ý,n
fsvI
y,ýar- of D.U. rix-iupr will Ft out of the bloodstreaim, for rli-bl,
'ork.s
-1ho know no bvtt nre uri-ni th- fnclss in"fo-rntion b olottcs fact.
Bert points I., Ludlow lr.&lcom and E.-g!-.,.-ton af otheft s w1'o hare
ar'-ived at
the sarpe ,c oncl litons, yet their fticts -'A... beý'- thP sme ts
Bert's. .7 am
Sglpd 3ruce got out from. uni1er it, -nd on ,r,,rv r~½b! sources I
know tbnit
the OCnndin e~nd of D.tT. 8t, lpaSt, hiss undermone no fundf-trl chainge.
?owev~r, rnon~v "t 12 tatks, and grood n-w,' it b',ttr then bad news.
ARt -, ' t, 'tt1ed do,7n HInd A-t. h P a much . ttf r s IuIn
tion
with only !Puitoba to eomr. W - a lonlikn.7 fo.r-rd to hsvimn Bill qnd
Nina here for tb- FUrer.
P~e~r9 er~~-b'u w to y4rs. Loopold.
t ,
V1
(CANADA)
A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation
THE DUCKOLOGICAL
Number 2, Vol. 9 Winnipeg, Canada 12 June, 1947
SUm'aRY
1. More ducks are breeding on the southern prairies of Alberta and
Saskatchewan than last year. Fewer ducks are breeding in Manitoba.
2. The spring flight in Alberta was down about 20% so the increased
breeding stock in the southern sections is probably at the expense
of the more northern areas.
3. The increase in the breeding population in southern Saskatchewan is
phenomenal - estimated at 50-75% more than last year - particularly
in the western section of the province. The ducks thin out gradu-
ally east of Regina and into Manitoba where the nesting population
is less than last year.
4-. Spring opened very late in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan, about
two to three weeks behind south-western Saskatchewan and southern
Alberta. In the northern areas of all three provinces the season
was slow and ice remained in the lakes until well into May. These
conditions are reflected in the distribution of breeding ducks.
5. Surface water conditions on the southern prairies are excellent.
Heavy rains have been general during the period June 2 - 10 inclu-
sive, halting the deterioration of sloughs and potholes. Cloudbursts
east and north of Regina, Sask. may have caused some flood losses.
6. The overall picture of the spring flight and breeding population is
that many more ducks returned than we had any reason to expect from
the official winter population estimate of 54 millions.
7. Breeding conditions are favorable and the broods, which are appearing
in increasing numbers daily, are average or a little better. Pros-
pects right now are encouraging.
/AL8XRrA -f~---------
/ Q X MANITOBA
, SA5IATCHEWAN I
I
/
,, DUCK CONDITION,.
t/ GOOD
o FAIR
\\. o
POOR
PA I .~jN
S __ . .*.-..-. I'4.L1*
.W. lJ
DU's Spring Questionnaire to more than 800 Kee-men was sent out on May 17
with the.
request that returns be made by June 10 so that the information could be
made avail-
able by June 15. Up to June 6, 346. reports had been received and are summarized
below.
The number is: sufficient to indicate current conditions; keeping in mind
that surface
waters have improved since a majority of the reports were received.
Summary of Kee-men Reports up to June 6, 1947.
No. of Dist.
Province Reported on
Manitoba 73
Saskatchewan 146
Alberta 127
Totals 346
Ducks Breeding
More Less Same
20 34 16
76 39 21
65 45 15
'161 118 52
Water Levels
High Low Dry
42 24 4
103 35 8
78 3.7 2
223 -96 14
Prospects
Good Poor Average
35 17 18
75 19 44
5.9 21 37
169 57 99
Summary of Kee-men Reports by Species
Surface Feeding Ducks
Mallards Gadwall Baldpate G. . Teal.
Inc. Dec. Same I. D S I D S I D S
ian. 24 24 22
Sask. 64 39 35
Alta. 57 38 28
145 101 85
4 8 21
17 18 28
10 20 19
31 46 68
Redhead
Inc. Dec. Same
6. 12 26
10 19 37
9 15 19
25 46 82
Bufflehe ad
I D S
4 7 18
7 12 25
12 13 27
23 32 70
2 9 21
19 22 28
14 17 25
35 48 77
Canvasback
I D S
9 15 27
27 30 39
15 24 26
51 69 92
Scoters
I D S
0 8 13
4 18 10
4 5 24
8 31 47
13 18 30
23 36 38
21 33 37
57 87 105
Diving Ducks
Scaup
I D S
5 9 21
9 18 23
11 12 32
25 39 76
Ruddy
I D S
4 6 14
2 12 17
4 7 15
10 25 46
B. W. Teal
I D S
11 16 28
29 28 39
17 35 38
57 79 105
Ring-necks
I D S
2 8 11
S719
3 4' 17
8 19 47
Canada
Goose
I D S
4 18 25
15 20 28
25 13,23
44' 51 76
Shoveller
I D S
7 17 26
36 22 37
22 25 35
65 64 98
Pintail
I D S,
19 21 22
71 26. 31
56. 23 18
146 70 71
Goldemn-eye
I D S
2 7 17
5 8 24
10 10 20
17 25 61
Coot
I D S
12 16 25
26 36 25
24 18 38
62 70 88
Pintails dominate the breeding population with Mallards a close second. The
reverse
has been our experience in the past. All other species except Shovellers
show more
decreases than increases. Redheads and Ruddy ducks.- prairie breeders - continue
to
show recessions. Ring-necks, Golden-eyesýand Buffleheads are birds
of passage through
the prairies, and the same is true of the bulk of the Scaup (Bluebill). Consequently,
the Kee-men observations on these species may not be as significant as on
species of
dominantly prairie habitat.
We are pleased that we can report favorable conditions at this time, both
as regards
duck numbers and breedinr. conditions. Prospects are definitely good but.much
can
happen between now and when the bulk of the- hatch is safely on the wing.
The weather
between now and the end of July will be the deciding factor.
B. -. " Cartwright,
Chief Naturalist.
Man.
Sask'.
Alta.
ian.
Sask.
Alt a.
Wishing You
Peace, Plenty and
Good Hunting ...
this year, and in
the years to come.
DUCKS UNLIMITED
(CANADA)
Within is told about the Lesser Scaup-chunky little diving duck known
to hunters over much of North America as "The Bluebill".
"Bluebills" (along with other species of waterfowl) have increased
in
recent years. This increase is the result, largely, of work do h7Ducks
Unlimited, Government agencies, private organizations and conservation-
minded people all over the duck range.
At the same time, the number of hunters has increased. More and more
people will want to enjoy the benefits of duck hunting in the years ahead.
To meet this need, more waterfowl must be on the wing each year.
To establish and maintain waterfowl population at climax numbers, all
conservation workers must continue, expand and integrate their work, in
close co-operation. The vital work of Ducks Unlimited, in increasing
waterfowl production, must go ahead. The need of increasing and improving
nesting grounds-and curbing duck destruction by predators, drought,
floods, fires (and other natural and man-made factors) is a challenge to
every
North American, who wants better hunting as part of a better world.
LESSER SCAUP DUCK (Aythya affinis)
Common Names: Bluebill, Broadbill, Fall duck, Raft duck,
Blackhead.
Description: A medium-sized black and white duck with bright
blue bill. Found only in North America.
Adult Male in Flight: Medium size; short neck, tufty head.
Black head, neck and chest; white underbody. Dark wings
with broad white wing patch on trailing half of wing.
On Water: Medium size; tufty black head and neck with bright
blue bill. Shows large amount of white on sides and back
not apparent in flight. Purplish lustre on head.
Adult Female in Flight: Medium size; general brownish color;
blue bill with white patch on face at base of bill. Whitish
underbody and white wing patch.
On Water: Medium size. Brownish head, neck and back. Blue
bill with conspicuous white patch around base of bill.
NORTHWARD MIGRATION
Arrives in southern prairie provinces in mid-April and spreads
northwards as rapidly as waters open up. Principal nesting areas
are in parklands between agricultural belt and pre-cambrian
shield. Arrives in waves and first arrivals are paired birds. Sex
ratio 67:33 (Av. of 4 years Hochbaum).
COURTSHIP AND NESTING
Spectacular courting flights with several males in pursuit of a
female are carried out with dizzy speed and dazzling changes in
height and direction. On the water, the usual head bobbing;
neck stretching and love notes are given by rival males and
responded to, on occasion, by the female. The male, after pairing
has taken place and territory
chosen, is very aggressive in
chasing away intruding males,
but, curiously, mated pairs often
tolerate a sexually non-active
male which consorts with the
pair on amicable terms.
The Lesser Scaup is a late
nester, rarely starting before
May 20. Nests With fresh eggs
are frequently found in early
August-- probably second
attempts.
The nests are well concealed
cavities near marshes, sloughs
and ponds-often in wet places
but more often on dry land near water-lined with fine grasses
and well supplied with down from the female's breast. The
clutch of eggs is usually ten or twelve, but varies from six to
fifteen. Eggs measure 2.25 x 1.56 inches (average) and are
dark, olive-buff in color. Incubation period, 22-23 days.
FOOD
Stomach analysis of 1,051 specimens taken in all months of the
year, revealed that 59.55% of the food was vegetable matter.
Pondweeds, grasses (inc. wild rice), sedges, wild celery,
musk grass, coontail and smartweeds were preferred foods. The
balance of 40% (approx.) animal matter was made up of Mol-
luscs, 25%; Insects, 12%; Crustaceans, 1.34% and miscellaneous
2.13%.
WEIGHT OF ADULTS
Male: Average of 112, 1 lb. 14 oz. Extremes, 1 lb. 6 ozs.
to 2 lb. 5 ozs.
Female: Average of 118, 1 lb. 12 ozs. Extremes, 1 lb. 3 ozs.
to 2 lbs. 2 ozs.
SOUTHWARD MIGRATION
This late maturing species gathers in large numbers in the
parkland lakes north of the agricultural belt where they find an
abundance of food. In August, great concentrations can be seen
from the air in favored locations. They are made up largely of
flightless (moulting) adults and maturing juveniles. The south-
ward migration starts early in October and mass exodus does not
take place until freeze-up, usually about the first week in
November.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds from the north-central states, south-eastern Ontario,
north through the prairie provinces of Canada and southern
British Columbia, to the west coast of Hudson Bay and eastern
Alaska and the Mackenzie Delta. Winters from southern British
Columbia south along the Pacific slope to Panama and from New
Jersey along the Atlantic slope to Florida and the West Indies.
In the interior, from Colorado, Illinois and Arkansas, south
through Mexico and the Central American Republics.
Hr. *qr~m A. 4
~arlotllw mtor 1M ie
No yae city X Y.
Bw UIrtW~SU
A ~ ~ ~ 1 IAim Uae aaa me you o$*k,' f'kms Ates,)tafw
a 4Ltyioe
Iti tsryCL ow'fýte1% ~ cýTste K ýUyo
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
November 22nd, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, .4isconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
Thanks kindly for your letter of
November 20th expressing your thoughts relative to
a more comprehensive waterfowl restoration program.
We are in hopes that the coming year
will see more materials available so that a larger
number of projects can be completed in Canada. 'We
have been badly handicapped in recent years not only
by materials but also during war years by labor.
I am sure that there are areas in
the Northern states South of the border that can be
restored of which several of them are in Minnesota.
Large tracts which were ditched and drained twenty-
five or thirty years ago destroyed large wonderful
nesting areas particularly in the Northern part of
this state.
It would appear, however, that our
organization should necessarily confine their operations
to Canada. In this country and particularly in Minnesota
it is a matter of co-operation between the Fish &
Wildlife Service, Minnesota Conservation Department and
numerous local duck hunters' organizations. Undoubtedly
co-operation between all organizations is of first
importance.
Mr. Arthur Bartley will probably be in
the city sometime shortly and will call his attention
to your letter. Again thanks, I remain
M7IS : L
November 21, 1946
Mr. 0. A. Gross, State Chairman
130 N. Adam street
Green Bqa, . Tionsin
Dear Snick:
The detail behind my letter to Mort Sith is simply thist
For long time I have feared that D.U. by xaggeratiag the
effects of its work for the "Ducks* was creating 8 false pub-
lie confidence and underminin its own reputation for truth-
fU reprting. I have also realized that if this is tru,
the remedy must come from inside D.U, because if it caem
from the outside, it might break up the organization*
The Smith-Zawkins report seemed to be a good starting
point for reform from the inside, and subsequent events
have justified this belief. I am now hopefal that D.U.
Oan get off to a now start*
Yes, I share your couifidence in lAort Suith, TO be
blunt, I think he has saved the organization by lettin Tom
Main out.
Yours sincerely,
Aldo Leopold
A". RL
FOR
wiVSCOnlSinf
C. ,A. Qross, State Chairman
130 I. Adams Street
Gcreeu bayj W~is.
