510 State Papers and Addresses

the other conservation agencies which we have been discussing may not seem
very direct upon first thought. There is, however, a very important relation-
ship between the management of our water resources and our forest lands, and
the use of our streams and rivers as the habitat and breeding ground for our
sport and commercial fishes. The question of stream pollution through the
drainage of mine waters is a serious problem in some areas. It seems quite
clear that, in considering all these various matters affecting the conservation
and protection of our natural resources, there is a close relationship between
•and among them. The greatest benefit will accrue from the coordinating ac-
tivities now made possible under the new setup.

The Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources will have nu-
merous functions, such as the conduct of topographic and other surveys and
the preparation of various types of maps to meet specific needs. It will be its
duty to study and report on the extent and character of the State's mineral and
water resources, and the control, so far as practicable, of the use of surface
and ground waters of the State, as well as the control and construction of
reservoirs, dams, and any water-way obstructions. Through its subsidiary
Bureau of Mines, it will be responsible for the inspection and safeguarding of
mine operations. A final responsibility will be the recommendations for policies
for the protection of the waterfront and waterways of the State against erosion.

One of the most important steps taken in connection with the creation of
the Board of Natural Resources was the setting up of the Department of Re-
search and Education, to exercise the functions of the Chesapeake Biological
Laboratory and the Maryland Weather Service. Also, it is expected to develop
a comprehensive research and educational program covering the natural. re-
sources of the State. In setting up this Department on an equal basis with the
other Commissions and Agencies dealing with conservation and having repre-
sentation on this Board, the very great importance of research and education in
the field of conservation is recognized.

Information of the highest practical as well as scientific value has been
accumulated as a result of the work of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
over a period of years. Under this new setup, it is expected that the marine
investigations will be continued and expanded as means may be found available
to support such a program. At the same time, it is expected that the research
facilities and program of this newly-created Department will equally serve the
needs of the Department of Game and Inland Fish with respect to the problems
for which that Department may be seeking a solution. It is, of course, expected
that the varied research activities of this Department will be cooordinated with
the research activities of our State institutions and with the agencies of the
Federal Government.

This new Department of Research and Education is also charged with the
very considerable" responsibility of carrying out an educational program in the
field of conservation. In the last analysis any permanent progress in conserva-
tion seems to depend upon an enlightened public opinion growing out of an
understanding of conservation problems by the general public. The provision,
therefore, of this new legislation for the establishment of a program of educa-
tional institutions and through other channels seems to be of paramount im-