SLis. Conservation Department 
inutes of iiieeting of reserch bureau                           2. 
October 15, 1932 
The question of prairie chicken investigation demanded much 
attention and it was the unanimous opinion of those present that 
this work be continued uninterruptedly and that the knowledge and 
experience of Franklin Schmidt should be made available. In spite 
of the fact that Mr. Schmidt is going to school at least part of the 
time, his employment, when not so occupied, should be continued and 
in this manner the conservation department and the research bureau 
be in such a position that when a disease cycle does come in these 
birds, they will be able to carry out an inltensive investigation and 
have available all of the knowledge gained by their past study. 
The duck situation was also carefully analyzed and it was voted 
to recommend to the commission that a beginning be made in this 
important part of the game program, the first year of which could 
be easily spent in collecting various data and facts in regard to 
Wisconsin ducks and expanding on the survey. If possible, a special 
individual in the department should be delegated for this work and 
should "grow up" in the department so the work could be carried
over 
for a number of years. 
Mr. Webster emphasized the need of research work in his depart- 
ment and brcught before the bureau the necessity of making a survey 
of oar lakes and streams to the end that more scientific planting 
of fish may be made and of ascertaining what planting of fish food 
should be made in order to make the lakes and streams more effective 
for the propagation and growth of game fish. It was the opinion of 
the research bureau that this survey should be carried out by an 
individual capable of following out the work of Mr. Hubbs of 
Michigan. The possibilities of such a man would be unlimited and 
one only has to call to mind the work of Mr. Hubbs in creating 
artificial barriers in the streams in order to improve the condition 
of trout in rivers, as one of them. 
Noble Clark called the attention of the bureau to the many 
thousands of acres of land which were now becoming state property 
and brought out the most important thought that this land should 
be made attractive to the people for recreational purposes. 
Mr. Noyes made it plain that the conservation commission was already 
considering this project, but that he would again emphasize its 
needs to them. 
The meeting was then adjourned, the bureau to meet again as the 
necessity arises. 
 
--Merritt L. Jones, chairman