November 12, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold
% College of Agriculture
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
I apprecialge your sending me a copy of your letter to Mort Smith,
and I would appreciate your sending me the detail behind this.
Naturally in my position I like to get all the information I can.
We all have the greatest confidence in Morb and I um sure you will
find him always willing to cooperate.
Sincerely yours,
C. A. Gross
CAG:HE
November 21, 19146
Mr. Albert K, Da
United Statet Deprment of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Merchandise Hrt
Ohicago 54, Illinnis
Dear Albert i
I appreciate yoir taki the tronble to write
with Mort Smith, I attach a recent letter to him.
as you will of coarse perceive is to mke him feel
cooperation in any genuin effort to revise D.U.s
me about the corresponzdence
ky turpose in this letter
that he will have friendly
reliciesý.
Yes, I k-ioT about the Bartley speech, ,md I also caL see no Improvemet
in the last Duk-loaical, but I au-ooae we have to aive them t;0 to a
selves ara&.
I h'-ve been zmwh uriwad by the recent trend of events in Fish ara
Wildlife Service, esaectally in the waterfowl field. I am eini to be
convinced that the time is ripe for a revision o; the waterfowl program.
It
to taking --ie ayhow, Lt the -blc eht to be told about it. If we fall
to do this, the disappointusut with the duck 21-ight this fall is in 4taner
of ex-nressil tsel in unsounl iw.0,ars.rv 1 am~ uýptcIlly Lzaprr,,3ed
-ith
the ne4 of "eetorlmn breediýn stoek esmth of the bord.r, 'u ldn't
you call
a small group togethtr to thr,"h out tlis , hLinos7 I krow y-,u
ha3e
alread7 started to thrasu it out within the li, but mAt grouns
need to Iciow what is in the wid. !ll You be at olumbia? If either you
or Clarence are there, I wmld lHli to talk this over.
Thans wgin for your acknmoved4T nt of rV feeble
you to know that I feel a stron confidence in the trend of
w7ith versowul reg:ards
4Cort~o I wt
your amn stration.
Yours sincerely#
Aldo LAmpold
AL.' RT:
001 Albert Rochban
IN REPLY REFER TO ADDRESS
ONLY THE
DIRECTOR,
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
WASH I NGTON
November 13, 1946
Prof. AldoLeopolcd,
424 University Parm Place,
Madison 5, Wisconsin.
Dear Aldo:
I have just seen a copy of your letter of November 5 to President
Mort Smith of Ducks Unlimited, and I want to tell you how much I
appreciate the stand you are taking. I thought for a while that our
position on their exaggerated claims might do some good. I was also
hopeful that they would accept the Smith-Hawkins report as a basis
for making some necessary adjustments, but this is a rather discourag-
ing and perhaps a vain hope. Your critical analysis as a member of
the Ducks Unlimited Advisory Board may eventually turn the trick where
outsiders fail. Apparently the high command in Ducks Unlimited have
resented the frank statements in the report and misconstrued the
motives rather than taking the statements as a basis for honest
corrections. I recently received a letter from Arthur Hawkins to-
gether with a newspaper account of a meeting in Minneapolis attended
by Mr. Bartley where the same type of propaganda that we have previous-
ly criticized was still much in evidence. I am sending you a copy
of
Hawkins' letter and of the newspaper statement.
I hope you will keep me informed of any developments.
Sincerely
Albert M. Day,
Director.
Enclosure
ADDRESS ONLY THE
DIRECTOR, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
vU
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Novembr 21, 1946.
Mr. 8. A. Oross,
Chairman, Ducks Unlimited,
Green Boy, Wiscoasia,
Deer Mr. Gross:
I have r"eeiie a letter from Arthur Bartlqy tellin~g as that
you are
not satisfied with the psition of the Fish and tidlife Seice inrsofar
as the statemants of our Flyway Biologist, Bob Sith, ar, once.red, I
roer to the rmarU aitb xade in the ourse of queatioin following
a
talk at Iilwaulte about a math ag, mr. Brtley tells me that you feel
that Mr. Smithts etatanant injured the Ducoks Unlimited progra in Wiscsansin,
and that -esolgieyou an enswer which would more clearly and definitely
showthevalu ofDuck Unimied i thwatrfolestioration porm
I pleased to repeat--ae I have on many occaons.--that the creation
of Iets that will imprve the nesti enL d *reqs for water-
fowl ere important eind helpful in the over-all prgreno Such efforts
so
ac-aUn~ laited can put forth to croate new marsh area", or to
stabilize
waters which would otherwise disappear. are helpful. Also the control
of lands to eliminate grazing aar the shore lines in order to provide
zesting cover, and proteatiex from fires, is helpful. The education
and
publieit- program of D*s Umliuted, both in the United States sa Canada,
have made many people Ionectous of the feet that there ust be restoration
of environmeat if the waterfowl restoration program is to suceed.
I object etrmuously, however, to the methods by vhich your orgaiza-
tion raise. funds to do the work you are doing. It this I nean the extr~erly
gorated satemts that iasnte fos sore of the leeders of Ducks
Un-
'limited, particularly Tom Main. I think that this propaganda wi*. I
criticied at Now Toft-and which many others have eriticized since then-
can do mors harm than the restoraIon progrm in Canada can do pod. You
people are iving the honest and sincere sportsmou who eontribute to
Wok
Unlimited, as well as many others who do not, a sense of false 9seority,
and unlesui this Is stopiled it will be disastrous to the whole wviterfowl
managsanot pogram.
VICTORY refer particularly to the press release of October 4 quoting Tom
A& Ib as saying that the birds this year woi4 be only slightly les,
tVýa
'.45, 45.This is based upon a purported envq of the wrterfowl p
e
areas in the Canadian provinces, and stat that broods were only
fy fewer then a year eg. Thif directly contraxy to
Information obtained by qualified end competent observers that this
Service bad in Canada this sumer* Their obseorvtions are wpportsed by
those of k others 'ho are in ýositlon to know. Certtinly the flight,
So far, fr 'the Rcke east, has ubbtentiated the ftndiagi of the
field en of this Service, a has been completly contrary to the opti-
intisto report of Duks Unlimited.
We we hopoful that the report resulting from the observatiens of
Bb Sith and Art Hawins oula be used by DIaks Unilmited to correot
some of the basic publicity ftterial, partiularly in so far as the Farss
improved are concerned. The reason we wanted this type of prpaganda
improved is that, aKain, the sportsmen of this country are lulled Into
a fAlse security when thq find statemsnt_ such as appeared In om Mein'ta
article in an isaue of Wtr tern Outdoor Sports Guide which resetly came
over my desk. The stories told that 1,300,000 acres of leand had been imi
proved as nesting habitat. According to the finding6 of our biologists,
this is en exas&ser-tion of large proportions.
I am willing to grant a certain amount of build-up and over-statement
for any organization that st secure itý fundo by public contribution.
This, of course, cannot apply to such agencies as the Fish and Wildlife
Service, where funds are sacured through Congrnssional action, and where
we are obliged to stick as closely to the truth As is hu7nly possible.
I repeat that gross eaaggerAtion and alsead1iag information not only ham
a .h.t t oni the waterfowl managmqnt program at present, but in
my opinion it will eventually catch up with Ducks Unlimited, and the
resuits may not be pleasant for your organization.
I promited Mr. Bartley and Glenn Martin that copies of the reports
prepared by Smith and Hawkins would not be released by the Fish and Wild-
life Service, but wer to be used for such infomation as would be helpful
to Ducks Unlimited. I cannot expect nq men to ,.upport the ezaggeortated
claims of cks Unlimited, ken. the imow that they are not true. I have,
kowever, instructed our people to avoid any public controversy, and our
entire orgenizetion is attempting to work along this line.
I always hesitate to write a letter such Ps this, because things
that we could sit dov ind discuis across the t able oftentimes look cold-
bloo&de upon the typewritten sheet. I have taken the liberty, however,
of speaking frankly to you about this subject because I can sea so little
inovement in Ducks Ualiited's propaganda since I called this to public
at4fention in New York last spring. Perhaps you ýma soe of the other
sincere workers for the ecuse can see that this is eventually corrected.
Sincerely yours,
Albert M. Deyo
Director.
2
to~~~ A -w% Ut xw 0UOti11
j,* rill rfome ymw nI t-A.~ton .W ,41. AM IF41 rg5v t
bo to I= hqm :'A ?t&**.
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IutAl a, % ofme trýml olw 4Wifort~m tho Ioaa ars *
bu111%Ax4havro# haa4 otObosur tho amed Pyr iro w -4r Ia vt l ým
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vf-0ka tho nrb if 71wo t4, at If-A ral tiomt. r'Ix A
to h* to Mldt, Z 1 r ilw- r-Jýi t@v* b o on V "*; mix W h
Itha,v -
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it
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
November 13th, 1946
M0r. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leop6ld:
I am pleased to have your letter of Nov.
12th and your opinion relative to the disappearance of
banded birds other than those bands taken and returned
by the hunter.
I do think it is very much worth while
that a careful study be made so that we may kiow more
about the factors entering into the disappearance. I
have been informed that the Biological Survey or the now
Fish & Wildlife Service have done considerable work re-
garding disease affecting aquatic fowl and especially as
to botulism. Personally,I know very little about it but
in the sane mail with your letter I received a letter from
Clarence Cottam in which reference is made to the study
of botulism diseases by their Department and also the further
fact that an up to date bulletin on this same subject will
be published in the course of the next two or three months.
In line with your suggestion I shall be
very pleased to send a copy to you in your care for
Robert McCabe and it would be very much worth while if
he would review "Prairie Wings" as you have suggested.
I also would be very pleased to meet
Mr. Hawkins anytime he may be in the city. If he will
pay me a visit or -ive me a phone call, shall be most
pleased to have lunch with him. I believe that such contacts
furnish basis for better understanding.
With best personal regards, I remain
Ver u s,
ftM.W. mi ;h
I4WS : L
November 18, 1946
Mr. X. W. Smith
12U4 Flour Mxchawe Bldg.
Minneapolis 15, Min.
Dwx Ur, Saitht
I want to tha*3 rou qv vy rh for the copy of "Prairie
Wings* you sent me through Professor Liopold. I can say
offhand that it is ona of the finest books on (tucks that
I have read, It most certainly embodies the eýithetc as
well as certain technical wswts of waterfowl behavio-.
I shall try to rqview it as soon as possible for one
of the Ornithological Journals and will, of course, seIld a
co r to your of'ice as well. Thank you vrain for your
generous gi ft.
Sincerely yours,
Robert A. Malabe
Lastnictor - Wildlife t
THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
TELEPHONE MARQUETTE 6000
MILWAUKEE 1, WIS.
Saturday, November 16.
Dear Aldo:
Enjoyed your review of ffarrington's book so much.
ror the last three-four years I have been wondering
what mad genius it can be in Ducks Unlimited who
deliberately and persistently lies about something
nobody nas to lie about. If i ever saw an organization
go out of its way to borrow trouble--and apparently
for reasons its officers and directors can t give---that
organization is IDucks Unlimited. If I ever saw
an organizations pubLic relations kicked to hell and
gone, well, same outfit.
You ve hit the nail right smack on the head.
They are'worthy, can be even more so. But they
borrow trouble. I've had all this out wv-'h buck
btorey and others. buck was a national director, may
still be. We had some long sessions and finally at the
end of one when I had convinced him our paper was not
trying to hurt DU out to help it, and I had suggested
certain obviously needed changes in their publicity,
Fck told me:
"uonsider it as good as done." 14othing happened.
Well, just wanted you to }mow how ± appreciated your
piece. I'm lifting it and running almost all of it in the paper
minute I get the space.
all oes
mar qua rri e
MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
EDWIN S. GEORGE RESERVE
1-,10 --46,
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11vember 1946
DearvAl 3
The box score on the DU critique is still 0001
Sports Afield says "almost a year too late. This whol. matter
of Iarrin'gto book and Ducks Unlimited has been kicked around
until everybody is sick of hearing about it."
W7OO: agrait the editorial policy because it is a direct attack
on another organization; would detraot from the Bulletin's
position as a scientific journal because it is contentious
rather thqn straight factual reporting; ad mright get us into
endless correspondence, lawsuits, etc. which we are not set up
to handle; and is the business of the "professional" conserva-
tion organizations, rather than ours anyway. To all of which
I say "Then why have a Conservation Couittee?"
Wildlife Society: same as Van Tyne's first point; plus these:
no need to repeat what has already been done by you and Dy In
NoY. ; "Leopold's review and Day's open criticism have pretty
welil established the view of the profession" so what's to be
gained by publishing it in the Journal?
