26 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



where district attorneys request such assistance, or they refuse to or 

 are unable to act; the prosecution of civil actions to enjoin unlawful 

 operation of reduction or canning plants; civil actions for injunction 

 and other remedies to enforce the construction of screens and fish- 

 ways, and to enjoin pollution of public waters ; defense of actions insti- 

 tuted against the division, the commissioners, or any employee thereof 

 in their individual or official capacity, to compel or restrain certain 

 acts, or for damages on account thereof. 



The attached report of the Legal Bureau will show the very consid- 

 erable extent of its activities during the past biennium. 



THE FUTURE 



There is probably no division of state government confronted with 

 such difficult and uphill problems, and yet more subject to critical 

 scrutiny, than the Division of Fish and Game. 



The extensive growth in population and development of our state 

 continues to circumscribe and draw upon the supply of fish and game 

 in manifold ways. More than a half million license holders, whose 

 numbers are rapidly mounting, finding less available and abundant the 

 sources of their favorite sport and recreation, outspokenly demand more 

 results from the fees they pay, many of these having divergent views 

 of how such results are best obtained. 



The division is now confronted with and probably always will face 

 the impossible task of pleasing or satisfying all. Endeavor as we may, 

 there will always be some to criticize and find fault. This should not, 

 however, deter us from seeking and carrying out the course best calcu- 

 lated to bring the greatest good to the greatest number. 



Conservation and restoration of wild life, to be effective, is dependent 

 on certain fundamentals and is best accomplished by pursuing a definite 

 program which should not be radically overturned or varied from 

 except where new or changed situations arise, and then only after 

 scientific experience and knowledge point the way. 



With these general observations, the undersigned recommends that 

 the present comprehensive working program of the division be con- 

 tinued, with principal effort being directed to eliminate lost effort and 

 promote greater efficiency. 



During the past year an effort has been made to keep in close touch 

 with the large number of sportsmen's clubs and conservation societies 

 throughout the state, and it is pleasing to report that on the whole 

 these organizations are fully cognizant of the program and efforts being 

 made by the division, and are enthusiastically giving their approval, 

 support and cooperation. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Eugene D. Bennett, 

 Executive Officer and Attorney. 



