May 2020 vol 81 no 3

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

The Voice for Missouri Outdoors MAY 2020 - VOL 81 | NO. 3

BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR CONSERVATION

JOIN CFM TODAY

THE TIME IS NOW to join the organization that unites thousands of Missourians with the goal of preserving the state’s immense natural resources.

Yearly membership: $35 Life membership: $1,000

Visit www.confedmo.org/join

Director’s Message

Paddle Downstream

M

ost of us in Missouri have all been out paddling in a stream at some point in time. Some of my greatest childhood memories were spending time on the Gasconade River. We are blessed to have so many beautiful rivers and streams that we have at our disposal to fish and recreate on across the state. You can get out and enjoy mother nature at her finest just about any time of the year.

We tend to go back to the rivers and streams that we know and enjoy the most. There certainly is nothing wrong with that. However, when we branch out and try a new body of water, we might find a different river or stream to call our favorite. Sharing our favorite paddling spot with our friends and family is important so that future generations can enjoy them as we do. Be sure to read the story about Barbara Gibbs Ostmann’s trip on the Jacks Fork on page 44.

When we do take a new course or float unchartered waters, we don’t always know what lies ahead. It can be beautiful or treacherous. Sometimes both all in the same trip. We must look at conservation and the outdoors in that way as well. There are so many rewarding things that can happen when we paddle hard around those unfamiliar obstacles. When we hit a slow-flowing stretch in the trip, it’s essential to sit back and enjoy the surroundings before it’s time to paddle hard again through the next set of obstacles.

This analogy can be used for many things in the work CFM does, especially in the statehouse advocating for our members and affiliates. We are always looking downstream and plotting the next move. Legislation in the Capitol can change very quickly, and we still are trying to stay ahead to ensure we are ready to make the strongest move possible. This session is having quite an unusual ending, given the circumstances regarding COVID-19.

These times of uncertainty through the pandemic have certainly made us stop and look and see what course we have been plotting. Re-evaluating our course every so often can be beneficial in many ways. CFM is still preparing to celebrate our rich past on September 10th at our 85th Anniversary, and we hope you make plans to join us. We will continue to adapt and be flexible on our events and all things we do throughout the times ahead.

We hope that you stick with us as we do what is best for our health, our future of conservation and the outdoors.

We all need recreational opportunities more now than ever.

Speaking of recreational opportunities, I hope that each of you has taken the opportunity to connect even further with nature during this time of physical distancing.

Spending time alone in the outdoors can be the best way to reflect and gain clarity on how to proceed with your course moving ahead. Feel free to tag us, @confedmo, on both Instagram and Facebook to share how you have been spending your time outside.

CFM wants you to know that we are here to help you in any way that we can. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and secure. We all need connection and community.

CFM is continuing our mission full steam ahead during the pandemic. We are utilizing our resources, our talented leadership team, and our statewide group of outdoorminded people to be responsive and to persevere.

Please know that we will get through these tough times together. We are persistent and courageous. Together we are unstoppable and we’re not giving an inch. Thank you for being a defender of conservation and our outdoor heritage. Stay well.

Yours in Conservation, Tyler Schwartze CFM Executive Director

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CONTENTS

Conservation Federation May 2020 - V81 No. 3

Features

OFFICERS Mossie Schallon - President Richard Mendenhall - 1st Vice President Ginny Wallace - Secretary Randy Washburn - Treasurer

STAFF 44

Tyler Schwartze - Executive Director, Editor Micaela Haymaker - Director of Operations Michelle Gabelsberger - Membership Development Coordinator Colton Zirkle - Education and Communications Coordinator Joan VanderFeltz - Administrative Assistance

34

50

48

32

Bill Lockwood & Ron Coleman Inducted Into the Missouri Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame

34

CFM's Sixth Annual Media Event

44

Good Karma on the Upper Jacks Fork

48

The Peers Store: A Conservation Outpost for Magnificent Missouri

50

The Sounds of Nature Call Us Back to the Wild

54

Understanding Lure Systems for Better Fishing

56

Turning Up the Heat on Summer Redears

60

A Father's Day Tribute

62

Purple Martins: The Friend We Are Leaving Behind

Departments 3 8 11 13 14 36

Director's Message President's Message New Members Gear Guide Affiliate Spotlight Agency News

Highlights 16 18 20 29 30

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

CFM Events Schedule Conservation Leaders Attend CFM Annual Convention CFM's 84th Annual Convention CFM Awards Annual Risberg Grant Nature Can't Vote, so Oppose HJR100

Emma Kessinger - Creative Director

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE CFM Mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Conservation Federation is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Conservation Federation (USPS 012868) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members.

Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation.

Periodical postage paid in Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices.

Send address changes to: Postmaster Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101

FRONT COVER Kent Campbell captured this photo in Boone County using a Canon 5D Mk4 w/ Canon 70-200mm lens. ISO 400 200mm 1/100th sec. f 5.6.

Business Alliance

Thank you to all of our Business Alliance members.

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Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. HMI Fireplace Shop Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Missouri Wine & Grape Board NE Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Ozark Bait and Tackle POET Powder Horn Gun & Archery

Custom Screen Printing and Embroidery Dickerson Park Zoo Explore St. Louis Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association Gascosage Electric Cooperative GREDELL Engineering Resources, Inc. Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning Lewis County Rural Electric Coop.

Missouri Native Seed Association

REMAX Boone Realty Say Insurance Shady Lanes Cabins and Motel Tabor Plastics Company Truman’s Bar & Grill United Electric Cooperative, Inc. White River Valley Electric Cooperative

Silver Custom Metal Products Forrest Keeling Nursery Learfield Communication, Inc. Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina

Bronze Association of Missouri Electric Coop.

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Burgers’ Smokehouse Central Electric Power Cooperative Drury Hotels

Iron Bass Pro Shops (Independence) Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures Blue Springs Park and Recreation Boone Electric Co-op Brockmeier Financial Services Brown Printing Cap America Central Bank Community State Bank of Bowling Green

Your business can benefit by supporting conservation.

For all sponsorship opportunities, call (573) 634-2322.

MAY - 2020

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Feature Story

Prescribed Fire: Safety, Stewardship and Service How Missouri State Parks is preserving the natural landscapes of Missouri with prescribed fire.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Feature Story

W

hen describing Missouri’s pre-settlement forests, most would imagine a vast unbroken, leafy tree canopy, with a dark and denselyshaded tread beneath. However, 150-200 years ago, early naturalists and travelers did not describe the landscape this way. Historically, with the exception of the wetter swamp and forest communities and many open treeless prairies and glades within, much of our state’s natural landscape was shaped by fire. This resulted in an open landscape with sunlight penetrating the woodland grounds. The reason for this was fire. Fires were set

by Native Americans for thousands of years to shape the natural landscapes, creating an environment that supported a diverse array of grasses, wildflowers and wildlife - all resources that we value in state parks today.

So the question is, “how do we restore and preserve these natural resources of Missouri?” One of the answers is prescribed fire. The biodiversity of Missouri State Parks depends on the future of prescribed burns. Prescribed fire shapes our landscapes, increases pollinators, protects wildflowers, improves habitat for many rare or endangered plants and animals, all while controlling invasive species and creating an inclusive environment for native species.

Each of these are essential to Missouri State Parks’ mission of restoring and preserving Missouri’s natural resources.

“Our goal is to mimic the role fire played in Missouri’s historic prairies, glades and woodlands – replacing a vital natural process,” explains Ken McCarty, natural resource management program director for Missouri State Parks.

“Success is the vibrant, healthy and enduring natural environment that visitors can always enjoy in state parks.”

Cuivre River State Park was the first to conduct a prescribed burn in 1976 on small prairie patches, tall grass and on five to ten acre parcels. By the mid-1980s, Missouri State Parks began researching the ability to expand prescribed burns into the woodlands and preserving the natural landscape of Ha Ha Tonka State Park, a quality example of the value of prescribed fire Hawn State Park in Ste. Genevieve is another example of a state park preserved with regular prescribed fire since 1989, preserving the open grassy character of a fire-managed native forest. Park visitors cabin walk the trail, surrounded by tall pinewoods and marvel in the ecosystem. Within Missouri State Parks, 48,000 acres of state park land are included in the prescribed fire program’s three to five year cycle to mimic the natural range of fire in Missouri. The largest prescribed burn to-date is 1,300 acres at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park requiring the coordination of 35 team members.

Fire has been used for thousands of years to help shape the natural landscapes. (Photo: Ronald Colatskie)

Safety is the top concern of those who conduct prescribed fire. Missouri State Parks invests time and resources to train team members to participate on prescribed fires.

Prescribed fire is just that, “prescribed,” meaning every single detail – staff, safety, wind direction, humidity, and smoke management – is thought out well in advance.

“We invest a lot of effort into building the fire lines for the units,” explains Ronald Colatskie, natural resource steward for Missouri State Parks. “For every hour on the fire line the day of the burn, there is probably 10 hours of planning, fire line construction and walking the line with backpack leaf blowers or chain saws to ensure we have a secure fire line.”

Prescribed fire is an upmost example of stewardship work in protecting the natural landscape within Missouri state parks. A variety of team members come together from all staff levels of Missouri State Parks – superintendents, seasonal laborers, volunteers, natural resource stewards and interpreters – and work together to preserve the natural beauty of Missouri’s resources.

“Ha Ha Tonka State Park, St. Joe State Park, and Cuivre River State Park each have a long history of prescribed fire application and are the best examples of what the appropriate application of prescribed fire can do. Time is essential to restoring these landscapes, as it doesn’t happen overnight,” explains Colatskie. “It’s taken decades for the landscapes to reach the overgrown condition we see today, so it will take decades of careful management that includes prescribed fire to restore these landscapes to their original state.”

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President’s Message

Keeping Hope in Times of Uncertainty

A

s I pen this message on the second day of spring I must acknowledge the COVID-19 situation, which is unlike anything we have experienced in our lifetimes. I hope that as you read this May/June edition of our Conservation Federation magazine, you and your loved ones are well, and the uncertainty and severity of the threat has been greatly reduced.

In case you don’t know me, I am Mossie Schallon and I have been a proud member of CFM for 25+ years. I am excited and proud to be the second woman to be elected CFM president. My husband (Mike) served as CFM president from 2010 to 2012, and we are the first husband and wife to serve in this capacity. After 40+ years in the financial services industry, I retired at the end of 2018 from Commerce Bank where I was a Senior Vice President. We are very fortunate to have our daughter Katie, son in-law Darren, and our two precious grandsons, Dylan and Cameron living only a few blocks from us.

Since 1980 Mike and I have owned a farm in Montgomery County with wildlife, outdoors and conservation management being a high priority. Making our home in St. Charles County (Wentzville) has provided us many opportunities to embrace and support urban and rural conservation efforts. I’m sure, like you, we’ve found Missouri citizens have much in common when it comes to appreciating the outdoors and conservation!

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created spring” – Bern Williams

I am very aware of the uncertainty that we are all feeling at this critical time and yet I am optimistic about our future. We will get through these difficult times and be stronger than before. I am very grateful for the dedicated staff, passionate volunteer officers, executive committee and board of directors who stand with me.

We are all catalysts, engaging Missouri citizens as well as our legislators in conserving our natural resources and ensuring that our state's strong conservation heritage is passed on from generation to generation.

There is much to be done to fulfill CFM’s mission to ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships. We need you so if you are not yet a member, please join us in our work! If you are already a member, THANK YOU! Be well, be diligent and do get out and enjoy our great Missouri outdoors!

Yours in Conservation, Mossie Schallon President, CFM

8

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

It’s your

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Member News

Why I Became a Life Member of CFM: Matt Tucker

A

s long as I can remember, the outdoors was not only a place for me to escape, but also where I received some of my greatest lessons.

Whether it was learning to squirrel hunt, gigging frogs, or sitting in a boat with my dad and brother, I was raised outside. As I have aged, my outdoor interests have changed, but I still find a way to get out. No matter if it's hunting, fishing, hiking, ORV riding, or photography, we are fortunate to live in the great state of Missouri with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.

I was introduced to the Missouri Conservation Federation of Missouri in 2012 when I started the Gateway Chapter of Trout Unlimited. We grew from a board of 13 fishing buddies to well over 700 members in relatively short order. Immediately, Brandon Butler was pushing to get our organization involved with CFM and promote cold-water conservation. It was through these conversations that I learned of all the good that CFM does for Missouri and our fantastic outdoor resources.