If it's any comfort to you, the poll of the Comittee showed
that seven wanted it published in the Conservation Section
two wanted it toned down, one was for it if JV approved, tree
were agin it.f%
So that's how we stand now. Looks as though we'd wasted most
of the su r on a turkey. I feel like a first class chum --
and yet I think that someone has got to give DX a racking
back or we rid up with another duck decline and a bunch of
disillusioned sportsmen who won't know whom to believe or what
to do. Or maybe everybody's out od step but Johnnie?
Conservation section for December stinks. I hoped, up to the
last minute, that the original plan would go through; then had
to beat something out in a hurry - a "duck situation" article
which you could have done ten times better if there had been
time enough. And I wrote another review of Farrington for the
Bulletin, leaving DU out of it.
Have you any further suggestions? I'm damned if I want to send
that 1S to Mrs, 7dge and I'm pretty dubious about the Audubon
Society as an effettive place for it. I hate to throw in the
sponge, but it begins to look as though it were that or a private
printing. I'm sending a copy of this to the Professor, to let
him know how it goes.
Best to you al -
THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY
OFFICE OF EDITOR
MONTANA STATE COLLEGE
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
301 LEWIS HALL
BOZEMAN. MONT.
November 7, 1946
Dr.F.N. Hamerstrom
Edwin S. George Reserve
Pinckney, Michigan
Dear "Hammy"H:
I appreciate very much being allowed to read over your criticism
of Ducks Unlimited. I had considered a possible use of it as a book
review
but in checking back I find that Leopold reviewed this book in the
July issue
of the Journal of Wildlife Management.
I submitted this manuscript by airmail to a member of the
Editorial
Board for his opinion and,in part,he replied as follows:
"At the New York Wildlife Conference, last winter,
Al Day,
Director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, tore into Ducks
Unlimited, including Farrington's book. His remarks and Hochbaum'
s
remarks, plus the Ducks Unlimited rebuttal, defense, etc., will
appear in the Transactions of that conference, and should be
sent
out soon. Hence there is no need to repeat the correct appraisal
as furnished by Mr. Day. I don't disagree with 'Hammy's' article,
but I think that we as a scientific group shouldn't attack any
other group in this manner. I sincerely believe that it is not
one of our purposes to either defend or attack any government
agency, private agency, or any other's propoganda, plans, purposes,
results, or failures. Farrington's book is clearly, purposely,
admittedly, a propoganda, selling promotion book. The right
body
attacked it, namely, the Fish and Wildlife Service through its
Director. So far as I am concerned, I feel certain Al Day was
right.
. . . I know it doesn't worry Ducks Unlimited - they are professional
promoters and accustomed to attacks. I advise against printing
Hamerstrom's article in any form in the Journal of Wildlife
Management."
It would appear to me that Leopold's review and Day's open
criticism
have pretty well established the view of the profession relative to
Ducks
Unlimited, and actually I believe that the Journal of Wildlife Management
would
have nothing to gain by publishing it, and at present it does not
seem to me
that it would be desirable for the Journal to publish a direct attack
on any
specific organization. We are, then, faced with this anomalous situation.
Almost everyone seems to agree with the substance of your article
but not
sufficiently to desire to publish it. I am returning the manuscript
to you
and thank you again for letting me see it.
Very ýulours
Harlow 3. Mills, Editor
Journal of Wildlife Management
na4poli, 15, 9=aseota
Dar Mr. -Smtth:
I am nfa e>4 by the nw3 that a rnorgansation has bee under
Oontimoili atz y, ml that 1&rsnwtant chanrn arp, beip mAde in 1). T;-
I Will
watc h .roefal7 for the Aetaila &s they are mAe mbllo.
T- t beo % msN bol4s, I i -ftzxtler, but the itgoin
for in not, ill I o-±nmn aý ir a.; ý,oiir fý1
r would inicate,
Wi~st I t!.1* 70UX ht-"re to d '4ol th r2eturu tro
!llav for
khrntarz too n*eJ1"-nt o oat to bothtkr to fmnd t*heir bands in.
11' th"et n~vsc- tho -,ctual 4i:ý around rApr -!ear,
7you h~mv to
doublo again for aripl.,*i n i lt wiI1".;4 Ard ý. , ILeuvzAY
thrie. tiLw-t Ji. l.Ator
fvrm carryi- shot. If tMi: i' oorrect, the ýyn ýxirmzt fOr
hf tt total
ro-lattou en h yer, T-t 1r to ssv, eih iw.Ar of uc-k1si Twolrm.e two
rewn ymW, to offoet thoe On the Iilluoii 0iver, each p.r Of EaL.,
in roet yas has rodiaed only 1 - 3 w, l4vri little or nc Mavin for
natural fat&lAti8 like bot.iAmp, foul ckler, etc.
Ot e-r .-, no on cw o rov t'v d e of Inhno min
bwAnds, -,or then strf of Um total emr-rn,ltw loss. '.Iie fifyrur-i hv migueted
are optnionso not irovan fACt3.
Tmt trkips whmth;r I ha,,s aW 14ieoi on joi-es othilr thstu
the. flu
I have the vey ditintct itz 4,3ion thi;t di eo losses h*vae sn p1aye4 d
P
,perhaps Mcue of mur 1inotews (so far) to 4o anytt-Jn, abou,-t them, A rwdly
/
soun watsrfobil p owght to h-asr di~eE, e.
....
anukt. for your kin; o-'fer to send me lrairla ';ar. Mr. -3va
son seat m a @.l, and I have rviewetl it for J-m:aLl of ildlifo
.
I will send 7= the vevievwh*n -rinted. I will ouly sq now that I Wish we
had more duck nntors lIke Mr. Atee,,
If you still hav a Cow of Prairie Wings to pa-e, m' amvetst,
Robert M-Cabe would grmtly value a aoo and e~rhap wrild be Able to review
it in some other Journal.
xO'7':"mr 126 1ý)46
bI hjr reM ad~~i wht4 yau say about the 3mith-fakn
roport, I of cmirtie ot~nrt .,,rgua. abont w~it I have ncnt see. wnI
1110,~how4, for yom to) Pat a -irst-bwbad lm~neasinn of what oom of
these ymaw tecimoiA ýn a.re Ulm. u hapns to be a formar 3tiudas
of mtnw, If ynox aa sure the tim, 1'd 111e to Ask him to ca-1 on yo
so day, He passes. Mt eapolls ai inttvale,
12hik fou vn 7ix1r letter.
Oct Hochbauu
Hawkins
MINEAIPLIS 1, F-M.-MINN
MIINNEAPOLIS 15, MiNN.
November 6th, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
Thanks very kindly for your letter of
November 5th. I appreciate hearing from you as I believe you
are sincere and open-minded. Those who are actively interested
in Ducks Unlimited, men who are spending their own money and
devoting a very substantial amount of their time, do not want
anything done or said which might bring criticism on the
organization and interfere with the completion of the program
which we think is beneficial to the increase of the duck
population.
I received a copy of the report by Bob Smith
and Art Hawkins. Have never met either of them personally
but after reading their report it does not appear to be
entirely unbiased. We do have reports from men living in
this country on quite a number of projects covered in this
report which tell a somewhat different story. The principal
objection seems to be the measure of acreages which Ducks
Unlimited claim improved in Canada and we know there could
be definite differences of opinion on that point.
I am particularly disappointed in that no
observations were made except in a few instances of the
soundness of the projects as relates to the dams and embank-
ments and that the quality of the water and marshes were
suitable and attractive to the ducks.
However, I am firmly of the belief at this
time that the heads of the Fish & Wildlife Service and Ducks
Unlimited can and will co-operate, as they should do. I
think we can all reach our goal easier and more quickly by
getting together and discussing our problems, which in the
-main are similar.
Considerable thought and study has been given
to the Canadian operations by our United States Trustees and
at the Ottawa meeting of the Canadian Directors in April, 1946,
an Executive Committee was created, composed of L.H.Barkhausen,
t
LZ4 PLOUR EXCHANGE
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
Mr. Aldo Leppold 11/6/46
-2-
A. M. Bartley and myself as United States Directors and
Judge Am. Ross of Moosomin, Sask., and Pres. S. S. Holden of
Ottawa, Directors of the Canadian organization, formed that
Comnnittee. Meetings have been held approximately every
month either in Minneapolis or in Winnipeg. We realize that
mistakes have been made, nothing of such importance that
could not be corrected by a reorganization. The matter of re-
organization has been under consideration now for so~i time
and probably before this letter reaches you, you will have
learned that Tom Main is no longer General Manager of Ducks
Unlimited of Canada, and has no further authority as directing
the aims and the personnel of that organization. I believe
that answers your question.
Members who have been active in the organization
feel that we have a definite responsibility and are giving it
just the same attention as we would in the conduct of our own
business. de do not intend to have a quarrel with any
organization but definitely carry forward our plans of
improving nesting areas in Canada as rapidly as conditions
permit.
I am sure you can be most helpful with
constructive criticism at all times.
I beg to remain
XJS: L
t
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
November 6th, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Aisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
There is one question that seemingly is
without a satisfactory answer.
Ducks Unlimited started banding operations
in 1939 and have banded approximately 44,000 ducks to
date. Bands returned to the Fish & Wildlife Service
caried from 7 to 12'% annually which seems a small
percentage considering the fact that there has been an
abundance of publicity requesting the hunter to send to
Washington all bands recovered. Some bands are retained
by the person taking them but in the aggregate I am
doubtful that to be a substantial percentage as taking
of a band by the hunter is rather rare and they are
proud to send these bands in and receive the infornation
covering the record of the bird.
The $64.00 question is 'What becomes of
the 88 to 93% of the birds which were banded but never
recovered?" In other words, there seemingly must be a
tremendous loss of birds in the wintering grounds either
thru disease, illegal hunting or other unknown rauses.
Have you any ideas? If so, would appreciate hearing from
you. I believe the Fish & Wildlife Service could well
carry on a study of this problem.
P.S. I shall be very pleased to present to your Department
one or two copies of "Prairie Wings" by Edgar M. Queeny,
which is just off the press, if you would like them.
tGVS: L
it
IN REPLY REFER TO ADDRESS
ONLY THE
DIRECTOR.
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
,
54
November 5, 1946.
Dr. Aldo Leopold,
Department of Wildlife Management,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison 5, Wisconsin.
Dear Aldo:
I have just had the opportunity to read copy of your letter to
C. A. Gross, State Chairman of Ducks Unlimited, at Green Bay, Wisconsin,
and went to compliment you on the stand you have taken and for the
sup-
port you have given Bob Smith.
I sincerely hope that the real conservationists with Ducks Unlimited
will make effort to correct the mistakes that have been so obvious
to a
number of us. In fairness, I am convinced that there are a goodly
number
of competent men in Ducks Unlimited who are sincerely anxious to render
a public service, and while with some of their staffmoney may be the
objective with ducks the means to an end, I cannot believe this is
the
honest opinion .of such men as Smith, the president, and at least
a large
percentage of their executive committee. Because of the importance
of
the problem, and their capacity for rendering a public service, I
feel
that every effort should be made to help to bring them into line.
Anyway, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the
support
you have given Bob when he was under fire because of the honest report
he had given.
Sincerely yours,
Clarence Cottem,
Acting Director.
10l96
Mr. K V. W.*dth
12-Oh 11.ux
Dear ?tr, Imithl
I thlnk I'l,ýt has ý bene~aw to you VhAt r' mlmsgiviu
ab-mtt lDV. risef
ftomu on quOe~tion Za -,,U. 4Ioim m-e lvirm by inatlmiw a m-sy ri-tarft
%,-" itseýf
RAud the rbw*. %1"u it Ial d'otnv i-04 b7 V1,ýWoviw the 1breoodlw
growM*
IhdAVO heel ktd tj Meý -0 U- MY n M!.V CM the-Mtwtinora
OTI evil~en@g m~
mitted elther by bU,la aaploysevs, or by erwwe.'s IMSR Irm hovee,i wu~tin
for
evilomae bwmi4 oi. field. wor mid, oomJ-rk from Pmolti -ý- ý;Tul
IVi10 tf- be frieri3y
to D1.U, if ti*e f!,let- aflov*d taem to be,
Ai- vidime ji, I believe., ow- iii your hvAid I ",for
to the mpr
ývadt,4 iy ýb ý3tth I~ -rt s.iid I h;ave
Vv, hlih.A ýtontidn4,we tia the f, i
neas tva"d om'0oncte of booth of tllm. wo,
I im4ertand thMý the re-mrt la onafilmntla", rO
thl~-isý 1.'wo~er,
hwom nt tried ti f1R4' tv.t *vAt ia in it, 3ut 1-wnirin myu~iis yerx @a
ndter-
stand w tAnxiety to Warn *hat "Ou -,ra gnin to 40 abount it. I lrwak
now asý a rao~bW
of a.,)
Are you able to --nmae your msybers, tha-t tfwp rf~ys-rt gýIveso
\.
rea~~miW ceanelae a the Tiestion of friot-41t-trtion?
If w-vto I Pfor none "IhaI exrect .o)a '.itev~ h@lana?
