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Show and of all forms of life to the manner in which we manage the soil and waters of America. 91 It would also be a function of the conservation agencies to stress existing conservation information and entertainment materials. At present, beautiful pictures of scenery or wildlife are too often shown in educational programs without any attempt to follow through with the basic information showing the fundamental reasons why a famous cactus forest is disappearing or why a certain wildlife species needs a particular feeding area if it is to survive. Experience in public education has shown that far from being tedious, this additional information, that gives point to the story, is eagerly accepted by the general public. However, the preparation of material containing this additional interest and critical focus is a full- time job for professional staffs. There is no doubt that if such a conservation- education agency were established on an adequate basis, a very few years would bring a great increase in public support for the additional refuges, en- 91 Gabriclson, 1945a, p. 205. larged research staffs, new equipment, and the increased appropriations that are now so urgently, though for the most part fruitlessly, requested by the various conservation agencies. To any suggestion that Federal agencies embark upon an accelerated program of " education," there usually arises an objection to " regimented thinking" or the dissemination of " propaganda." The cooperative public demonstration methods so successfully used by the Soil Conservation Service might indicate the general answer to this objection. In any event, the education or information program should be conceived not as an attempt to force public thought along certain lines, but rather as a duty on the part of the Government to acquaint all the people with the facts covering basic interrelations of soil, water, plants, animals, and recreation, and their importance to national prosperity and contentment. If a really adequate presentation of the facts is given, the public can be relied upon to support the necessary program of conservation. 78 |