MAY 2011 VOL. 72, NO. 3
Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Spring Fling Raises $1,836 for CFM! Read more about the fun at Pomme de Terre inside.
Inside This Issue:
MISSOURI
Wildlife
FEATURED ARTICLES
May 2010 Vol. 72, No. 3
Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Holds Tournament for CFM ..................4 Introducing the Missouri Atlatl Association ........................................10 CFM Debate Issues ....................................................................................12 Nature Conservancy Hires Todd Sampsell as Missouri State Director ......15 CFM Convention 2011 - Thoughts That Lead to Action
..................16
2011 Governor’s Youth Spring Turkey Hunt ........................................22 Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented ..................................24 Great American Campout ........................................................................28
NEWS, UPDATES AND COLUMNS View From The Stone House ....................................................................2 President’s Message..................................................................................3
OFFICERS Mike Schallon President Duane Addleman 1st Vice President Richard Ash 2nd Vice President Dan Zerr Secretary Randy Washburn Treasurer
STAFF Dave Murphy Executive Director/ Editor Matt Gaunt Director of Development Amy Buechler Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Office Manager Haymaker Laurie Coleman Membership Associate/ Managing Editor Joe Pendergrass Design & Production
School of Natural Resources
Update from the Director’s Office........................................................5 Solar Energy and a Diversified Energy Future....................................5 Development News
MO B.A.S.S and CFM on Pomme de Terre........................................29 Sporting Clays and a Quail Hunt ....................................................29 Teaming With Wildlife
CFM and MDC Receive National State Wildlife Action Plan Award ........8
Missouri TWW Urges Congress to Restore Federal Funding ................9 Calendar ..................................................................................................19 News & Issues ..........................................................................................30 Agency News
Economic Growth or Environmental Protection ..............................18 Young Turkey Hunters Post Another Good Harvest ..........................23 Member Information
List of Affiliates ..................................................................................3 Business Alliance Members ..............................................................31 Conservationists For Life ..................................................................21 New Members....................................................................................32
Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. ISSN 1082-8591
728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Phone • 573-634-2322 Fax • 573-634-8205 Email • dmurphy@confedmo.org Online • http://www.confedmo.org MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559. Of each member’s dues ($25 minimum) $10.00 shall be for a year’s subscription to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO. and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 COVER: Pack up, take a hike and camp out overnight somewhere in Missouri as soon as possible. You'll be glad you did! Photo compliments of DNR - Division of State Parks. ©2011
M IS S OURI
WIL DL I F E
1
VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE
Back Home For Good!
A
n eternity ago, I remember one of the toughest phone calls I have ever made. It was to my parents to tell them that after grad school, my wife and I were moving overseas to get our family started, to get to know my wife’s relatives and to take a brief break before beginning my career in conservation. I remember the disappointment, especially in Dad’s voice, when he knew for sure I was not taking over at the farm.
Our journey wound up being one of nearly 4 years. Both our daughters came along to unimaginably enrich our lives. I learned the language pretty well. I learned that the residents of every nation have their own nation at the center of the world map. I began to appreciate opinions different from my own, but equally valid in their own right. Economics, politics, religion, natural resource conservation…the enlightened society in which I was immersed provided constant opportunities for my personal 2
M AY
2 0 1 1
growth…and abundant instances in which I was the expert on American culture. An awful lot of folks learned about the America between New York and California through me, as their classroom teacher, as a part of their family through marriage, or even as a fishing buddy. We really couldn’t afford big phone bills. This was well before the appearance of the internet and e-mail. So I wrote long letters home each week… and looked eagerly forward to the arrival of the many communiqués from back in The States. Nearly every week came a one pager from Grandma… each and every one with the phrase “we’re on the go” somewhere in the text. Snapshots tracked the aging of all (save me, of course) and the unbelievable growth of little kids into young people who succeeded at growing up, even without my help. Throughout the adventure, and forever since, I have continued to think of myself as an American, as a Missourian, as a hunter, angler and trapper, and as a conservationist. By the time we reach adulthood, we have a very clear image of ourselves and we invest a heck of a lot in maintaining that image. Today I am thinking of what it might be like to be the first elk off the truck into the Missouri Ozarks after 150 years of absence for the species. Now THERE is a homecoming. As we teach in Hunter Education class, it will
take appropriate food, cover, water, space and arrangement for our elk to survive and thrive. Landowners and agency folk in the release zone are doing their best with production of food, cover and water. As to the space part, our elk are being reintroduced into the most appropriate and ample space available. The area is mostly forested, with precious few open areas and virtually no agricultural crops. So the arrangement of cover types is pretty much set as well. What happens next? Sometime in May we expect our elk to first have a chance to explore their ancestral home. Soon after that the first calves will drop, and the first cohort of 100% native, wild Missouri elk since the Civil War will learn to make a living in the Show Me State. Anoth-
er major mile marker of achievement in our incredible history of restoration and conservation! Wild Elk back home for good in Missouri! I vividly recall, after years abroad, coming home to hear and be back among my kin folks, friends and landsmen in our beloved Missouri. There is such an indescribable, irresistible and totally familiar beauty in home for each of us. Home is a unique source of solace and provides a sense of place where every sight, sound, and smell enhances one’s comfort and well being. Come to the Ozarks and experience the home range of our elk very soon. A part of who we are and where we have come from is restored at long last. — Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM
Pat Jones and State Parks Director Bill Bryan cutting the ribbon to open the Missouri River Bridge Project to connect the Katy Trail to the Capitol.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Spring Renewal
I
have been suffering from a bad case of spring fever! I began making my list of things to do at the first hint of spring. Well it’s finally spring and my list is long. My little piece of heaven is located in Montgomery County and has sat quietly through the winter months, but that’s all changing now. Dandelions are blooming, Dogwoods are showing their stuff. Morels are out there if you are lucky enough to find them. Turkeys are gobbling and bluebirds are returning to the nesting boxes I’ve made ready for them again this year. I have been busy cutting firewood for those first cool
nights that inevitably will return. My food plots are also a high priority. What to plant? Is soil testing needed? How much fertilizer will it take?
As you may surmise, spring time for me is a recommitment to provide for wild things and a time for me to recharge my batteries to be ready for the social and environmental challenges that lie ahead. With all of the economic and political turmoil the world over, will there be anyone to speak about the need to continue funding for fish, forest and wildlife? After contacting the elected officials that represent me at the state and federal levels there appears to be little support and it concerns me and it should concern you as well. As tough as things are, we must not overlook creatures that cannot speak for them-
selves. Like it or not we are the stewards of this domain and we owe it to future generations to care enough about our natural surroundings to protect them and look at the long term and not just the short term circumstances. So this spring, renew your commitment to our planet. Earth Day is just around the corner. What will you do in 2011 to make a difference? I’ve already made my list. It’s time for you to do the same! Yours in conservation, Mike Schallon President, CFM
C O N S E R V AT I O N F E D E R A T I O N O F M I S S O U R I A F F I L I A T E S Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. Big Game Hunters, Inc. Bridlespur Hunt Club Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc. Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coonhunters, Inc. Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club Meramec Area Sportsman Association Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Atlatl Association Missouri Bass Federation Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative
Missouri Bow Hunters Association Missouri Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Department of Agriculture Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Society of American Foresters Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited
Monett Sportsman League MU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Relief, Inc. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Saint James Civic Club Saint Louis Audubon Society South Side Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri University of Missouri Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club WOLF Parent Organization Wonders of Wildlife M IS S OURI
WIL DL I F E
3
Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Holds Tournament for CFM
T
he 2011 Spring Fling was held on Pomme de Terre Lake on Sunday April 10th. This year's event was a benefit tournament for the Conservation Federation of Missouri. Fifty-one boats braved the conditions, which were all but favorable to the field of anglers. Due to winter concrete pouring to repair the dam’s spillway, the lake level was 16 feet above normal pool. Combined with 30-40 mph winds, the fishing was extremely challenging. As always though fish were brought to the scales and a recap of the tournament is listed to the right. Most fish were reported to be caught on spinner baits and some on jigs. The river arms seemed to have a lot warmer water than the main lake but not much shad activity was reported in the river arms. I would like to especially thank the following people for their help in making this tournament run smooth as always; Bill Lewis, Jeannine Lewis, Elizabeth Lewis, Tony Lewis and Kathy Blankenbeker. Several other members of the Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation were there to assist in fish release and set up and breakdown. Sixty percent of the entry fees were paid back to the anglers and forty percent was donated to CFM. A check in the amount of $1,836 was presented to Dave Murphy at the weigh in. Dave also was on stage calling weights and
drawing boat numbers attendance prizes. A big thanks to Drury Hotels and Bass Pro Shops for their generous donation of $1000.00 each of Bass Pro Shops gift certificates. There were 20 boats that received a $100 gift card to Bass Pro Shops as a random draw prize. Considering the lake level and weather, we had a decent turnout and hope to expand the tournament next year into an even bigger event. I challenged everyone at the weigh in to bring one extra boat each to next year's event and we will have over 100 boats and pay backs and the donation will double. Thanks once again to all of the anglers for their participation and cooperation and we look forward to next year's event. Jim Zieger, President Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
Jim Zieger MC'd and Dave Murphy served as Weigh Master.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS 51 Boats 32 Boats Weighed Fish 106 Fish Caught and Released 173.35 Pounds Daniel Stark with the tournament's Big Bass, 3.30 pounds.
3.30 Big Bass Weight Daniel Stark 10.20 1st PlaceWalt Hammond/Dan Laboube 9.65 2nd PlaceMike Rowland/Jr. Shinn 9.50 3rd PlaceDan Cox/Gary Cox 8.60 4th placeJohn Tyrrell/Danial Tyrrell 8.50 5th PlaceRandy James/Ken Mason 8.35 6th PlaceKevin Johnston/Roger Waters Walt Hammond and Dan Laboube took home 1st Place with 10.20 pounds.
