of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 479

debate and, as you recall, was based specifically upon the studies and recom-
mendations of the committee of citizens which I appointed prior to the last
session of the General Assembly, which committee had as its chairman, Mr.
William F. Schluderberg. The personnel of this committee, representing a
wide diversity of viewpoints and conservation interests, worked long and dili-
gently in studying the problem and in formulating recommendations which
were in a large measure enacted into law. A very great debt of gratitude is
due to all of those who served. on this committee for the public service they have
rendered.

While some had other views as to the most beneficial program for the
complete unification of our conservation administration, I believe the plan, as
recommended by this committee and finally adopted, represents a very great
advance. toward a more effective coordination of the work now being done by
the various State agencies directly concerned with conservation matters.
Through it, we can secure a closer community of interest among the officials
in charge of our conservation work and, as expressed by the committee, it
should point the way towards a better understanding of the interrelation of
our forest, fishery, mineral, game, water, mine and other natural resources.
Furthermore, it will serve as a clearing house for constructive suggestions and
recommendations with respect to conservation matters.

The effective management of any of our natural resources is the proper
concern of the people of the entire State and the establishment of this Board
makes possible the focusing on problems affecting the State's natural resources
of a viewpoint free from sectional interest or bias. The caliber of men who
have agreed to serve on this Board indicated that citizens of broad vision are
ready to assist if the venture is divested of political or ulterior considerations.

If we will examine each of the fields of conservation with which your
Board has to deal, I think that we can find grounds for encouragement in
recent progress made. But we do not have to look far to discover much useful
and necessary work yet to be accomplished before we can be reasonably content
that we have dealt effectively with these resources.

Potentially one of our richest resources is our Chesapeake Bay and its
tidewater tributaries. In terms of the improved administration of our existing
laws and with respect to constructive legislation recently passed, there are
grounds for satisfaction. Certainly our oyster industry has benefited very
materially through the strict enforcement of the oyster cull law. This has
resulted in an increased harvest through the greater growth resulting from
small oysters being left on the bottoms for further growth, and in better
demand for the higher grade product which is being offered for sale. This has
meant considerably augmented income for those engaged in the industry. There
is no doubt, however, that we are very far from realizing on the full productive
possibilities of our oyster producing areas.

Our supply of shad and herring continues on a comparatively low level,
but here again we have reason for optimism in view of the constructive fishery
legislation developed by the industry in cooperation with the conservation
officials of the State and the Federal Governments. In fact, I am advised