Becoming a Life Member of CFM is my way of continuing to give back. It was a way for me to ensure that the enjoyment and lessons I received from those times in the boat with my dad and brother chasing fish or tromping through the deer woods in the fall and telling stories back at camp can continue to live on. It was just a little something extra I can do to help ensure that our legacy of Missouri outdoorsman lives on for future generations.

Become a CFM Life Member When you purchase a Life Membership with CFM, your money is added to an endowment supporting the administration of the organization in perpetuity. Each year, we draw earnings from the endowment, so your contribution will truly be supporting the CFM for the rest of your life and beyond. This is an important funding source for our Federation.

We hope you will consider joining the over 260 dedicated conservationists who have already made a life commitment to the Conservation Federation of Missouri by becoming a Life Member today.

Contact CFM at (573) 634-2322 or email info@confedmo.org.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News

WELCOME NEW CFM MEMBERS Glenda Abney, Columbia Carol Albenesius, Saint Louis Robert Alder, Saint Louis Joe Algaier, Belton Charles Anderson, New Bloomfield Howard Baker, Warrensburg Gary Behrman, Saint Louis Kenneth Berkel, Glencoe Ted Betzen, Fordland Gerard Biedenstein, Saint Louis Dan Billington, Chamois Wendy Borders,Kansas City Dalton Brauch, Holts Summit Donald Bryan, Eureka Bob Burton, Liberty Neil Butteiger, Chesterfield Michael Calahan, Cape Girardeau Don Cavendor, Saint Louis Alex Cayer, Springfield Fitz Chandler, Ballwin Michael & Cheryl Chandler, Holt William Clark, Columbia Mike Claspille, O’Fallon Ryan Conley, Saint Peters Jack Cooper, Willard Ted Cox, Clark Clay Creech, Sumner Raymond Daniels, Rolla Dave Denfeld, Warrensburg Jim Dickman, Manchester Steve Dolson, Gladstone Reva Dow, Birch Tree Robert Dunning, Lees Summit Tyler Dykes, Kearney Caroline Early, Saint Louis Jim Ebert, Lone Jack Scott Faiman, Columbia

In Memory In Honor of Harold Frazier Mitchell Damp

Rick Fast, Liberal Bill Fessler, Kansas City Norma Fisk, Columbia Brian Flowers, Columbia Alma Frazier, Kansas City Kit & Roger Freudenberg, Jefferson City Charles Fugate, Overland Park, KS David Goodlet, Dearborn Johnny & Margie Green, Auxvasse Matt Green, Ballwin Sean Guffey, Rolla Gordon Hamon, Kirbyville George Heckel, Saint Peters Douglas Helmers, Rothville Larry Henderson, Saint Charles Raymond Herbst, Pacific Sean Heskett, Ballwin Dennis Hite, Ozark Grant Holt, Dardenne Prairie Alycia Johns, Jefferson City Pamela Jones, Jefferson City Ken Joplin, West Plains Andy Kerckhoff, Saint Louis Thomas Kulowiec, Sturgeon Eric Kurzejeski, Columbia Bob Lavalle, New Madrid Hugh and Katherine Law, Saint Louis Kenneth Lee, Annapolis Bernard Leonhard, Saint Charles Charlie Lindquist, Jefferson City Kendell Loyd, Springfield Laura Madden, Saint Louis Paul Mann, Marthasville Michael Manuel, London Kathleen Metter, Columbia Ryan Miloshewski, Kansas City Robert Moore, Saint Charles Eric Morris, Springfield Travis Morrison, West Plains Timothy Morrison, Ellisville Norman Murray, Jefferson City Robert Naumann, Saint Peters J. Roger Nelson, Saint Louis Sandra Nelson, Camdenton Philip Newell, Saint Peters Tony Oden, De Witt Arthur Oestereich, Saint Charles

Patricia Oglesby, Rolla Thomas Paley, Fenton Jim Patton, Crocker Phil Pitts, Jefferson City Eric Rahm, Warsaw Charles Randall, Peculiar Nicholas Rankin, Kansas City Jim Rathert, Jefferson City Paul Ratliff, Saint Louis Tracy Rayburn, Morse Mill Lee Redmond, Lohman Linda Reifschneider, Saint Louis Chris Roehl, Cabool Ben Runge, Maryville James Sayler, Saint Louis Charles Scearce, Fairhope Albert Schanda, Forsyth Nancy Schanda, Forsyth Garry Schick, Joplin Harold Schulte, Linn Earl Setchfield, Saint Louis Joseph Simon, Saint Peters Donald Smith, West Plains William Smith, Summersville Chuck Stokes, Saint Louis Robert Stout, Jefferson City Jeff Strickland, Saint Charles Allen Tatman, Jefferson City Jennifer Thater, Joplin Vince & Becky Travnichek, Camdenton Joshua Uffma, Eureka Alexandra Vollman, Saint Louis Edward Wenzelburger, Saint Louis James Wetherton, Lenexa John Winkelman, Crystal City Richard Winkler, Festus Ruth Winters, Jefferson City Cathy Wood, Lamar Isaac Wouk, Saint Louis Kiah Wright, Columbia K.G. Yow, Park Hills Ronald and Phyllis Zirkle, Stewartsville

CFM thanks the 320 members that renewed since our last publication.

MAY - 2020

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Committed to Community & Conservation Owned by the members they serve, Missouri’s electric cooperatives do more than provide reliable and affordable electricity. They are active in their communities, concerned for the wellbeing of their neighbors and devoted to the rural way of life that makes the Show-Me State a special place to live, work and play. Missouri’s electric cooperatives are dedicated to protecting the land, air and water resources important to you and your quality of life.

Learn more at www.amec.coop.

Member News

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MAY - 2020

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Affiliate Highlights

Stream Teams United

S

tream Teams United is the trade name of the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition.

Similar to the affiliate structure of CFM, the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition is the statewide organization made up of regional healthy river organizations from across the state.

In 1989, a group of fly fishermen came together on the banks of Roubidoux Creek to remove litter from their favorite fishing stream – and Missouri Stream Team #1 was born. The Missouri Stream Team Program grew tremendously during the 1990s through a collaborative partnership of the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

As the number of Stream Teams in Missouri grew during the 1990s, teams became more organized and collaborated with other Stream Teams in their regional watersheds. Regional Stream Teams who worked together became known as Stream Team Associations, and some of these Associations incorporated as their own 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. This launching of Stream Team Associations throughout the state led to the formation of the statewide Coalition (now Stream Teams United) in 1999.

Today, Stream Teams United includes 22 Stream Team Associations. As a non-profit partner to the Missouri Stream Team Program, Stream Teams United serves three primary functions that broaden and enhance the reach of the Missouri Stream Team Program: Stream Teams United leads advocacy efforts for Missouri stream and water resources. Through a volunteer citizen advocacy committee, Stream Teams United reviews current advocacy issues and submits comments to regulatory agencies. Stream Teams United also mentors advocacy interns during the legislative session, maintains a “Legislative Lookout” of bills of interest, and sends weekly e-bulletins and social media posts with information about how Missouri citizens can learn about and become advocates for their stream resources.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Stream Team leaders from around the state met during the Stream Team anniversary celebration at Echo Bluff State Park in 2019. (Photo: Stream Team United)

Stream Teams United serves as a fiscal sponsor for citizen Stream Teams to obtain grants and funding for education and stewardship projects. Stream Teams United works with its member Associations to apply for grants to help Associations with their local needs.

Stream Teams United also collaborates with regional Associations on larger projects that are beneficial to multiple Associations. In 2019-2022, Stream Teams United is sponsoring an AmeriCorps VISTA project to host AmeriCorps members at five healthy river organizations around the state. Stream Teams United also offers mini-grants to member Stream Teams Associations, using funds raised from collaborative fundraising events.

Through communications, serves as a nongovernment source to promote Missouri Stream Teams and Stream Team Associations. Through e-bulletins, social media, press releases, and inperson events, Stream Teams United works to promote Stream Team events and build awareness of river stewardship in our #GreatRiversState.

Learn more about Stream Teams United and Stream Team Associations at www.streamteamsunited.org.

Affiliate Highlights

Affiliate Organizations Anglers of Missouri

Missouri Caves & Karst Conservancy

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Archery Big Bucks of Missouri

Missouri Chapter of the American

Missouri State Campers Association

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Fisheries Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management

Bass Slammer Tackle

Missouri Coalition for the Environment

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Big Game Hunters

Missouri Community Forestry Council

Missouri Trappers Association

Burroughs Audubon Society of

Missouri Conservation Agents Association

Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

Missouri Whitetails Unlimited

Capital City Fly Fishers

Greater Kansas City

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

MU Wildlife & Fisheries Science

Chesterfield Citizens Committee

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

for the Environment

Graduate Student Organization

Missouri Ducks Unlimited- State Council

Northside Conservation Federation

Columbia Audubon Society

Missouri Forest Products Association

Open Space Council of the St. Louis Region

Conservation Foundation of

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Osage Paddle Sports

Missouri Charitable Trust

Missouri Hunter Education

Ozark Chinquapin Foundation

Deer Creek Sportsman Club

Instructor's Association

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation

Ozark Land Trust

Forest and Woodland Association

Missouri Master Naturalist -

Ozark Trail Association

of Missouri Forest Releaf of Missouri Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Garden Club of St. Louis Gateway Chapter Trout Unlimited Greater Ozarks Audubon Society Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri Greenway Network, Inc. James River Basin Partnership L-A-D Foundation Land Learning Foundation

Hi Lonesome Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist Great Rivers Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist Miramiguoa Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist Osage Trails Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist Boone's Lick Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist Springfield Plateau Chapter

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme De Terre Chapter Muskies Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Bluffs Audubon Society Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association South Side Division CFM Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers St. Louis Audubon Society

Legends of Conservation

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Stream Teams United

Little Blue River Watershed Coalition

Missouri Native Seed Association

Student Air Rifle Program

Magnificent Missouri

Missouri Outdoor Communicators

The Fallen Outdoors-Team MO

Mid-Missouri Outdoor Dream

Missouri Park & Recreation Association

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club

Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited

Missouri Parks Association

Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers

Midwest Diving Council

Missouri Prairie Foundation

Troutbusters of Missouri

Mississippi Valley Duck

Missouri River Bird Observatory

United Bow Hunters of Missouri

Missouri River Relief

Wild Bird Rehabilitation

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Hunters Association

Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc.

Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation

Missouri Atlatl Association

Missouri Rural Water Association

Wonders of Wildlife

Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Young Outdoorsmen United

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Society of American Foresters

Missouri Birding Society

Missouri Soil & Water Conservation

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Society-Show-Me Chapter

MAY - 2020

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2020 Events Schedule CFM Media Camp- February 3 - 6 6th Annual CFM Media Camp at Lilleys' Landing

84th Annual Convention- March 6 - 8 Let your voice be heard at the Annual Convention, Capitol !laza otel in Jefferson City

Conservation Day at the Capitol- April 1 Join CFM and over 30 affiliate organizations at the Capitol for a day of promoting and supporting conservation

Conservation Federation Banquet: Kansas City- May 7 Enjoy a fun evening of games, auctions, raffles, dinner, and more at ass !ro Shops in ndependance

Conservation Federation Banquet: Springfield- June 18 Meet fellow conservationists and support CFM at the 0hite %iver Conference Center

Conservation Federation Banquet: Columbia- July 23 Fish or kayak then eat a fantastic meal while supporting CFM at ass !ro Shops- Columbia

Pull for Conservation: Central- August 29 Take your best shot at the 14th annual central clay shoot at !rairie Grove Shotgun Sports

Affiliate Summit- September 10 & 11 CFM affiliate organizations are invited to network and learn in Jefferson City

Pull for Conservation: Southwest- September 19 Enjoy the scenic course at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex

Pull for Conservation: Northwest- October 10 Join CFM for the fifth northwest clay shoot at oot ill Shooting Ground in amilton

Conservation Federation Banquet: St. Louis- October 29 Gather for a spirited event with friends in St. Louis, Location to be announced

Event dates are subject to change. Please visit www.confedmo.org or follow us on social media for the most up to date schedule.