4
M AY
2 0 1 1
1.64 Average Weight per Fish
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
An Update from the Director’s Office
T
he School of Natural Resources has over 100 students pursuing graduate degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) in one of our professional disciplines. These students are working with faculty mentors on a variety of conservation problems from Missouri, to elsewhere in North America, to across the globe. This month, Mr. Chris Rota, Ph.D. student in Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, is my
guest columnist. Chris's dissertation research focuses on habitat selection and population biology of Black-backed Woodpeckers in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Chris received his MS in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida and his BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana. Chris also pursues a variety of interests outside the academic arena, including
birding, hunting, hiking, longdistance running, and floating in his canoe. Chris’s essay was originally developed as part of a graduate course, Energy Development and Wildlife Conservation, taught by Dr. Josh Millspaugh of our wildlife faculty. This course was focused on examining the potential of alternative energy sources and the impacts on wildlife conservation. The ideas expressed in
the following essay are solely those of Mr. Rota’s. As always if readers have questions or comments for me, I am available at RyanMR@missouri.edu. Mark Ryan, Director The School of Natural Resources
Solar Energy and a Diversified Energy Future
P
lants figured out how to harness the energy of the sun via photosynthesis more than three billion years ago, and this basic process now provides the ultimate source energy for almost all life on earth. Humans figured out how to harness this energy source much later, but, just as the sun provides the basic energy source for most life on earth, the sun has the same potential to meet most of the energy demands of the human population. An added benefit is that solar power can meet these energy demands while drastically reducing green house gas emissions as compared to conventional fossil fuels. However, relatively high costs, intermittency problems, and conflicts with wildlife prevent widespread adoption of this technology. In an idealized energy-production scenario in the United States,
solar would play an important role in a diversified energy economy that also includes wind and nuclear power. Solar power is a promising source of renewable energy. According to Cho (writing in, Science magazine in 2010), global energy demand is on the scale of 15 terawatts. Experts estimate that solar energy technology could capture 50 terawatts of energy from the sun, enough by far to meet global energy needs. Indeed, Cho estimated that the potential energy-generating capacity of solar power is more than double that of any other renewable energy source. Fthenakis and co-authors (in Energy Policy in 2009) even drew an ambitious roadmap of solar energy development, claiming solar power has the potential to provide 69% of total US energy needs by 2050 and over 90% of US energy needs by 2100. Solar power can meet all of these
energy demands while producing only a fifth of the CO2 as burning coal. An additional benefit of generating electricity via solar power is that it carries none of the catastrophic risks associated with other energy sources, such as oil or nuclear power (as the recent crisis in Japan demonstrates). Solar power has the potential to provide enormous indirect benefits to wildlife. One major benefit is the potential to curb the worst effects of climate change by reducing CO2 emissions globally. Another potential indirect benefit could arise if energy dependence shifts away from oil and coal and toward solar power and other renewables. This could potentially curb the frequency and intensity of extractionrelated disasters such as oil spills, which have dramatic and long-lasting impacts on wildlife populations (Peterson and co-authors in Science,
2003). Making solar energy more cost-competitive could also reduce economic incentives to extract oil and coal from difficult to access locations such as tar-sands and mountaintops. Despite the great potential of solar power, it does have important drawbacks. A major drawback of solar power is that is suffers from intermittency problems (Ferguson and co-authors writing in Nature in 2010) since the sun is only guaranteed to shine about half the time. Another drawback is that solar and other renewables still cost more than conventional fossil fuel sources of energy (Fthenakis et al. in Energy Policy), which prevents the widespread adoption of this technology in the short-run. Finally, a major drawback of solar energy regards questions See Solar Energy on page 6
M IS S OURI
WIL DL I F E
5
Solar Energy from page 5 surrounding site placement. The desert Southwest receives the most sunlight in the continental United States, making this location attractive to solar power developers. However, many of the public lands where utility companies wish to develop solar plants are home to the Threatened Mojave desert tortoise, which has resulted in intense conflict over site placement. Conflicts over site placement have arisen in California’s Panoche Valley too, where there are concerns over impacts proposed solar plants may have on the Endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard. My ideal energy future for the United States includes a diverse portfolio of several renewable sources of energy. I
6
M AY
2 0 1 1
envision regionally-based energy development, based on available resources. For example, I envision most solar power will be generated in the desert Southwest where sunlight is abundant. Additionally, I envision wind power hotspots in states such as Wyoming and Texas, which are famous for their wind. I also envision taking advantage of offshore winds. Such regional energy development will require overhauling the current electrical transmission system. This overhaul will occur by replacing relatively inefficient alternating current (AC) power lines with high voltage direct current (HVDC) power lines, which are relatively efficient at transmitting power over long distances.
The intermittency problem of wind and solar could be solved by strategically and conservatively placing nuclear power plants around the country. However, before widespread future development of nuclear facilities, we must first solve questions of long-term storage of waste products. Finally, this regional energy development will be supplemented with small-scale individual electricity generation. I envision that most homes will be capable of generating some of their own electricity, either through solar panels and/or personal wind turbines. I envision government tax incentives and technological development will eventually reduce the price of these technologies, making them more affordable for
home-owners. These smallscale generators will be tied into the energy grid, so that when they generate excess energy, this can power homes elsewhere (and provide homeowners a credit on their utility bill). All of this will be coupled with mandatory gains in energy efficiency, guided through government tax incentives or directly written into law, for example via building codes. Chris Rota, Ph.D. student in Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IFE
7
TEAMING WTIH WILDLIFE
CFM and MDC Receive National State Wildlife Action Plan Partnership Award
O
n Wednesday evening, March 2, 2011, the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation received a nationally-recognized award from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in Washington, D.C. -- the State Wildlife Action Plan Partnership Award. The award was presented during a special reception to “Celebrate Champions of Wildlife and the Environment” at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Over 300 people were in participation as part of the 2011 Teaming With Wildlife Fly-in event. Accepting the award was Dave Murphy, CFM Executive Director. Also on hand to receive Missouri’s acknowledgement were Teaming With Wildlife Steering Committee members Rick Thom (Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation), Carol Davit (Missouri Prairie Foundation), and Gene Gardner (Missouri Department of Conservation). The group was also joined by Geralyn Hoey, National Wildlife Federation’s Regional Representative for Missouri. The State Wildlife Action Plan Partnership Award recognizes Missouri for outstanding collaboration in addressing conservation priorities and implementing management strategies associated with our state’s wildlife action plan (called Missouri’s Comprehen8
M AY
2 0 1 1
sive Wildlife Strategy). We were selected to receive this award for outstanding partnerships to advance the mission of Teaming with Wildlife, supporting increased public funding for wildlife conservation and related education and recreation needs. In May, 2000, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) led an original Teaming With Wildlife Coalition and helped the House pass the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA). As a result, the Missouri coalition helped secure the first $50 million appropriated to state fish and wildlife agencies through the Wildlife Conservation and Reinvestment Program (which subsequently morphed into the State Wildlife Grant Program in 2002). In the past ten years, Missouri has received more than $12.4 million through the SWG program and, together with contributions from all our conservation partners, turned those funds into $45 million worth of conservation actions! In 2007, together with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the CFM brought together The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Missouri, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Ozark Regional Land Trust, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation as the newest collaborative effort and established the Missouri Teaming With Wildlife (TWW) Steering Committee. Since
Dave Murphy (Executive Director, CFM) holding the State Wildlife Action Plan Partnership Award presented to CFM during the Teaming With Wildlife Fly-in. Pictured left of Dave is Gene Gardner (Missouri Department of Conservation), and pictured to Dave's right are J.P. Mason (Congressman Sam Graves staffer), Geralyn Hoey (National Wildlife Federation Regional Representative), Rick Thom (front: Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation), Jeremy Symons (back: National Wildlife Federation Senior Vice-President), and Carol Davit (Missouri Prairie Foundation). Photo credit: Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
that time, the Missouri TWW coalition has grown to an organization more than 275 members strong that ranks fifth in the nation in the number of conservation partners and supporters. This coalition of agencies, sportsmen, businesses, citizen conservationists and other outdoor enthusiasts staunchly support the need for increased funding for fish, forest, and wildlife conservation in America. The TWW coalition works to integrate the interests of outdoors men and woman in concert with the goals of Missouri resource management agencies (e.g., Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources), non-governmental organizations devoted to the outdoors, businesses, and resource-based industries.
The CFM has developed many innovative measures that motivate coalition partners to address conservation priorities identified in Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy. CFM provides start-up funds and staff support to coalition partners that are used for a variety of projects that build collaboration within COA stakeholder teams, strengthens the network between coalition teams in other COAs, and promotes conservation actions statewide that implements our State Wildlife Action Plan. We are truly honored to receive this award on behalf of all members of the Missouri Teaming With Wildlife Coalition! Amy Buechler Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator, CFM
TEAMING WTIH WILDLIFE
Missouri Teaming With Wildlife Coalition Urges Congress to Restore Federal Funding for State Wildlife Grants Program This is the moment we’ve been preparing for, building our coalition, knowing that one day we must stand up and fight. In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR1 – a budget plan for Fiscal Year 2011 that cut federal spending by $100 billion. Unfortunately, it severely cut many conservation programs including complete elimination of the North American Wetland Conservation Act grants and State Wildlife Grant programs. While we understand the need to reduce our federal deficit, completely eliminating these programs would have severe impacts on fish, forest and wildlife in Missouri and nationwide.
businesses signed on to a national letter supporting funding for State Wildlife Grants! We were the leading state by far for number of signatures, and 30 groups that signed the letter were not yet TWW Coalition members. Adding those groups to our list would bring us to over 300 TWW Coalition members in Missouri! Missourians believe in and support funding for fish, forest and wildlife conservation!
Grassland restoration efforts will be limited if State Wildlife Grants are cut. Photo credit: Frank Oberle
As of press time, Congress has just reached a tentative
deal with the White House on the FY11 spending plan, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown. They agreed to just under $40 billion in cuts. It is looking like State Wildlife Grants is still included, but at $62 million ($28 million less than last year). The North American Wetland Conservation Act grant program was also included, but at $37.5 million (also a significant cut from last year). It is a huge deal that these programs got reinstated for FY11. It was because of your efforts to send letters, make calls, and join the sign-on letter, etc. Without this effort we stood a good chance of being squeezed out entirely. I appreciate all your help. We’ll keep working hard on behalf of funding for fish, forest and wildlife in Missouri. To stay up to date with Teaming With Wildlife Coalition efforts, contact Amy to be
Restoration of Pine-Oak Woodlands on private land in the Ozarks is one of dozens of projects that will not receive funding if the State Wildlife Grants program is eliminated. Photo credit: MDC
added to the Missouri TWW coalition e-mail list (abuechler@confedmo.org). To learn more about State Wildlife Grant funding, visit www.moteaming.org. Amy Buechler Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator, CFM
Pine warblers nest exclusively in pine trees and benefit from pine woodland restoration. Photo credit: USFWS
Missouri Teaming With Wildlife (TWW) Coalition members and friends stepped up to the plate right away with numerous phone calls, e-mails and faxes sent to congressional offices since February. Over 80 Missouri organizations and
State Wildlife Grants keep Missouri’s habitats healthy for everything from pink katydids to banded sunfish to wild turkey. This proactive program works to keep species off the endangered species list by taking action to conserve and restore wildlife habitats today. Photo Credits: MDC
M IS S OURI
WIL DL I F E
9
Introducing the Missouri Atlatl Association
Y
ou may not have noticed, but among the CFM affiliates is a new organization devoted to an ancient hunting weapon. The spear thrower or atlatl is believed by many archeologists to date back 30,000 years in Europe, and probably 12,000 in Missouri, to the time of the great hunters who stalked mammoth and bison across land that now supports so many deer. It’s a simple but effective tool, a stick with a hand grip on one end and a hook or socket on the other to engage the butt of a light spear. Just as you snap your wrist when you throw a ball, you throw a “dart” with the atlatl, and the flick of the atlatl gives a much longer lever arm than your hand and wrist. Hunting and target range is typically10 to 30 yards, but the world record throw is over 848 feet. (The world record for a modern aerodynamically designed javelin throw is around 321 ft.) Today, atlatlists are among the many enthusiasts practicing “primitive” skills. The World Atlatl Association is the largest organization; local and state groups like the Missouri Atlatl Association (MAA) organize events and help to educate the public. There are some 70 competitions around the country and a couple dozen in Europe each year. Although some atlatlists practice seriously and compete hard, our events are friendly and supportive, and open to all. We encourage newcomers to try throwing and join the competition, and we have 1 0
M AY
2 0 1 1
whole families participating. The atlatl is a great tool for teaching basic target sport safety - its range is short and you can’t forget it is loaded. Anyone can learn to throw with satisfaction, but they soon learn to respect the skills of our ancestors as well. Spear throwers were of course primarily hunting weapons, with a record of thousands of years of success. Although they were replaced by the bow in most parts of the world, they survived to historic times in several parts of the world: in Australia, hunting kangaroos, among the Aztecs for warfare and until a few decades ago for duck hunting, and in the Arctic, where seal and birds were the targets. Today’s atlatls add another dimension to target sport and outdoor recreation. Although the relatively heavy projectile is quite capable of driving through a deer, the range is short - you have to be a good and careful hunter to get close enough to use an atlatl. Atlatl hunting is also safer for other hunters and for anyone else around, for the same reason that atlatling is a safe sport with no recorded injuries in 20 years of competitions. A miss does not carry very far, plow through brush, or ricochet off to hurt someone 100 yards away. Recognizing that the atlatl was safe and effective, the Missouri Department of Conservation legalized atlatls for small game several years ago, and last year they legalized it for deer during the firearms season. The MAA surveyed all
Public education is one of our missions. Jon Wood explains atlatls to the Missouri Department of Conservation Commissioners Don Johnson and Chip McGeehan, and Director Robert Ziehmer.
