42 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF ENGINEERING 



By John SrENCEK, Chief 



The activities of the bureau were, as in other lines, curtailed by the 

 war. Routine inspections and investigations were carried on and con- 

 sideration was also given to the future operations when more nearly 

 normal conditions will prevail. 



Investigations and some construction were carried on where it 

 was permitted by the Federal agencies. The major portion of this 

 activity was for the Bureau of Game Conservation in connection with 

 their administration of the Pittman-Robertson Projects. When what 

 appears to be suitable projects are found, a preliminary survey is made, 

 and the data thus obtained determines its possible benefits to game. 

 Six surveys of this kind were made, the data worked up and submitted to 

 the Bureau of Game Conservation. In time some of these will probably 

 receive further consideration. 



The Tehama Winter Deer Refuge in Tehama County, comprising 

 25,000 acres, was surveyed, specifications were issued for fencing the 

 exterior boundaries, and the contract was awarded. The work, however, 

 has been under the supervision of the Bureau of Game Conservation. 



About 10 miles west of Gridley is the commission's Gray Lodge 

 AVaterfowl Refuge of 2540 acres. This refuge did have a system of 

 levees but these were improved and made more effective, and substan- 

 tial water control facilities and improvements were added. The levees, 

 which are of sufficient width for vehicle travel, required the placing of 

 212,000 cubic yards of material and totaled 12^ miles in length. Some 

 further work is to be done when present Avar restrictions will permit. 



Several projects are under consideration in Lassen County. One 

 purchase of 2,200 acres has been made for waterfowl purposes and 

 surveys are now in progress, and the intent is to proceed with the needed 

 and extensive improvements in 1945 if it is permitted under the war 

 regulations. 



The bureau has not had the proper facilities for storing its con- 

 struction equipment and supplies. When material for construction is 

 available it is expected to provide these facilities on land that has been 

 purchased in the City of Redding as that place will be equipment head- 

 quarters for central and northern sections of the State. 



The regular inspection of fish screens, previously installed, has 

 continued, the 1,500 inspections made have well demonstrated that 

 fish screens, as designed and installed, do stop the fish from entering 

 the water diversions and subsequently being destroyed, and at the same 

 time the continued flow of water is not stopped or interfered with. No 

 new fish screens have been installed. 



Four new fishways over or around dams have been constructed by 

 the owners of these dams. These installations were made due to com- 

 mitments made by the owners to the writer in the preceding biennium. 

 Over 250 inspections of dams and existing fishways were made to see if 

 improvements or repairs were required. Twelve fish ladders were 