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Member News

Conservation Leaders attend CFM Convention

I

n early March, a group of young, aspiring conservationists had the opportunity to attend the Conservation Federation of Missouri's 84th Annual Convention. This experience is made possible by CFM's Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) program, in which students ranging from juniors in high school to seniors in college are united to form a voice for the future of conservation.

I am a sophomore attending the University of Missouri, and I joined CLC as a junior in high school. I soon became aware that I was joining a group of extremely passionate students that shared a common interest in conservation, despite our different areas of study. The diversity is what makes CLC so successful. When it comes to solving complex problems that may not have only one clear answer, differences in perspectives are so important.

Conserving our natural resources for the betterment of the future is not something that we can do individually. We must operate as a team, working together toward that common goal.

A common topic of conversation at this year's convention was what the future of conservation looks like and how we are going to continue to manage our natural resources in an ever-changing world successfully. CLC is crucial to this future uncertainty as it is training our future conservation leaders to be prepared for a world in which they may not always know the answers to future issues regarding the conservation of our natural resources.

CFM's annual convention gives CLC students the chance to engage with other CLC students from around the state, network with professionals, interact with affiliate organizations, and become familiar with CFM's resolution process. CLC also encourages students to become involved in the resolution writing process at our annual fall workshop.

CLC students work together in groups through the fall and winter to develop resolutions addressing various issues regarding conservation and our natural resources. Of the six resolutions passing out of the general assembly this year, two were written by CLC students.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Besides the fall workshop and CMF's Annual Convention, CLC also holds various volunteer events throughout the year. We attend a Prairie Fork Workday in which students participate in invasive species removal, trail maintenance, outdoor classroom upkeep, and other duties as needed. We also put on a Stream Team cleanup float in which we camp the night before and float the next day while removing trash from the stream.

I am excited to be a part of this year's newly elected officer team. We plan to work together with CLC students to grow both, the CLC program, and the Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance (MCCA).

Increased numbers of students involved in these two organizations will strengthen our generation's voice in conservation.

On behalf of all CLC students, we would like to thank those who support, fund, and believe in the CLC program. I could not be more confident in the next generation of leaders in conservation. Thank you for all that you do and to quote Shags, "Go forth and conservation hard!"

Kyle Watkinson CLC President

OLD SCHOOL

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Member News

CFM's 84th Annual Convention

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he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) would like to thank everyone who made this year’s convention a huge success. It takes so many people to pull off the event, and we are very grateful for everyone’s help and generosity.

There were six Resolutions passed from the hard work of the Resource Advisory Committees and the General Assembly. Everyone’s input is greatly appreciated during this very important process, as it helps guide CFM in the days ahead.

CLC students gathered and continued their education of conservation in many various aspects for becoming the next generation of leaders. We appreciate their dedication to this program and we look forward to helping them become successful leaders.

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We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors for their financial support. Those included: Bass Pro Shops, Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, Roeslein Alternative Energy, Orscheln Farm & Home, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Ozark Bait and Tackle, Mitico, Richard and Denice Mendenhall, Sun Solar and National Wildlife Federation.

A special thank you goes out to the convention planning committee and volunteers for all of their hard work behind the scenes. We really couldn’t pull off such an amazing weekend without everyone’s help.

Thanks to those who traveled to share in the fun, fellowship and business of CFM again this year. We really appreciate your continued support of our organization.

Member News Outstanding Lifetime Achievement: Bob DiStefano

Bob is highly regarded as a leader in the international crayfish research community because of his efforts and involvement in crayfish conservation. He is a soughtafter collaborator by many scientists because of his expertise, work ethic, and dedication to high-quality science. He draws on this vast network of connections to address important ecological and management questions. When Bob speaks, people listen. To some, Bob is a role model of science, but to many others he is a role model of life.

Conservationist of the Year: Norman Murray Norman Murray’s work has improved Missouri’s critically imperiled grassland systems, provided local, state and national leadership related to grasslands, leadership and direction with the Comprehensive Conservation Strategy, Missouri’s Wildlife Diversity Program and the proposed Recovering Americas Wildlife Act (RAWA). Within the Missouri Department of Conservation, Norman was asked to lead the organizational review to help set the future direction and overall structure of how MDC implements conservation here in Missouri.

Norman has provided key guidance and conservation leadership within the conservation family and provided leadership for MDC’s Agency reorganization, the strategic plan, priority geographies and worked to increased wildlife populations on many committees and work groups. Many others seek Norman out to be a part of their work teams, interview panels and assignments.

Thanks in part to his solid communication skills, Norman is an effective leader and supervisor that provides encouragement, direction and a willingness to consider opposing points of view during the decision-making process.

Conservation Communicator of the Year: Jim Karpowicz For almost four decades, Jim has been combining his passion for wildlife, wild places and environment issue with high quality video production. For over 20 years, Jim was the lead producer for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Missouri Outdoors program where he produced over 100 story segments. These included Lewis & Clark in Missouri, The Spirit of Conservation and 20 years: A Stream Team Story. Jim has recently taken on the position of River Advocate for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. He has dedicated his life’s skills as a passionate communicator, creating public awareness for the importance of natural resource conservation.

Corporate Conservationist of the Year: CZ-USA CZ believes in giving back to youth and shooting sports across the country. They recently chose four youth to set a world record for the most amount of clay targets hit over a 12 hour period. They had students submit essays on why they should be selected to break the world record.

They then had them shoot targets, and combined their shooting scores with their essays to select the two boys and two girls to try and set the record. The record was indeed broken, where each shooter shot almost 4,000 rounds over a 12 hour period!

Conservation Educator of the Year: Rebekah Jenkins Rebekah has been trained to use the Enviro-Scape model to educate the Christian County community about stormwater runoff. She attended a training weekend for the Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems in 2012 and has since been active in recruiting and mentoring students for GLADE, and became co-director of the week-long nature camp in 2019. With GLADE, she has assisted in multiple community grant projects such as creating a plastic bottle recycling program at the Ozark High School, helping build a native rain garden at the elementary school, and maintaining the Ozark Middle School Outdoor classroom.

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Member News Forest Conservationist of the Year: Jason Green

Water Conservationist of the Year: Sherry Fisher

Jason and his staff implemented The 2019 Pioneer Forest Management Plan. This 137-page document utilizes comprehensive Geographic Information Systems along with identification and description of new forest reserves, ecological management areas, and recreation and trails on the forest. Jason led a tour of fifteen German, Swiss, and Austrian ProSilva foresters interested in uneven-aged silviculture. Pioneer foresters have now been invited to tour European forests and to continue these discussions. Jason’s leadership for the management program at Pioneer Forest is a tribute to the use of conservation-based forest management in the Missouri Ozarks and a model for others interested in similar conservation-based values to emulate.

Sherry has had a long and productive career that has boldly advanced fisheries science, engaged and empowered citizen scientists, and set a level of professionalism that is second to none. Under her leadership, the Stream Unit has led efforts to work in prioritized watersheds statewide, coordinating watershed inventory efforts with regional staff and enhanced training. Sherry’s work on a national scale with the National Conservation Leadership Institute has allowed her to share her leadership skills with conservation professionals across the nation. Her leadership with the Conservation partnership meeting here in Missouri has highlighted her talents as a conservation leader.

Conservation Organization of the Year: Ozark Trail Association (OTA)

Youth Conservationist of the Year: Anna Skalicky

In 2019, OTA volunteers donated 9,817 hours to develop, maintain, preserve, promote, and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail, Missouri’s premier long-distance backcountry National Recreation trail. In the fall of 2019, OTA volunteers were able to complete the final half mile of trail linking the Ozark Trail’s Blair Creek section to two State Parks. This new trail connects and expands the Trail’s reach to strategically important destinations and trail heads. It also affords opportunities for trail enthusiasts to enjoy the scenic Current River valley. This beautiful section of trail adds indisputable value to the OT as a trail of national significance.

Professional Conservationist of the Year: Brian Canaday As Division Chief, Brian has helped guide the division through the development of the Missouri Conservation: Design for the Future Strategic Plan. As Fisheries Division Chief, Brian represents Missouri at the national level serving in the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association (MICRA). During his time as chair, this group has worked on tackling the invasive carp issue that plagues the big rivers across the Midwest. Making annual trips to Washington DC to meet with Missouri’s congressional delegation along with legislators from other states has paid off. There is currently legislation moving its way through Congress that will bring additional funding to the Mississippi River Basin sates to continue the fight.

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Anna is an avid community volunteer, an outstanding student, an accomplished naturalist, and a committed conservationist. Anna attends Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she is a junior majoring in Environmental Studies. During her sophomore year, she lived in The EcoHouse, a sustainable living project on campus exploring green-living lifestyles and work with community partners to develop better resources for sustainable lifestyles. In the summer of 2019, Anna was a nature educator and interpreter at Roaring River State Park where she used her skills to spark interest in the Ozarks and the changes facing the area’s vulnerable natural resources. Anna’s positive attitude, infectious personality, commitment to excellence, love for the outdoors and people, exceptional communication skills and passion to shape the future combine to make her an outstanding youth conservationist.

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year: Jerod Huebner With 22 Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) properties totaling more than 3,250 acres spread throughout the state to oversee, Jerod is presented every day with many logistical and planning challenges, but he is extremely efficient at planning ahead to ensure that all prairie burns, invasive species control work, grant obligations and reporting are completed on schedule.

Member News Jerod’s work on behalf of wildlife conservation extends beyond MPF prairies as he reaches out to private landowners through workshops he presents to educate about the importance of providing habitat and incorporating it into farming practices. Jarod’s knowledge and enthusiastic personality assure that his workshops are always filled to capacity and he reaches many with his message about ways to implement a diversity of wildlife habitat on private land.

Conservation Legislator: Representative Tracy McCreery

CFM'S 2020 Resolutions

A critical activity performed by CFM is the monitoring of conservation and natural resource issues and the formulation of an organizational stance or position based on the best available information and/or science. Members and board supported resolutions are frequently developed as a means of expressing CFM support, opposition, recognition, or advice on a particular topic. CFM resolutions are one of the most powerful expressions of our opinion as a conservation organization.

Resolutions were voted upon and approved at CFM's 84th Annual Convention on March 6-8, 2020. These can be viewed online at www.confedmo.org/2020resolutions/# 2020 - 1 Remove Antler Point Restrictions for Youth Archery Permittees (Archery and Shooting Sports)

Representative Tracy McCreery has been a longtime supporter of conservation and the outdoors. She represents part of St. Louis County (District 88) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Tracy is an instrumental piece of the House Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources. During the last session she voiced her approval and support for the dedicated conservation sales tax in Missouri. She volunteers for many organizations within her community and has been a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.

Conservation Legislator: Senator Mike Bernskoetter Senator Mike Bernskoetter championed the Poaching legislation during the first regular session of the 100th General Assembly. He took the oath of office in January 2019, to serve the residents of the 6th Senatorial District.

He is the current chairman of the Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources committee. Before being elected to the Missouri Senate, Sen. Bernskoetter served as the representative for the 59th District in the Missouri House of Representatives.

2020 - 2 Support for Adding Shelf Stable Snack Sticks to Share the Harvest (Big Game, Turkey and Furbearers) 2020 - 3 Support for a Missouri Plan to Achieve Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Environment and Ecology) 2020 - 4 Use of Precision Agriculture on Missouri Department of Conservation Land (Public/Private Lands) 2020 -5 Halt the Planting of Non-native Invasive Species on State-Owned Property (Public/Private Lands) 2020 - 6 Support the Rock Island Trail (Public/Private Lands)

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Member News

Calling for Conservation Leadership Corps Applicants!

T

he Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) is now accepting applications for membership.

The CLC is a group of conservation-minded students from across the state. High school juniors through college sophomores are invited to apply and can do so at the CFM website: confedmo.org/clc.

The purpose of the program is to bring students together to be engaged in conservation in Missouri, to be active with our CFM Affiliates, and to learn how to be a voice for the Missouri Outdoors.

Students are shown how to speak to their state legislators and encouraged to testify in the Capitol on behalf of conservation.

Many CLC alumni have met their employers through this program and are still very active in CFM today as board members, committee chairs, and even staff!