In feeat
W eonfillewe In !),Uj. will hlnge or. it.
I itm-I"bMJýf it Virjt be,, OtrvioU'] to Y-nt
thAt roform, If
nmeede4. iwýt coae frmi~ !nzide th orpi~tnizAnn If It (-mo froa
the mts~el, 'IU
willfal apur t. If' it Is 17ue , 104 ýoe no't coM-, D ,wl
'. at
* ?5~Q1R~bI1tY tiv rests o*n you.
S"refoWW" I ýAo not uvman i r,41o on tho
Ael.,~th'er y-our TASU
vwel Iis wortb of t-io co tifllar or oon xm1oisssk4san4 be
dup~x)twl in their
wio*~ or It t-; wo, :twid nsiul& be ro-piM,4d
YaarWi aiworoly,
Aldo 1I0 Y) 4
October 51, 1946
Professor Aldo Leopold
"ept. of Wildlife Management
University of Wisconsin
424 University Farm. Place (ky
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Professor Jeopold:
Whanks indeed for your kind letter of October 28th trans-
mitting advance copy of your review of "Prairie Wings?
Your courtesy in this is most appreciated.
Mr. Qaeeny and Mr. Bishop and ourselves have been delight-
ed with the unanimously complimentary reception accorded
"Prairie Wings" by the representative people in the wild-
life field. Among these are Drs. Day, Lincoln, Gabrielson;
Mlien, of Cornell, and Murphy, of the American Museum.
We, of course, will make no use of the review prior to
publication.
Again Let us thank you.
Executive Secretary
342 (C/4LCUJLU& Q^C['MLI
N1ew Yo-rk 17, N. Y.
9g.ew ork I7,
Delta,,ainito ba
October 2E,1I46
rear A.L.*
I appreciate your sending E , copy of your propo- d letter to Mort
Swith. But this is Art's £cport; and nice there probably are 11 ports
of
ins ,nd. outs I donknoNr about, !(don't thinL I should pass judgement on
such
st rategy,.
But the last paragraph of your Smith letter almost bowled me over,
Whether or not you snd thip lotter, you apparently sanction this attitude.
Arnd this is the basic reason fo- the fall of DU. I nevar evon suspected
it
ofl yoar doorstep,
You say "it is a uiatter of degrn-'", ir~.plying that there
is a
r-asonable as well as "unxeusonable degrei of distortlon.A
The D.U.propaganda is an admitted lie. It started in a small degree,
And from that smll degree it eW to such proportions that everything
re\l&.ted to wild ducks hias bean confounded ty it.
True thc law reooghtzes the rnztt r of degree end makes punishment
accordingly. A small robbery is not as bad as a big robbery. A small
distortion is not as bad as a big distortion. There are several degrees
of murder. A little fraud is not as bed as a big fraud.
But wrong is wrong. And it is human nature that a small wrong( im
(including a smiall distortion) often becomes a big wrong, particularly
if
the small degree is overlooked.
No. It is not a matter of degree. It is a matter of ethics.
Ducks Unlinited is made up of men who understand how strict codes
of
ethics must apply in their various profescions -- in medic-Ine,law,unive-sity,
press-- ruling their behavior and guarding their professional welfare. But
these very saiae men who hold to their own professional codes, are willing
to wink at a degree of distortion in natural history, And that is exactly
what is the matter with Ducks Unlimited, Rather than hol4ing to a code,
you fellows have permitted a degree: of distortion , as you call it, that
you would not ellow in your own work. The results have been far more
disasterous than you reelize,
One does not have to wear a halo, as you say, to be h~nest. And
if game management is willing to tolerate any degree of diptortion --5Ph
is simply dishonest by another name -- then right here and now I no longer
consider myself as 'belonging to that branch of your profession.
Tou mey pass me off as an idealist. I am. I am for th Pame ideals
in wildlife admintstration that other professions have vuu for hemeelves.
And those ideals cannot brook such thou'hts as you carry In your last
paragraph.
Sometime wildlife administration will win its rightful place in
the planning of this world. But it won't be until we get squared around
amongst ourselves and agree upong what is right and what is wrong,
Since this concerns Art's rAport I an e-nding birn a copy of this
letter. And I hope you will talk the rhole thing over. Art, I know,
as well as yourself, may thint me a little b'eh. But you still sting z lot
of weight and I know in this case that your thinking is all out of whack,
and I~de hate to see it get farther than your desk.
Yours,
r
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
424 University Farm Place,
Madison 5, Wisconsin.
October 22,
1946
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Merchandise Mart,
Chicago 54, Illinois.
Dear Sir:
If Mr. Bartley is quoted correctly in the enclosed clipping, DU evi-
dently has chosen to completely ignore our report on the DU projects.
That, of course, is a direct slam at Smith and me, as well as the Service.
Until I saw this clipping, I was willing to believe that the Directors
simply were unaware of what was going on within the organization. The only
conclusion I can draw now is that they know what is going on but believe
that the end justified the means.
If you still have any doubt that the organization is deliberately
trying to hood-wink the public, permit me to quote from a letter written
by Bert Cartwright to Al Hochbaum, dated March 4, 1946:
"This salvage scene is used to bolster the fund raising campaign
and I have told T. C. M. plainly that it violates the Naturalists code and
can be plainly labelled as obtaining money under false pretenses. ---
Right from the beginning T. C. M. has publicized the claim that we were
creating permanent waters in the drought area.--That test came in 1944
and 1945---and at least 30 of our projects went out of commission under
the impact of two year's drought. Three year' drought would put - I
believe - 75% of them out of commission. This, to my mind, is the most
serious indictment of DU publicity and means that we are selling the U. S.
sportsman a gold brick. In other words, the building of dams, dykes, etc.
in areas without an assured water supply is not the answer to the waterfowl
problem."
"The acreage claims are exaggerated by at least 50% and the produc-
tivity of our areas-has been referred to as 'millions' and linked with
the upsurge in waterfowl-in such a manner as to lead people to believe
that we are dhiefly responsible for the recovery."
It looks like the DU problem is out-pf-hand. Next year work will
start in such comparatively inaccessible areas as the Athabasca and upper
Saskatchewan Deltas. If the situation cannot be corrected this year, then
it is too late and some bad headaches are in the offing.
Very truly yours,
(Sgd.) Arthur S. Hawkins
Arthur S. Hawkins
Biologist
COPY OF NEWSPAPER ARTICLE (Speech made Oct. 8 or 9, 1946)
Minneapolis Star Outdoor Editor
Jack Connor
HUNTERS' FETE FUND NEARS $25,000 GOAL
Another Star - Ducks Unlimited Hunters' party, greatest of them all,
has passed
into history and the huge Lake Minnesota duck breeding project was more than
$6,000
nearer its goal today.
Nearly 10,000 sportsmen and women jammed the Auditorium Tuesday night
for the
big affair, and as a result there now is approximately $19,000 available
for the
$25,000 Lake Minnesota.
Happiest person at the party was Mrs. Robert Oman of Chicago, whose
policeman
husband was born and raised in Cambridge, Minn. She was awarded the Sports
Afield
grand prize of an all-expense paid duck and goose hunting trip to Lake Manitoba.
Mr. Oman will take the trip.
Arthur M. Barley of New York, United States manager of Ducks Unlimited,
prin-
cipal speaker, paid high tribute to Minnesota. He said it not only is the
top
duck hunting state of the union, but also continfaes to be one of the top
contrib-
utors to the Bucks Unlimited program.
That program, he added, has accomplished about one-third of its objective
with 1,000,000 acres of water area developed now as duck breeding grounds
in Canada.
Awaiting development are 2,000,000 acres more. This year 10 new breeding
grounds
projects were completed and seven more are under construction.
"The Minneapolis Star should feel complimented on the success of
this big
affair," Bartley continued, "particularly by the knowledge that
many newspapers in
other states now have adopted the hunters' party idea along lines originated
here."
Stage, screen and radio stars combined to provide an entertainment program
described as the beat of the three hunters' parties sponsored by The Star.
Head-
lining the program were the Three Madcaps, nationally famous comedians.
Paramount Pictures contributed a Grantland Rice Sportlight titled "The
Game
Bag" and both the Champion Outboard quartet and The Star and The Tribune
Girls'
Chorus provided musical numbers. Randy Merriman, radio announcer, emceed
the spark-
ling show.
Charles Johnson, executive sports editor of The Star and The Tribune,
opened
the ceremonies by introducing outdoor writers for those newspapers. Conserva-
tion Commissioner Chester Wilson and Game and Fish Director Frank Blair extended
brief greetings.
Officials of statewide, sectional and local conservation groups, who
had
attended a Tribune-sponsored conservation clinic at the Curtis hotel earlier
in
the day, assisted in the awarding of prizes after the entertainment.
Among these were Dr. George Spielman, Mandan, N. D., state Ducks Unlimited
trustee; Dr. L. V. Hartle, Worthington; Al Niss, Fairmont; Buck Hedman, Grand
Rapids;
Cap Nelson, Roseau; Dr. Ed Bratrude, Thief River Falls; Bill Jahns, St. Cloud;
Ray Madison, Brainerd; Erv Anderson, Nisswa; Lenor Osterburg, Alexandria;
Bunt Mortinson, Ortonville; Bernard Esser, New Ulm; Frank Fritz, Currie;
Dr. L. M. Hawkins, Heron Lake, and many others.
Amusing sidelight on the party was the fact the grand prize winning
Omans
of Chicago had come here Tuesday for a duck hunting trip near Cambridge.
Since
he must be back on police duty in Chicago by October 30, they are cancelling
their
Minnesota duck hunting plans and will continue on to Lake Manitoba to avail
them-
selves of the Sports Afield award.
-2-.
DELTA WATERFOWL RESEARCI
Delta, Manitoba, Canada
Dear A.Lo:-
Thanks for the news. Art should be down almost any day now.
The Senator and Gabriplson were up for a few days. Each
confided that the other was slipping/ The Senator is his old self,
however, until he gets too many things running throuah his head at
oI.ce
vice
Of courve (ueeny is a fine man. But if be i sti4ll/President
he either doesn't know th6 facts about his orgenization, o4 he
beleives ethics do not apnly do natural history as they do to business.
It all comes down to the fact that either Tom has lied to his directors
the same as to the public; or the whole bunch are fellow tra-rellerp.
I do know that in the case of Glenn Martin, the fact that he is a fine
aircraftsmarn does not make him an expert on waterfowl. iNe has done
some pretty funny thingaz for the D.U. program.
Unlesu we can put S stop to the American invasion soon, this
marph is on the way out. These fellws, most of them mnembers of
Ducks Unlimited, have swarmed to the marsh so that the kill in two
weeks is greater than in any previous year. The Canadian hunter has
remained about the same in numbers; thp number here at Delta has actunl*
decreased. It is heartbreaking. Most of these men bplong to Ducks
Unlimited-- and most of thpm bplieve that their D.U. does entitle
them do do just about what they want with ducks; they actually
beleive they have paid for what they shoot and more.
If you could see what a dirty,rotten thing this whole D.U.
plan is you could understand how a we feel about it. You know what
they sAX; we know what they do.
Pardon my reference to the matter again, but we um are all very
bitter about it and justly so. And the fact that D.U. counts fine
big businessmen among its members doesn't make matters arty better.
Yours,
SPONSORED BY THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
H4 REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
/ - /94.
22z~6f~t
cW a,I f
'~
/
&ci-
77,2oe%
6~'10"
~-~( ~e
I-. 7
V
IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
DELTA WATERFOWL RESEARC
Delta, Manitobu, Canada
S
Dear A.L:-
Re the D.U. matter, I think you would be wise to withhold
all further criticism until you get a cha-nce to telk with Art
when he gets down next month, Botulism was early this year,
but an it turned out, losses were less than usual. Besides,
critivieing D.U. on the botulism question is sort of like
getting after a criminal for evasion of income tax. I am
sure you should wait until you talk with Art before you
have any further correspondeace with the D.U1. crowd.
