ACTIVITIES S3 



times protection against the spread of parasitic infection ren- 

 ders such a course imperative. When this is done it must be 

 in accordance with plans of the Landscape Engineer of the 

 Service. Timber removed for use in the parks or because of 

 maturity is removed under the same restrictions. Cooperation 

 with the Bureau of Entomology of the Department of Agri- 

 culture is maintained in connection with protection against 

 insect parasites. 



Little difficulty is experienced in connection with wood steal- 

 ing by campers and others. The practice, as well as the taking 

 of wild flowers, is prohibited, and the regulation is enforced 

 by the rangers. 



Lakes and Streams. About the only direct activity of the 

 Service in lake and stream conservation consists in the guard- 

 ing against pollution of the waters. Water power in the 

 parks is not utilized by private individuals, although the Serv- 

 ice, in a number of instances, notably in the Yosemite, has 

 erected power plants for the creation of light and power for its 

 own use, and the use of some of its concessionaires. In coop- 

 eration with the Geological Survey some stream gaging is done, 

 readings being taken by the park rangers. 



Conservation of Wild Life. Hunting is not allowed in 

 any of the parks,^ and rigid restrictions are placed about the 

 possession of fire-arms. The park rangers are continually on 

 the lookout for poachers. Predatory animals, such as wolves, 

 coyotes, and mountain lions are also hunted by the rangers, 

 and efforts looking to their extermination are constantly going 

 on. Many are trapped and sent away to zoos and menageries. 

 Hard winters are the greatest menace to the game herds, how- 

 ever, especially in the Yellowstone, the country's greatest 

 game preserve. In severe winters feeding of the elk, buffalo, 

 and antelope becomes necessary. Hay is grown and cured 



1 Mount McKinley is an exception to the g^eneral rule. There, 

 miners and prospectors are allowed to kill game to supply them- 

 selves with food. See Section 8 of act of February 26, 1917; 39 

 Stat. L., 938. 