We are planning this year’s CLC Stream Team cleanup and float trip and will have our first meeting with new students at Fall Conference. The application period has been extended until July 10th this year to allow for more applicants, but don’t wait, apply today!

CLC students 'break the ice' at the 84th Annual Convention through conversation jenga. (Photo: Courtesy of CFM)

If you have any questions about the program or applying, send those to czirkle@confedmo.org.

Colton Zirkle Education and Communications Coordinator

CFM Young Professionals Gather at the Annual Convention

T

he Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) is now accepting applications for membership.

The CLC is a group of conservation-minded students from across the state. High school juniors through college sophomores are invited to apply and can do so at the CFM website: confedmo.org/clc.

The purpose of the program is to bring students together to be engaged in conservation in Missouri, to be active with our CFM Affiliates, and to learn how to be a voice for the Missouri Outdoors.

Students are shown how to speak to their state legislators and encouraged to testify in the Capitol on behalf of conservation.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Many CLC alumni have met their employers through this program and are still very active in CFM today as board members, committee chairs, and even staff!

We are planning this year’s CLC Stream Team cleanup and float trip and will have our first meeting with new students at Fall Conference. The application period has been extended until July 10th this year to allow for more applicants, but don’t wait, apply today!

If you have any questions about the program or applying, reach out to Colton Zirkle at czirkle@ confedmo.org.

Member News

CFM Awards Annual Risberg Grant

T

he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) awarded the annual David Risberg Memorial Grants for the third year in a row at the affiliate luncheon during our annual convention. These grants honor the memory of David A. Risberg, who was passionate about conservation, by making conservation projects across Missouri possible. These grants are only available to CFM affiliate organizations.

“Thanks to the generosity of John and Mary Risberg, we are able to hand out much needed funds to our affiliates so they can make lasting impacts across our landscape,” said Tyler Schwartze, CFM Executive Director. “Through the tragic loss of David’s life, and the wonderful hearts of his parents, John and Mary, we have been able to promote his lasting legacy in so many ways across this state.”

The demand for these grants was much greater than the funds available. CFM now has much work ahead of us to raise the necessary funds to grow this important endowment so we may fund many more of the worthy projects our partners hope to implement across Missouri to better our natural world.

The 17 CFM Affiliates who received a share of the $17,730 distributed through the inaugural David Risberg Memorial Grants are: • Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri • Forest Releaf of Missouri • Greenbelt Land Trust of Missouri • Land Learning Foundation • Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy • Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society • Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation • Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation • Missouri Park Association • Missouri River Bird Observatory • Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition • Missouri Trappers Association • National Wild turkey Federation • Ozark Trail Association • Student Air Program • The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region • Wild Bird Rehabilitation

We look forward to reports detailing all the incredible work completed with the assistance of these grants, and anticipate an even greater demand for David Risberg Memorial Grants in future years, meaning even more work will be done across Missouri.

In 2020, John and Mary Risberg have set up a challenge for this fund and will match every dollar raised up to $50,000. Please consider donating today to these boots on the ground projects that are funded in his honor.

You can also view a video that has been created will shows the story of David’s life, and explains more about the challenge grant currently going on: https://www. confedmo.org/donate-to-drm/

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Member News

#NatureCantVote So #OpposeHJR100

O

ne of the bills that the CFM has opposed this past session is HJR-100.

This House Joint Resolution could require all rules made by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to go through the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules or JCAR. This group would have the ability to approve or disapprove of decisions and policies made

by MDC. All seasons, limits, and even management of game would have to be approved by JCAR. On February 25th, nearly 100 conservationists from across the state, showed up to oppose HJR-100 when it was presented in the House Special Committee on Government Oversight. The bill’s sponsor, who is also the chairman of that committee, presented his bill as a good thing that would provide for accountability between branches of government.

The sponsor said that there are 16 Executive Agencies in the state and all but one of those are already under JCAR and that this bill’s only aim was to bring in the final one.

Another Representative brought up a question, “If the entire purpose of the bill is to reign in the Missouri Department of Conservation, why isn’t it mentioned in the text of the bill?” A fine question indeed. Our affiliates provided a rebuttal, “Only 1 of those 16 agencies is the best of its kind in the United States, MDC. Instead of trying to put it under JCAR, why not allow the other agencies, like the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to operate under similar authority?’

Some legislators voice the concern of their constituents that they have no voice with MDC and they are not heard when decisions are made.

Currently, MDC’s decisions go through a 4-member, bipartisan commission. Aldo Leopold provides the first way we as citizens have a voice, “The Conservation Commission can be no better than the governor who appoints them, the senators who confirm them, or the citizens who elect them both.”

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Another way citizens can have a voice is join us at the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM).

Many of our citizens have forgotten the history of conservation in Missouri. As we approach our 85th Anniversary of that first meeting of CFM there is no better time to remind and educate folks, that from the dedicated work of the people, came the apolitical Missouri Department of Conservation, the Design for Conservation 1/8th of one percent sales tax, and the continuous passing of the 1/10th of one percent Parks, Soil, and Water sales tax. Through the will of Missourians, united under CFM, has come the greatest conservation program in the nation.

Dubbed the “Missouri Model of Conservation,” we continue to be the envy of the country.

For more information about this bill and others, go online to our Legislative Action Center at www. confedmo.org/lac. After you’re logged in, it only takes two clicks to take action! You can also help spread the message on social media by sharing a photo of your favorite outdoor activity that conservation plays a role in using the hastags #naturecantvote and #opposehjr100. If your legislators have opposed HJR-100, please thank them. Thank you to all of you who are voices for the Missouri Outdoors.

“The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must, and we will.” -Theodore Roosevelt Colton Zirkle Education and Communications Coordinator

Outdoor News

Old School Bowfishing

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ow high's the water, mama? Six feet high and rising as Johnny Cash would sing. That seemed to be the theme in the spring of 2019. With Truman Lake being as much as 33 feet above normal pool, that makes regular fishing kind of tough but opens up some new opportunities to bowfish flooded fields.

The Pomme De Terre River arm of Truman Lake backed up higher than I've ever seen, which closed most access points and boat ramps. It flooded bottomland fields around the Cross Timbers Access close to my Hickory County hunting ground. I've only been bowfishing one other time a few years back, and I went with a friend on that trip using his equipment.

So, I don't have a bowfishing set up of my own, but it seemed like this year I should seize the opportunity and try some bowfishing.

I have a Martin Damon Howett Hunter recurve that has a stabilizer insert so I could attach an old-style Bohning Lighting Reel on it. I did buy a new Muzzy fishing arrow with a slide attachment on it, which is a much better way to attach the string to your arrow in my opinion. It did however, take me a few shots before I figured out to nock my arrow with the slide stop facing up so as not to hit the arrow shelf, causing the arrow to fly erratically. Now I was all set. My recurve is maybe a little heavy with the draw weight at 55 lbs., but I figured I wouldn't shoot that much so it should be ok.

Continuing with my "Old School" theme I broke out the 1978 sixteen foot flat bottom johnboat powered by an 8 HP Mariner two stoke motor and an old Motorguide metal prop trolling motor and away I went looking for a flooded gravel road with deep enough water to launch the boat. I found what I was looking for on some Corps of Engineer's land not far from Cross Timbers public access.

I backed the boat into the shallow water and waded out knee-deep to launch the boat when a familiar buzzing insect sound caught my attention.

Mosquitoes also like flooded fields, especially in the shady flooded trees around the creek ditch I was wading in.

Jeff pictured the three fish that he shot along with his boat setup for his bowfishing trip. (Photo: Jeff Blystone)

Unloading the boat, getting my gear into the boat, parking the truck, and getting my butt into the boat all the while doing my best imitation of a man with his hair on fire swatting mosquitoes was a comical sight I'm sure but alas no one was there to see it!

I motored through the flooded trees as quickly as possible breaking out into the bright sunshine of a flooded field, and the bugs quit dive-bombing me, and the water was clear enough to see 4 or 5 feet down. Cruising around the edge of the tree line soon brought me within range of my quarry – rough fish! Bigmouth buffalo was the first species to give me a shot. Like I mentioned before, I haven't been bowfishing much and was trying to iron out my setup, so of course, I missed the first shot and the second and the third. In fact, it was my seventh shot before I connected on a nice buffalo.

Over the next couple of hours that sunny afternoon, I flung 18 shots. I'm going to claim five hits, but I only got three fish in the boat. The other two were marginal hits and the fish pulled off. I am also going to claim a successful day because I had fun doing something on my own and learned a little, which to me is what it's all about so I can have more fun next time! Happy Bow Fishin'.

Jeff Blystone

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Feature Story

Bill Lockwood & Ron Coleman inducted into the Missouri Parks and Recreation

Hall of Fame

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ill Lockwood and Ron Coleman were inducted into the Missouri Recreation and Parks Hall of Fame on Thursday, February 20, 2020 during the Missouri Parks and Recreation Associations annual conference.

Ron Coleman

Coleman is a resident of St. Albans and has made extraordinary contributions to the parks and recreation movement in Missouri. In his tenure, he worked for the City of Ellisville as Director of Parks & Recreation, Ozark Greenways Executive Director, City of Chesterfield as Director of Parks & Recreation and Open Space Council’s Executive Director. While “Director” appears to be the common theme of all these positions, it is only one common factor.

Affectionately referred to as “the start up guy,” Ron was the first in each of these positions.

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He became very efficient in the standard policy and procedures required for a smooth operation while creating recreational programs to get a new department moving. While Ron has moved on from all of these professional positions, these agencies remain active and viable today.

Ron has chaired many initiatives throughout the state of Missouri for the benefit of parks, conservation, trails, clean water and public art and for the betterment of all Missourians and our states natural resources. Many of the programs Ron initiated or nurtured continue to flourish. Ron assisted in the creation of many special publications for a variety of local and statewide initiatives. Two keystone video projects, Rivers in Renaissance and Greenways for Missouri, helped to educate and promote the ideals of river stewardship and open space protection.

Through both his action and advocacy he has helped to conserve thousands of acres of open space in the form of conservation and park land, acquire and develop miles of hiking and biking trails and helped to restore the natural beauty to the lower Meramec River located on the eastern edge of the Ozarks Plateau. Ron has also been elected as the President of the Missouri Park Association, Conservation Federation of Missouri, and Missouri Park and Recreation Association, a leadership trifecta!

Ron’s professional and volunteer work with land and water conservation has earned him local, state and national recognition including Missouri Water Conservationist of the Year, MPRA Fellow, Conservationist of the Year by the St. Louis Audubon Society, Missouri Conservationist of the Year by CFM, and Watershed Management Award presented by the Missouri Water Environment Association.

Feature Story In 2010 Ron was honored by Governor Jay Nixon and the Missouri Legislature with the prestigious Missourian Award for his conservation, parks, outdoor recreation, and public service to the state of Missouri and the nation.

Ron has been a master at recognizing seemly diverse or unrelated interests and pulling parties together to accomplish a greater good for all. Playing the role of a mentor was not an act with Ron, it was a personality trait which came naturally to him. The careers of many park professionals in Missouri have been positively impacted directly and indirectly by Ron. Bill Lockwood

Lockwood is a resident of Jefferson City and has made extraordinary contributions to the parks and recreation movement in Missouri. Known as the “Professional’s Professional.” These two words offer the best description of Bill Lockwood. Time and time again he delivered the appropriate solutions to those challenges and, more often than not, deflecting the credit to others.

Starting when still a student at the University of Missouri, Bill displayed exemplary leadership and service while president of the student recreation club and outstanding senior in his graduating class. These traits were carried with him throughout his career. In his term as MPRA President, Bill led the successful defensive efforts to save the Department of Recreation and Park Administration from elimination by the University of Missouri Chancellor.

Rally presentations and an organized letter writing campaign to the administration, Board of Curators, and various members of the state legislature proved effective. He continues to serve the school and profession to this day on the School of Natural Resources Advisory Council Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors for CFM. The list of contributions to his credit is lengthy and distinguished in the communities he has served professionally. During his tenures in Fulton, Columbia, and most recently, Jefferson City, Bill has handled his employment in an exemplary manner, bringing recognition and achievement to his departments, the communities, and his employees.

He not only brought about significant progress in those communities, but did so while making the best use of available resources, creating new resources, promoting employee development, and adding greatly to the quality of life to the citizens he served over the course of his 46 year career.

