THE ROLE OF THE STATE 601 



With regard to the last mentioned harmful practice, fortunately, one seldom finds conditions 

 in the Northeast so uniform as to stimulate large areas composed almost exclusively of one 

 or two tree species. Where these do occur, either naturally or as a result of some activity 

 controlled by man, grouse usually are notable by their absence. 



Common sense and scientific fact are combining to counsel moderation with all of these 

 practices. They are their own worst enemies, in that when vigorously carried out they tend to 

 so far destroy the balance of Nature as, ultimately, to build up a strong resistance to the very 

 things they seek to accomplish. To combat them it is necessary first clearly to establish cause 

 and effect by pertinent research, and secondly, to discourage the practice by emphasizing the 

 undesirable results. Only by such a program, even though it cover a span of years, can many 

 of these harmful practices be combatted. 



THE ROLE OF THE STATE 



Grouse, like other wildlife, are the properly oi all the people. Individuals and organiza- 

 tions, therefore, rightfuU) look to the State for leadership in planning and carrying out any 

 overall projects in behalf of the bird. 



Here the State is confronted with a difficulty of long standing. Naturally, concern for and 

 interest in the bird's welfare breeds many a suggestion as to what should be done. The halls 

 of the hot-stove leaguers resound with well-intentioned, vigorous debate. Come hunting sea- 

 son, the State's Conservation Department is deluged with suggestions, complaints, demands, 

 constructive ideas and crackpot impressions. Bedeviled bv such a deluge it is small wonder 

 that many state game administrators are apt to overlook the broad picture in trying to satisfy 

 the immediate demand. In this respect New York is fortunate in that the pertinent facts 

 are already at hand as a guide for constructive action. 



What, then, ought we to expect of the State by way of practical assistance in producing more 

 grouse? The suggestions that follow fall broadly into two divisions. The first concerns 

 responsibilities of an annual nature, the carrying out of which immediately affect both grouse 

 and hunter. The second group are long-time comprehensive projects calculated to produce a 

 steady improvement in conditions for the bird over a period of years. 



Annual responsibilities include: — 



1. A yearly inventory of conditions and abundance. 



2. The regulation of hunting. 

 Long-term projects encompass: — 



1. Research into the life history* and management of grouse. 



2. Application of the facts thus found. 



3. Acquisition and development of public lands on which grouse represent one of the 

 major crops to be encouraged. 



4. Maintenance of adequate hunting opportunities. 



5. Encouragement of private landowners to produce more and better grouse coverts. 



6. Stimulation of an interest in and a knowledge of grouse problems, and their solution. 



7. Sustained efforts on fundamental game, soil and forest conservation programs. 



To carry out any one of these is a job in itself. Attendance to all of them, even over a 



* Practically complete for New York. 



