President’s Message
CFM Remains Committed to Our Mission
R
oses are my favorite flower and are especially comforting these days. Many of us still worry about the health and economic welfare impacting our families, friends and neighbors due to COVID-19. Rest assured, CFM is committed more than ever to our mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships. Prior to the COVID-19, CFM was tracking 80 bills that would impact Missouri conservation and environmental statutes. While the normal schedule of sessions was disrupted for several weeks, legislators were successful in getting several priority bills across the finish line. The House and Senate gave approval to 50+ pieces of legislation. •
Shelf-Stable Legislation – House Bill 1711 – Rep. Tim Remole, and Senator Mike Bernskoetter, championed CFM’s priority legislation to passage. HB1711 passed to allow shelf-stable meats like snack sticks to be processed for the children’s buddy backpack program.
CFM advocates’ grassroots call to action was successful in defeating the following legislation via face to face testimony as well as the new Legislative Action Center: •
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Missouri Department of Conservation – House Joint Resolution (HJR) 100 - The House Special Committee on Government Oversight heard Rep. Robert Ross’ HJR 100. Conservationists and environmentalists from across the state packed the House Hearing Room to show their opposition to the legislation. Sale of Eleven Point State Park – House Bill 2635 Rep. Jeff Pogue, sponsored House Bill 2635, and fought all session to amend other legislation to require the state to sell the Eleven Point River State Park. CFM, Missouri Parks Association and partners were successful in defeating Rep. Pogue’s proposed amendment. MDC Commission restructure – HJR 108 - Rep. Chris Dinkins, introduced this which would require voter approval. It would have increased the membership on the commission to nine nonpartisan members, one elected from each of the MDC regions and one appointed by the Governor. A coalition of conservation supporters was successful in killing this bill.
CONSERVATION FEDERATION
CFM remains relevant in what we do to support and defend Missouri conservation and its outdoor heritage. September 10th, marks CFM’s 85th Anniversary! Our staff, who worked remotely during the stay at home order, has returned to the office so feel free to call upon them at any time. CFM Officers, Board, members and friends of conservation continue to volunteer their time and talents, meeting via ZOOM and or conference call. While all regular CFM committees are functioning business as usual, I’ve appointed ad hoc committees to ensure we are thinking outside the box and making appropriate changes to be ready in the “New Normal.” CFM has implemented several cost savings initiatives, but has also had to cancel or postpone several revenue-generating and networking events, negatively impacting our 2020 bottom line. I realize you have many choices for the causes that you are passionate about. I hope that CFM is at the top of your giving list, whether it be monitory or as a volunteer. Remember, we are all in this together! Stay well and get outdoors whenever you can! On a personal note on the recent loss of past president, Ron Coleman, I appreciated his friendship and support through the many years we worked together in service to CFM. Like so many others, I benefited greatly from the examples he set as a conservation enthusiast and volunteer. We miss you, Ron!
Yours in Conservation, Mossie Schallon President, CFM
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my sense put in order.” — John Burroughs