His pioneering foresight in securing National Demonstration Project grant funding for the Columbia MKT Parkway as Missouri’s first rail-totrail conversion project served as inspiration and a model for the Katy State Park Trail and others to follow. His leadership of the 501(c)3 Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Foundation to secure funding and development of the Lewis and Clark Trail Head Monument on the state capitol grounds, a gift to all Missourians, is yet another example of his vision and collaborative partnerships.

Bill believes in community and civic service and has always been dedicated to making his communities great places to live, work, and play for current and future generations. His vision, long-range planning skills, the ability to think outside the box, and the tenacity to see projects through to completion have made his communities and the State of Missouri a better place for all.

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Feature Story

CFM’s Sixth Annual

Media Camp

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he Conservation Federation of Missouri held our sixth Annual Media Camp at Lilleys’ Landing on February 5 – 7, 2020. The purpose of this event is to thank our outdoor communicators as well as spark new ideas for conservation writing topics.

Lilleys’ Landing hosted a full day of guided fishing in which each guest caught multiple fish, some over 20 pounds! Branson Conventions and Visitors Bureau then sponsored a dinner at the Chateau on the Lake. Guest speakers from the Missouri Department of Conservation, Branson CVB, and Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation addressed the outdoor communicators about relevant topics.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

The next day, Bass Pro Shops took the outdoor communicators on an exclusive experience to Dogwood Canyon, The Shooting Academy, Top of the Rock, Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, and Fun Mountain. Guests were able to fish for trout, test CZ-USA shotguns, learn more about Native American history, and were honored with custom plaques.

This event would not be possible without the generosity and support from our sponsors. We would like to thank Lilleys’ Landing Resort & Marina, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Branson CVB, and CZ-USA.

Feature Story

(Left) Media Camp attendees enjoyed one of the days touring and fishing at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

(Top) Dogwood Canyon Staff demonstrate the operations of a grist mill.

(Middle) Tyler Dykes lands a trout at Dogwood Canyon during Bass Pro Day at Media Camp (Bottom) Daniel Holder from CZ-USA teaches the proper form for shooting clays Photos : Visit Missouri

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Agency News

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Share the Harvest Helps Feed the Hungry

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y sharing their harvest, Missouri hunters can put meat on the table for those most in need.

And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing in the Show-Me-State for nearly 30 years.

The Share the Harvest program is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), cooperating meat processors, and hunters.

It’s a charitable venison donation campaign that began in 1992. The program enables willing hunters to donate either part of or the entire deer they harvest to feed families in need.

The St. Louis area is fortunate to have another key partner in the program, Operation Food Search (OFS). Thanks to OFS, St. Louis area hunters donating whole deer through Share the Harvest can do so with no processing fees.

OFS operates from a 67,000 square foot facility and warehouse at 1644 Lotsie Boulevard in Overland.

The non-profit hunger relief organization feeds 200,000 people in need each month through over 200 outlets in the metro area. Their clients are thrilled to receive fresh venison.

“A lot of our community food partners are always asking for deer meat, it’s a hot commodity item and its actually very valuable,” said Jack Baran, OFS Food Donations Manager. “Protein is one of the most expensive items and the number one in demand,” he explained.

OFS functions as a hub for the donated venison, distributing it to food pantries, faith-based organizations, and homeless shelters to feed those in need. It also helps fund the program.

Meat processors typically charge around $100 to process a deer into ready-to-prepare meat. The CFM has funding to cover $60 for hunters donating whole deer statewide. Cooperating processors in St. Louis City and St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson Counties agree to cap their deer processing fees at $80 per

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deer. Operation Food Search also contributes $20 per deer, completely offsetting the processing fee for donating hunters. All members in the partnership work together to completely absorb the costs for hunters who donate their deer.

“Operation Food Search is helping reduce costs for hunters who want to donate whole deer to Share the Harvest, so it’s easier for them to participate,” MDC Conservation Agent Jeff Breuer said. Breuer is stationed in St. Louis County and has been working with OFS on the program for four years.

Breuer added that besides capping their fees, the meat processors play an important role in holding the deer meat until it can get picked up and dispersed to the community food partners.

“These partners are helping out the entire region and definitely are making a difference,” said Breuer.

In addition to providing food, OFS works to educate clients on food preparation both at their own facility, and on-site at their food partners’ locations.

Baran said the recipes OFS educators offer for dishes like deer chili, enchiladas and tacos help clients unfamiliar with preparing deer meat get the most out of the low fat, protein-packed venison.

Last year, over 300 deer were donated by Missouri hunters to OFS through Share the Harvest. “I think our local hunters are the most important people in this partnership and we couldn’t do it without them,” Baran stressed. “We’re very lucky and grateful they’re part of this program.”

Agent Breuer said he experiences a personal sense of reward by having a role in the Share the Harvest program. “I feel like a very small part of it, but I think it’s a big difference.,” he said. “When you can help out your fellow man it makes you feel good.”

For more details on the Share the Harvest program, and a complete list of approved meat processors, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zoz.

Agency News

MDC Encourage Public to Be Bear Aware

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he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) estimates that Missouri is home to about 540 - 840 black bears with most being in the southern part of the state. As spring gets underway, these magnificent mammals leave their winter dens in search of food. MDC reminds Missourians to “Be Bear Aware.”

MDC Resource Scientist and Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee said it is imperative that residents remove bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste.

“As black bears become active in the spring, they are on a mission to find food,” said Conlee. “Keeping areas free of attractants and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure to not offer it any food.”

Conlee noted that intentionally feeding bears can be dangerous as it makes the bears comfortable around people. It can also lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for a meal.

“When bears lose their fear of humans, they could approach people in search of food or may defend the food sources or territory they associate with people, which can make them dangerous,” Conlee said. “When this happens, the bear cannot be relocated and has to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Food is usually a bear’s main motivator, but that also means it can be a main source of conflict. MDC offers the following tips to avoid attracting black bears to possible food sources: • • • •

Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container until trash pick-up day.

Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.

Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.

Refrain from using birdfeeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to

MDC reminds Missourians to “Be Bear Aware” and remove bear attractants from their properties, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste because a “fed bear is a dead bear.”

(Photo: Courtesy of MDC)

• •

the area.

Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.

Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees. Do not keep food or toiletries in a tent, and do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.

While black bears are generally a shy, non-aggressive species and bear attacks are rare, MDC offers these tips when outdoors in bear country: • • • • •

Make noise, such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, while hiking to prevent surprising a bear.

Travel in a group if possible.

Keep dogs leashed.

Be aware of the surroundings. If there is evidence of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area.

Leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route.

Report bear sightings and post photos online at mdc. mo.gov/reportbears.

For more information on Missouri black bears and how to Be Bear Aware, visit mdc.mo.gov/bearaware.

Learn about MDC’s Missouri Black Bear Project at research.mdc.mo.gov/project/missouri-black-bear-project.

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Agency News

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Find Places for Outdoor Fun with MDC’s “MO Outdoors” App

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he sights and sounds of nature are distinct and unique during each season, which makes now a great time to get outside and discover nature.

Looking for places to enjoy outdoor activities in Missouri such as hiking, birdwatching, camping, shooting, fishing, and hiking? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has an app for that.

With MDC’s free mobile app -- MO Outdoors -- users can quickly and easily find MDC outdoor offerings based on the types of outdoor activities they want close to home, work, or even while traveling. Learn more at missouriconservation.org/mooutdoors MO Outdoors can help users find MDC conservation areas, fishing accesses, hiking trails, shooting ranges, nature centers, and more around the state based on their desired types of outdoor activities including birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, or shooting. Users can also mark “favorite” locations to quickly find them in future searches.

MO Outdoors also connects users to area regulations and season information, hours of operation, images, area closings, and interactive maps of area boundaries and features.

The map function also displays features such as parking lots, boat ramps, and wildlife viewing areas, and allows users to easily navigate to the features using their device’s GPS. Users can also download maps for offline use.

Get Hooked on Fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7

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ant some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7. Free fishing days always falls on the first weekend after the first Monday in June. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag.

MDC’s free MO Fishing mobile app helps anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more.

Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/mobile-apps/ mo-fishing.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample the state's abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state's more than 1.1 million anglers.

MDC can help through its free Rod and Reel Loaner Program at more than 100 locations around the state, including many libraries, MDC offices and nature centers, some state parks, and several marinas.

Borrow a rod with a standard spin-cast reel, a small tackle box with hooks, sinkers, bobbers, and a stringer. Users need to provide their own live bait or lures. For a list of loaner locations, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/RodandReelLoanerProgram.

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Agency News

MISSOURI STATE PARKS Department of Natural Resources names Mike Sutherland as new Missouri State Parks Director

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he Missouri Department of Natural Resources named Mike Sutherland as director of its Division of State Parks.

Sutherland has served as acting division director since Nov. 15, when former Division Director Ben Ellis retired. Prior to that, Sutherland served as deputy division director since joining the department in June 2017.

Before joining the Department of Natural Resources, Sutherland served as policy director for a nonprofit organization focused on budget and tax policy. His additional previous experiences include serving as the executive director of the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, a state representative and the Warren County assessor.

Sutherland is a longtime supporter of Missouri’s state park system and outdoor recreation.

In addition to serving on the Missouri Parks Association board and the Missouri State Parks Foundation, he is an avid cyclist and has worked as a salesman and mechanic for Red Wheel Bike Shop.

“Mike brings a great deal of leadership and experience to his new role,” said Department Director Carol Comer. “His knowledge and familiarity with both state government and the outdoors made him an excellent candidate for this role. We’re looking forward to Mike helping us continue to build relationships as we move into the future.”

“We have such a wonderful park system that millions of visitors utilize each year. Mike is poised to keep our parks and sites as one of the most respected park systems across the nation,” said CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze. “Under his leadership we look forward to having Missouri State Parks continue to be destinations that so many people enjoy visiting each year.”

“I’m honored to be asked to lead our team of hardworking individuals who believe in and support our mission,” said Sutherland. “I’m looking forward to an exciting future as I guide the Missouri State Parks team. It takes all of us, together as one team, to make progress toward stewardship, provide excellent service, and make sure we are always doing our part to keep our team and our guests safe.

By working together with a positive outlook, no challenge will be too great.”

A native of Warrenton who now lives in Jefferson City, Sutherland is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, biking and kayaking. His adventures include a 50k ultramarathon, the Missouri River 340, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in one day, biking the OT100 mountain bike race and competing in the Ironman World Triathlon Championships in Kona, HI.

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3 Things YOU Can Do to Help

Pollinators

1 2 3

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Plant Natives Native plants are a food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Add the plants shown below to your landscape.

Keep it Blooming Keep something in bloom each season. Some species bloom all year, others only in April and May, still others in July and August. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/monarch.

Get Involved Protect native grasslands, provide nesting places, and become a wildlife gardener. To learn how, visit GrowNative.org.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

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MAY - 2020

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MAY - 2020

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Feature Story

Good Karma on the Upper Jacks Fork A

s spring continues to emerge, the urge to get on the river starts flowing in my veins the way sap rises in maple trees. My heart begins longing for a trip on the Upper Jacks Fork, a stretch of river that is often too shallow to paddle in the summer.

As I think of journeys past, one from a few years ago rises to the surface; it was full of river karma, from the Prongs to Rymers.

The Prongs to Buck Hollow The trip was organized by the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club (www.owwckc.org), of which I'm a member even though I live on the eastern side of the state, and the club is primarily based in the Kansas City area. The planning involved a good deal of stopand-start flexibility. With all the raining and flooding that spring, the trip was on again, off again, until we grabbed a few sunny days between a flash flood and more rain in late April. The river gods were smiling upon us, with blue sky, warm sun and the rosy hue of redbuds just starting to bloom.

Our small flotilla of canoes – both tandem and solo – and one kayak set off from the South Prong access at the Highway Y bridge, northwest of Mountain View.

As soon as we rounded the corner, the first challenge came into view -- the big culverts we needed to pass through. A root wad blocked one, probably a result of the recent flash flood, so we sailed through the only open option. Looking back after we passed through, we could see the culverts for the North Prong; the two branches of the river join at this point.