known Missouri atlatl deer hunters. Results of the survey indicated that about a dozen hunters stalked deer with this most ancient of weapons during the rifle season last fall. Despite the fact that no one harvested a deer, a number of comments reflected the excitement of using the atlatl. • On the way in about 75 yards from my stand I spot a small doe about 50 yards
ahead and it seems she has me pegged but she starts slowly walking towards me head bobbing. As she passes behind each tree I slowly get a dart notched and arm up in the throwing position. She is slightly quartering to my left which I am not believing as I am starting to think this is going to happen. Slowly she closes the distance 40, 30, 20 my heart is pounding and I am at the ready. She gets to 15
Great accuracy is possible with an atlatl at 15-20 meters. Ron Mertz, Devin Pettigrew, Jon Wood, and Justin Garnett of MAA at the International Standard Accuracy Competition target, a common of our events.
yards and is just about to get her head behind a tree and give me a great shot when she suddenly starts to drift to my right and with each step she takes I am getting more out of position to throw. She lowers her head but I am twisted to the right too far and when I throw I don't get much on the throw and my dart passes under the deer and then she was gone. Anyway what a rush - just a few steps the other way and maybe history is made. (RP) It was a fantastic experience! Quite unnerving to let deer get that close. (ES) • I hunted for four hours one afternoon during the antlerless season with my atlatl. I had four does and one 4-point buck at 40 yards, but they did not come any closer. It was EXTREMELY exciting hoping it was going to all come together! (VC)
• Hunting with an atlatl and dart presents a number of challenges that are far greater than with a rifle or even a bow. It is much more difficult to be in meaningful range and have adequate cover, while having the opportunity for a clear unobstructed throw. In several cases, respondents reported that deer were in atlatl range, but they were not able to get a clear throw because of obstructions or because they were spotted in the process of throwing. I spent about 80% of the time in a tree stand, but only
saw one deer from there. It was a little 6 point buck that came into either a grunt call or rattled horns, since I was using both at the time. It came in behind me but I don't think I could have gotten a throw anyway because of the brush I would have had to throw through. If I remember right, I saw a total of 7 deer while hunting. Only 1 was out of range of the atlatl but was in easy rifle range. It was also the only one that I saw in the open. Most of my success in seeing deer was on the ground, then trying to get close and find an opening to throw through. I had several opportunities at two yearlings, but it would have been throwing through heavy brush or a "head on" throw which is a very low percentage shot. Because of that, I never did throw a dart at a deer. All the deer I saw were at one time or another, close enough for an atlatl throw, with the exception of the one that I saw in the open. (RM) • When I was able to be within atlatl range there was too much brush for a good throw, or the deer spotted me before I could throw. I discovered that an atlatl hunting strategy must be developed which I found is different from a bow or rifle strategy…..it will take a lot of practice throwing from different positions, at different elevations, and in a woods environment (i.e., trees, brush, etc.). (CW) • A doe was 20 yards away and the throw was on target, but the doe saw my throwing and bolted. (ES)
• A number of respondents expressed their hope that the atlatl will be designated for the archery season rather than the rifle season. Due to cold I wish it could be held during bow season.
Justin Garnett shows throwing form with his replica prehistoric southwestern atlatl. Atlatl experiments improve our understanding of prehistory.
Even after much practice I just can’t throw with a glove on. My hand got very cold. It would also allow more time in the field. (ES) • I had an enjoyable time out hunting with the atlatl, but one morning, after a couple of hours in my spot I noticed a gun hunter nearby. This is a high pressure hunting season, and with a short range weapon like the atlatl it would be far preferable to have a longer, lower pressure season. I would like to see use of the atlatl moved to archery season, this would greatly enhance the experience and increase the likelihood of a harvest as an outcome. (JG)
• It would be a lot easier to get a deer into my effective range if the regulations were changed to archery season! (BH) • I think we should have atlatls as a legal method during bow season prior to rifle season. Once rifle season starts, deer spook a lot easier. Wearing the blaze orange is also a hindrance. Deer can see color if they get close enough and that’s what ruined two of the opportunities I had for throwing. (CW) • If we can get it included with archery, I think our chances will improve. (RM) The Department of Conservation is considering legalizing the atlatl during the 2011 archery deer season. In addition to increasing the opportunity for hunters in Missouri we believe this change will result in an ever increasing number of Missouri hunters who decide to try the atlatl. Meanwhile, the Missouri Atlatl Association organizes a number of target and demonstration events in the course of the year. A calendar of atlatl events around the year can be found on the World Atlatl Association webpage at www.worldatlatl.org. Come see spear throwers in action and try them yourself. Everyone’s ancestors used atlatls once!
• I would like to see this weapon legalized for the archery season as I feel that early foliage and less wary deer would equal more opportunity and success. (RP) M IS S OURI
John Whittaker, PhD WAA/MAA Board Ron Mertz, PhD MAA President
WIL DL IF E
1 1
CFM Debates Issues Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions he delegates of this year’s Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Convention have voted to adopt thirty-one resolutions on current issues. The convention challenges more than two hundred Federation members, meeting in natural resource committee sessions, to debate current conservation issues and develop positions statements, when appropriate. Action letters have been sent to agency heads, legislative leaders (state and national), non-profit directors, and others requesting their response.
T
#1: Publicizing of Quail Habitat Opportunities Now, therefore be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 recommends that partners in conservation increase awareness to landowners, through local venues, such as newsletters, Missouri Conservationist magazine, USDA, articles in agricultural venues including Missouri Farm Bureau publications, articles in Missouri Wildlife, along with word of mouth and any other means of communication to inform landowners that services are available to private landowners through cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s division of Private Land Services. 1 2
M AY
2 0 1 1
#2: Missouri Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Allocation Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 suggests the increase of allocated WRP acres available through the NRCS for enrollment in subsequent years. #3: CLC Volunteer Group for the Cleanup of Illegal Dumps Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 support the formation of an illegal dump volunteer network coordinated by CLC students, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and Solid Waste Management Districts. #4: Hazardous Waste Program Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 supports the extension of the existing Hazardous Waste Program fees structure. #5: CFM Support of Hellbender Protection through the Public and Private Rivers and Streams Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation
Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 urges the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Missouri Stream Teams to encourage public and private landowners to implement best management practices in conserving the riparian zones along stretches of important stream habitats thereby benefiting Hellbenders. #6: Increasing Awareness and Education of Didymo Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 contributes to the prevention of the expansion of Didymo by continuing and increasing outreach and education efforts through support of organizations and programs such as the Missouri Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Missouri Stream Teams and various interstate tourism and outreach agencies in their efforts to educate the public on various practices to prevent the invasion of Didymo into the state of Missouri. #7: Support for Adoption of Missouri Woody Biomass Harvesting Best Management Practices Manual Now, therefore, be it
resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 recommends the continuing support of organizations that protect forestry resources by adopting Woody Biomass Harvesting Best Management Practices Manual in their entirety and with third-party verification. #8: CFM Support of Pathways Committee Guidelines Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 encourages all public land management agencies to adopt similar guidelines to those the EAB pathway committee has established concerning the movement of firewood, and the effects of the spread of invasive species. #9: Improving Timber Management by Supporting the Education and Certification of Missouri Loggers Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 support Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Forest Products Association, professional consulting foresters, and elected officials in developing incentives for loggers to
participate in the Professional Timber Harvesters’ Training Program and receive the Master Logger Certification. #10: CFM Establishment of an Urban Family Environmental Education Outreach Task Force Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 in order to ensure that Urban Families are reached by these programs, 1) surveys its members about their communities’ involvement in the Children in Nature Challenge, 2) identifies areas with little or no involvement and 3) makes recommendations on how to encourage involvement of those communities. #11: Request Action to Better Control Deer Population Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 ask the Missouri Department of Conservation to implement regulations in places where the deer population is stable or gradually increasing and support the formations of co-ops. #12: The Potential Hazard of Kudzu Destroying Missouri Habitats Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 understands that kudzu is a potential threat to the natural habitats of wildlife in Missouri.
CFM recommends the Missouri Department of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture create a plan of action before this invasive species overwhelms the native flora of Missouri.
requests the USFWS work with energy companies, such as Wind Capital Group, and state conservation agencies to develop and implement policies and practices with wind energy companies to decrease bat fatalities.
#13: CFM Supports Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 suggest the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, USDA, and USFWS develop a list of highly detrimental invasive species and prohibit the transportation of these species in and out of the state.
#16: Study the Population of the Gray Fox Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 supports an immediate study of the gray fox population status, by the Missouri Department of Conservation, due to low numbers of this species reported in records of fur sales and the declining populations as indicated by MDC’s sign station and bow hunter observation indices.
#14: Implementing Off-Road Vehicle Usage in the Mark Twain National Forest Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 seek the participation of stakeholders in the Mark Twain National Forest to implement additional off-road vehicle recreation areas as well as contacting different ATV groups around the state of Missouri for their participation and input. #15: Bats and Wind Energy Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011
#17: Modify Share the Harvest to be More Donation Friendly Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 formulate a way to make Share the Harvest more donation friendly by lessening the hunter’s cost of getting a donated deer processed. #18: Mountain Lion Education Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 encourages the Missouri Department of Conservation to educate the public on the limited threat that mountain
lions pose to public safety. #19: Conservation Easements Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 supports the introduction of additional incentives to landowners in priority focus areas who are willing to provide access to their property to the public. The easements should contain liability lawsuit waivers for landowners. #20: Conservation Sales Tax Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 strongly opposes any constitutional amendment that would sunset the one-eighth of one percent conservation sales tax. #21: North American Wildlife Conservation Model Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 supports elk restoration and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and strongly opposes legislation that places ownership and liability upon the MDC. #22: Felt Sole Ban Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this
See Resolutions on page 14
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IF E
1 3
Resolutions from page 13 27th day of February, 2011 supports a ban on the use and sale of felt sole waders in Missouri. #23: Continuation and Expansion of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 supports the continued implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan in Table Rock Reservoir and, if successful, supports the expansion of this program to other impoundments in Missouri in need of habitat restoration. #24: Remove Livestock from Missouri’s Last Remaining High Quality Prairies Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 express its support that domestic livestock grazing not occur on Natural Areas and other high quality prairies in Missouri. #25: Using Pittman-Robertson Funds to Construct Archery Ranges in Missouri Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 hereby strongly encourages and supports the efforts of the Missouri Department of Conservation to work with the CFM and its 1 4
M AY
2 0 1 1
archery/bowhunting affiliates in developing and implementing a phase one action plan to construct “world class” facilities as soon as feasible, starting with the four major population areas of the state of Missouri, namely Saint Louis, Columbia/Jefferson City, Kansas City, and Springfield. Be it further resolved that copies of this Resolution be sent to Director Ziehmer and our four Commissioners. #26: Create a Less Expensive Mentor Permit to Satisfy License Requirements for Adult Chaperones of Young Hunters Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 recommends the Missouri Department of Conservation create a less expensive Mentor Permit to satisfy license requirements for adult chaperones of young hunters. #27: Land and Water Conservation Fund Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 calls on Congress to implement full and dedicated funding to the LWCF, and supports HCR 31 in the Missouri General Assembly, and calls on Congress to implement legislation specifying an annual allocation of at least 50% of LWCF funds to the State Assistance Program.