Yours,
SPONSORED BY THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
17s 106
I.V N. Aw 3 trs
DfrU. Gromut
I xrrdaa yti wt~wmsabt to ws ape a-xit of )*o% audhls tak
Dobre I soet on It, ho~, I want It 10 -p ssiz forAw omU Laftw t
LWVUA Mting. I APMw~tte 7MW 00WtOq in inwt~In ka o tor with 3010v
ow upv~eh ~ In4g Aul on r PreawnI t swppsa uose tm X a tird a
eA in - aerIttio to tmU absoit antig
Now as V, the no" Aowv -ni yw qiiation as tow1wt I t~z*a% to bob &Ahf
t.1k, In uV apro bb Jt ha sxtd exactly *t the "Ito rood to. kzw,
Ai to I'). d, I t~ aL its mI.4 -,v ver ahtswttabI7 ind~ee4 lt, b h ba*mw
lit
a lot of iit.I1 ýahlc wuxl4 hay# sustatlat~ ed isr -g ewwl etatemnt
I bivo
the kM~wt m*%oat for Waýga*ad4wtrhshr4. a nwtu
he to we1~xtwA to W avrWW -*Ijbijel uhlh wu44 weoa~ VA position ef ga4
or s~as lon11- rA4U. *htah Is doný"u wars k on a the
?btx,'ro trath to
hatJ...I*oxamPoe have ivrtea W ovor sta a~ loV Tod~ Vat "e
WASt
yon nov I e~y o rsiMfvw .Ulst zri~wig b4t rot.fr44 fr
WIaI foar th~whi, *.ýt V en ,rem wom .hot-llv*4 b..a-s
t
Ivr41MM hosw, vtp bc tho ntl'l of tho re n o h otay
J4 I wun to wrif4 VA4. Aft~r I havo don so# I t will rto hoawV
Dear Alberts
This statement about bot~ilism so=ms like a clear cut question of fact.
I remember your writing me that severe losses started ear 1y, but of course
somethitug may have happenied since. I viuld apprecsiate a one-sentence Vg~t
low-down on tho fmeta frnom vnim-
FOR 1-.. ,-L. kgrOSS, J(-V
awJCLL7IaI
130 U. Adams Street
September 14, 1946
Doctor Aldo Leopold
% University of Wiisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Doctor:
I am sending you the enclosed news article covering some of Robert
Smith's remarks in Milwaukee last M-Ionday night. After you read
this I would appreciate your letting me know what you tfink of these
remarks.
After the dinner in Madison Russenholt and I looked for you but
apparently you found i necessary to leave.
With kind personal regards I remain,
Sincerely yours,
C. A. Gross
Wisconsin State Chairman
Ducks Unlimited Committee
C AG: HE
Q- /"/
it
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
September 4th, 1946
Dr. Aldo Leopold,
University of Wisconsin
424 University Farm Place
Madison 5, Wisconsin
Dear Dr. Leopold:
I was hopeful that I might have the
pleasure of talking with you during my recent visit
to Madison but unfortunately was unable to reach
you before you left the room. Hope for better luck
next time.
Had nothing special in mind to
talk about but only the thought of becoming better
acquainted.
Should you be in this city at anytime
and have time to spare I would suggest having lunch
or dinner together.
With best personal regards, I remain
Sin e
MWS: L
"Lake Wisconsin"
The purpose of the Lake Wisconsin project, which has been
in the planning stage for years, is to provide a "duck factory"
in
the area of Canada where 80% of the ducks that go south along
the Wisconsin flyway are bred.
Without man's help, these ducks- have been dying by the
countless thousands every year when their meager natural water
supply dries up before the downy ducklings are able to fly in
search of necessary water.
Duck hunters throughout the United States have been keenly
interested in developing Canadian duck breeding areas. With the
cooperation of the Canadian government, a number of artificial
lakes have already been constructed in Canadian duck breeding
areas by the Ducks Unlimited organizations of Illinois, Louisiana,
Maryland, and California and the cities of Fort Worth, Dallas, St.
Louis, and San Francisco. In the process of development are lakes
contributed by sportsmen of Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa,, and Min-
nesota.
The location of Lake Wisconsin has been settled upon as
1,200,000 acres in the Saskatchewan Delta. This would place it
in the immediate vicinity of Lakes Minnesota and Iowa. The
Saskatchewan government has set aside this entire delta area in
perpetuity for duck nesting grounds. It is expected that when the
reclamation project is completed it will result in the addition of
millions of birds to the annual duck crop.
Five thousand dollars of the required $25,000 for Lake Wis-
consin has already been raised before this, the official launching of
the campaign. Every penny of profit from this banquet is going
directly into Lake Wisconsin and the improvement of YOUR duck
hunting.
You are well known as an ardent sportsman. Lake Wisconsin
is your lake, your project, your duck hunting! Don't be like the
man who put out plenty for a fine new car and then saw it fall apart
because he wouldn't spend a penny on it for upkeep. Your hunt-
ing trips and equipment cost you good money. How about pro-
tecting that money by a sound investment in Lake Wisconsin?
This Man Lew Morrison...
Lew Morrison means the out-of-doors to
thousands of sportsmen in Wisconsin and the
Upper Michigan Peninsula.
His Sentinel column, "Out in the Open," re-
flects a lifetime spent in the woods and waters
of his native state. Few men anywhere have
followed the habits of fish and game with
deeper understanding.
Former world's champion fly caster, he is
almost equally proficient with a bait casting
rod, rifle or scattergun. His interest and sup-
port of hunting dogs has helped improve the
standards in all sporting breeds.
Lew's desk is in the Sentinel building but his
beat is wherever fish or game are to be found
in Wisconsin and the Upper Michigan Peninsula.
Occasionally he visits other regions, too, and
last fall reported the pheasant season in the
Dakotas and watched the ducks in Manitoba
gather for their southward migration.
Friend and counsellor to all who believe in
true conservation, Lew Morrison is a Wisconsin
institution.
OutOPEN
,In The .....
'By LEW MORRISON
(This is the first of a series of four articles oj
our duck problem.)
tVIISCONSIN duck hunters cannot be blamed
W for being slightly confused these days.
On one hand they have heard of the tremendous increase in the
continental duck population in recent years under the co-operative
program of American and Canadian sportsmen known as Ducks
Unlimited.
On the other hand they have of the Wildlife Service, that 20
listened to a few prophets of million ducks are missing from
doom who would have them be- the estimate made last fall. Ga-
lieve that the ancient sport of brielson's statement was eagerly
wildfowling is on its last legs seized on by the intemperate lead-
and that unless seasons and bags ers of the Wisconsin Duck Hunt-
are drastically limited or cur- ers' Association as further evi-
tailed completely for a few years dence that a gigantic hoax was
the duck will go the way of the being put over on the poor duck
dodo bird and the passenger hunter by somebody, probably
pigeon. Ducks Unlimited.
Most of these Gloomy Gusses * * *
belong to the newly formed Wis- Statement Timed
consin Duck Hunters' Associa-
tion which as far as we have THEY failed to realize or may-
been able to learn is mostly a be they didn't want to re-
group of earnest sportsmen who member that Gabrielson's state-
have met a few times but who ment was timed to offset the drive
have listenfew toiamesbadly-wn- of certain hunters to have restric-
have listened to a few badly in- inread.TeWlifSrv
formed and prejudiced men whose tions relaxed. The Wildlife Serv-
formedtanding rejudicis based on ice count was due months ago,
standing as experts rasagan but was timed to throw a smoke
strong lungs and extravagant screen over the hearings before
statements.,-A-ft
Sounding Off
HESE men have been sound-
Ing off about a survey that
they have made of duck hunting
in other states and have used ev-
ery crumb of bad news as clear
evidence that ducks are on the
way out unless everybody listens
to them and submits to a closed
season for a few years or at least
a very short season and small
bag.
Adding to the confusion of the
average duck hunter is the state-
ment released a couple of weeks
ago, by Dr. Ira Gabrielson, head
the congressional committee on
wildlife resources.
To make it still harder for the
average hunter in this state to
get his bearings, is the undeni-
able fact that for the past few
years duck hunting has been pret-
ty sad in Wisconsin. And this
at a time when the continental
duck population has been rising I
by leaps and bounds.
To help cut through this fog
(much of it deliberately spread),
the Sentinel will examine the
various claims and counterclaims.
Tomorrow we will talk about the
part that Ducks Unlimited plays
in the restoration of wildfowling.
(This is the second of a series about ducks and duck
hunting. Yesterday .we pointed out that the average duck
hunter has a right to be confused. Smoke screens prevent
him from seeing the truth. We hope to blow much of that
smoke away.)
N THE early thirties it was evident to most people that the ducks
were in a bad way. The Great Drought that had settled over most
of the vast Mississippi basin had turned the whole area Into a duck
death trap. And north of the Canadian lein, where 90 per cent of
North America's ducks are raised, the situation was little better.
The continental duck population had dropped from an estimated
200 million down to 27'/ million.
In the Canadian prairie prov-
inces, marshes had been drained
a few years before in an unwise
attempt to add to wheat acreage.
Too late the new settlers discov-
ered that wheat could not be
grown profitably on the reclaimed
land. But by this time the
marshes were destroyed for duck
breeding grounds.
Still each spring the melting
snow and spring rains would pro-
vide plenty of surface water to
tempt the dwindling northward
migration to set up housekeeping.
By early June most of the water
would have run off, soaked into
the parched land or evaporated.
The ducklings were led by the
mother duck in an aimless but
desperate search for the water
they must have. More millions
perished in these treks and the
duck population continued down
and down.
Many Restrictions
O UR official solution for this
critical situation was restric-
tion piled upon restriction. Live
decoys were outlawed. The bag
was cut, the season shortened,
and certain species completely
protected. In fairness to our of-
ficials in the Wildlife Service
there was not a great deal else
they could do. Most of the ducks
were raised in Canada and there
wasn't much they could do about
It.
But on both sides of the line
were men who just couldn't let
international niceties stand in the
way of doing something to per-
petuate the grand old sport for
themselves and their sons and
sons' sons. Committees w e r e
formed. Discussions led to plans
and plans to action. The most
effective piece of international
co-operation yet to be conceived
has worked out about like this:
True Co-operation
P RIVATE sportsmen in t h Is
country have raised well over
a million dollars in cash. Canadi-
an municipalities have donated
land worth much more. Canadian
sportsmen a n d ranchers a n d
farmers have donated hundreds
of thousands of man days build-
ing dams, killing predators, fight-
ing m a r s h and prairie fires,
counting ducks and in dozens of
other ways helping the duck to
come back.
More than 1,100,000 acres of
land on 145 projects in the Ca-
nadian midwest have been flood-
ed-permanently-into duck fac-
tories that will continue to turn
out ducks by the millions every
year. And the overall cost to
provide this water control has
been only 75 CENTS PER ACRE.
Mainspring in the Canadian set-
up since Ducks Unlimited first
started is Tom Main, ace water
control engineer of the Canadian
National Railways, and the man
who worked out the water sys-
tem for the island of Bermuda.
Tom was loaned to Ducks Un-
limited by the Canadian National
and no more fortunate circum-
stance hasa ever occurred to the
wildfowler of North America.
Large Scale Banding
M OST observers on both sides
I of the line, and there are
plenty of competent engineers in
the ranks of the duck hunters,
agree that Tom Main has done
more permanent good for duck
breeding areas at smaller cost
than any one dreamed could be
accomplished when the project
was undertaken.
But permanent breeding
grounds is not DU's only claim
on the affection and support of
the duck hunter, Large scale
banding has added greatly to our
knowledge of migration habits.
Predator control saves literally
millions of ducks to wing their
way south each fall. Volunteer
workers (Kee-men) and profes-
sional biologists count the ducks
on their native slough and pot-
holes and add to our knowledge
of how many ducks are raised
and what kind and how each spe-
cies is doing.
Critics, and there are mighty
few, insist that no accurate count
can be made. That's probably
true. But it is also true that no
one has facilities to make a more
accurate count than Ducks Un-
limited and that they can come
close enough for any practical
purpose.
Sour Grapes Attitude
T HE same critics say that we
are going through a-wet cycle
and that the duck would have
come back anyway. That's a
sour grapes attitude that fails
to take into account that the fire
control, predator control and per-
manent water supply in breeding
areas helps every duck hunter in
North America whether the cycle
is wet or dry.
Then there are a very few-
they could all get in the room
where we're writing this - who
pretend that the majority of the
ducks nest in northern Canada
anyway and that the great
marshes of the southern Cana-
dian prairies, now happily saved
forever, are just an insignificant
conservation piece of Ducks Un-
limited. Well, just try to tell
that to any one who has seen the
prairies come alive around Lake
Winnipeg or Yorkton or Brooks
or Johnson Lake or Watrous or
a thousand other favorite haunts
of the nesting mallard, pintail,
teal and the other puddlers.
It would be tough to fool such
hard headed men of business as
Glenn Martin, Mort Smith, Ed
Queenie, George Mason, Snick
Gross, Will Reid and Lou Bark-
hausen, to mention just a few of
DU's stalwarts. They've been up
there and have seen what goes on
and so have able newspapermen
whose business it is to find out
the truth and report it as they
see it.
They give Ducks Unlimited the
major role in bringing back ducks
to a total of close to 150 mil-
lion.
(This is the third of a series about ducks and duck
hunting. Yesterday we examined Ducks Unlimited con-
tribution to wildfowling. Today we'll talk about Dr. Ga-
brielson and his story of the "20 million missing ducks.")
L AST week the congressional committee on wild life resources met
n Washington. One of the most important matters to come
before it was the proposal by several groups that feeding and live
decoys be permitted this year.