Feature Story The upper 25 miles of the Jacks Fork is truly beautiful, with a canyon-like feeling because of the narrow riverbed and the towering limestone bluffs, often on both sides of the river. The section from the Prongs to Buck Hollow (Highway 17 bridge) is 6.8 miles, which makes for a leisurely day's float.

Leaves were just beginning to unfurl, giving trees a spring-green halo. The pink of redbuds and the white of serviceberry popped up along the bluffs and through the woods. The water was crystal clear and deep, and the river banks were carpeted with Virginia bluebells. Turtles basked in the sun on logs and rocks.

We spotted osprey, bald eagles and a heron.

Two other groups were floating and fishing this section of the river, and we leap-frogged one another, as some stopped for breaks or to cast a line and others paddled on. The one constant companion the entire day was a young dog who swam tirelessly back and forth across the river and trotted alongside on gravel bars. She would join one group, then another, and we all thought that she was with one of the other boats.

Gradually we realized that she was not with any of us but was on her own on the river. Because she seemed like she knew her way around, most thought she would go home on her own. But when we arrived at Buck Hollow that afternoon and she was still with us, almost seven miles away from where we had started, I checked her tags for numbers and began making calls.

Her owner was relieved to learn where her 14-monthold Lab-Shepherd mix was and immediately drove to Buck Hollow to pick her up. "She's definitely a river dog," she said with a laugh.

Most of the group headed for home that afternoon, but Barbara Van Vleck, of Lee's Summit, and I spent another night at the primitive campground at Rymers, listening to the whippoorwills, owls and frogs. At the same time, we sat beside a campfire under a starry sky and an almost-full moon.

Buck Hollow to Rymers The next day we put in at Buck Hollow and headed for Rymers, a 9.4-mile trip. My goal was to find the natural arch in the Jacks Fork Natural Area that had been featured in the April 2013 issue of Missouri Conservationist. It turns out that everyone else seemed to have the same idea, as paddlers kept asking if anyone knew any landmarks. Soon we spotted Jam Up Cave on the bluff ahead, which meant we had passed the arch without spying it.

Jam Up Cave, between Blue Spring and Rymers, is one of the most spectacular geological sites in the state. The main entrance, high on the cliff but visible through the trees from the river, is an arch about 80 feet high and 100 feet wide. The cave is now closed to visitors because of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that harms bats. But when I visited the cave years ago, it was possible to hike into the cavern, scramble over big boulders and see the underground waterfall and pool. Some people even swam in the cold cave water, but I was too chicken to do that. The cave is a natural tunnel and includes a sinkhole, dome and various passageways; access varies with the water level, which changes within the cave.

After lunch on the gravel bar across from the cave, we had just rounded a bend when we came upon two canoers waving in distress. They had flipped their heavily loaded canoe in the rapids and one had cut his hand to the bone. With a solo kayak and a solo canoe, we couldn't give the injured guy a ride, but we helped as well as we could, then paddled ahead to Rymers to drive to the top of the hill and try to get a cell phone signal to call for help.

At Rymers, we discovered that the sign marking the takeout point had washed away in a flood. We worried that the young men might not recognize the gravel bar, so we crafted a homemade sign and attached it to some sticks near the shore. We drove up the hill, called their canoe outfitter and the injured man's fiancée, and then drove back to the gravel bar, where the canoe had just arrived.

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Feature Story

Everything fell into place as we took the two young men to the emergency room at Mountain View, and simultaneously the folks from Two Rivers Canoe Rental came to gather their boat and gear and then collect the paddlers at the hospital. They were scheduled for a four-day float, with takeout at Two Rivers, so their trip was cut short. After a few stitches in his hand, he and his buddy headed back to Iowa. When we checked with him a few days later, all was well, and he was heading to Las Vegas to be married. They couldn't thank us enough for our help, and we just said to "pass it forward."

As we pulled into Buck Hollow to transfer my kayak from Barbara's car to mine, a shuttle from Windy's Canoe Rental drove by. "Maybe he'll help us unload my kayak," I joked. Before we could get out of the car, the shuttle driver from Windy's pulled up beside us and jumped out to give us a hand.

The river gods were still smiling on us. Good river karma. Pass it on.

Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

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Outdoor News

Lilleys’ Landing Resort and Marina: Paradise on the Water

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riving down the crowded Branson strip, you feel the stress of the workweek hot on your heels. As you turn off the strip and navigate the winding mountain roads towards the banks of Lake Taneycomo, you feel the stress start to fade in the rearview mirror. Out the windshield, you stare down a long, gently sloped pasture at the end of which you are met with the stunning sight of green roofs covering well-kept log cabins. The scene is perfectly placed against the backdrop of a 300-foot cliff overlooking the crystal-clear water of Lake Taneycomo.

Pulling into the newly paved parking lot, you are impressed with the level of care Phil and Marsha Lilley have put into Lilleys’ Landing Resort & Marina.

Being in business for 37 years, it’s no surprise that the cabins are top-notch, the swing sets and pool are well-kept and ready for your family to use, and all the trash cans are emptied and clean.

Entering the bait shop to get your room key, you are greeted with more fly fishing and spin fishing gear than you could hold in your tackle box. You look at the cedar-lined walls and marvel at the 40LB+ Brown trout. Even if you are not an experienced trout angler, you feel at ease knowing Duane Doty, the local guide that works with Lilleys’, is going to show you how to catch them in one of Lilleys’ 2017 G-3 bass boats!

Walking back to the room, you are stunned at how quiet it is. Although Lilleys’ Landing is only two miles from the strip, it feels much further. Passing the common area, you notice picnic tables and benches where other guests are swapping fishing stories. The sense of community Lilleys’ Landing promotes is very evident. You are excited to get out on the water and catch a few stories of your own to share!

The quality of the rooms is the real test of any hotel or resort. As you open the door, it’s clear that Lilley’s has passed with flying colors. The beds are neatly made with clean sheets. The carpet is recently vacuumed, and the bedrooms and bathrooms are spotless, with clean towels and extra sheets ready to use. The fully furnished and functional kitchen is ready to go, complete with pans and utensils to cook your trout.

(Top) The picnic area overlooking lake Taneycomo.

(Bottom) The pool area with cabins in background.

(Photos: Courtesy of Lilleys' Landing)

As you make your way to the back deck of the waterfront rooms, any stress you had dissipates.

You’re granted an outstanding view over the neatly mowed lawn down to the new dock, equipped with heated fish cleaning stations, certified scales to weigh that record book Brown you hope to catch. The clear water flows by as you look across the lake at a pair of otters playing on the opposite shore.

When your trip comes to a close, you will be beyond thankful you decided to stay at Lilleys’ Landing. With all the other options out there, Lilleys’ is by far the best with their clean facilities and amenities, and the friendly staff make you feel right at home.

Payden Hays

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Feature Story

The Peers Store: A Conservation Outpost for Magnificent Missouri

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Feature Story

I

magine a place where you can listen to bluegrass music on the front porch of a country store overlooking a native grass and wildflower prairie - and arrive there on the Katy Trail! Magnificent Missouri believes that this place, near the Missouri River west of St. Louis, is one that can bring new friends to the conservation cause.

The Peers Store, just west of Marthasville along Highway 94, was built in 1896 for the arrival of the KATY Railroad. The store flourished for more than a century before it closed in 2012, surviving floods and the conversion of the railroad to America's longest bike path. It was rescued and renovated in 2014 to continue its life as a gathering place, now welcoming Katy Trail riders and others to learn about the need to conserve the landscape enjoyed by tens of thousands each year. Today the store is used

by Magnificent Missouri, a 501c3 dedicated to conservation, as a place for conservation collaborations with other Missouri conservation organizations.

'transported' in another way! A ride on the Katy is already magical, but native plants take us back to the pre-railroad days of the river valley."

The Peers Store will be open this spring, summer and fall to welcome visitors and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Trail. On weekends local bluegrass bands play on the front porch where visitors can view the 4-acre prairie, take a break from the sun and enjoy the expansive view that stretches to the Missouri River two miles away. At the heart of Magnificent Missouri, the mission is conservation of privately-owned land through voluntary protection of farms and forests using conservation easements.

Dan and Connie Burkhardt, owners of the Peers Store, placed a conservation easement on their nearby farm in 2010. "We wanted to make sure our farm was always a farm, regardless of who owned it in the future, so we protected it with a conservation easement in 2010.

With a conservation easement, the farm remains our private property but no one can ever turn it into a subdivision or a golf course. That means a lot to us," Dan says.

“We wanted to make sure our farm always remained a farm, so we protected it with a conservation easement.�

Dan Burkhardt

Dan Burkhardt, a founder of Magnificent Missouri, was a friend of Ted Jones, father of the Katy Trail.

"Ted dreamed that the Katy would provide people who weren't lucky enough to live in the country a way to enjoy the beauty of rural Missouri, we try to help them do that - while educating them about how to conserve the area for the future."

According to Ralph Pfremmer, Executive Director of Magnificent Missouri, "There is no other spot like this, a place that brings together cultural history and environmental education, close to St. Louis and right on the Katy Trail. Our visitors may come for the music, art or history, but we hope they stay for the conservation message".

In 2017 a native prairie planting was created on the four acres between the Peers Store and the Trail. It provides an ideal place to witness the biodiversity benefits of native plants, but the impact the prairie has on Trail users is beyond biodiversity.

According to Connie Burkhardt, "When riders come down the trail and are surrounded by native plants in bloom, attracting butterflies and birds, they are

The Burkhardt's started the Katy Land Trust, sister organization of Magnificent Missouri, to inform area landowners about the benefits of conservation easements, and the Peers Store provides a trail-front location to spread the word on land conservation.

The benefits of fighting invasive species and using native plants to increase beauty and biodiversity are also always on the list.

"We think people conserve what they love," says Ralph Pfremmer, "and if we can get them to love the Missouri countryside and the land along the Katy Trail a little bit more, we think they will join us in our mission of conserving it."

The Peers Store educates landowners about how privately-owned farms and forests along the Katy Trail can be protected with conservation easements. (Photo: Courtesy of Magnificent Missouri)Â

Feature Story

The Sounds of Nature Call Us Back to the Wild

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here are some sounds in the great outdoors that you hear, and they touch your soul. You don’t have to see what made the sound because when you hear it, you instantly see it in your mind. You may even hear them and see them as you read these words.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

To some, the bugle of elk, or the haunting howl of the wolf, or the call of a loon. It might even be a cougar’s throaty growl, or the gruff huff of a grizzly or black bear. Those of us who don’t live where these animals live rarely get to hear these sounds in the wild unless we travel to where they are. But if you do hear them, they will linger in our memories. Can you hear them?

Feature Story Most of us have sounds in nature that stir us. A buck grunt in a November woods, the sound of a majestic eagle flying over a quiet lake or a turkey gobble on a spring morning. It could be the kingfisher’s rattling call as he flies up and down the creek or a coyote yelp. Maybe it’s the quacking of ducks or honking of geese as they settle onto the water. The drumming sound of a woodpecker trying to attract a mate, the booming sounds of prairie chickens during their mating ritual, and maybe the strange sound of a woodcock doing his sky dance trying to impress the ladies too. Some of us hope that one day we will once again hear the music of the bobwhite quail. Can you hear them?

Tree Crickets are known as the thermometer cricket because you can count the number of its high-pitched musical chirps in 15 seconds and add 40 to calculate the outdoor temperature in Fahrenheit. It works!

The sounds of nature are everywhere in the wild if we take the time to listen, and it’s not just from the animals and birds. A rush of wind through the treetops, the rattling of dried fall leaves in a breeze, and the sound of crunching leaves as something nears your secret hiding place. Or the booming thunder, the crack of lightning, rain dripping on a tent or the popping and crackling of a campfire. A stream tumbling over rocks and the soothing sounds of a waterfall small or big are music to the ears.

Songbirds also add to nature’s chorus. Chickadee’s sing “chick-a-dee-dee-dee,” cardinal’s joining them with their “purdy-purdy-purdy” and the robin’s whistling “cheerup-cheery-cheerio-cheerup” are joined by the tweets and whistles of all their friends.

The squeal of a hawk can silence the bird music and get the squirrels barking an alarm to their buddies.

To some, it is the ocean waves crashing onto a sandy beach. To others, it may be the “plip, plop, plip, plop” sound of a jitterbug gurgling across the water followed by the loud splash of a big bass rising out of the water to engulf it.