#28: Support for Missouri State Parks (Reintroduced) Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 convey its support for Missouri State Parks by: Supporting an amendment to House Joint Resolution No. 9 Fifth State Building Fund or any state bond issue for capital improvements to specify that 10% of the total ($80-100 million) be designated for back-logged capital improvements in Missouri State Parks; and supporting the retention of interest on moneys in the State Park Earnings Fund within the fund to be used for state park purposes, as provided by House Bill 89; and including within CFM’s media mix information about the Missouri State Parks Donation Program including but not limited to articles in CFM’s Missouri Wildlife publication and by adding a hyperlink from the Conservation Federation of Missouri website to the State Parks Donations website; and recommending that Governor Jay Nixon provide all possible support to the management of the Department of Natural Resources in seeking creative solutions to this crisis that will sustain its employees and facilities while maintaining the level of integrity and excellence for which Missouri state parks are known across the nation. #29: State Parks Youth Corps Resolution Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assem-
bled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 fully support and be a valuable partner once again for the 2011 State Parks Youth Corps. #30: Missouri’s Recreational Trails Program Resolution Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 calls on US Congress to implement legislation fully funding the Recreational Trails Program. #31: Statewide Trail Linkage System Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 27th day of February, 2011 supports the full appropriation of funds necessary to develop, maintain and staff this project. The Conservation Federation of Missouri strongly encourages the Governor, state legislature and DNR to proceed with any actions necessary to ensure the trail’s completion, specifically a link from Pleasant Hill into Kansas City and near Arrowhead Stadium and any remaining portions in the St. Louis area. CFM is strongly opposed to any action that would threaten the integrity and continued extension of the Katy Trail corridor.
The Nature Conservancy Hires Todd Sampsell as Missouri State Director
T
he Nature Conservancy in Missouri announced today that Todd Sampsell has been hired as the State Director. Sampsell is located in the Conservancy’s St. Louis office, and assumed his new position on January 1, 2011. Sampsell comes to Missouri from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Conservancy, where he served as Deputy State Director. Prior to his employment at the Conservancy, Sampsell gained leadership and conservation experience as executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and as program director of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Rob McKim, Director for the Central Division of the Conservancy, is pleased to welcome Sampsell to the Missouri team. “Todd has been an active and energetic leader in conservation his entire career. He has demonstrated a firm understanding of the need for creative projects related to
forestry and freshwater conservation that will fit perfectly with Missouri’s heritage of conservation and balanced human use.”
An ecologist by trade, Sampsell has well over a decade of experience in conservation planning, land trust development, aquatic and watershed research, invasive species management, and wildlife biology. He has negotiated numerous large-scale management programs, and has a longstanding history of
building strong partnerships with government agencies. “Todd is an extremely wellrounded individual, and a wonderful fit for the state director position. The extensive experience and talent he brings to Missouri will be an enormous asset to the Chapter,” states Missouri Board Chair Nancy Ylvisaker. Sampsell looks forward to assuming leadership of the Missouri Chapter. “The quality of the Conservancy’s team in Missouri and the foundation of conservation success make this an exciting opportunity for me. I’ve always admired Missourians’ appreciation of the state’s natural resources and investment in protecting the environment. I’m eager to strengthen partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies as well as other conservation-minded organizations. Most importantly, Missouri will make an excellent home for my family and is a place for my boys to enjoy wild places,
clean waters, and all the state has to offer.” Sampsell is a native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He will move to the St. Louis area with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Joshua (9) and Jacob (5). The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org. Together with our members and conservation partners, The Nature Conservancy in Missouri has protected more than 145,000 acres of critical natural lands since 1956. Visit us on the Web at nature.org/missouri.
CLC Legislative Day was held on Wednesday, April 6. Five students participated in the event this year. Pictured with CFM Executive Director Dave Murphy (top row right) are: (left to right) Alex Rittel, Caitlin Shoults, Taylor Rohan, Zachary Knerr and (front row) Josh Canaday. M IS S OURI
WIL DL IF E
1 5
Conventi Thoughts That
A
fter our wildly successful convention in 2010, it was hard to imagine that 2011 could possibly be better. In 2010 we saw Governor Nixon sign an Executive Order for the “Children in Nature Challenge,” heard from Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops, and enjoyed the build up to our 75th Anniversary as we reflected on the monumental accomplishments of CFM’s many great leaders past and present. Despite that, staff heard back from countless attendees that 2011 was the best convention yet. The underlying theme in those comments was the quality of the conversations. The dialogue between agencies, elected officials, businesses, conservation organizations and sportsmen is at the heart of everything CFM does. Citizens are well served by remembering that if you leave it to others to guess what you want from your natural resources, they may guess wrong. CFM’s convention takes the guessing out of the equation, providing direct access to our state’s decision makers. Each year at convention CFM has three main objectives. We recognize excellent performances in conservation, develop timely, well con-
1 6
M AY
2 0 1 1
ion 2011 Lead to Action! structed resolutions, and rally support for CFM. Our success on those three fronts is due in large part to our dedicated volunteers on the following committees – Thank You! Awards Committee Ann Kutscher Duane Addleman Jeanne Crews Arnold Meysenburg Sara Seidler Resolutions Committee Abe Phillips Don Johnson Ann Kutscher Gary Van De Velde
Resolution Chairs Coordinator John Knudsen (And our many resource committee chairs and vice-chairs!!) Convention Planning Committee Mossie Schallon Gery and Debbie Gremmelsbacher Winnie Stribling Judy Dixon
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IFE
1 7
AGENCY NEWS
Economic Growth or Environmental Protection – Can We Turn the Trend Back Around
I
recently attended the Environmental Council of the States, or ECOS, spring meeting in Washington D.C. ECOS is the national non-profit, non-partisan association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders. The purpose of ECOS is to improve the capability of state environmental agencies and their leaders to protect and improve human health and the environment. The meetings provide an opportunity for state and territorial environmental leaders to come together and discuss issues and concerns we each are facing and develop and share potential solutions. There were two notable common threads among all of the leaders – one was the now familiar struggle of continued budget and staffing woes in the face of even more potential cuts and additional federal mandates. None of the new or proposed federal standards come with funds for increased staffing to enforce the new standards. Each new standard introduced at the federal level leaves all the states with reprioritizing how to use existing staff and resources. The Department of Natural Resources set its expectations high, but without sufficient funding to hire and retain the number of staff to complete our mandated responsibilities, the consequences affect not only the department, but the regulated community that depend on the agency to issue 1 8
M AY
2 011
permits and citizens that depend on us to ensure we are enforcing permit requirements. The department’s statistics over the last 10 years of losing more than $16 million in general revenue and more than 200 employees reflect those of other agencies around the country. ECOS provides a forum to not only share these struggles, but to identify ways to prioritize and become more efficient with the resources at hand. But there was another common thread among the states’ environmental leaders – it was a keen awareness and understanding that each of us in our role as keeper and protector of our state’s natural resources have a critically important mission at hand – one we all sensed was important now more than ever. Indeed it’s true that in these tough economic times, citizens tend to prioritize economic growth over environmental protection. A recent Gallup poll found Americans favor economic growth over environmental protection for the third year in a row. The same question has been asked for more than 20 years, and environmental protection has always ranked higher than economic growth until 2009. But the greater message and challenge is to recognize that environmental protection and economic growth/public health are not mutually exclusive but work together to ensure a quality way of life for our state’s citi-
zens. Still, even in these tough economic times, Americans still strongly value the importance of clean air, land and water. In the same Gallup poll, water quality continues to be the highest environmental priority for Americans. Protecting Missouri’s water quality
Protecting Missouri’s water quality including our drinking water and our lakes, streams and rivers has always been a priority to the Department of Natural Resources.
