THE ROLE OF THE STATE 



603 



In all but a few states the necessity of employing men technically trained for such work is 

 recognized. Often, they may serve a dual purpose by acting as consultants on wildlife prob- 

 lems in addition to carrying out their research. 



Service to the Landowner 



Facts are largely valuable in proportion to their use. Realizing this, the Conservation 

 Department has divided New York State into eight game management districts. In each a 

 trained technician is available to advise on grouse and other wildlife problems. But assisting 

 landowners and answering questions is only a part of their assignment. They are also respon- 

 sible for purchasing State game lands, planning productive developments thereon, and see- 

 ing that they are carried out. If the State is to fulfill its responsibility in these respects, some 

 such an organization is a prime prerequisite. 



Acquisition ami Development of (Arouse Lands 



In New York State it is no longer considered necessary to acquire public lands to serve 

 as refuges for grouse. Emphasis instead is placed on |)roviding public hunting grounds and 



NEW YORK STATE .S CAME MANAGEMENT AREAS ARE DEVELOPED ON THE MULTIPLE USE PRINCIPLE 



on managing the cover thereon so as to produce as nearly maximum crops as possible. On 

 public lands where grouse are not the major crop it is usually possible to make conditions 

 more favorable for them by suggesting, to those in charge, practices and improvements which 

 may be carried out incidental to the major development of the area. Much can be done in 

 this manner to encourage better grouse habitats on state lands where recreation or forestry 

 are the main considerations. 



