U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Office of the Secretary 
Press Service 
 
Release - Immediate 
February 14, 1923. 
BVRNING OVER WASTE LANDS 
A MENACE TO WILDFOWL 
The practice in some sections of burning over waste land and marshes 
during April and May frequently results in great destruction of bird life

and birds, nests and eggs, particularly on marsh land where wild ducks breed,

according to the Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agri-

culture. The department suggests that where it is at all possible the 
growth should be left alone, or the marshes burned previous to the arrival

of the birds or the building of the nests, which would be, generally speak-

ing, in February and March. In many instances the burning is unnecessary

and no good purpose is served by it. Due to the draining of numerous areas

throughout the country for agricultural purposes, suitable breeding places

for birds are constantly becoming fewer in number, and for this reason the

unnecessary burning over of waste lands and marshes should be discouraged

everywhere by bird lovers, conservationists, and sportsmen. 
 
764-23