THIRTY-NINTH BIENNIAL REPORT 49 



The United States Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to cooperate 

 with the State in land examination and appraisal. This agreement has 

 been fulfilled in every respect. 



There was general concord by all parties that 3,500 acres was the 

 smallest unit which could be economically administered and that 5,000 

 was a desirable minimum. 



Lands of marginal or submarginal agricultural quality only, can be 

 considered for public shooting grounds, first because of purchase cost, 

 and second, to avoid a reduction in agricultural production. The latter 

 was an especially potent reason in wartime. 



The necessity for an adequate and cheap water supply limits still 

 further a choice of sites. Agricultural markets expanded by war prices 

 have put into cultivation considerable acreage which normally would 

 have been available for acquisition and has inflated values on practically 

 all land far beyond its actual productive capacity. 



Because all purchase money was to be furnished by the State, the 

 Department of Finance ruled that appraisal by the United States Fish 

 and Wildlife Service could not be accepted unless supported by a com- 

 parable appraisal from an acceptable independent source. This decision 

 was a concession on the part of the Department of Finance, since that 

 organization commonly required three appraisals. 



The following is a list of tracts which have been examined and of 

 findings and action taken in each case. The projects are li^ed in the 

 order of their inception : 



1. Yolo By-Pass, Yolo County, 74,000 acres. This area was reported 

 favorably but the key land holders refused to consider selling. This area 

 is one of the most adaptable sites examined but because of the attitude 

 of the owners is unavailable. 



2. Merced County Tract, 5,500 acres. This tract embraces the 

 southern portion of the Crane Ranch and miscellaneous adjoining prop- 

 erties. The report on this land was generally favorable, although its 

 water supply is inadequate pending allocation of Central Valley waters. 

 The Crane Ranch was appraised by the United States Fish and Wildlife 

 Service, and the additional lands by Merced Realty Board. Negotiations 

 were terminated when the Crane interests executed a long time lease at 

 a figure which implied a value for in excess of the appraisal. 



3. Hay Ranch, Madera County, originally 3,200 acres ; finally 7,000 

 acres. This tract was offered by the owner at $40 per acre with the pro- 

 vision that he retain grazing rights for a period of 20 years from date of 

 sale. The offer was declined by the Fish and Game Commission because of 

 the grazing stipulation. 



4. Chico Sportsmen's tract, Glenn County, 5,700 acres. Located in 

 the southeast corner of Glenn County along the west side of Butte Creek. 

 This tract was appraised by members of the Chico Realty Board and was 

 favorably reported upon by the Bureau of Game Conservation. It is not 

 of record that a definite rejection of this tract has been made. 



5. Moffat tract, Madera County, 5,000 acres. This tract abuts on 

 Lone Willow Slough just north of Number 3 above. It is without water 

 right and would be dependent on floodwater runoff, supplemented by 

 pumping. Development and maintenance cost would be high. It was 

 rejected for these reasons. 



4—72069 