We've heard both sides of the question argued for hours on end
and we still have no real definite ideas on the subject. A good case
can be made out for both sides ber one duck counter, he admit-
and we'd just as soon leave the ted that his agents reported that
matter stand as it is for a while 20 per cent more ducks had gone
anyway. But the point we're south last fall to winter In Mex-
leading up to Is this: Dr. Ira Ga- ico, particularly on the eastern
brielson who heads the Fish and coast of Mexico. Lincoln also ad-
Wildlife Service just doesn't want mitted that more banding returns
to change the law. And maybe had been received from SOUTH
he is right in his opposition. The of the United States border than
place where we take Issue with for any period on record.
him Is the tactics he uses to get t , ,
his own way. Three Possible Reasons
Ordinarily, the Wildlife report yN SPITE of the Doctor's per-
on the number of ducks would I plexity a few weeks before the
have been announced in March or hearing he gave the committee
April based on their Inventory of these three possible reasons for
February. But he held up the re- fewer ducks being noted during
port until June or just before the the inventory: (1) More birds
congressional committee hearing wintering in Mexico. (2) A bigger
and either has a good press agent kill by hunters. He said duck
or the news in Washington was stamp sales had increased 225
awfully slow that day because thousand over the previous sea-
his release made the wire services son. (3) Many birds were missed
in a big way and was carried in checking their usual winter
from coast to coast. In his release concentration areas as they were
you will remember, the good Doc- more widely scattered over areas
tor said that he Is "disturbed" not covered by their checkers.
by the unaccountable depletion And then of course there's the
of our ducks from 125 million report of Acting Director Albert
last year to 105 million this year. M. Day, made last year, that esti-
* * * mated the duck census In 1944 at
Quite a Quandary 200 million. But maybe that es-
THE Doctor is in quite a quan- timate included coots and the
dary about the matter and a Doctor's didn't. It's pretty hard
very timely quandary it is, too, to get the boys together because
since his perturbation occurred It seems as If their releases may
just before the committee hear- be used to serve different pur-
ing. poses at different times.
He doesn't quite know what Anyway reports from the Cana-
happened to the ducks but sug- dian nesting areas Indicate that
gests the possibility that there 10 per cent more ducks arrived
may have been an over estimate this spring than last fall and that
the year before. seems to leave the Doctor's 20
The odd part about the whole million missing ducks right In his
thing is that when it came time lap and In the hair of the alarm-
to closely question Frederick C. ist leaders of the Wisconsin Duck
Lincoln, who is the Doctor's num- Hunters' Assn.
160 Million Ducks
T HE facts of the matter prob-
ably are these: The Ducks
Unlimited census of August, 1944,
showed 140 million ducks north
of the international line. Add the
20 million in*the United States
and you have 160 million for the
continent. Albert M. Day of the
Wildlife Service in October, 1944,
pretty well agreed when he esti-
mated that there were between
125 millions and 150 millions.
On the basis of DU's "duck
mathematics" which was arrived
at after a good deal of research,
the losses each year work out
like this:
North to south migra-
tion losses ......... 2 per cent
Legal kill by hunters-15 per cent
Crippling losses....... 5 per cent
Illegal kill ........... 5 per cent
Losses on wintering grounds (old
age, botulism, muskrat traps
and other factors)- 5 per cent
South to north migra-
tion...............1 per cent
That adds up to a 33 per cent
loss and means that the 160 mil-
lion ducks we started with in
August, 1944, was reduced to a
few more than 107 million this
spring. As the Wildlife Service
survey shows 105 million there's
a close enough agreement for
any practical purpose.
The Real Hitch
THE real hitch with all the fig-
ures being used today may
source back to the April, 1944,
report of the Wildlife Service.
They estimated there were 125
million ducks at that time while
Ducks Unlimited estimated there
were about 96 and a half million.
If we use the DU figure for the
spring of 1944 and add the 10 per
cent more that DU reports on the
breeding grounds this spring, we
arrive pretty close to the 105 mil-
lion estimate of the Wildlife Serv-
ice for this spring and there are
no 20 million missing ducks to
account for.
It's an interesting business, this
counting of ducks, and some day
we'll tell you how it is done, both
on the breeding grounds and the
wintering areas. It is likely that
it can be done with at least a 90
per cent degree of accuracy and
of course it can indicate trends
in duck population which should
be the controlling factor in how
our seasons and bag limits are
set.
(This is the fourth and concluding article of series on
ducks and duck hunting.)
WE SAID in our first article on duck hunting that the wildfowler
of this state has a perfect right to be confused. In the face
of a rising duck population for the continent there have been few
poorer seasons in Wisconsin than the past three.
Let's see what sense that makes and what, if anything, can be
done about it.
To start with, several sections
of the country noted excellent
duck shooting in those years of
the early thirties when our con-
tinental population was down to
the dangerously low figure of
27% million. That was due to the
drought in much of the country
over which the ducks usually mi-
grated south each fall. And a con-
sequent concentration in places
where there was water and food.
The midcontinent flyway nor-
mally goes through the Dakotas,
eastern Montana and western
Minnesota. Through this route
passed most of the puddle ducks
that are raised each spring in the
vast breeding grounds of the
prairie provinces.
Very Little Feed
HE drought of the early 30's
saw the Dakotas with almost
no water and very little feed.
And as Tom Main of Ducks Un-
limited has demonstrated so many
times, ducks will go where there
is food and water. The Dakotas'
loss was our gain and Wisconsin
played host to the fall migration
for several years. With the re-
turn of more water to the Da-
kotas and Montana, abundant
food in the form of standing or
shocked wheat or even stubble
fields, the puddlers moved back
into that flyway. For most of
the ducks had been raised near
wheat fields in the Canadian
Middle West and had feasted and
fattened on wheat before they
started their migration.
Wisconsin, particularly the east-
ern part, is naturally suited more
to the diving ducks than to the
puddlers. And it must be remem-
bered that Ducks Unlimited in its
effort to bring ducks back quick-
ly, concentrated on the puddlers.
They nested closer to civilization,
responded quicker, and a natural
habitat could be produced more
rapidly than was the case with
the divers.
Will Divers Respond?
DBUT now that ducks are almost
certainly saved from extinc-
tion the duck hunters of Wiscon-
sin and Minnesota and Indiana
quite properly ask what is being
done for them. Will the divers re-
spond as the puddlers did? Where
do they nest? Can there be a de-
velopment In the lake country
north of us in Canada that will
insure a migration through this
state every fall? Is there a food
shortage or water shortage in the
divers' nesting area? Can preda-
tors be controlled up there?
Lucks Unlimited will go to work
on divers this year to see what
can be done. It's too early to tell
what the problems are, to say
nothing of the answers, but for
the first time something will be
attempted.
Is there anything that can be
done in Wisconsin and Upper
Michigan in the way of providing
nesting areas? What about food
supply in our lakes? It is ade-
quate or can it be made adequate?
Can carp be completely removed
or brought under rigid control?
Then on the puddle duck ques-
tion, what about our marshes?
Is Horicon being developed as
rapidly as it shoiyd be? Will it
add to our chances to get ducks
through here each fall if we feed
during spring migrations?
Two Other Queries
HESE and a hundred other
questions occur to the duck
hunter of Wisconsin. And to your
columnist come two more. Will
the conservation commission quit
making a pass at the problem
and provide some genuine leader-
ship in the matter of duck hunt,
ing in this state? And why don't
we get any attention from the
Federal boys?
We've been on this job for quite
a while and darned if we've ever
seen or heard tell of the Wildlife
Service doing much of anything
for us in this state. We hear about
them in Minnesota and Illinois
and they are as busy as they can
be when you go down to Chicago
to talk to them. But why don't
they come up here and tell us
what they can do for US? We've
got the fourth largest number of
duck hunters in the country right
here In Wisconsin. Yes, sir, 88,000
of you boys walk up and buy a
duck stamp. And your tax dol-
lar on the shells and guns and
stuff you buy must provide Uncle
Sam with a pretty penny. Seems
like some one would write and
ask the Congressman or Senator
how come.
Well that's about all on duck
hunting now for a spell. It's fish-
ing weather and we'll have to get
out and tell you how and where
they're biting. But don't ever for-
get -Wisconsin can have good
duck hunting again if you'll sup-
port the people who have a good
program and insist on some serv-
ice from the boys you are paying
to work for you in Madison and
Washington.
Delta ianitoba
Aug-t ý21?,1946
Dear A.L.:-
Thanks for the copy of the letter to Fred re D.U. I am sure you
have misunderstood me w agan on the subject. I never expected you to
take ray Payso on anything. I have simply tried to keep you informed of
what was on my mind and you will remember I wrote you as Foon as it was
apparent soamething was badly wrong --almost two years ago. Your reaction
to some of tlhis was at times a bit rough. I realize I wrote too frankly;
you could not realize why I did without being in my shees.
I don't agree with the wording and manner of your criticisms of
D.U.--that is my only reason for disappointment. I think the cln~sineas
of D.U. ceitios I wht gives them their strength and they are tonping
the crest again. Surelv I dont heleive the probl7m c:n be olved by
mt waitinr for the Wildlife Society to make Pn inve-tistion even if
they had the r 50 o- 000 it would cost to make a complete check. It
has got to be done from the inside by members who realize thIt D.U.
has not only lied to the public at large but to its orgpnlzationo D.U,
is in exactly the same position as a bank which has oreatly inflicted its
assets and has no way of maklng up for the difference. Only it's ducks
inptead of money,which makes it a lot easieg for the two or three men who
ere keeping the books. They are geared to throw off outpid- investigation
But if the proper rort of a check is mede from the inside things can
be set aright providing this starts early enough. I think Art's report,
if taken seriously by Bertley, can lead to sucnh an invest igation.
Our correscporencp has deteriorated Periouly Pinc- we hit this
rubject. Art is carry-ing the ball so I have no reason to say more. The
only reason I wrote my last letter was because you asked me to say
comething more in yours of June 27.
Lyle is bulding an adcltio-n to his 0b-4o and I b-!elve planns to
winter here. ITe has broaden greatly , hs an exr'Pllent and zodern
odttlook on his -ork and I em sure is oinn to turn out some really
im prtant stu-ff. Th7 entire loc,I r -haýn reg!on M1T"ffT
'1thin a
mile o- so rfdius of the Station he is srttin- up for Innive study
for the bandlng and colormarkir of territorial pairs next spring. Much
will come fro>m this.
Art and Betty are living in a cottage neirby and seem to be
enJoying Delta. Art, however, sort of has his reectB - around his negk
vnd it has been Peldom since his return from the grand tour that te have
seen iir out for fresh air. He is rtayin on until e'ly Cctob1 -o tho*
h- c~n follow tho flight down. 'Rob Smith flew bank !est week. e
probaely '-i11 drive up Iai late in September frov Winiona. Wish you
would reconsider and take the trip -ith him.
Pete just had a baby boy added to his family. (And just between
us, I ghther that expectation of something of the s1me h'AIds Lyle here
fcrr the winter). Pete is koepin- up with his flying and we hope to get
a light plane before long -- it is indispensible in waterfo-l work.
I was interested in your letter to English, a copy of which you
sent roe. But I think you rather overemphasize the importence of reIdi
the European literature. And contrary to what you imply, there is a
is strong American group workin; on"behsvior". It is one thing
for
garie m nagers to overlook the European literature. It is quite 1 nother
thing for them to fail to associate with the American workers in this
field.
One renson the Eurpoean literature is not read nor the American
w0rkers cultvIted by game manaers is that most of them wouldnt
understand it. This is partly because of lack of training. Few game
managers have a broad fd-1daton in biology. And it is partly due to
a sort of aloofness or hligh-httedness or what-have-you which brings
the game manager to look down his nose at anybody or group workinr with
"dickeybirds". Most of the "bahavior"studies haei seen
with "dickey-
birds" and it does not reach the garne mnager because people working
with dickeybirds are brlow his socipl level. It is a lot more than
timply a failure to read European literatere and if you are not aware
of this you are not gatting around as much as you should.
This' hits me pretty ciope. There iF a certain group which is
quietly going bbout saying that certain thing.s bout d3icko hpen only
at Delta,Manitoba. These chaps are conpletely without insight into the
fundamentals of behavior; and thpy rpeak from purely off-hand observations.
The sad part of it is that these are the same fe11lws who should be
puttizi7 new ideas to work.
Art was wholly unprepared to apply modern methods to dcucks when
he came up. I suppect now that this was one o' the enrly diFf'icuMtien
between Lyle and Art: discussions would arise but could never get beyond
certain point. I gave Art a few key papers to read -- all published
in America -- and he 1mymediatly started to put two and two together ,not
only for Canada but also for his Illinois wood ducks. In other words
he had to come up here for a course of readignz before hiM wood duck
work had full meaning. Now, as it was between Art and ourselves when he
first came up, Art is completely frustrated when he tries to discuss duct
problems with his old crowd. They don't talk the same language.
