THE CONSERVATION OF OUR RIVERS 

 AND LAKES 



By C. H. Tovvnsend 



When the President of the United States, about three 

 years ago, created the Inland Waterways Commission 

 and outlined a policy for the development of inland 

 waters which should eventually relieve traffic congestion 

 and benefit the entire country, the people and the press 

 responded with enthusiasm. 



When a year later he called for a conference of the 

 Governors of all the States at the White House to con- 

 sider the conservation of our natural resources in gen- 

 eral, he achieved one of the great successes of his Ad- 

 ministration. It is doubtful if there was ever before, in 

 the history of the country, such an important gathering 

 of notable citizens. 



It is a fact that the people of the entire land realized 

 at once that the prosperity of the nation was dependent 

 upon the conservation of its forest, mineral, land, water, 

 and water-power resources. The word conservation has 

 acquired a special meaning to all patriotic Americans. 



The education of the people in these matters had, 

 however, been going on for years, by reason of the 

 activities of our national Bureaus of Forestry, Fisheries, 

 and Irrigation. To their existence and achievements 

 must, in great part, be credited the wholesome awaken- 

 ing of the past three years. 



I ask your attention for a few minutes to the subject 

 of our rivers, streams and lakes, and what they mean in 

 connection with our new national word, conservation. 



Let us glance at our greatest river — the mighty 

 Mississippi. How it dominates the map of our country! 

 How its tributaries reach out in all directions! With 

 its Missouri branch it is the longest river in the world. 



