58 



CONSERVATION OF WATERFOWL 



there are numerous areas that should be developed along the migration 

 routes; and there are still a few major breeding ranges that can be re- 

 stored, although all of the major restorations of this type that are at 

 present economically feasible are under way. 



S DEPARTMENT Of THE INTERIOfl 

 FISH ANO WILDLIFE SERVICE 



NATIONAL 

 WILDLIFE REFUGES 



In addition, there are thousands of small areas in all three classes 

 that are now being developed to a considerable extent by private and 

 community initiative. In Canada, the Provinces and private organiza- 

 tions are carrying out the same kind of restoration program. Together 

 the combined effort of all agencies is great enough that it is having a 

 marked effect, and will continue to do so as long as the marshes are main- 

 tained and protected. 



The other factor necessary to the conservation of waterfowl, that of 

 regulating the take, has been protested by certain individuals and prob- 

 ably always will be. It is impossible, however, to maintain a continental 

 population of migratory waterfowl great enough to permit everyone 

 to kill as many as he pleases, and still have satisfactory numbers left. 

 Some restrictions on the take and methods of taking are necessary to 

 maintain a breeding stock to produce the next year's crop. While it is 

 absolutely true that without marshes to provide year-round homes for 

 them, migratory waterfowl cannot exist, it is equally true that all the 

 marsh restoration in the world will be useless unless an adequate stock of 

 birds is preserved to inhabit the marshes and to produce the crop that 

 we wish to harvest. 



What can the individual do to help this program? There are 

 numerous opportunities. He can aid by supporting the program, finan- 



