“Jim was almost exclusively interested in protecting wild life from man, shorter or no, seasons; reduced bag limits, banning of spears, etc., were items for which he would fight. He had an academic interest in fire, a sentimental leaning toward the planting of trees, no time for research or land acquisition. Jim was just too starry-eyed for the others to get.” So spoke another fellow member of the original commission on which Curwood served and directed during 1927.
Because of his short term on the conservation commission it was impossible for him to carry out many of his ideas. Had not the mighty hand of the Great Reaper struck, the conservation movements today would be much stronger and more firm than they are. He was the first and in reality the last man to start such a movement which carried over such a widespread field.
During this time with the Department of Conservation of the State of Michigan, Curwood was made a head of the Izaak Walton League. This is the largest organization on the conservation of natural resources in the world today. During a stormy meeting held in Chicago Jim almost resigned. At that meeting Jim drafted a plan whereby thousands and thousands of animals might be spared from the hunters’ guns. He was promptly informed that this plan would not work and could not possibly materialize. He arose and spoke with bated breath as he informed the large gathering that despite what they thought, the plan would and could be used effectively. He further stated that either the plan would be put into operation immediately or else his resignation would be forthcoming.
Many members of the Izaak Walton League could not as yet understand Jim and hesitated to vote. Eventually Jim Curwood had his way and his plan was put into operation. It worked better than even he had anticipated.
Today Jim Curwood stands as a typical example of righteousness in the halls of the State Conservation Department of Michigan. Even though many have felt that his work for the preservation of our natural resources was in vain, his work alone speaks for itself.
“One’s work is the voice that is heard most clearly and is most enduring.” Jim proved his belief that “it is the work that counts” only too well. His experience and intimate knowledge of the outdoors were his guides on all matters.
The first book to appear from Jim’s pen after the completion of Curwood Castle, was the widely read novel, “The Alaskan.” This book had an exceptionally large advance sale.
In the early spring of 1924, two short years after his studio had been constructed, Jim and Ethel returned from another one of his famous expeditions into the North. It was then that Jim released to his publishers his newest work entitled “A Gentleman of Courage,” a book which brought him still more widespread fame and glory. People were growing more and more each day to love this writer of the wilderness. He wrote undeniably about a land that seemed so wonderful and far off, and yet in reality so very close. Prompted by Jim’s writings many people have journeyed into the Dominion of Canada to make their homes.
The following year Jim published the first of his historical novels, “The Ancient Highway,” the locale being around old Quebec and its plains. Many critics praised this new type of work Jim had put out, but as he often remarked: