Spring Into Conservation

Spring is upon us, and it’s that time of year when we get to spend more time in our wonderful outdoors. It’s a beautiful time of year to get the dust off your fly rod with the Missouri trout opener on March 1st, or get those hiking shoes out and spend some time on the many trails we have to offer. I am already starting to think about turkey hunting, mushroom hunting and crappie fishing, and I have the opening day of Spring Turkey Season on April 17th marked on my calendar. Be sure to check out Jeff Blystone’s turkey hunting article on pages 54 and 55.

Speaking of getting outdoors, at the end of winter last year, I had a fantastic opportunity to join the Missouri Department of Conservation staff and volunteers to go on a bear den check. We went in and checked the overall health of a sow bear, and her three little cubs. It was an amazing experience to be able to hold the cubs and watch the MDC teamwork. It was extremely impressive how organized and flawlessly the entire team worked in unison with safety at the top of its mind. Those little cubs weighed around 4-5 pounds, and holding them for the first time was something I will never forget.

It was great to see experience this in the field, especially after the Resolution that was passed in 2021 that garners support for the Science-Based Management of Black Bears in Missouri. I also had the opportunity to testify at two of the Conservation Commission meetings regarding that resolution. It was no doubt that the black bear populations are just one more success story in managing the great resources of the state.

Also, our Annual Convention just finished at the end of February, and we cannot thank everyone that came together for this 87th Annual Convention of CFM. It takes so many wonderful people, staff volunteers, donors, Conservation Leadership Corps students, and so many more. The auction, Resource Advisory Committees, Resolutions, Natural Resource Breakout Sessions, and a keynote speech by Governor Nixon were all top-notch. It’s great to see the beautiful friendships that continue to grow each and every year.

Please don’t forget that the legislative session is in full swing and you can monitor all our bills on our Legislative Action Center. Please take a moment to answer the call to action when you see us issue those alerts this session. We were certainly pleased that State Representative (and CFM life member) Bruce Sassmann has been appointed the Chairman of the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee in the House.

I hope that each of you has taken the opportunity to connect even further with nature for yourself this year. Spending time in the outdoors can be the best way to reflect and pause on all the stresses of life. I also hope you can join in to support CFM and be a part of the “Voice for Missouri Outdoors”. Our staff, board, and so many others truly can’t continue our collaborative success without relying on each other.

Yours in Conservation,

Tyler Schwartze CFM Executive Director, Editor

March 2023 - V84 No. 2

Officers

Zach Morris - President

Bill Kirgan - President Elect

Ginny Wallace -Vice President

Benjamin Runge - Secretary

Bill Lockwood - Treasurer

Staff

Tyler Schwartze - Executive Director, Editor

Micaela Haymaker - Director of Operations

Michelle Gabelsberger - Membership Manager

Nick Darling - Education and Communications Coordinator

Erica Loethen - Development Coordinator

Joan VanderFeltz - Administrative Assistant

Emma Kessinger - Creative Director

About The Magazine

CFM 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.

Conservation Federation is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Conservation Federation (USPS 012868) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members. Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation Periodical postage paid in Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices.

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Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101

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