The trouble ip that the readina has to be sought before the field
vork is done rather than as a chore connected wIth writinz up the pappr.
Your own bird song paper suffered that way.
I think"behavior" as you use it is a poor term. Post of what
we
have been studying for a couple-th-usand years hli been behavior. 1MM
?oward ,Nice,Lorenzp and the others have simply pioneered to establish
a new tnderstanding of behavior --we look at an old subject in a new
wy . This new slant covers so much ground~yet concerns the same things
we have always worked with that "behavior" describer tt poorly.
I
tm~ma mmm~umdmmmmmmm But -hatafer it kanurm is called it hes
brought us to a crossroads. For all game managers and for most pro-
Noward ornithologists the problem was: What does a bird do; when and
where does it do it? The modernist seek the anwer to d
if game managers start trvini to answer wjas they mupt Piner or
later, then thly will read the Purppean literature and et nquininted
With some of the fellowe at home, not because the Wildlife Society and
you think they should, but because they heir to to get their work done.
Game management is way bLhi-1 the times In many respects and its trouble
lies a lot deeper than a simple failure to read European literature. The
trouble with game mnngement, I think, is that it has got itself way
-Pl-
-37-
out on a limb, apart from the main stem of biolog.Y TbIs is the fault
of the leade-re. One reason most game M-bnbgerP do not think and work in
modern terms in beceuse the leaders who ptprted the profession didn't
and still dont.
Nice flight of blue-wings throuiTh now. We dug P pond right in
front of the houre9 Now have most sp-cie of duckýsI-lis,Phorebirds
g18e( we have a sraall chptive flock of (eese and swan) 8nd most other
merý h birds dropoing in and taking off right by the dininc roor v
window,
eave been doing some interesting thingr with birds in relation to the
problem of orientation; have flown a good many blindfolded,severnl
hundred from sparrows through geme birds to hawks ud owls. They do
all right, most of them, and ,-hile we have not rezic ed any d-eflite
a) noluslons we now know a few things you wont even find in the
turopean literattre.
Rf.,srds to all,
JU3 7, 19)46
Wr. Arthur U. Bartley
Duckis Unaiimted
342 1&a1son Avemui
X"w Yo 11k , 1- T.
Dear ,A,'t~hurs
I apoogz for n otn erg y let so
You~ axe rigt ini that Vith eorp looke
liea ho1wae 4itri'butio The actual
distributions ws an foows
(1) The four or fie tenal mn wo
sign the original1 criticeism with me.
(2) Your or five of v own, advnnood studets
with whom I had dism the matte fro
time to time.
(3) Three or tfour p
relativ who bM joined W at m mama.
(4) m o ommssoner in Wiconsin
with wo omm d iscuss watew l
policy
cocd thAt the Oet~gtletter mih wl
hae beeo adde to th rest of wwlosures. Ile 1
at least one point on which I stand oorw teo.
With personal re-" yam sincerey.
Aldo Leo!PQU
1U4 ILOUR hXCHANGE
MINNEAPOLIS 15, MINN.
May 28th, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
The writer attended his 45th Class Re-Union in
Madison over last weekend. Had thought I might find time to
pay you a short visit but visiting with about twenty-five
classmates took up the time.
I am very pleased on my return to find your
letter of May 27th and note with interest your comments
regarding "normal ratio" of upland game birds.
In the memorandum addressed to the directors
signed by yourself and others the following statement"During
the last two years the plain trend of the evidence is that
waterfowl have been decreasing, and that certain species are
actually in danger. Despite this evidence, D.U. has
claimed continued increase" this I could not understand.
However, statement in your letter of the 27th, "While there
is no standard "normal ratio", if the per cent of young in
the bag suddenly drops, as it did in 1945, as compared with
preceding years, it takes no "science" to see that something
is wrong." The latter statement fits in with my understanding
which is borne out by statement made by Bert Cartwright in
his 1945 report which indicates no change in census from
previous year but thus for the first time since 1938 the
upsurge of -the waterfowl was definitely checked.
I am sure that we all are striving for the
sane goal as regards the duck population and that we must have
faith in the sincerity of the other fellow. I know that your
many friends in D.U. will welcome and give close study to
your opinion and findings regarding the duck population. We
may not always agree with you but nevertheless respect your
judgment. I remain
IN~VS:L
1_\ý, ýA_
Ct
2, 19i6
Dwr Mr. 8Smitha
I smheid have w44 lour, 1g that my criticsmo of DU is not a1&a at ym
persouly, and I share your belief that there In no s run by mll.
Thr to no nooogized 'nosuml rntio", below u4h reprodutive per cen
booomes daaros W4 grop hAs stu4M for 10 rea1 ver des 4Sphoawt
pomlation In which the .annual *)roe"is 70%.i.e. of 100 gro birU
bandod one wintwt only 30 will stuvive a year hoe., %c year-lass
shrink)s to xer in 5 y~ans (3 vlsfor cooks .) I am cut of rwwlnbs of
this paý,per, but if you want to look It up you will find It In the
Journl
of Wildlife ngm o Ot~e 93
While there is no stndard Onorm xatio"# If the per cant of y~aun In
the
bag vad 4 rps. as it di4 In 1ý5 as o~ae wSitiý1 e
gyer,
it takes no Oslne to see thait somthing is wrong.
In yong little Is lb*=e=91t notn studies. where losses of 60-&)%
of nests are Imowu to occur in thrifty pojxlati.on of quils phaats,
and grosa. This heavy lose in naest and 7'm1Rg sees. t> be n~oal, in the
sense that it occurs In populations tl~t are thriving and that suastain
shooting. Inidentally this in vdy we e~ia men eobjt to Wes
comptatinsin whioh loss of an egg in )vni~toba Is considered eoinsl to
loss of a grow- bird. It is by mtch l~d tILA hat ritton, and oftan
DU its@f, cretes the pmression that the M= Is of sanal eonsequme
In ,& Mnaemnt
I regret ver mwzh to see Field =nd Stream constraing Al D~ys owit$*ismn
of WIX as a question of 2 *M I =nt to make It cl&-aw th-at rj cr'iticism
has aothing-to do witliae#
YOWM sinwsrezyl
Aldo Leopold
(Sgnd n r.Lepod' aseceto avoid dev)
MORT SMITH
Trustee
1204 Flour Exchange
Minneapolis Minn.
15
May 15th, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leipold
Department of Wildlife Management,
424 University Farm Place,
Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leipold:
I note carefully your letter of May 13th.
I have no inclination to become argumentative.
I being a layman and you a scientist naturally view the
problems from different angles. I do know that you have a
very high standing in the minds of those who are active in
the organization of Ducks Unlimited. I was raised near
a wonderful duck lake in the prairie area of Southwestern
Minnesota. I have always been interested in bird life,
particularly as it pertains to ducks and upland game and
I am interested in the findings of scientists such as yourself.
Possibly you may have some literature or
pamphlets which deals with the juvenile component as so far
as I have knowledge this is a study of recent origin. I am
particularly anxious to know what is considered the normal
ratio below which the percentage of reproduction becomes
dangerous and in what recent years those findings indicated
danger. Please bear in mind that I am not interested in
controversies but for a personal broader understanding.
I am sure you will find the main objective
of those who are interested in Ducks Unlimited to be conservative,
honest and co-operative.
Enclosed herewith you will find a circular
which is sent out to workers throughout this state which I
think you will be interested in seping.
FOR JOIN
D -
: ~D U CKS Unlimited
1204 Flour Exchange,
Minnreapolis 15, Minnesota
May 3rd, 1946
Enclosed herewith you will find literature which may help you to
a better understanding of the activities of D.U.
For your further information Ducks Unlimited Inc., was organized
in 1937. State organizations were created throughout the United States
for the purpose of raising funds. D.U. (Canada) was organized and
started to operate in Canada in 193B for the purpose of improving'the
nesting areas in the Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, where
approximately 70 to 75% of tha birds which are shot in this country are
hatched. These improvements consist of building dams, dikes and embank-
ments to stabilize water levels, control fires and reduce predators. D.U.
have control of over 1,300,000 acres for the making of these improvements.
This area has been set aside by the Doc'inion government, the three
Provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) municipalities, and individuals
under lease without cost to D.U. Up to date D.U. has purchased only about
five hundred acres. Citizens of Canada, the Dominion Uovernment, the three
Provinces, and sportsmen't organizations have been very co-operative.
In addition to the actiivities being carried on by D.U. The
Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Adn instration have also created thousands
of water areas throughout the duck nesting territory and have been most
helpful and co-operative with DulckIs Unliziitedo The Canadian Fish &
Game
Leagues have been co-operative in predator control. The Eastern Irrigation
District and the United Irrigation officials have helped with land, water,
advice and encouragement. Hundreds of key-men have helped in observing
conditions in their separate district2 with their studies and reports to
D.U. and are of great streagth to the organization in Canada.
Ducks Unlimited Inc., is now organized. in forty states with
strong state organizations. D.U. is operating strictly for the production
of ducks and every duce hunter should become a member. The more ducks,
the greater the opportunity for the average hunter to enjoy the sport.
There is no set amount which the hunter should subscribe. We
are hopeful that the average contribution will be not less than '5.00
annually, although a minimum of "3.00 has been suggested for those who
do not feel in position to subscribe Ln larger amounts. Each subscriber
receives a m-embership card and also a copy of the D.J. Quarterly which
contains valuable information for every duck hunter. All those con-
tributing Y10.00 or over receive a Certificate of Membership which is
suitable for framing. Contributions to Ducks Unlimited are deductible for
income tax purposes, both State and Federal.
Each subscribing member is entitled to purchase a back emblem
at W2.00 (net profit to D.U. ýl.00) or a sleeve emblem at 01.00 (net
profit to D.U. 60/.) These emblems are bought and paid for out of private
funds and the profits turned over to D.U. The sale of a subscription to
D.U. does not entitle that individual .to either of the emblems but simply
gives him the right to purchase and wear them, They do produce substantial
revenue for the organization and give added publicity.
Page #2
The Ducks Unlimited neckties which are on sale in most of the
better class haberdasheries are also distributed thru private funds with
a royalty of 50l per tie being paid to each State organization in which
the ties are sold.
There are only three paid employees in the United States.
Arthur Bartley, United States Manager, Ray Benson, Executive Secretary
and Russ Prindle in charge of publicity. All others serving D.U. in
the United States do so on their own time and expense. Funds raised
consist of voluntary contributions from individuals and firms. Not one
cent being received from taxes or from the Federal Government. D.U. does
not become involved in our local or national problems. Our purpose is
to help increase the duck population and we intend to stick strictly
to that purpose.
inne s rse
Morton W. Smith, Minnesota Trustee
1204 Flour Exchange,
Minneapolis 15, Minnesota
ATLANTIC 0471
342 C/O'OL(.ýULUT& c1VIL
9V\ew York 17, 5N,. Y.
May 24, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold
1.24 University Farm Place
Madison, 5, Wisconsin
Dear Aldo:
It has come to my attention that you have somewhat widely distributed
mimeographed copies of the Mezorandia to the Board of Trustees of
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. dated March 30, President M. W. Smith's reply
dated April 19, and your answer to him dated May 13.
With no desire to open a controversy, I fail to understand the reason
for general distribution - particularly to people not directly in-
volved or fully acquainted with all the facts - at least without
first advising Mr. Smith that you intended to use his letter for such
distribution. Nor can I understand why, if you thought distribution
of such correspondence necessary, you did not include Bert Cartwright's,
answer to Criticism No. 1 dated April 30, 1946.
Our Trustees accepted Dr. Cottam't statement: "I am much more concerned
about from here on, than from here back* as a pretty good policy to
follow. This acceptance however was not because of any doubt in the
minds of the Trustees that the criticisms could be fully answered, but
because it seemed the interests of the ducks will be better served by
following Dr. Cottam's suggestion and letting the future record speak
for itself.
Very truly yours,
Arthur N. Bartley
U. S. Manager
March 30, 1946
Memorandum to Board of Directors of Duaks Unlimited
At the Wildlife Conference in New York on MParch 13, 1946, 'Hr. A. M. Bartley,
representing Ducks Unlimited, asked that the technical waterfowl men express
their criticism of Ducks Unlimited, in writing. The undersigned, having
had an opportunity to meet and discuss Mr. Bartley's request, submit the
following criticisms:
1. During the last two years the plain trend of the evidence is
tUhat waterfowl have been decreasing, and that certain species
are actually in danger. Despite this evidence, D.U. has
claimed a continued increase.
Duck counters have never agreed on numbers, but all except
D-U.TIs counters agree on the -resent downward trend. It is
dangerous to conceal a dow;±urrd trend, or to ignore evidence
that such a trend exists.
2. D.U. has said, in effect: "Write us a check, and more liberal
regulations will follow". Such contingent contributions
arc
dingerous, and also unnecessary. Real abundance automatically
brings liberalization. It needs no lobby.