including our drinking water and our lakes, streams and rivers has always been a priority to the department. Our efforts to permit facilities, inspect and enforce those permits are now at stake. The department’s water permitting effort touches businesses, municipalities, institutions and construction projects -- includ-
ing residential construction -in every corner of Missouri. When businesses want to expand their operations and create jobs, they often need a water permit. Since 1974, the department has been able to assist these businesses and other entities at the state level, rather than referring them to a federal government. The department’s authority to collect water fees that fund these permitting, inspection and enforcement efforts lapsed at the end of 2010, and failure to extend the fees this Legislative session will have dire consequences for the department’s Water Protection Program. The General Assembly continues its discussion of the water fee extension and only time will tell if the department continues these efforts at state level. Good communication is very important to me and is critical to this agency. This includes both one-way and two-way communication. The most important key to good communication is listening. We must listen to our stakeholders, the regulated communities and the public…everyone in order to do our job right. And we are listening! We have initiated or re-initiated stakeholder forums not only for the Water Protection but also the Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste programs. These forums have been modeled after the Air Advisory See Economic Growth on page 19
Forum, which has proven to be very successful in finding common ground among sometimes diverse interests with stakeholders. These forums provide a way for people to help us recognize and implement ways to reduce the burden of regulation without compromising our commitment to protecting, preserving and enhancing Missouri’s natural resources. In addition to good com-
munication, we need to be flexible. Most federal regulations that are enforced by the state offer some level of flexibility. This allows us some leeway in addressing issues that are unique to our state and its stakeholders. We are very appreciative of the interest and dedication our stakeholders have shown in working with us to build more effective and efficient environmental pro-
CALENDAR M I S S O U R I F E S T I VA L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S
AFFILIATE EVENTS BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY MAY 3: General Meeting, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City JUNE 7: General Meeting, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City GREENWAY NETWORK MAY 1: Mary Meachum Freedom and Fun Rides, Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Site, Saint Louis (10:30am – 2:00pm) MAY 2: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAY 11: South Grand Mother’s Day Bike Tour, Commerce Bank, Saint Louis (9:30am – 2:00pm) MAY 12: Deer Creek Friends Spring Meeting, City Hall, Ladue (4:30pm – 6:30pm) MAY 14: Environmental Justice Ride, Old North Restoration Group, Saint Louis (11:00am – 12:30 pm) MAY 26: Past to Present Pedal, Old North Street Restoration Group, Saint Louis (6:00pm – 8:00pm) JUNE 4: Tour de Plants, Saint Louis (8:00am – 11:00am) JUNE 4-5: Route 66 Festival, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (9:00am – 3:00pm); Kevin Keach (314) 4361324 JUNE 6: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
JUNE 11: Saint Vincent Greenway Farmer’s Market Ride, Saint Vincent Park, Saint Louis (8:00am – 10:00pm) JUNE 18: Mounds Trail Interpretive Bike Ride, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, IL (9:00am – 12:00pm) JUNE 18: Ride Your Bike – Help Make a Difference, Forest Park, Saint Louis (9:00am – 5:00pm); (314) 773-1100 MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED MAY 3: Regular Monthly Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) JUNE 7: Regular Monthly Meeting, “Hot Dog Burn”, Bethel Park (5:30pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DICK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION MAY 11: Regular Monthly Meeting MAY 14: Trap and Skeet Shooting, Missouri Bottoms MISSOURI ATLATL ASSOCIATION MAY 13-14: Hands-on Demonstrations, Montauk State Park; Ron Mertz (314) 628-9376 MAY 20-21: Spring Osage KanpIn, Boonville; Jon Woods (573) 881-6622 or Ron Mertz (314) 6289376 JUNE 3-5: Pioneer Ridge Atlatl Throw, Pioneer Ridge Conservation Area, Bloomfield, Iowa; Kevin Verhulst (641) 777-5053 JUNE 10-12: Four Corners Archery Club and Missouri Atlatl
grams. It is the stakeholders and citizens in Missouri who ultimately decide what and how they want to protect and improve Missouri’s natural resources. The department has come a long way over the years since it was first created in 1974 and we continue to learn how to improve environmental protection using new technologies and through better under-
Association – 1st Annual Southeast Missouri Atlatl Challenge, Sedgewickville; Curtis Waggoner (573) 866-0046 MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION MAY 5: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 MAY 12: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 MAY 19: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 MAY 26: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 JUNE 2: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 JUNE 5: 16th Annual OpenBuddy Bass Tournament Summer Sizzler, Truman Lake, Long Shoal Marina JUNE 9: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 JUNE 16: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 JUNE 18: 14th Annual Kids Free
standing. I truly appreciate the support the members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri have provided the department. Together, we will ensure Missouri’s abundant and treasured natural resources will continue to provide a valuable quality of life for generations to come. Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR
Fishing Tournament (9:00am – 10:30am); Faron Morris (573) 7870174 or Randy Davis (573) 4802640 JUNE 23: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 JUNE 30: Open Buddy Bass Tournament, Coffman Beach Ramp, Lake Ozark (6:30pm – 10:00pm); Jody Hughes (573) 216-4232 or Randy Davis (573) 480-2640 MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAY 7: Saint Peters Dinner, PFEM Banquet Center, Saint Peters (5:00pm – 10:00pm); A.J. Girondo (217) 370-2522 or Don Molitor (636) 970-1114 MAY 19: White River Sponsor Dinner, Country Club, West Plains (6:00pm – 9:00pm); Jay Gregory (417) 274-2457 or Dale Baxter (417) 256-8776 JUNE 25: 3 Man Scramble Golf Tournament, Municipal Golf Course, Neosho (6:00pm – 11:30pm); Chris Endicott (417) 540-2855 or Sam Major (417) 4556444 JUNE 30: State Committee License Plates (6:00pm – 11:30pm); Todd Carlton (573) 8937449 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION JUNE 1-4: International Hunter Education Association Annual Conference, Wrightsville Beach, NC
See Calendar on page 20
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IF E
1 9
CALENDAR M I S S O U R I F E S T I VA L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S
JUNE 12: Board of Director Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence
Army Corps of Engineers, Wappapello; Chuck Stewart (573) 2227182 or Kyle Ouzts (573) 258-0770
MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS MAY 13: Mid America Chapter, The Cashew, Kansas City; Steven Moore (816) 309-1150 JUNE 4: Twain’s Roaring Gobblers, Roaring River Indoor Shooting Range, Cassville; Scott Williams (417) 847-3204 JUNE 9: Sand Hills Thundering Toms, Wild Idea Archery, Seymour; Jeff Ford (417) 880-7173 JUNE 10: Booger County Gobblers, High School, Ava; Chad Sullivan (417) 576-7843 JUNE 11: Branson Tri-Lakes, Clarion Hotel, Branson; Fred Sharbrough (417) 331-0965 JUNE 18: Bollinger County Double Beards, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Randy Pogue (573) 238-3234
WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS MAY 1: Ladies Turkey Hunt, North West Missouri Outfitters, Denver; Karla Ledom (816) 582-2241 MAY 14: Branson Tri-Lakes Ladies Day Out, Rec-Plex, Branson; Catherine McGregor (417) 593-6333 MAY 14: Benton County Boss Hens, Community Building, Warsaw; Jeanette Limback (660) 2872881
JAKES FIELD DAYS MAY 14: Tick Ridge Chapter, Macon County Fairgrounds; Ted Seiler (660) 385-2616 JUNE 11: Randolph County Longbeards, Lions Club Trap Range, Huntsville; Larry Terry (660) 651-8636 WHEELIN SPORTSMANS EVENTS MAY 21: Ridin’ with Turkeys, Cape County Park #4, Cape Girardeau; Tim Hendershott (573) 270-3030 JUNE 4: Wheelin’ Fishing Day, Crowder Lake, Trenton; Scott Roy (660) 359-3399 JUNE 4: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Heartland Banquet Hall, Jackson; Paul Strickland (573) 579-5833 JUNE 4: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Clay Bird Shoot, Midwest Shooting Sports Clay Range, Marble Hill; Paul Strickland (573) 579-5833 JUNE 11: WOODS Program,
MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION NOW – JUNE 11: Wildlife Photography Exhibit by Glenn Chambers, Missouri State Historical Society, Hallway Gallery, Ellis Library, University of Missouri Campus, Columbia (8:00am – 4:45pm Monday through Friday) and (8:00am – 3:30pm Saturdays); (573) 882-7083 MAY 21: Native Pollinators Workshop, MU Southwest Research Center, Mount Vernon; (573) 6815392 JUNE 3: Educators’ Journaling Workshop, Golden Prairie (10:00am – 4:00pm); Jeff Cantrell (517) 451-4158 JUNE 4-5: 2nd Annual Prairie BioBlitz, Golden Prairie; (888) 8436739 JUNE 18: 45th Anniversary Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City JUNE 26: Tour of Prairie Fork, Callaway County (10:00am – 1:00pm); (888) 843-6739 MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY MAY 13-14: Wings Over Weston, Weston Bend State Park MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE
MAY 18: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 JUNE 15: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION MAY 5: Regular Club Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) MAY 14-15: Spring Derby, Bennett Spring State Park MAY 19-20: Solutions, Roaring River State Park MAY 21-22: 6th Annual Fly Fishing Expo, Reading’s Fly Shop JUNE 2: Regular Club Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) JUNE 10-12: MDC Discover Nature Women JUNE 11-12: Free Fishing Weekend JUNE 26: Fish Fry, Living Memorial Park OZARK FLY FISHERS MAY 1: WQM Blue Springs Creek MAY 4: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAY 20-22: Montauk Summer Outing, Montauk State Park JUNE 1: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) JUNE 23: General Membership Meeting, Tilles Park OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAY 7-8: Bryant Creek, Rippee Conservation Area MAY 9: State Park Tour #4, Saint Francois State Park, Bonne Terre MAY 10: State Park Tour #4, Trail of Tears State Park, Perryville MAY 11: State Park Tour #4, Big Oak Tree State Park, East Prairie MAY 12: State Park Tour #4, Lake Wappapello State Park MAY 13: State Park Tour #4, Sam
A Baker State Park MAY 14: State Park Tour #4, Johnson’s Shut Ins State Park MAY 14: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) MAY 14: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) MAY 21-26: Spring Canoe Fest, Jadwin Campground JUNE 2-3: Osage Fork River, Gasconade Hills Campground, Richland JUNE 11: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) JUNE 11: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) JUNE 20-21: Beaver Creek, Brown Branch Campground, Ava JUNE 25: Kaw River, Junction City, KS POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. MAY 1: 2nd Day Shawnee Muskie Hunters Spring Tournament MAY 21: Spring Board Meeting, Madison, WI MAY 21: Active Military Day JUNE 4: Kids Fishing Day with Chamber of Commerce and COE JUNE 11: Prime Time Outing ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAY 14: Osage Buglers Big Game Banquet, Lees Summit; Scott McMillin (816) 365-1434 UNITED BOWHUNTERS OF MISSOURI MAY 21-22: Jerry Pierce Memorial Shoot (7:00am – 7:00pm); Kevin Brown (601) 566-4255
CFM EVENTS JUNE 18: Board Meeting AUG 13: Pull for Conservation – Sporting Clay Shoot, River Hills Sporting Clays, Boonville SEP 16-18: Annual Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point State Park, Osage Beach
Conserve Life: SLOW DOWN More than 1,100 people die on Missouri highways each year. Don’t become a statistic. Conserve life by slowing down and by always making sure your seatbelt is buckled. BUCKLE 2 0
M AY
2 0 1 1
UP
CFM Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution) Charles Abele, Saint Louis R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph Duane Addleman, Springfield Michael Duane Addleman † Nancy Addleman † Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield Tom Addleman, Joplin James Agnew, Arnold Allen Appell, Calhoun Richard Ash, Saint Charles Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin Michael Baker, DeSoto Dane Balsman, Perryville Don Bedell, Sikeston Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL Scott Brundage, Columbia Glenn Chambers, Columbia Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Columbia Bill Crawford, Columbia Ryan Diener, Marthasville Joe G. Dillard, Columbia Ron Douglas, Springfield Charlie Drury, Saint Louis Chuck Drury, Saint Louis Tom Drury, Saint Louis John Enderle, Kelso Howard Fisher, Higginsville Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville Andrew Fleming, Columbia Howard Fleming, Moberly Lori Fleming, Columbia Matt Fleming, Columbia Paula Fleming, Columbia Sara Fleming, Moberly
Matt Gaunt, Columbia Timothy Gordon, Maryland Heights Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph James Hill, Mexico Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill John Hoskins, Fremont Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City Roger Johnson, Humansville Don Johnson, Festus Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg Pat Jones, Williamsburg Tom Karl, Farmington Cosette Kelly, Kansas City Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC Jeff Kolb, Saint Charles Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City Larry Lackamp, Bates City Kyle Lairmore, Owensville Jay Law † Gerald Lee, Kansas City Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis
John Lewis, Columbia Leroy Logan, Arnold Ike Lovan, Steelville Chip McGeehan, Marshfield Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Cynthia Metcalfe, Saint Louis Davis Minton, Dexter Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City John Moore, Jr., Springfield Johnny Morris, Springfield John & Patricia Mort, Smithville David Murphy, Columbia Dean Murphy, Jefferson City First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield Austin Owens, Lebanon Jeff Owens, Marshfield Sara Parker Pauley, Hartsburg Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Jan Phillips, Saint Louis Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant Jerry Presley, Centertown Albert Price, Columbia Nick Prough, Harrisonville Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Tyler Ruoff, Savannah Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland Fred Saylor, Independence Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin Mike Schallon, Wentzville Mossie Schallon, Wentzville Timothy Schwent, Jackson George Seek, Meadville
E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis Sara Seidler, Saint Louis Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho M. W. Sorenson, Columbia Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico Mary Stuppy, Joplin Mark Sullivan † Jacob Swafford, Columbia Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Travis Taylor, Lawson Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Jeff “J. T.” Tillman, Lake Ozark Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Julius Wall, Clinton Randy Washburn, Jefferson City Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia Robert O. Werges, Arnold Mark Williams, Lawson Michael Wilson, Saint Louis Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Brenda Witter, Holts Summit Daniel Witter, Holts Summit Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Jim Zieger, Hannibal Emily Ziehmer, California Robert Ziehmer, California Ethan Zuck, Strafford Guy Zuck, Strafford † Deceased
When will you add your name to the list? CFM Life Membership Application Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone:
_______________________
Payment Method (circle one):
Cash
Email: ______________________________________________ Check __________________________________________
Credit Card ______________________________________________Exp. Date: ___________________
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IF E
2 1
The Missouri Governor’s Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for 2011 was a Huge Success!
