rns UAB TOON Bele USB ale leN: 23 
manent nesting cover within a radius of about 2 miles from the traditional 
booming grounds in each of these three areas. 
In my opinion, it will be almost criminal if the interested citizens of 
Illinois stand idly by and allow the Prairie Chicken to suffer the fate of the 
Heath Hen and the Passenger Pigeon, especially when we have a good 
chance to save the chicken. Every member of The Illinois Audubon Society, 
and all others interested, should take vigorous steps to call the attention 
of important people — from the governor on down — and groups and 
agencies national, state and local — to the precarious condition of our 
Prairie Chicken flocks. We cannot afford to waste time if we are to succeed 
in saving this species in Ilinois. Of course, everyone should give all he can, 
but big money is needed. The PCFI is a going concern with tax excempt 
status and it could buy much of needed land if it had the necessary funds. 
However, I see no reason why the Legislature should not also be asked to 
appropriate $250,000 - $500,000 to save the Prairie Chicken. Surely Illinois 
is wealthy enough to save this bird, which has had such an important role 
in the history of the Illinois Prairies. The Prairie Chicken sometimes meant 
the difference between starvation and survival to early settlers in Illinois, 
and the strutting dance of the Prairie Chicken cock was copied by the 
Plains Indians for their ceremonial dances. 
At the Natural History Survey we are making every attempt we can 
think of to inform and arouse Illinois citizens about what is happening. 
I know the Prairie Chicken can count on your continued support. 
Sincerely, 
Glen C. Sanderson, Head 
Section of Wildlife Research 
Illinois Natural History Survey 
Natural Resources Building, Urbana 
Audubon members — here is the challenge. What are you going to do 
about it? — Editor 
ROADSIDE BLIGHT REPRINT NOW AVAILABLE 
A magazine article by Michael Frome, originally written for American 
Forests, has been reprinted as a four-page leaflet by The [Illinois 
Audubon Society. Entitled, ‘“‘Let’s Rescue Our Roadsides Now,”’ 
copies of the leaflet have been sent to all members of the Illinois 
General Assembly and to Governor Otto Kerner. Copies in bulk 
have also been sent to I. A. S. Affiliates. The leaflet will be distri- 
buted at the Audubon Wildlife Film lecture at the Chicago Natural 
History Museum in April. Affiliates desiring bulk copies at no charge 
may write to John Yondorf, Vice-Chairman, I. A. S. Roadside Com- 
mittee, 3720 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Ill. 60613, indicating the 
number of copies desired. Individual members desiring copies may 
also write to Mr. Yondorf. The article traces the nation-wide effort 
to rescue our highways from litter, billboards, and crass com- 
mercialization. 
