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The 1960 N.R.C.I. Conference 
By Mrs. JANE TESTER 
Tur THEME CF the 7th Annual Conference of the Natural Resources Coun- 
cil of Illinois, Sept. 28, 24, and 25, was “Conservation, Town and Country 
Style.’ The meeting was held at Camp Sagawau in Palos Park, Cook 
County Forest Preserve. The conference was called to order by Dr. Richard 
Rodrian, chairman. 
How can we be more effective conservationists? This question was the 
theme of the round table discussion held on Friday evening. Session chair- 
man George Fell of Rockford asked: “What techniques can we use as in- 
dividuals, clubs and state organizations to make our conservation activities 
successful?” Points brought out in the discussion showed that a good place 
for a local club to begin would be with a local conservation problem. For 
instance, an organization could spot the possible loss of a local marsh and 
take action before the land is sold. Other topics included practical ways of 
meeting the pesticide problem. 
The Saturday morning session centered around the topic, ‘““Conservation 
on Farm and Public Lands.” Dr. B. K. Barton stated that conservation 
programs must be dynamic and look to future needs instead of worrying 
about the mistakes man has made in the past. Bruce Clark of the U.S. De- 
partment of Agriculture told about the soil conservation districts in Illinois. 
Paul Hudelson, an Illinois State Department of Agriculture watershed ex- 
pert, showed delegates a map of Illinois depicting the major drainage areas 
of the state. He explained how Public Law 566, the small watershed flood 
control act, works. There are now 19 watershed projects in Illinois that 
have been approved under the new law. 
Members of the Illinois Department of Conservation explained their roles 
in conservation of farm and public lands. Fred Seimert, forester, pointed 
out that there are two phases to forestry: financial and aesthetic. The farm 
forestry program of the department is set up to show the woodlot owner 
how to manage his area best. William Harth of the Division of Hatcheries 
discussed problems in the field of fish conservation, with emphasis on habi- 
tat. Tom Evans told the conference delegates some of the problems of game 
management. 
Raymond Mostek, I.A.S., was chairman of the Saturday afternoon session 
on “Conservation, Urban Style.” Charles Kirshner of the Sangamon County 
Planning Commission explained that in order to obtain and expand a park 
system, the public must be educated to the need for saving open land. 
Frank Lupton of the Rockford Park District described Rockford’s outdoor 
education program. 
Arthur Schultz of the Chicago Park District spoke of the “Private Pres- 
sures on Public Parks.” He predicted that 40 years from now there will be 
twice as many people. By 1978, when vacant lands are completely de- 
veloped, the Chicago Park District will have to look to the urban renewal 
program for new lands. 
Robert T. Sasman of the State Water Survey Division spoke on ‘The 
Urban Citizen and the Water Table.” He explained that we need more 
understanding of water resources. While there is no water shortage in the 
state as a whole, there are problems of distribution. Deep wells have shown 
the greatest drop in water levels. Robert C. Morris of the Lake County Re- 
gional Planning Commission discussed “Urban Areas and the Control of 
Flood Plains.” 