T
hanks to the George Clark Missouri State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, and dozens of guides and landowners, our 3rd annual hunt may have been our best ever. After safety, ethics and regulations orientation at the United Sportsmen’s Club in Jefferson City, our hunters and their families were hosted at The Mansion by Governor and First Lady Nixon for dinner on Friday evening. Next the hunters traveled to their respective hunting camps for a little bit of sleep before an early morning introduction into hunting the Wild Turkey Missouri style! On Saturday evening, the hunters, their families, their guides and the hosting landowners convened at the Missouri Capitol for dinner together and a chance to share their stories. Then back to camp and preparations for the final morning of the hunt on Sunday. In the end, 3 turkeys were harvested, but more importantly everyone involved with the hunt had an incredible experience and a lifetime memory. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful celebration of Missouri’s leadership in hunter recruitment and wild turkey conservation.
Thank you so much for the coolest time ever. Since this was my first time hunting I was really happy to have such good teachers to teach me about hunting safety and hunting turkey's. On Friday when we got to shoot at the targets I got 15 shots in the neck area and also learned how to judge the distance of the turkey I was going to shoot and when not to. The dinner at the Governor's Mansion will always be something that I remember especially the turkey call that the Governor signed for me. I woke up at 3:45AM and could not go back to sleep knowing that we would be getting up at 5:00 to head out. Dave had set up a blind in the field the night before where he had heard some gobblers. We saw 2 hens really early but then we did not see anything else for a long time. We called my dad and he came down to the field to help us move the blind and decoys up to a new area. After awhile and not hearing anything after calling we decided we would head to breakfast. Just as we were getting ready to go we heard a gobble and so we set back up and stayed. The gobbles got closer and closer. When we saw them there were two, the gobbler was strutting and there was a jake. They were walking back and forth but it took them a very long time to get in range. Dave told me to be real patient and take my time to get a good shot without branches in the way. I got lined up but I was too late to shoot the gobbler as he walked behind a tree and then the other one got into view. I pulled the trigger and got it. It was 10:47AM. We stepped off the distance and it was 27 yards. The jake weighed 16 pounds and had a 4 1/4 inch beard. We went to breakfast and I got to tell the story over and over and get lots of pictures taken. I was really happy and enjoyed telling my story at the Capitol that night. This was the most fun ever and I want to thank you again. Heather Ludwig
Dan Fuller, Governor Nixon and three of the hunters (left to right): Kade McKee, Jon Martin and Dustin Tomlinson.
2 2
M AY
2 011
Hunters, parents, guides, landowners and friends after their special late morning breakfast on opening day at the Lairmores.
Young Turkey Hunters Post Another Good Harvest This year’s weather and the youth turkey harvest were nearly identical to last year’s. A scene from the hunt.
Julie Cook and her guide, Eldo Meyer.
F
ortune smiled on young hunters during Missouri’s spring youth firearms turkey season April 9 and 10, enabling them to shoot an impressive 3,898 turkeys. This was the second year in a row of warm, sunny weather for the youth season; encouraging hunters age 6 through 15 to spend plenty of time pursuing gobblers. This year’s harvest was nearly identical to last year’s figure of 3,945. Top counties for this year’s youth season were Franklin with 101 turkeys checked, Wright and Callaway with 77 each and Polk County with 75. Male turkeys gobble most on warm, sunny days with moderate wind. Weather across most of the state closely matched this description this year, paving the way for an excellent hunt. Youth harvests prior to 2010 ranged from 3,894 in 2005 to 2,530 in 2001, the first year of the youth hunt. The youth season provides an opportunity for adults to focus on mentoring young hunters. The impact on the state’s wild turkey flock is minimal, since the youth harvest usually accounts for approximately 5 percent of the annual harvest. Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC M IS S OURI
WIL DL IF E
2 3
Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented Citizen Conservationists Recognized At Annual Convention
A
group of Missouri citizen conservationist were awarded prestigious Conservation Federation of Missouri statuettes for their volunteer and professional efforts to improve and protect our natural resources at the Annual Convention of the Conservation Federation of Missouri on February 25, 2011, at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO. Chosen from a select group of nominees, the 2010 award winners represent the best of the best. A large group of CFM members and friends celebrated the elite group’s accomplishments at a reception sponsored by Bass Pro Shops. Presenting the 2010 awards were CFM President Mike Schallon and Martin MacDonald with Bass Pro Shops.
Conservation Communicator of the Year: Bob Priddy, Jefferson City If the Missouri outdoors had a single human voice, it would likely be Bob Priddy. Bob Priddy has been the news director of the Missourinet since its founding in November, 1974. He’s the author of many books including Only the Rivers Are Peaceful: 2 4
M AY
2 0 1 1
Thomas Hart Benton’s Missouri Mural and very recently The Art of the Missouri Capitol: History in Canvas, Bronze and Stone. Both are must reads for the well informed Missouri citizen-conservationist. He has led efforts to bring live debate from the legislature to the internet, and to bring live broadcasts of the Missouri Supreme Court. He is a frequently called-upon public speaker and is widely recognized for his knowledge of Missouri history. Bob is the only two-time Chairman of the Board of the Radio-Television News Directors Association, the only international organization that speaks exclusively for broadcast journalists. He’s dabbled in archaeology, likes to ride his bike when he can, hopes to learn to play the hammer dulcimer someday, and hates yard work. His eloquence and rapier wit have delighted CFM gatherings at our convention, at the 2009 Summit on the Future of the Missouri Outdoors, and at our 75th Anniversary celebration in 2010. In that each of us Missouri outdoors zealots consider ourselves to be part of an extended family; Bob is our family’s Walter Cronkite. For all Missouri citizens and for its wild inhabitants, we celebrate Bob Priddy’s countless contributions to keeping the outdoors relevant to each and everyone of us.
Conservation Educator of the Year: Norman Ridder, Springfield Before coming to Springfield, Dr. Ridder served as superintendent in Colorado Springs, Colorado and was involved in a program called School in the Woods. Upon arriving in Springfield, Dr. Ridder began to explore the possibility of beginning a conservation science program in the Ozarks. In a proactive move, he sent a team from Springfield Public Schools, along with staff from WOW to Colorado Springs to learn more about the School in the Woods. As a result, he made WOLF happen. Working closely with Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) museum staff, in 2007 Dr. Ridder helped develop WOLF (Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility), which allows nearly 50 fifth-grade students to spend the entire school year using the outdoors as their classroom. Stationed at the WOW museum office, WOLF students have the opportunity to learn math, science, reading, history, and other traditional subjects while studying nature
and conservation science. WOLF curriculum teaches the conservation of Missouri ecosystems, and incorporates activities such as archery, fishing, shooting sports, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, orienteering, and primitive skills. It also includes naturalist pursuits such as plant identification, birding, gardening, nature journaling, nature art, and animal handling. As of today, nearly 150 students have experienced the WOLF program since it began three years ago. But, the “ripple effect” is far-reaching when you include the siblings, families, grandparents, and friends that have been drawn in because of the WOLF students’ interest and experience. And thanks to private donations, a new WOLF school is currently being constructed next to the WOW museum and Bass Pro Shops. This new facility features two 1,200 square feet classrooms as well as an archery range, water features, various outdoor learning stations and much more. For most of these students, it is the first time they have ever shot a gun, been in a canoe, or shot an arrow. Many of these students and families go hunting, camping, or canoeing for the first time because of their experience at WOLF. Moreover, these families continue learning about their role in conservation through their participation in programs like woodworking for wildlife, furbearer identification using
pelts and tracks, and the many public educational programs and events offered by MDC each year. Not only is the WOLF school changing the way students view the natural world and making them better stewards of the Missouri outdoors, it’s also improving their academic achievement. A recent assessment of all fifth grade students in Springfield Public Schools found WOLF students scored the highest across the board in Language Arts, Reading and Math. As a note, there are no academic requirements to enter WOLF. In addition to the WOLF program, Springfield Public Schools are now participating in MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program. Designed to meet state education requirements and to teach students more about the Missouri ponds, forest and prairies surrounding them, 68 teachers have been trained on how to use MDC’s Nature Unleashed curriculum which will result in 1,500 fourth-graders learning more about Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources. Again, this is made possible thanks to Dr. Ridder’s support and commitment to outdoor learning.
Forest Conservationist of the Year: Gus Raeker, Washington Gus Raeker was responsible for the development of the Missouri Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy (FRAS) over the past two
years. The Forestry Title of the 2008 Farm Bill directed states to complete forest assessments and strategies as a requirement to continue receiving financial support from the Forest Service. The FRAS is equivalent to the State Wildlife Action Plan and the completion required a significant time commitment and substantial work by Gus. Gus was chosen to lead this effort from 16 candidates through a competitive interview process. Once selected, Gus hit the ground running. He coordinated with Wildlife staff to assure the FRAS complemented the State’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy (CWS). He also spent considerable time with Forestry Division leadership to more clearly define the expectations, process and products expected. Through the process, Gus worked tirelessly to pull together stakeholders including numerous state and federal agencies, NGO’s, Associations, environmental groups, landowner groups, individuals and MDC staff. He planned and facilitated six stakeholder meetings throughout the state for over 160 participants. He spent countless hours researching information related to Missouri’s forests and related resources and worked closely with many Department staff to develop and refine criteria for the assessment and to assemble appropriate data sets used in the assessment. During this process, Gus worked closely with USFS State & Private Forestry staff to assure our assessment and strategies met Forest Service guidelines. Gus’s passion, knowledge and strategic thinking abilities were recognized by the Forest Ser-
vice and he was invited to participate at the national level to help define the criteria to be used in developing the FRAS and the process for completing them. He was also drafted by the Forest Service State & Private Forestry staff to make several presentations to the Forest Service and other states. To complete the document, Gus wrote extensively. This included a lot of research, consultation and collaboration with MDC staff partners and stakeholders, but ultimately, he had to pull it all together in a comprehensive, yet understandable plan. The development of Missouri’s FRAS was a collaborative process that required the input and involvement of a lot of individuals, but the majority of the work was done by Gus. He poured his heart and soul into this project for nearly two years and that passion is reflected in the quality of the final product. This document will be a cornerstone for forestry in Missouri for the next several decades. It is difficult to predict the importance of this monumental plan or the impact it will have on the health and sustainability of Missouri’s forest resources in the future, but we can expect it will be significant and it will be regarded as a watershed document for forestry in Missouri. In addition to the publication of the actual FRAS document, the September, 2010 Missouri Conservationist magazine was dedicated to the Missouri FRAS. Gus wrote five articles for that magazine which provided information about FRAS, but also introduced hundreds of thousands of Missourians to forest management and conservation. It
is difficult to imagine any one individual who will have a more significant potential impact on Missouri’s forests in the next decade.
