10 T HB A U.D OU BtOONG) Be U Lele 
Conservation News and Notes 
By RAYMOND MOSTEK 
THE 85TH CONGRESS has made a notable record concerning some of Ameri- 
ca’s resource problems. The Outdoor Recreation and Resources Review 
Commission, first proposed by the Izaak Walton League of America, was 
passed by Congress and signed into law by President Eisenhower. The bill 
establishes a fund of $2,500,000 to investigate outdoor recreation opportuni- 
ties. It will aid local and state officials and private organizations in surveys 
to preserve nature areas and recreation grounds. The Military Land With- 
drawal Act, sponsored by Rep. Engle of California, was also passed by 
Congress. It will help to preserve areas such as the Wichita Wildlife Refuge, 
long threatened by the Pentagon. The new law requires approval of Con- 
gress for military withdrawal of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres. It 
also requires military compliance with state game and fish laws. 
The Duck Stamp Bill was also made into law. It raises the fee for the 
stamp from $2 to $3, and earmarks the funds for acquisition of our dis- 
appearing waterfowl marshes. Here is another case where the fees of the 
hunters pay for the pleasure of the bird-watcher. Congress also passed a 
stepped-up research program by the U. 8S. Fish and Wildlife Service which 
will help determine the effects of chemicals on fish and wildlife. Senators 
Neuberger, Anderson, and Watkins helped to prevent a wholesale raid on 
the Klamath Indian Reservation lands in Oregon by the National Lumber 
Manufacturers Association. Through the bill, the huge timber holdings and 
the vast marsh land, an important waterfowl stopover on the Pacific fly- 
way, have now been assured of adequate protection in event of sale of the 
lands by Indian tribes. 
Thanks to the Garden Clubs of America, and Senators Neuberger and 
Gore, Congress passed a strong Billboard Control Amendment to the Federal 
Highway Acceleration Bill. Among other provisions, the bill provides that 
the Secretary of Commerce may promulgate standards for the new highway 
system. Signs may be permitted which give information of historical in- 
terest; signs advertising the sale or lease of property on which they are 
located are also permitted; legal activities within 12 miles of the road may 
also be allowed advertising signs — this is to benefit motels and restaurants. 
The bill grants states a bonus of one-half of one percent if they follow these 
standards. The amendments are not as strong as many proponents would 
have wished. The real battle for preservation of our highways from desecra- 
tion by billboard interests will be fought in the state legislatures across 
the land. 
ra i ft 
CONSERVATION HAS BEEN given considerable play by national magazines in 
the last few months: Holiday magazine for July devoted its entire issue to 
the beauty and wonders of natural America. It contained a score of full- 
page, magnificent photographs in full color. The Progressive magazine for 
May celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the TVA by devoting its whole 
issue to the event. One of the triumphs of the TVA is its insistence on public 
