THIRTY-SEVENTH BIENNIAL REPORT 39 



An aerial survey of big game in northeastern California (Project 

 12-R) was begun in February, 1942, for the primary purpose of 

 determining the numbers and distribution of antelope in Modoc, Lassen, 

 and adjacent counties. In addition, information on the feasibility of 

 censusing deer, elk and sagehen from the air was secured. The survey 

 was completed just prior to the opening of the antelope season during 

 the latter part of May and a final report is now being prepared. 



Development Projects 



Two water development projects, Projects 1-D and 4-D, were begun 

 during the summer and winter of 1940. Project 1-D, still in operation, 

 involves the development of springs and the construction of enclosures 

 primarily designed to restore sagehen habitat, but also benefiting val- 

 ley quail, cotton-tail, antelope, and mule deer. The locale is north- 

 eastern California. Project 4-D, located in Inyo, San Bernardino, and 

 eastern Kern counties was completed just prior to the end of the 

 biennium. Ninety-four springs were developed, fenced against live- 

 stock, and the enclosures were planted with trees and shrubs which will 

 supplement existing food and cover. Valley, Gambel, and mountain 

 quail, chukar partridge, rabbits, and mountain sheep are the game 

 species which vsdll be primarily benefited by the 4-D development pro- 

 gram. 



Much of the work that has been completed by Projects 1-D and 

 4-D has been done in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, 

 United States Grazing Service, and the AAA. These agencies have 

 contributed materials or CCC labor for the development of springs that 

 will benefit both livestock and game. 



Project 7-D, undertaken in October, 1941, involves the resurvey 

 and reposting of the legislative game refuges. It is estimated that 

 approximately two years will be required for the completion of this 

 project. 



Project 9-D, the Suisun Waterfowl Refuge development project, 

 was completed during July, 1942. The construction of 41,047 feet of 

 levee and four new flood gates will protect the refuge from inundation 

 during periods of high water and will enable the better control of the 

 water supply during all seasons of the year. The end result will be 

 the production of a more adequate food supply for the migratory water- 

 fowl that use the refuge during the fall and winter months. 



Land Acquisition Projects 



Two land acquisition projects were begun during the biennium. 

 The first involves the purchase of black-tailed deer winter range in the 

 foothills of eastern Tehama County (Project 10-L) and the second, the 

 creation of a waterfowl management area in Honey Lake Valley, 

 Lassen County (Project 11-L). Both projects require the purchase of 

 a number of parcels over a period of years. One parcel of 23,000 acres 

 has already been acquired in Tehama County and negotiations for the 

 purchase of the basic unit of the Honey Lake Valley area were nearing 

 completion at the end of the biennium. 