Outstanding Lifetime Achievement: Wayne Morton, Osceola Dr. Wayne Morton’s knowledge and passion for Missouri's grasslands/ prairies have been widely known and appreciated for over 20 years. He has been, and is, a committed servant tirelessly caring for our rural citizens in all the medical needs like yesterday's old fashion visiting doctors. It is easy to see from the smile on his face that he loves caring for all from aging shutins to the youngest children. His devoted and intense commitment to preserving, protecting and promoting grassland health can be seen throughout our state. It seems that Dr. Morton cannot be tired out; hardly ever yielding to fatigue or weariness in his love for prairies. He is always attending meetings that need a prairie advocate here in Missouri. His width and breadth of knowledge concerning the ecology of our prairies affords him the title of a "sage," not the prairie plant but of a wise man always showing knowledge and wisdom. Most of all, he does this with selfless devotion and love. Doc Morton's influence in N.E. Missouri is most obvious See Conservationists on page 26
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IFE
2 5
Conservationists from page 25 in the Mystic Focus Conservation Opportunity Area. While serving on Missouri Prairie Foundation Board - as a past president for several years and on USDA's State Technical Committee and on Missouri's Bird Coalition Initiative (MOBCI) and a host of other committees, Dr. Morton can always be counted on to defend and promote the value of prairies. It was his persistence and persuasive nature that made it possible for the Mystic Plains to be designated a special area of conservation concern. That certification has made a host of conservation cost share fund available to over 10,000 acres of private land. This is just in North Missouri. Where he lives in the Southwest part of our state, he owns and maintains thousands of acres of prairie that provides Missouri’s rarest bird - the prairie chicken - abundant fields of grass and wildflowers.
Hunter Education Instructor of the Year: David Rush, Belton David Rush joined Missouri’s volunteer hunter education instructor corps in 1998. A lifetime of experience, combined with a passion for working with youth, has prepared David well for a distinguished carrier as a volunteer. These experiences include: growing up on the family farm in the Kansas Flint Hills, learning 2 6
M AY
2 0 1 1
from his father how to handle firearms and safely hunt everything from small game to upland birds and waterfowl to whitetail deer, an educational background including a Bachelor of Science Industrial Technology in Electronics and Masters of Science Industrial Technology in Digital Electronics and Fluidic Devices, and a career as a Certified Power Quality Professional. As an instructor, David has connected with hundreds of students by creating a pleasant atmosphere where learning is fun and exciting. His trademark style of keeping students alert in class is a particular favorite. As the day grows long and attention spans shorten, David routinely rewards students for correct answers by producing candy bars from his vest pockets and tossing them across the room. Students quickly learn to maintain eye contact while interacting with David. In addition to his efforts as a volunteer hunter education instructor, David generously contributes his time and talents to 4-H programs at the local, state, and national levels. He is credited with being the driving force behind transforming a local Firearms Safety group consisting of two students in 1996 into a county-wide Shooting Skills Program of more than 100 students today. David has 4-H certifications in Rifle and in Hunting Skills disciplines, and he conducted two national Hunting Skills competitions in 2004 and 2005. His national 4-H Level 2 training and experience qualify David to serve as a trainer for new instructors and as a consultant
in developing teams for national competitions. In 2007 David was instrumental in founding the Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, a grass roots organization that utilizes hunter education as an instrument in introducing youth to an outdoor way of life featuring hunting and the shooting sports. David’s leadership as a member of the MHHF Board of Directors is invaluable. In addition, he volunteers time teaching the hunter education classes, supervising the live fire sessions, mentoring youth on their first hunt for waterfowl, turkey, or deer, and he will break out the Dutch Ovens to prepare a camp lunch for the entire group as a special addition to their MHHF clinic experience. Whether it is inside the classroom or outdoors, no challenge is too great, nor any task too small for David to contribute his time and considerable talents as a volunteer hunter education instructor.
Water Conservationist of the Year: Bill Ambrose, Jefferson City Since acquiring his Miller County farm, Jefferson City dentist Bill Ambrose has been a fine example of what a private landowner can accomplish through leadership, a strong commitment to conservation, perseverance, and personal effort.
Soon after purchasing his 325-acre farm in 1998, Dr. Ambrose became aware that there were serious long-term problems with the Little Tavern Creek that ran adjacent to much of his most productive land. These problems included frequent flooding, excessive erosion and ongoing loss of habitat for the native fish in the stream, which include smallmouth bass and the endangered Niangua darter. By initiating and hosting a series of meetings, Bill enlisted the support of local stakeholders and various governmental agencies. The cause of the Little Tavern Creek problems was determined to be the Massman Slab, a 1920’s-era concrete low-water bridge. Replacing the slab with a suitable structure would be very expensive and the process would not be easy. However, today, largely due to Bill’s efforts and determination, a modern 90-foot bridge now stands where the old concrete slab once was. The problems have been alleviated and habitat for the Niangua darter in the stream has been significantly improved. Bill did not limit his efforts just to addressing the Massman Slab issue. Having a sound understanding of conservation and watersheds, he has spent a great deal of time and money upgrading the quality of the water running off his farmland and into the Little Tavern Creek and the Thomson Branch Creek, which is also on his farm. This process has entailed planting over five thousand native trees and shrubs in the riparian corridors of these beautiful Ozark streams. The introduction of
these trees and shrubs has also greatly improved the habitat available for birds and other wildlife. Bill has achieved further improvement of wildlife habitat through the use of cattle exclusion fences, planting buffer areas between fields and forested areas, and by replacing fescue in his fields with native Missouri grasses. The water for the cattle in two of his fields is provided by a solar-powered alternative watering source system that he personally built. Enlisting the help of family and friends, he has also restored several glades on his farm and he maintains them through carefully conducted controlled burns. Bill Ambrose is extremely knowledgeable about conservation issues and continues to make improvements to his farm. As he does so, he welcomes many visitors each year so they can see his ongoing conservation projects and can view the dramatic results of his many projects of the past. It is common for people to come away from these visits both informed and inspired. By educating the public, Dr. Ambrose’s contributions to the cause of conservation extend well beyond the Little Tavern Creek Valley.
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year: John Murphy, Kirksville Adair County is a very special place, one with beautiful,
wide open spaces endowed with abundant wildlife and significant remnant native prairies. Thanks at least in part to our Wildlife Conservationist of the Year, prairies are particularly well cared for and abundant around the community of Pure Air. The rare and unusual plant life, the awe inspiring beauty of savannahs, the diversity of the wildlife all live well around Pure Air. John Murphy is on a conservation mission. This guy is truly a servant to building relationships with owners and expanding the conservation practices on private lands. It seems the more he gets to know the county's environmental assets, the more ardently devoted he becomes to the goals he was sent to achieve. His no nonsense and contagious zeal for delivering solutions consistently improve our native grasslands and our prairie dependant wildlife. John's reputation in the field of enhancing habitat for wildlife has earned him the respect of ranchers, hunters and the academic community. John Murphy has made a direct and positive impact on over 12,000 acres. His implementation of restoration recipes is like watching the magic of a 4th of July fireworks show. He is the science guy. When he sells a land owner on the idea of converting hundreds of acres of fescue into a paradise for wildlife, you know John will go above and beyond any job description to achieve inspirational success. John is a one of a kind husband, a dad-extraordinaire and an exemplary professional.
Conservationists of the Year: Larry & Brenda Potterfield, Columbia “Conservation is the Wise Use of Natural Resources” is at the center of who the Potterfields are, what they represent and how they conduct their business. From a beginning with very modest means to their current national and international prominence as leaders in the outdoor industry, the Potterfields certainly have used their resources wisely, efficiently and effectively for all our benefit. In December 2009, their outstanding company, MidwayUSA was one of five organizations to receive the 2009 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for innovation and performance excellence. “The road to greatness in America has been, and always will be, traveled by those who embrace change and work hard every day to be the best; the organizations we honor today with the Baldrige National Quality Award exemplify that spirit,” said President Obama. This national recognition confirms what we Missouri outdoors folks have long known, the Potterfields have deep roots in all aspects of the outdoors and their influence and leadership improve everything they touch. For many years, their leadership and support have brought out the best in the Friends of the NRA, the
National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Mule Deer Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. They have supported CFM’s Share The Harvest Program. Especially deserving of recognition at the moment is their founding, funding and nurturing in every conceivable way the Scholastic Shooting Trust Fund which they created to raise money for shooting teams for high schools, colleges and universities all across the United States. Every year, they invest in youth shooting sports programs. Most years at least 10% of their pre-tax profits. Nearly 20% in 2010. Rob Keck, former CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation said it best: “without guns there can be no hunting, without hunting there can be no conservation, without conservation there will be no wildlife.” The Potterfields are champions among the legions of hunters and shooters in America. Their inspirational leadership, personal commitment to excellence and extremely effective actions are deserving of all the recognition and support we can provide.
REDUCE • REUSE RECYCLE M IS S OURI
WIL DL IF E
2 7
Great American Backyard Campout Sponsored by National Wildlife Federation June 25, 2011
W
e need to give back to our children what they don’t even know they’ve lost, a connection to the natural world. A great place to start is by having your family participate in the 7th annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 25. National Wildlife Federation’s fundraising event encourages parents and kids alike to trade screen time for green time by spending a night under the stars. In the last two decades, childhood has literally moved indoors with kids spending more than seven hours per day in front of electronic media. The average American child now spends just four to seven minutes outside in unstructured play each day. Simply put, the nature of childhood has changed, and there isn’t much nature in it. Studies show that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. Bottom line; healthier, happier kids. A night under the stars will help kids understand why it’s called the GREAT outdoors. As part of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement, the Great American Backyard Campout lets kids explore a whole other world right in 2 8
M AY
2 0 1 1
their own backyard, together with neighbors, with friends at a local camp ground, or at a large community camping event. For those looking to camp beyond their own backyard, the Campout website helps locate organized Campouts across the country.
When you register your Campout on National Wildlife Federation’s web site you get helpful information to make your camping experience a fun one including recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, campfire songs and games, nature activities and more.
National Wildlife Federation inspires Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. Media Contact: Mary Burnette, Burnette@nwf.org, 703-438-6097 www.backyardcampout.org
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
MO B.A.S.S. and CFM on Pomme de Terre
H
aving just returned from Pomme de Terre, and the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Spring Fling, I’ve got “Mo BASS” on my mind. Their President, Jim Zieger, has forged an ideal relationship with CFM. As the President of an affiliated organization with over 250 members, Jim holds a seat on the CFM Board. He’s taken an active approach to those duties, attending board meetings and providing input on topics like the use of lead in fishing lures. Jim has regularly attended our
annual convention and jumped in with a CFM Life Membership, but most importantly, he has worked both sides of the affiliate equation to remind us that we are in this together.
Shortly after Jim and his son Jimmy attended our sporting clay shoot last August, I asked if he would help coordinate a sporting clay event in the Kansas City Area. His slow, thoughtful response was, “Well…, okay, but… how about a fishing tournament?” Jim knows fishing tournaments. He’s been running them for many years. In his 26 years with MO BASS he’s served as Youth Director, Treasurer and 10 years as President. Jim knows how to make novice tournament fishermen feel comfortable. For
the Spring Fling, he arranged boats for several CFM participants, pairing them with experienced MO BASS members, and made sure that everyone had a good time… and we raised some money! We’re going to do this again next year. So when the date is announced for the 2012 MO BASS Spring Fling, put it on your calendar. It would be great to have 30 or 40 more CFM members at next year’s event. Please show up and let the MO BASS members know we appreciate their support of CFM!