Owls ask us, “who, who, who cooks for you.” Crows “caw, caw, caw” and then caw some more. The sound of peeper frogs or a whip-poor-will means spring is finally here. The flapping sound of hummingbird wings and their distinctive chirp will soon follow. The rhythmic choruses of katydids can be so loud that they drown out nearly all other sounds.

Nature sounds not only soothe our souls, but they are also good for our mind and body. Researchers say there is a scientific explanation for why sounds from nature have such a therapeutic effect on us.

According to a study, they physically alter the connections in our brains to keep other thoughts out, and the sounds even lower our heart rate. The exercise we get going to and from our listening places is an added benefit.

You’re not likely to hear or for that matter see wildlife unless you force yourself just to sit still. We hike, we hunt, we fish, we camp, we canoe, we are continually on the move when in the great outdoors and not very quietly. We also carry with us the baggage of everyday worries, what’s on the news, bills to be paid and work to be done.

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Feature Story You have to block all that out.

Remaining still and quiet and paying attention to the sounds of nature is what is important. But that doesn’t come easy. You can’t just stop, listen for a few minutes and then move on. You have to settle down and tune into the sounds around you.

Those of us who sit in a tree stand and a turkey or duck blind have no problem doing that because we have to if we want to be successful. If you wish to go out and listen to nature sounds though I suggest you find a fallen tree, a stump or a big rock. Make a comfortable cushion of leaves, pine needles or take along a pad and sit down. Now, don’t do anything but relax. Don’t The digital age has made it easier than ever to school yourself in nature sounds. Although this and other let restlessness or thoughts of other matters creep aids may be able to help, there’s no substitute for back into your mind. Stay relaxed and breathe slow firsthand experience. It’s not just and easy. If you remain still the an ability to identify sounds, but wildlife around you will forget Stay relaxed and breathe also an understanding of their you are even there. Soon enough, slow and easy.

If you remain meanings, that will come to you the sounds of the wild will return. when you spend time listening still the wildlife around carefully.

The real art in listening to you will forget you are nature is not so much hearing even there. Soon enough, Yes, you can download and the sounds of nature as it is identifying them. Listening the sounds of the wild will listen to nature sounds on your computer, tablet or smart carefully to nature sounds and return. phone. I listen to nature sounds learning what makes that sound accompanied by the melodic can help you begin to distinguish sounds of the Native American flute as I drive down one sound from another and that gives you a greater the road in my truck.

If it is a cold, nasty day not fit appreciation for what you’re hearing. for man nor beast, I will put my headphones on and drift off to sleep listening to the sounds of nature.

That is all good but doesn't replace being in the great outdoors and stirred by the sounds of nature that call us back to the wild. Can you hear them?

Larry Whiteley A Painted Bunting sings a song. (Photo: Courtesy of MDC) A Bobwhite Quail calling out its name. (Photo: Courtesy of NFWS) The majestic bugle of an elk. (Photo: Courtesy of NFWS) Honking of geese flying high overhead. (Photo: Courtesy of NFWS)

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Feature Story

Understanding Lure Systems for Better Fishing

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s a traveling bass tournament fisherman, I normally try to establish the most productive patterns to find and catch quality fish and not rely on "spots or holes," meaning places where I have caught fish in the past. In doing that I utilize seasonal fish movements, assess weather conditions, factor in water clarity and temperature, study the bottom contours of the lake, think about the currents of a man-made or natural lake, and determine the size and type of primary forage for that time of the year.

It can get extremely complicated and scientific, so to simplify, for our part of the country, I generally try to concentrate on crawfish, shad, and bluegill imitation lures.

Over the years and with the help of other serious fishermen, we have developed fishing systems; choosing the best rod action, reel and line combinations that best present the chosen lures and handle a hooked fish. It's kind of like picking the right golf club for the shot or the right shotgun and shell load for the hunt. We have worked to develop lure systems as well. Systems that will let us adapt to the water and weather conditions, different depths, type of rock, angle of the bank, or the fish's changing mood.

In 2018 Jewel Bait Company introduced to the public a new lure system designed to imitate shad and bluegill called the Gem Series. Gayle Julian owner of Jewel Bait built the Gem Series around the popular Japanese Keitech Swing Impact Fat the soft-bodied swim bait that comes in 8 sizes and 52 colors.

Currently, there are no other lures on the market that match the Gem Series. They feature a unique Grip-Tech keeper system, Resin-Tech over-molded injection process, and a lifelike profile that swims, tracks flat and runs true at any speed.

The system starts with the Gem Shad. The first time I threw the Gem Shad, I was amazed at the side-toside rolling action the head produced and that the thumping tail accentuated. This lure is best fished over the top of shallow grass in the spring and dragged along the bottom underneath schools of shad in the fall.

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Feature Story The Gem Shad excelled in ultraclear water. I could see the lure coming through the water, and seemingly out of nowhere would come a fish.

Sometimes the conditions call for your lure to exhibit a little more flash. Maybe the water is more off-color, lower light conditions from a cloudy of a rainy day, the fish are suspended over deeper water or just want something with a little more pizazz. That's when I switch to the second in the system, the Gem Spin.

The Gem Spin is an under-spin lure; meaning it has a spinner blade that spins and flashes just underneath the lure's head. It exhibits the same side-to-side action and thumping tail, just with a little more flash to attract the fish's attention.

Sometimes the watercolor is more stained or even muddy and I want a lure with a lot of flash and vibration or when it is windy, and I may need a heavier lure to throw into the wind. That's when I opt for the third lure in the system, the Gem Blade.

The Gem Blade is similar to a standard close pin wire spinnerbait, but I think the profile and action are superior to a skirted spinner. Adjusting your blade and swimbait body colors let you customize the lure for your desired look. I might want a bright color like chartreuse or a contrasting color like black.

My trout fishing friends are fanatics about "matching the hatch." They lift rocks from the bottom of the stream to see what stage larvae and crustaceans are in. They watch the feeding habits of the trout and scour the bushes for bugs and flying insects while continually scanning the sky for mayfly hatches.

Something I experience annually in late summer and throughout the fall, bass feeding heavily on this year's hatch of shad or bluegill. There is an abundance of new food and the bass are taking advantage of it. The challenge was finding a lure small enough to match the hatch but heavy enough to make long casts to reach feeding bass.

New for 2020 is the Jewel Gem Shad 2.0, developed specifically for these exact situations. A smaller profile and hook size while still having the same key features as the original Gem Series and colors - Silver Flash, Pro Blue, and White that pair perfectly with the smaller Keitech Swing Impact Fat 2.8 and 3.3 inch sizes.

The Jewel Gem Series paired with the Keitech Swing Impact Fat swim bait was developed to increase your fishing success while giving you a lure system with options to master ever-changing fishing conditions and to match the hatch from 2.8 to 7.8 inches. It will give you more confidence when on the water too.

You can find the Gem Series at www.JewelBait. com and the Keitech Swing Impact Fat at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Academy Sports, online at www. tacklewarehouse.com and many other fishing tackle retailers.

Scott Pauley (Left) The Gem Blade (Photo: Scott Pauley) (Top) The Gem Shad and Gem Shad 2.0 (Photo: Jewel Bait Co.)

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Feature Story

Turning Up the Heat on

Summer Redears

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Feature Story

S

acking up shellcrackers when they’re on their spawning beds is a cinch. But you have to change your strategy if you hope to keep catching them as the summer solstice approaches.

I’ll never forget the first redear sunfish I ever saw.

The beast resembled a football more than a fish.

Tipping the scales at more than 3 pounds, it was a Goliath of a sunfish. But as redears go, it was nothing to get excited about. To make a run at a world record, you need to boat one over 4½ pounds.

Incredible. That’s bigger than the average largemouth bass. Not surprisingly, the redear is the holy grail of sunfish aficionados. When redears answer the procreative urge in April, a phalanx of anglers can be found dunking live bait over their spawning beds.

But with the arrival of summer, redears drop off the average fisherman’s radar, and he contents himself with palm-sized bluegills, or maybe a hefty hybrid if he’s lucky.

For a select few sunfish fanciers well versed in the ways of behemoth panfish, however, redear action continues well into June. Redear experts know that casual anglers don’t is that the “end” of the spawn isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Just as some deer continue to engage in mating behavior weeks after the peak of the rut, some redears can be found on or near beds while kids are blowing their allowance money on firecrackers and bottle rockets. So the first place to check when the action on spawning beds begins to flag is around spawning beds.

Redears won’t build nests where the bottom is covered with mud. They like spawning sites with less vegetation than other sunfish prefer. And they show a particular fondness for deeper waters cluttered with old timber, contributing to the nickname “stumpknocker.”

Gradually sloping main points of land that lie in the path of spring lake currents often are ideal redear spawning locations. The currents sweep silt off of elevated underwater plateaus, exposing the sand or gravel bottom. In the upper end of lakes, spots just off the main channel can be redear hot spots. Minor points here may be too exposed to strong currents created by spring freshets to make good spawning sites. But just behind these obstructions, gentle eddies can be sufficient to keep silt swept away.

Try fishing such locations early—from before dawn until sunup. Unlike bluegills, which will spawn in two feet of water, redears typically make their nests in 6 to 12 feet of water. Why? They don’t like sunlight.

Part of what drives them off their spawning beds is the increasing intensity and directness of summer sunlight. They tend to stay on deeper beds later in the summer, and can be found there on overcast days well into June.

If this fails to produce, you’ll need to start thinking like a tired, spawned-out redear. Starting from the spawning beds, identify the nearest refuges that offer deep, clear water with an abundant supply of their favorite foods.

The redear’s most popular common name, “shellcracker,” reflects an important part of their biology. They are equipped with muscular structures in their throats that allow them to crush and digest snails and small freshwater mussels.

These critters don’t do well in heavily silted areas, which is much of the reason why “shellcrackers” inhabit clear, deep waters.

Identify an area with these assets adjacent to spawning beds, and you’ve got a fall-back position for latespring redear angling. As the summer progresses, you’ll find redears in progressively deeper, bigger waters that offer clear water and a relatively clean bottom material, such as sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders or down timber.

Just knowing where to find redears isn’t enough, of course. You have to offer them tempting morsels and do it in a way that enables you to hook ‘em. Because their primary foods (snails) aren’t easy to put on a hook, bait choice is a challenge. Anglers employ grubs, catalpa worms and shrimp with varying degrees of success, but by far, the most popular bait is red worms.

One reason that red worms are such a successful bait is the fact that they are smaller than nightcrawlers.

Redears have ridiculously small mouths for such a big sunfish. If you offer them the kind of gob of bait that works well for catfish, they will nibble and peck around at it, driving you nuts and never having to take the whole thing in their mouths.

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Feature Story Some anglers report success with small leaches or half-inch long land slugs gathered from beneath rocks and rotten logs. Whatever you settle on for bait, use it sparingly, encouraging redears to suck in the entire morsel. And to further encourage their gluttony, choose a small hook. Redear specialists most often recommend No. 6 or 8, but even a No. 10 isn’t too small. Cover the hook and leave just enough trailing to wiggle enticingly, and you’re in business.

Then there’s the matter of presentation. Spring, summer, winter or fall, redears are creatures of the bottom. If you aren’t fishing near or on the bottom, you’re not redear fishing. The easiest way of accomplishing this is to use a bobber stop. Determine the depth of the water you are fishing by repeatedly casting to the area and increasing the depth setting three feet at a time until your bobber goes slack. Then back up in one-foot increments until it comes upright again.

If you find the fish less than 10 feet deep, you can dispense with the bobber stop and just cast a longhanging setup. But for my money, the most enjoyable, efficient and effective way to fish deep for redears is with a long pole. Long-poling has come a long way since the days of cane poles. Modern-day incarnations include telescoping models that carry at 4 feet and extend to 10 or 20 feet. These typically have simple winding mechanisms in the butt that store line between outings. Often sold as crappie poles, they are equally ideal for redears. No fussing with bobber stops or casting long bobber-to-bait lines, just nonstop fun.

There is a trick to hooking redears. Because of their undersized mouths, they are unusually prone to nibbling. They will make your bobber dance until you are ready to scream. They’ll even pull it around a little—three inches this way, five inches that, six another—leading to any number of false strikes on the angler’s part. Even patient newcomers to redear fishing pull the bait away from more fish than they will hook.

