of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 481

for the protection of some 4, 000, 000 trees along the streets and highways
throughout the State.

The relationship between the Department of Geology, Mines and Water
Resources and some "aspects of the work of the other, conservation agencies
which we have been discussion may not seem very direct to all persons. There
is, however, a very important relationship between the management of our
water resources and our forest lands and also 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 activities which are perhaps the
chief function of this Board.

One of the most important steps taken in connection with the creation of
this Board of Natural Resources is the setting up of the Department of Re-
search and Education to exercise the present 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 resources of the State. In setting up this Department an on equal
basis with the other Commissions and agencies dealing with conservation and
having representation 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 coordinated with
the research activities of our State institutions and with the agencies of the
Federal Government.

Well-informed citizens are aware of the marked strides which have been
made in the field of agriculture during our time as a result of the vast program
of research and investigation which has been conducted for many years by
State and Federal agencies. The practical application of the facts developed
by these research programs has literally revolutionized our American agricul-
ture. Does it not seem possible that an expanded research program might
pay rich dividends if applied to the water resources of this State? I mean
research directed to the finding of the answers to practical problems rather
than in the field of abstract science.

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-