Sporting Clays and a Quail Hunt
I
f you’re reading this, you’re almost certainly already a CFM member. Nothing is more important to CFM than members, so thank you for joining and renewing. We could use a few (thousand) more members, and the best way to get there is for each member to invite a friend to join – or better yet, bring a friend to a CFM event. The next scheduled event is our 5th annual “Pull for Conservation” sporting clay shoot at River Hills Sporting Clays near Boonville. Last year’s 103 shooters included everyone from rank amateurs to competition shooters. We’ll pay
three places deep in three Lewis Classes and we’ll have door prizes, so you won’t have to be the best shot there to go home with a prize. The fun will take place on Saturday, August 13. Call the office and sign up your team today. Missouri Department of Conservation employees have an added reason to come and compete. This will be the 3rd year of the MDC traveling trophy. Kyle Lairmore and Tim Ripperger won the trophy in 2009 and again in 2010. It’s time to add some additional competition to the field! Thanks to Ed Stegner, this year’s top MDC team
will not only have their names engraved on the trophy, they’ll win a quail hunt on Ed’s property. Most folks know Ed was executive director of CFM for 40 years, but you may not know he has a gorgeous farm near Pilot Grove. And he has quail. If you don’t have dogs, don’t worry, Aaron Jefferies has offered to serve as a guide for the winners. The success of this event is due in large part to the work of two great volunteers, both former MDC employees, Tom Russell and Glenn Chambers. Knowing the history of CFM well, they’ve always hoped for
greater participation from MDC staff. The first act of the “Restoration and Conservation Federation of Missouri” was to write a proposed amendment to Missouri’s constitution, gather signatures on petitions, and campaign for passage of Proposition 4, thereby creating the modern Department of Conservation with our four commissioner system. Please honor this great partnership by joining us at River Hills to celebrate our history together.
M IS S OURI
Matt Gaunt Director of Development, CFM WIL DL IF E
2 9
NEWS & ISSUES M I S S O U R I F E S T I VA L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S
2011 Fall Conference The 2011 Conservation Federation of Missouri Fall Conference will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 16, 17 and 18 at Camp Clover Point, Lake Ozark State Park, Osage Beach, Missouri. Programs planned are: • Climate Change – University of Missouri, Atmospheric Science Department • “What Conservation Agents Actually Do” – MDC, Protection Division • Ethanol – Missouri Corn Growers Association • Orienteering Additional activities will be MDC movies, bingo, camp fire and marshmallow roast, a craft project and scavenger hunt. We will have Happy Hour and a White Elephant Sale Saturday afternoon. When you are cleaning out your garages and basements this Spring save some good stuff to donate to the White Elephant Sale. The sale helps to defray the expenses of the Fall Conference. The food is always wonderfully prepared by the Boessen family.
@
Put September 16, 17, and 18 on your calendar and plan to attend this relaxing outside weekend. A registration form will be in the July issue of your Missouri Wildlife magazine. Bring yourself, family, friends and relatives to the Conference. We hope to see each and every one of you there.
Open Space Council Receives Award The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region (OSC) was honored to receive the 2011 Watershed Management Achievement Award from the Missouri Water Environment Association, recognizing OSC for its leadership and work with Operation Clean Stream and the Meramec River Tributary Alliance. According to the MWEA, this award is given each year to nominated individuals and organizations who "Reduce volume or toxicity of pollutants entering the watershed environment; reduce flooding potential and related threat to structures and human life; preserve or restore natural lands or habitat; increase conservation activities;" and/or "educate
the public on watershed protection." Executive Director Ron Coleman attended the MWEA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at Tan-TarA Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri, to receive the award on behalf of OSC. OSC's years of watershed conservation has involved many partners on the Meramec River and several of its tributaries, including LaBarque Creek, the Big River, the Courtois River, the Huzzah River, the Bourbeuse River, Fox Creek, Brusch Creek and Hamilton-Carr Creek. This award, while presented to OSC, is a recognition for the joint contribution of all of our partners and supporters, all the thousands of Operation Clean Stream volunteers, and all the members of the Meramec River Tributary Alliance. OSC Project Manager, Brittany Barton, explains, "Without our partnerships, our watershed restoration work and efforts would not be the success they are today." To learn more about OSC, visit openspacestl.org, and to learn more about MWEA visit www.MWEA.org
Trappers’ Conclave Set for Aug. 4-7 in Columbia
find out more about mountain lions or collectable traps or possibly meet representatives from international fur auction houses can do all that and more at the National Fur Trappers Association’s 52nd annual convention Aug. 4 through 7. For those four days, Columbia will be the center of the nation’s trapping universe, with opportunities to compare notes with hundreds of trappers, shop for bargains from more than 100 vendors and attend demonstrations on dozens of topics. For more information, visit www.nationaltrappers.com/2011nat.html.
Black Bear Sightings Missourians can help manage the Show-Me State’s growing black-bear population with a phone call or a quick trip online. Citizen reports of bear sightings give MDC a huge network of observers. “Citizen reports provide information about bear abundance and distribution,” said Assistant Furbearer Biologist Justan Blair. “Documenting public observations is a cost-effective way of collecting data.” To report a bear sighting, call 573-8829909, or fill out the report form at http://1.usa.gov/fbtkOg.
Missourians who yearn to learn how to trap otters under ice or clean a turtle,
Would you like to be added to our electronic newsletter list?
3 0
M AY
2 0 1 1
Please email your name and email address to lcoleman@confedmo.org or call us toll free at 800-575-2322
THANK YOU!
BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBERS
Our sincere thanks to all of our Business Alliance members. Your support of CFM is making a difference for Missouri outdoors! PLATINUM Bass Pro Shops Shelter Insurance Drury Hotels SILVER Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc. Gray Manufacturing Co. Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling and Plumbing
James T. Blair IV Pyramid Home Health Services BASIC Aaron’s Boat & Motors ArdPark Cabins Bee Rock Land, LLC Bolin Auto & Truck Parts C. J. Thomas Company Cap America Central Trust & Investment Co.
Cequel III Citizens Telephone Company Columbia Daily Tribune Commerce Bank Columbia Market Culligan Water of Columbia Denny Dennis Sporting Goods Evans Equipment Farmer’s Coop Elevator Assoc. Les Bourgeois Vineyards McRoberts Farm, Inc.
Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Michaelanne Investments, Inc. Paradigm Financial Advisors Quality Forest Management REMAX Boone Realty Sierra Bullets Suddenlink Communications Tabor Plastic Company The Bank of Missouri Wood Land & Cattle, LLC
M IS S OURI
WIL DL IFE
3 1
WELCOME CFM NEW MEMBERS Gerald Adlon, Saint Louis Robert Ahlvin, Sikeston Anderson Dairy Equipment, Inc., Lebanon Don Antweiler, Loose Creek The Ash-Piccinni Family, Ballwin David Austin, Jefferson City Alan Baker, Kansas City Rosella Baller, Truxton John Barr, Blue Springs Jennifer Battson, Columbia Charles Benz, Saint Louis Don Bishop, Liberty John & Kathy Blankenbeker, Camdenton Jean Blecha, Saint Louis Bob Bomgaars, Pleasant Hill David Boone, Gravois Mills Cale Bradford, Saint Louis Barbara Bregant, Jefferson City Bruce Brown, O’Fallon Menzie Brown, Kansas City William Brown, North Kansas City Patrick & Kristy Bryant, Columbia Robert Buenger, Saint Peters Jim Burger, Lees Summit W. Burger, Saint Joseph Helen Burgess, Dunnegan Jim Butler, Saint Louis Andy & Angie Carmack, Independence Leo Carroll, Springfield John & Wendy Carter, Rolla Susan Chervek, Florissant Carol Cockrell, Independence Jim Conklin, Kansas City William Corcoran, Springfield Jeffrey Cytron, Saint Louis Scott Danback, Festus
Jerry & Janet Danuser, Fulton Brent Davis, Jefferson City Richard Dewey, Louisiana James Drake, Cleveland Stephen Dyreks, O’Fallon Douglas Elbert, Leslie Brian & Elizabeth Elston, Maryville Margie Faulstick, Saint Louis Gerard Feltman, Middletown Marianne Fenzl, Des Peres William Field, Vichy W. Fienup, Chesterfield Robert Finger, Saint Louis Merle Fox, Rock Port Sam Fox, Saint Louis Timothy & Rita French, Jefferson City M. Gardner, Hazelwood Bruce Garrett, Mexico Edward Grossmann, Saint Louis Frank Hackworth, Foristell Brad Hammen, Fulton Robert Hammond, Dadeville Gordon Hamon, Kirbyville Marvin Harrelson, Sedalia Steve Harrison, Rolla Kevin Haskamp, Columbia Edward Heisel, Saint Louis Herb’s Cutting Edge Taxidermy, Saint Charles David Horner, Columbia Daniel Hughes, Kansas City Robert Hutchison, Arnold Jerome Jaeger, Dexter JC Car Care, Inc., Saint Charles Tammy Jennings, Warrenton Stuart Jump, Marshfield William Kacerovskis, Saint Louis Terry Kennett, Saint Louis Oliver Kernick, Rolla Robert Kindle, Saint Louis Bob Kinker, Ballwin Michael Klos, Ballwin Norbert Koenig, Saint Peters
Lauren Kostecki, Defiance Mike Kruse, Mount Vernon Michael Lachtrup, Saint Louis Eldo Lakey, O’Fallon Gary Lee, Fisherville, KY Rick Lewis, Jackson Diana Linders, Saint Louis Charles & Bonnie Lint, Farmington W. Lloyd, Saint Louis Delbert Long, Kansas City Bill Lovelace, Saint Louis Andy Maglich, Sugar Creek Marc & Deb Mash, Saint James Daniel May, Saint Louis John Mayne, Ballwin Louis McDonald, Springfield H. Mead, Marshall Doreen Mengel, Harrisburg Lonnie Meyer, Saint Louis David Mosher, Eureka Charlie Nelson, Jefferson City Mike Neuroth, O’Fallon Ben Nylin, O’Fallon Delmar Pagel, House Springs Marilyn Parker, Columbia Bill Patterson, Saint Joseph Orland Pennel, Stover Clint Pery, Hayti Robert Peterson, Kansas City Steve Ploesser, Imperial David Polc, Hannibal S. Polka, Pleasant Hill David Powell, Kansas City Promatic, Inc., Gower Janet Pacen, Sunrise Beach Ronald Raglin, Saint Louis Lee Redman, Hillsboro Karl Rice, Chillicothe Bob Richards, Saint Louis Bob Rimel, Poplar Bluff Charles Robertson, Rolla James Robinson, Clinton Jason Robinson, Montgomery City Don Rone, Portageville
REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE 3 2
M AY
2 0 1 1
James Ruffini, Belton Monte Safron, Town and Country Marvin Schuette, Saint Louis Lynn Sestak, Columbia Roger Shannon, High Ridge Leroy Sharp, Columbia Steve Sickmeier, Union James Siebert, Saint Louis Anita Siegmund, Saint Louis John Sievers, Ballwin Allen Smith, Climax Springs Gerald Smith, Saint Louis Marty Smith, Saint Louis William Stiffler, Saint Louis Pete Stupp, Saint Louis Cyrus & Heather Taylor, Springfield Cody Thompson, Cookeville, TN Tommy Thompson, Cookeville, TN J. Thro, Saint Charles Janis Torrey, Columbia Trapp & Company, Kansas City Alan Turnbough, Saint Clair John Tuttle, New Bloomfield Bernie Urbas, Ballwin Abby & Chris Vernon, Saint Peters Joe Wall, Houston Rudy Wall, Joplin Gene Weber, Saint Peters Freddie Wells, Albany Wheeler Truck Sales & Service, Inc., Kansas City Jackie White, Kansas City Jerry White, Hayti White River Valley Electric Coop, Inc., Branson Rayburn Whitener, Hayti Jerry Williams, Columbia Harley & Sarah Winfrey, Wheatland Albert Wittmeyer, Kansas City
2011 Missouri Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt More photos and information inside
If there are any errors in your name and address, if you’ve moved from this address, or if you plan to move, please notify us at Missouri Wildlife, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call (800) 575-2322.
Visit our website: www.confedmo.org