You have to force yourself to wait for the moment when your bobber moves steadily in one direction for a foot or two before gently tugging to set the hook.

(Left) Catching big redears like this one can put up quite a fight on light fishing tackle. (Photo: Jim Low) (Right )Redears have small mouths, so catching them requires small hooks and sparing use of bait. (Photo: Jim Low)

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It also helps to use a small bobber counterbalanced by just enough weight to give it nearly neutral buoyancy.

When this rig moves off purposefully while slowly sinking beneath the surface, it’s time for action.

A boat is handy in some redear fishing situations, but completely unnecessary in others. Redears thrive in small to medium-sized lakes where boat launching facilities can be limited, so sometimes, you’ll encounter circumstances where the best water is tantalizingly out of reach of bank casting. In those instances, beg, borrow or buy a float tube of the kind favored by trout anglers. As long as you show a little respect for redears’ need for space and minimize your movement, you’ll find it an effective tool.

Should you be lucky enough to land a truly impressive redear and want to check out its record potential, be sure you do have a redear. This species has been widely stocked outside its original environs, and where introduced, it’s very susceptible to hybridization with bluegills and other sunfish species.

Redears’ body color varies from golden to forest green, with dark spots. It can have from five to 10 darker vertical bars on the upper half of the body. The gill flap has a nearly white edge, with the trailing margin a vivid red in males or orange in females. The rear edge of the jaw hinge does not extend beyond the front of the eye.

The most similar looking sunfish is the pumpkinseed, which has spots on the dorsal fin and blue stripes on the side of the head, both of which are lacking in redears. If your fish shows markings that deviate from these, and which resemble those found on other sunfish species, you probably have a hybrid. Most record-keeping organizations have special categories for “hybrid sunfish,” rather than counting them as one species or another.

One of the most delightful things about the redear sunfish (after it’s fighting ability and excellent flavor) is the plethora of colorful names it has spawned.

These include the aforementioned “shellcracker” and “stumpknocker,” as well as: “yellow bream,” “government improved bream,” “Texas bream,” “strawberry bream,” “tupelo bream,” “mongrel bream,” and “Georgia jack bream.”

Jim Low

Outdoor News

Why Can't I Hit a Target?

W

hy am I not breaking these targets? Do you think you can help me? Those of us that work on are Conservation Ranges hear this request quite often and see the frustration that these shooters are having. Most of us try not to advise the shooter unless they request this help or are in real danger of getting hurt.

In most cases, they are delighted to see me and beg for some assistance. I have learned after years of working on the shooting range that even when a person is not shooting very well, they don’t always want any help or advice. Therefore, it is essential to find out what they wish to help with accomplishing.

I believe that when a shooter does express a need for assistance, we should be very willing to help them as with many problems, the solution may be rather simple.

Keep your head on the stock. The slightest amount of movement with your head, away or up from the stock, can, and usually will result in a missed target. Many beginning shooters want to hold their faces away from the stock because they fear the felling of recoil.

Once one can remove this fear, they are on their way to becoming a better shooter.

Focus on the target, not on the sights. Many beginning shotgun shooters come to us from years of rifle shooting where they have learned to line up the front sight and a rear sight with the target. Shotgun shooting is pointing, not aiming. When you develop your confidence in letting your dominant eye take you to the target and stop trying to aim or rifle shoot, you will break targets.

Keep the gun moving. A stopped gun is usually a missed target. If you shoot where the bird is, not where it will be, you will always be behind the target.

We stress the importance of leads and swinging or keeping the gun moving after the shot. This is one of the hardest things to get beginning shooters and even older shooters to do. This is a muscle memory exercise that can be worked on off the range. It is like typing, it just requires training the muscles and the brain to work together.

Following the basic steps will help you improve your accuracy on the range and in the field. (Photo: Courtesy of CFM)

When there is a breakdown on any one of these skills, broken targets are few and frustration is not far behind.

Even when these skills seem to have been mastered, it does not always bring about the desired results.

This is when we have to dig a little deeper and ask a fundamental question. Do you know where your gun shoots? It is always a mystery to me that a person would make a great deal of effort to sight in a rifle and never pattern a shotgun.

A common excuse is, it is a scattergun and covers a wide range, and don’t you know they shoot all the same? Want to bet? We indeed get a scattering of shot, but it is vital to see the spot where we get the most concentration of shot. This is referred to as the point of impact. This spot will be the key to breaking more targets and getting good clean kills on live birds. To establish this spot, one needs to work this out on the patterning board, not on flying birds.

Just like sighting in a rifle, doing a good job of patterning your gun requires some assistance. I encourage you to visit one of your local MDC gun ranges. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask, we are here to assist you.

Len Patton

MAY - 2020

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Feature Story

A Father's Day Tribute

A

ll of us owe our immersion into the outdoors to one or two individuals. My grandpa turned me into an outdoor fanatic at an early age.

“Gramps?” Silence. “Gramps..are you awake?” A grumbled “yes” echoes from under the bedsheets in one of the rooms at Briarwood Resort. “Are ya ready to go?” I ask. “Yea, give me a few minutes and we can go,” Gramps answers.

It’s 6:00 am, I’m 12 years old, and the trout are biting. This scene played out hundreds of times over the years, and each time, Gramps was ready to head out on Lake Taneycomo when I woke him. We’d catch tons of trout, share a few laughs, and even get

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into arguments. But, little did I know, those days on Lake Taneycomo impacted me more than anything else in my life. It led me into a life of outdoor writing, and overall immersion into the outdoor lifestyle.

I owe everything I’ve become to my grandpa. He taught me how to fish, hunt, and introduced me to the life that has come to define me. Even when I would wake him up early, much to his chagrin, he’d be eager to go. Once I was old enough and got my boater’s license, I learned to let Gramps sleep in.

After all, he dealt with my early morning awakenings for years.

Feature Story I have been going with him to Lake Taneycomo since I was a one-year-old baby in a walker.

Last June we spent a week on Taneycomo. As I boated up to Lilley’s Landing Resort and Marina to pick up my buddy Ryan for our last evening on the lake, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears, reflecting on all the lake, and my grandpa has taught me.

This trip was different, though.

It was the first trek we’ve made to the lake without my grandma, who was just as influential.

She passed away in December, and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t extremely tough being there without her. Every time we’d get back from a morning on the water, she’d have breakfast waiting for us, and always wanted to know how we did. She’d been unable to go out with us the last 10 years or so, but when she could, she would catch trout like it was her job. It just wasn’t the same getting off the water and not having her there.

Still, I had an incredible trip on Taneycomo. We caught so many beautiful fish. The generation schedule was consistent, so we were able to develop a daily game plan. Each afternoon as the water turned on, Ryan and I would boat up to the cable and rip jerkbaits for a few hours. We caught numerous fish 17-19-inches and landed a 22-inch rainbow.

Ryan lost a giant brown on the third day–one that will haunt me for years (and, assuredly, him as well).

Gramps isn’t as young as he used to be, and he bowed out on a lot of trips up there do to his troublesome hip and general soreness. Finally, we convinced him (or maybe the fish did that) to make a run. It saddens me he can’t keep up with me like he used to. The tables have turned as far as who knows more and who is more skillful on catching Taneycomo trout, but it still isn’t the same going out without him in the boat.

On our first drift, he hooked into a big rainbow. He fought it for a while before we were able to net him.

It was a beautiful 19-inch fish. “This is the biggest trout I’ve caught in 8 years,” he said.

I caught a lot of nice fish last week, but I was more excited for this fish than I was for any of the ones I landed. It was amazing. He is still the best, as far as I am concerned.

Lake Taneycomo, Branson, and my Grandpa taught me what it means to be an outdoorsman, conservationist, and trout fisherman. I will forever be in their debts. So, Gramps, thanks for everything you’ve taught me, continue to teach me, and what you have done for me over the years. It means more than you’ll ever know. And I’m glad I was able to be there to net that rainbow.

Ryan Miloshewski (Left) The sun sets and the fog rolls in to end another trip on Lake Taneycomo.

(Top) The author's grandpa with a beautiful 19-inch Taneycomo rainbow. (Photos: Ryan Miloshewski)

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Feature Story

Purple Martins: The Friend We Are Leaving Behind

C

enturies ago Purple Martins east and west of the Rocky Mountains shared the habit of nesting in cavities and crevices. Then, something happened east of the Rocky Mountains. Indigenous people of the eastern and southeastern areas, of what is now the United States, started enticing Purple Martins to be a part of their villages. Tribes such as the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Chippewa, and Delaware hung out gourds, attracting Purple Martins to nest in them. The lofty antics and insect control of these aerial acrobats was surely part of their allure.

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The Purple Martins gained something as well. By foregoing their traditional, ancestral nesting sites and moving into the gourds put up by villages, they gained presumably larger cavities and some protection from predators and other species that might compete for nest sites, but would shy away from being near people. Purple Martins are now considered “colonial� nesting birds in the East.

Feature Story But prior to their move into man-made housing, Purple Martins were assumed to also nest in solitary, as they continue to do west of the Rocky Mountains. The change to nesting in groups in the East also allowed for males and females to mate outside of nesting pairs, which increases reproductive success and is thus vastly important to a species that only produces one brood annually.

As soon as the nestlings fledge in July, Purple Martins will start to assemble in large roost before moving south.

These roosts can number in the hundreds of thousands.

The roost may persist into the second week of August, but they leave the state soon after. A legendary roost of a half million birds was seen in Springfield, MO in 1981.

There was also a mid-August roost in St Charles, MO of over 100,000 birds in 1964.

When early European settlers arrived and began building structures, Purple Martins stayed close to people by nesting in the walls and compartments of these early settlements. As towns and structures continued to expand, many would put up martin houses. John James Audubon said, “Almost every country tavern has a martin box on the upper part of its sign-board; and I have observed the handsomer the box, the better does the inn generally prove to be.”

The willingness of people to erect and maintain Purple Martin houses is essential to the continued population of this charming species. Purple Martins require their houses to be erected 30-120 feet from human housing and at least 40-60 ft from trees. Place them in areas where you can enjoy watching them.

Sadly, with introduction of European Starlings and House Sparrows to the US, Purple Martins lost these nest sites in the walls of early settlement buildings. These invasive species pushed out Purple Martins and took over their nest sites. It was only in the housing erected and maintained by those we now call Purple Martin landlords that Purple Martins could successfully raise their broods.

In the spring Purple Martin landlords stay on the lookout for the “scouts” to return. These are the first Purple Martins to migrate back in late February and early March. They are also the older martins returning to their previous nesting sites. The rest of the martins will return a few weeks later in early April. Both males and females will visit several cavities prior to choosing a site.

They will make their nest out of twigs, stems, mud, and grass. You will usually only see them on the ground while gathering mud for their nests or eating “‘grit” to help them digest their food.

Purple Martins will get all their food and water in flight.

Watch for them to skim the surface of a puddle or pond to drink. They are the highest feeding of all swallows and will feed as high as 150 to 500 feet above the ground!

They are also the largest swallow in North America and one of the largest in the world. Male and female pairs may feed together, which is surmised to be the male guarding the female. Before they have eggs to tend or after their brood fledges, they may range over 20 miles from their roost during the day.

A Purple Martin landlord will need to lower a martin house once a week after the birds have started bringing in nesting material, and check for any issues such as eggs overdue to hatch, parasites, or the nests of non-native House Sparrows and European Starlings. The martins are tolerant of this activity, and it will not cause them to leave. This species, befriend by our ancestors, now is reliant upon us for their success as a species.

Ninety percent of the world’s Purple Martin population is in North America, making the tradition of providing housing very important to their survival. It is estimated the Purple Martin populations declines 1% a year. They are one of three species that have had a shift from traditional nesting sites to man-made structures. The other two are Chimney Swifts and Barn Swallows. It is interesting that west of the Rockies, Purple Martins continue to nest in dead trees, woodpecker cavities, and rocky crevices.

You can find suppliers of native plants to help create or enhance habitat for resident and migratory birds at www. grownative.org.

Mary Nemececk President of Burroughs Audubon Purple Martins are completely dependent on man-made houses for nesting sites east of the Rocky Mountains. (Photo: Karen Davis)

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