3. D.U. Is publicity has "played up" the waterfowl losses
which its
field program can reduce, and. "played down" the rest,
especially
guns. Such selection and distortion. of evidence is dangerous
because it creates a warped picture in the nublic mind.
We offer these criticisms because we are convinced that D.U. is an indispen-
sible part of the waterfowl restoration program, and that it cannot afford
to impair its credit by false claims.
If the Directors of D.U. doubt the validity of these criticisms, we suggest
that they consult their ovwn chief naturalist, 3. W. Cartwright.
Aldo Leopold
Lyle K. Sowls
1. Albert Hochbaum
Arthur S. Hawkins
Robert H1 Smith
'Richard Griffith
DUCKS UNLIMITBD Minneapolis 15,
Minn.
April 18, 1946
Mr. Aldo Leopold
University of Wisconsin
Madison 5, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
Referring to the memorandum addressed to the directors regarding
activities of Ducks Unlimited under date of March 30th, 1946, signed by
yourself and Lyle K. Sowls, H. Albert Hochbaum, Arthur S. Hawkins, Robert
H.. Smith and Richard Griffith. Criticism as follows:
1. "During the last two years the_ plain trend of the evidence is that
water-
fowl have boon decreasing, and that cortain species are actI ally in danger.
Despite this evidence, D.U. has claimed continued increase.
Duck counters have never agreed on nutmbers, but all except D.U.s counters
agree on the present downward trend. It is J..ngerous to conceal the downward
trend or to ignore evidence that such a trend exists."
In answer, I submit the following:
Season ýg Limit DU Summer Estimate Wildlife Soinrice
1937 30 days x 10 140,00,000 ... 36-49,000,000
Winter Estimate
1938 45 "
1939 45 "
1940
1941
Go, '"I
xx 10
xx 10
xx 10
60 1, i zxx 10
1942 70 " xxx 10
1943 70
1944 sO
1945 go
xxx 10
+ 10
50,000,000
62,000,000
69,000,000
75,000,000
97,000,000o
125,000,000
140,000,000
10 140,000,000
ft4g--58,O00,O000
654-~,ooo,ooo
65,000,000
70,000,000
ft 100,QOOQOO
119,600,000
125,350,000
105,500,000
not yet announced
Not including Mexico and other counutries South of U.S. border.
x Canvasback, redhead, ruddy, bufflehead and wood duck protected.
xx Only 3 canvasback, redhead, ruddy or bufflehead ducks.
xxx Only 3 redheads and buffleheads.
I Limit 15 for mallard, pintail, wldgeon.
Note: Wildlife Service Winter estimates arc made each January following the
shooting season.
DUCKS UNLI14ITED
Page #2 Mr. Aldo Leopold 4/1s/46
Increase of oven season by 10 days and increasing dailylbag limit
indicates United States Fish & Wildlife did not recognize any change
in trend
up to and- including 1944. Cartright's 1945 report indicates no change from
previous year but states "Thus for the first time since 1939 the upsurge
of
the waterfowl was definitely chocked."
2. "D.U. has said, in effect: "Write us a check, and more liboral
regulations
will follow." Such contingent contributions aro darigotous and also
unnecessary.
Real abunaxnco automatically *brings liberalization. It noods no lobby."
It is an established fact that D.U. have taken no part in any
program which tends to influence shooting regulations in '4orth America.
That
I believe would be conoedbectby the Fish & Wildlife Service and futther
it is
recognized by the average hunter. D.U. had no part in increasing the open
season to eighty &ays in 1944 or any part in increasing the daily bag
limit
to fifteen birds. Nor rany part in the out-of-ýs(3')son slaughter
of 7cks in
California and Colorado. eoithor did thoy have any part in setting an open
season of eighty days in 1945: Criticism ;#:2 would seem to be unwarranted.
p. "D*U. 's uubliity ha," "played up" the water fowl
losses ffhich its field
program can reduce, and "played down" the rest, especially guns.
Such selection
and distortibn of evidence is d.angerous because it creates a warped picture
in the oiublic mind,"
I believe it is, conceded by naturalists that about 70% of wild
ducks
hatched are lost from various causes before they are on wing. If carrying
on of the D.U, program can reduce thait figure even a few percent their existence
will have been more than justified. As to "playing down the losses,
especially
guns." The greater part of th6 control of that' loss lies within the
province
of the Fish 2 Wildlife Service in the regulation of the open season and daily
bag limit.
You can be sure that members of D.U. will appreciateo and do not
wish
to limit the constructive criticism whi has to do with the soundness of
the
plan of D.U. operations being carried forvard in Canada. We have the assurance
thru Dr. Cottam of the co-operation of the Fish & Wildlife Service. I
am sure
yourself and others in your ,roiup can be most helpfal wvith your expert
1nowledge
in giving D.U. your close co-operation, wh±ich will be very welcome.
Yqurs vorý truly,
(sigened) M.W. Smith_
Prosident
424 University Farm Place
Madison 5, Wisconsin
nay 13, 1946
Mr. 1&. W. Snith, President
Dacks Unlimited
Minneapolis 15, M1innesota
Dear 'Mr. Smith:
Your letter of Anril 1g convinces me that there is little use
of our trying to discuss details. We argue from different
premises, and thus "speak a different language". I am particularly
baffled by your contention that DU has not tried to influence
regulations.
7hile your letter gives me no indication of any change in DU
policy in the direction I had hoped for, the spring issue of
the DUT"aarterly" does. For the first time in several years
the Quarterly presents some frank statements of unpalatable
facts about the status of waterfowl.
This is a welcome c _,nge. I infer that there are oeo-ole inside
as well as outside the DU staff who cannot swallow the policy of
evasion which has prevailed in recent years. I hope that you, as
the new prosident, will encourage this shift toward honest fact-
facing.
When I got your letter I made upn may mind to resign, but I think
I will stick a while to see if this new shift continues. I
earnestly hope it will,.
Yours sincerely,
(signed) Aldo Leopold
Prpagate
Preserve
WISCONSIN
4HUNTERS ASSOCIATION IN
/-I P~po"Sid.A "A*" diaed
Ii ~ WTWUWW@W'5 WSIUIWI.
7
"h i~j 4- Office of the President
May 2, 1946
Professor Aldo Leopold
424 University Farm Place
Nadison 6, Wisconsin
Dear Mr. Leopold:
I was positive that DU would pay particular heed to your suggestion and I
must now admit my disappointment over their disregard of your advice, the
logic of which and the sincerity that prompted the thought are commendable.
The Association, as stated in my previous letter, has publicly voiced
criticism of DU, but, because of a reluctance to take steps that might en-
danger the flow of revenue to the project in Canada, we have not made a
fight of it.
It is the belief of many intelligent sportsmen and conservationists that
a nation-wide reprimand should be administered, and I offer as a suggestion
that you and your colleagues make an issue of it through proper sources.
I believe the eventual good that may result will be worth the effort, and
a good scrap is oftimes good for the soul. The task of holding and build-
ing up the duck population will suffer if the effort is not based on hard
reality free from present distortion.
Your good friend, Gordon MacQuarrie, is one writer who would be happy if
you would give him the suggestions tendered to DU. lie has expressed him-
self vehemently about its tactics and nothing would delight him more than
an opportunity to shoot his six guns in his colunn.
Anyhow, I leave with you the thought that there is an explosive in your
pen if you choose to use it, and I trust you will forgive me if I have
placed myself in the position of "holding your coat". However,
you may
be assured of support from many of the same mind, and particularly the
Association.
Very truly yours,
Arthur Molstad
1303 W. Kilbourn Ave., Apt. G
am-mf Mlilwaukee 3, Wisconsin
HUNT WITH A DOG
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A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation
201 Bank of Commerce Chambers,
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
April 30, 1946.
Professor Aldo Leopold,
424 University Farm Place,
University of Wisconsin,
MADISON, Wisconsin.
Dear Professor Leopold$
In the memorandum to the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited
by you and your associates, dated March 30, criticism No. 1
reads: "During the last two years the plain trend of the evidence
is that waterfowl have been decreasing, and that certain species
are actually in danger. Despite this evidence, D.U. has claimed
a continued increase."
Attached, please find the tabulation of the reports received by
DU from their observers in the west, during the spring and fall of
1944/.The census appraisals resulted in a figure of 140 million,
an increase of 15 million over the previous year, or 124. This
figure was published in the fall of 1944.
During this season an increase of some 300 thousand hunters took
place--a fact of which we were unaware until the information was
released by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service in 1945.
Their winter population estimate indicated a decrease as compared
with 1943. My interpretation of this apparent contradiction is
as follows: The increase shown by our figures, namely, 15 million,
was insufficient to accommodate the increased hunting pressure.
Not only was the 1944 increment wiped out, but inroads on capital
were made.
(helneral Manager:
T. C. MAIN, M.E.I.C.
Asst. General Manager:
E. S. RUSSENHOLT
Chief Engineer:
G. R. FANSET, B.Sc., c.E.
Chief Naturalist:
B. W. CARTWRIGHT
Saskatchewan Manager:
AV. L. BUNTING, B.Sc., C.E.
Xlburta Manager:
R. M. HARLEY
OFFICES:
201 Bank of Commerce
Winnipeg, Manitoba
42 Gov't Insurance Bldg.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Qu'Appelle Bldg.
Edmonton, Alberta
I cannot see how DU could have recognized a downward trend in 1944.
All we could see at this end was that the increase had not been as
great as that of 1943. In 1945 our observers again reported an
increased return of breeding stOck' as compared with 1944, but the
relation of increases to decreases and no change, was drawing
closer together and it became apparent that hunting pressure in the
United States was approaching the limit that the birds could stand.
An adverse breeding season showed up in the census appraisal which
came out at 143 million as compared with 140 million the year before.
During 1945, we consistently reported the adverse factors which were
To Increase and Perpetuate the Supply of Ducks
affecting the hatch, and our final statement that the very slight
increase indicated, applied to two or three species only, and we
named those species which showed no appreciable change or declines,
In the meantime, a further great increase in hunting pressure had
taken place, and again we had no information about this until long
after the hunting season was over. I do not see how we can identify
a downward trend until our spring tabulations show a decrease as
compared with the previous year, or our census results in lower
figures than the previous year.
One valuable lesson from this experience, is that the percentage
increase recorded in any season could be used to forecast the
amount of hunting pressure that could be allowed without making
inroads on capital. If any reasonably accurate figures on the
annual kill for the past two years were available, we could compare
them with the increment indicated by our census, and in that way
suggest the limits of permitted kill so as to hold same within the
increment* Of course, one adverse breeding season plays "hub"
with the whole setup.
Scattered reports coming in to date, indicate a lower return of
breeding stock as compared with last year, but the slump is not so
pronounced as I expected it to be. Our spring questionnaires will
go out about the middle of May, and I hope to have the tabulated
results ready early in June. I fully expect they will show a
lower return of breeding stock than the previous year, and if it
does, it will be the first time since 1938 that this has happened.
There can be no doubt that the sky-rocketing hunting pressure has
passed the limit of endurance, but if we have a favorable breeding
season this year, the results may not be so serious as anticipated.
April has been a warm, dry month throughout the west, with very small
precipitation. The run-off was patchy and shallow surface waters are
drying up fast. Prospects of a good juvenile survival are not bright.
Above normal rains in May and June will be needed to see the hatch
through, particularly in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Surface water
conditions in Manitoba are good and are in shape to stand a dry
season.
With kind personal regards,
Yours truly,
B,*. Cartwright,
Chief Naturalist.
*WC/BM
c.O. - Al Hochbaum
SPRING REPORTS -- DUCKS ONLY
1944
Tvu~w~~o~ flapgii~a 1~Tn (ThftV~A
ToEa.l No. of ReportS
]; A Taow-ne a - a^ Cl
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
93
172
100
Totals 365
19
49
5L6
124
SPRING REPORTS
1945
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
72
58
70
5
48
Totals 200
FALL HPORTS
1944
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
100
116
125
Totals 341
Manitoba 81
Saskatchewan 58
Alberta 55
29
67
41
137
1945
8
117
716
201 100
33
57
29
119
145
278
185
608
12
28
2.;4
64
22
47
115
89
134
359
151
230
212
593
34
45
21
123
220
495
Totals 194
(CANADA)
Ge~neral Manager:
T. C. MAIN, M.E.I.C.
Asst. General Manager:
E. S. RUSSENHOLT
Chief Engineer:
G. R. FANSET, B.Sc., C.E.
Chief Naturalist:
B3. W. CARTWRIGHT
Saiskatchewan Manager:
%V. L. BUNTING, B.S.., C.E.
Alberta Manager:
R. M. HARLEY
OFFICES:
201 Bank of Commerce
Winnipeg, Manitoba
42 Gov't Insurance Bldg.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Q&j'Appelle Bldg.
Edmonton, Alberta
A Permanent Work in Sport and Conservation