WUMfc JfaMai and Wate* 



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There are three principal limiting factors in 

 the natural propagation of any type of wildlife. 

 These are food, water, and cover. The program 

 being worked out under this project, therefore, in- 

 cludes the improvement of water, food and cover. 

 This is being carried out on a state-wide basis. 



Typical of the work being carried on is the 

 fencing of the upper portions of existing reser- 

 voirs and the planting of food and cover within 

 these enclosed areas. In this way nests and young 

 birds are protected from the trampling of live- 

 stock. It has also been found that vegetation at 

 the upper end of reservoirs aids materially in 

 de-silting the water that flows in, thus lengthen- 

 ing the life of these reservoirs. In all cases where 

 this work is being carried on, sufficient shore line 

 is being left unfenced to accommodate the needs 

 of livestock. 



The shrubs being planted are species that 

 not only supply cover and protection, but also 

 furnish food. Examples of these are: Caragana, 

 Russian olive, wild rose, chokecherry, buffalo 

 berry, and wild plum. Shore line plants are im- 

 portant as they improve the nesting sites and also 

 add to the feed supply. Smart weed, millet, and 

 crested wheat grass are the more important 

 plants being used for this purpose. The plants 

 that grow out in the water are classed as aqua- 

 tics. They are of particular importance as sources 

 of food for waterfowl, and also afford nesting 

 places for several species. The more important 

 aquatic plants being developed under this pro- 

 gram are prairie and hardstem bullrush, duck po- 

 tato, wild celery, and several types of pond weed. 

 Twenty thousand shrubs are being secured 

 through the Soil Conservation Service at no cost 

 to the Fish and Game Commission. 



Melstone BeBervoir in Musselshell County. The wildlife de- 

 velopment area is shown just beyond the fence. The planting 

 of shore line and aquatic vegetation will greatly improve 

 this reservoir for wildlife. 



