developmental pressure than tidal wetlands and, as such, must be preserved 

 to assure their continued contribution to the environment. This is not to 

 say that these areas cannot be used for any other purpose. Multi-purpose use 

 of an area is not necessarily detrimental. Recreational (hunting and fishing) 

 use of such areas, if properly managed, can enhance the overall productivity 

 of a preserve by harvesting populations of certain game species such as deer, 

 rabbit, muskrat, and beaver that could multiply drastically if not controlled. 

 Multi-purpose preserve use will also help to satisfy the demand for nature 

 hiking and birdwatching. 



Economic disadvantages involve loss of land available for develop- 

 mento However, this loss is expected to be minor since most of the wildlife 

 management areas are to be established in State forests and parks. Some minor 

 legal problems are expected concerning methods of acquisition and administra- 

 tive responsibilitieso 



Acquire islands as wildlife management areaso Many of the islands 

 in the Sound, particularly those islands along the Connecticut coast, provide 

 habitat for herons, osprey, and other wildlife species. To allow anything 

 but very limited public use of these islands would only result in accelerated 

 deterioration of their fragile ecological systems. Guided access and permit 

 programs are examples of control mechanisms for protection purposes, Birdwatching, 

 nature study activities, or waterfowl hunting would probably not affect the island 

 habitat, but opening these islands to boating, swimming, camping or housing 

 development would certainly result in considerable habitat loss. On the other 

 hand, some islands may be suitable for limited or increased development. 



Social and economic objections to this recommendation are raised on 

 t^^KD grounds: (1) some of the islands are presently used for boating, swimming, 

 and picnicking, and it would be difficult to legislate for wildlife management 

 acquisition if the island is presently used or planned for active public 

 recreation, and (2) the question of State or local acquisition of these islands 

 poses a tremendous economic problem. The economic burden may possibly be eased 

 by considering for acquisition only 1±iose islands of prime quality. It may also 

 be possible to transfer some of the recreational demand for (duck) hunting, 

 fishing, swimming, and boating to other islands in the Sound which can handle 

 greater use. 



Maintain species diversity . To maintain or increase species 

 diversity several techniques may be employed. These include mowing, periodic 

 thinning and cutting of wooded areas to promote the growth of underbrush, 

 establishment of artificial habitat (wood duck houses, osprey platforms), and 

 letting some agricultural fields remain fallow to allow for the growth of 

 shrubs, grasses, and other seed-producing plants. Such measures will increase 

 the numbers of game species and will also provide habitat for more secretive 

 animals and birds. Greater species diversity will provide for greater hunting 

 opportunities as well as enhanced opportunities for "non-consumptive" enjoyment. 



No major objections are foreseen for this program. 



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