of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 177

of the individual counties, but in formulating a continuingly improved policy
throughout the State generally.

Mr. LeCompte, has attended the organization meetings of a number of
these Councils, and is quite enthusiastic about the newly awakened interest
among those present in the conservation of soil and forests, and in wildlife
restoration.

Probably the most important single accomplishment of the Commission
during the past year was the establishment, through cooperation with the
United States Biological, Survey, of the 1, 200 acre "Indian Spring Wildlife
Restoration Project" on the old Darby property in this Country. Because of the
alertness of the Commission in availing itself of the provisions of the Federal
Pittman-Robertson Act, it was possible to secure 75% of the purchase money
for this tract from the Government, thus making it possible for the State to
take over the property at a reasonably small cost. Under the Game Technician
assigned to this project, Ernest A. Vaughn, who comes well recommended
because of similar work done with the Federal Security Administration, we
expect in the near future to begin operations in this area, and to put on a
wildlife demonstration project that will prove conclusively to the public the
results that can be accomplished in the restoration of wildlife when a suitable
habitat is maintained.

Supplementing this project, as you no doubt are well aware, are nine other
wildlife refuges, five of them in Western Maryland, that furnish additional
opportunity for the propagation of birds and game, under conditions as nearly
ideal as could be hoped.

Not at all dramatic but, nevertheless, of first importance to the future
wildlife of the State, is the Commission's program for furnishing seeds for the
planting of wildlife food patches. In this connection, I might mention, too,
that the Commission has done yeoman work in feeding, and thus preserving,
the wild water-fowl of the State during the severe winter just finished. Working
in conjunction with the CCC camps, 4-H Clubs, school and sportsmens' organiza-
tions, the Department distributed tons of grain for both upland game and wild
fowl, with the result that losses, despite the unusual conditions, were held
to a minimum.

Activities in the interests of the anglers have been most comprehensive
and well planned. For instance, in the past five months there have been placed
in the trout waters of our State from the Commission's hatcheries, 30, 000 trout
for the initial stocking, with 15, 000 to 20, 000 more held for later distribution.
As all of these trout are well over the legal size, ranking from eight to fourteen
inches, it is easy to estimate what a difference this will make to the fishermen
of our State. In addition to the trout, the past year witnessed the raising and
distribution of close to 300, 000 large and small mouth bass, and 50, 000 crappie
and blue gills. In the new ponds in Cushwa, near Clearspring, the Commission
anticipates at least 25, 000 trout, an increase of almost 50% over the old ponds.
Along with this restocking the Commission has done valiant work towards
clearing our streams of pollution, so that now with the exception of the head-
waters of the Potomac, Maryland streams are suitable for the stocking of game
and fresh water fish.

When we consider that there is no State appropriation for this purpose,
and that the only funds available are the anglers' license receipts, I believe
everyone will agree that the State and its fishermen are getting their money's