Vol68 no3 2007

MISSOURI

Wildlife

MAY 2007 VOL. 68, NO. 3

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NEWS & ISSUES

CFM Fall Conference CONSERVATION AWARDS

Recognizing Citizen Conservationists FEDERATION ISSUES

Convention Produces Resolutions COMPOSTING AWARENESS

DNR Encourages Participation

VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

MISSOURI

The Bear, The Fox And The Turkey s I grow older, the pace of life each spring catches me by surprise. I am amazed, again this year, how unbelievably rapidly things happen once they begin. Sure, a long winter of preparation positions our trees, our grasses and our wildlife to survive and thrive when the intense sequence of events we know as spring gets rolling. Once in a while a great cold snap comes along to remind us all that “the best laid plans of mice and men” don’t amount to a whole lot in the face of major weather events. This is one of those springs.

My best guess had our progression of spring about three weeks ahead of schedule in March this year. Warm days, pleasant evenings, restful nights found grass green, dogwoods about to bloom far earlier than the usual date and redbuds at their peak. A few rumors of morels found and consumed began to reach my ears. Most who know me well know how much I relish morels and how eagerly and relentlessly I pursue them when I know they are “out.”

Just about the time I was getting all excited and good and ready to go pick mushrooms to my heart’s content, The Cold came. Down into the teens at night, bitter winds chilling further the 20’s and 30’s we had as daytime highs. Last time I looked, days ago, the tops of our new growth of alfalfa had turned white and was lost. The impacts of The Cold to Missouri agriculture were landscape in their scope. Nearly 90% of Missouri’s grapes are lost. Many grape vines have suffered irreparable damage from the bitter late spring freeze. They were full of sap and leafing out when The Cold froze the liquid in the vines and caused the wood to split. Not only will these vines produce no fruit this year, they must be replanted and our vineyards will produce no fruit for several years to come. How would your family deal with several years of no income? How will these?

Major challenges and how to face them, the choices we make invariably have consequences far beyond the day we make them. As citizen-conservationists we are always challenged first to look beyond ourselves and beyond the needs of the day. This first step is required before we can begin to address those great challenges met and dealt with so effectively by our conservation predecessors. Conservation happens just as much by the century as it does by the day. A lot is going on all the time! How do we act effectively amidst all the apparent chaos?

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Keeping in mind the North Star of commitment to the welfare of our forests, fish and wildlife has guided Missouri to where it is today. The top of the heap, the best that has ever been, the zenith of citizen-created and nurtured stewardship of all natural resources for all citizens. The model of envy for the world and for the ages. More deer, more wild turkeys, more Canada geese, more wood ducks, more river otters, more raccoons, more bass, more places to go see and pursue all of these species, more places to hike, more places to bike, more places to go ride horses, more forests, more clean streams, more ponds, more lakes and reservoirs, AND many, many, many more people than we had in Missouri when this all started in 1935 or even than we had in 1976 when the Design for Conservation Sales Tax was approved …by us.

The lessons of history are clear to me, we each must put aside our own selfish, personal interests long enough to allow conservation to work…and plan, prepare and cooperate to achieve excellent results.

A legislator friend had it right the other day when he said “the legislature serves the people of our state” it is up to MDC to keep forests, fish and wildlife as their top priority. Who speaks up for them, if we do not?

Are we, as Missourians, immune to the bickering and infighting among sportsmen which has prevented conservation initiatives attempted in other states? Not at all. Our success has not come by accident, nor will it continue without each of us contributing our very best. Like they say in one of my favorite western films “we must hang together, or

we will surely hang separately.”

What does all this have to do with a bear, a fox and a turkey? Let me take a stab at that: a bear lives by its might, its great, overwhelming strength; a fox lives by its cunning; and a wild turkey lives by its constant wariness. CFM has considerable strength in its current membership of over 80,000 individuals and over 70 affiliated organizations. CFM’s strength is entirely dependent upon those members and affiliate organizations taking action when necessary. CFM must maintain constant wariness and vigilance, the sort only possible when each and every one of us participates.

CFM has all the strength, cunning and awareness necessary to successfully tackle every single challenge that has come our way in the 72 years since we organized.

An impressive history, but we must always remember the lessons of this history, if we are to continue to be successful in the future. So the questions of the day for us to ask ourselves may be as simple as: Are we a bunch of barnyard turkeys or a flock of wild ones? Are we a bunch of mangy old foxes or an association of the Reynards of fable? Are we a lot of toothless old park bears or, as our history would suggest, a pack of grizzlies?

Time will tell. YOU will tell. Let’s not spend time resting on our laurels, when we can invest time, effort and resources in the opportunities and challenges of today. A penny for your thoughts: or make that one-eighth of a cent, and constitutional authority.

Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

Wildlife May 2007 Vol. 68, No. 3 OFFICERS Don Johnson President Glenn Chambers First Vice President Mike Schallon Second Vice President Duane Addleman Secretary Randy Washburn Treasurer

STAFF Dave Murphy Executive Director/Editor Lynne Jensen Lampe Design & Production Laurie Coleman Admin. Associate/ Membership and Managing Editor Leigh Love Admin. Associate/ Accounting Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

ISSN 1082-8591

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Phone • 573-634-2322 Fax • 573-634-8205 Email • mofed@socket.net Online • http://www.confedmo.org

MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bimonthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559. Of each member’s dues ($20 minimum) $2.00 shall be for a year’s subscription to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO. and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559.

COVER: Missouri welcomes spring with the arrival of the Eastern Bluebird. Photo courtesy of Jim Rathert.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

CFM Meets Successes, Challenges e recently completed our annual convention at the Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark, Missouri. It was a hugely successful operation with many highlights, including a visit from Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. The cooperation between the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the National Wildlife Federation continues to grow each year.

Our Conservation Leadership Corps demonstrated a large leadership effort

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during our convention and the hard work of these young people have been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Efforts are underway to promote similar programs throughout the entire United States. Representatives of the group spoke at the NWF national convention in Washington, DC, and truly represented our Federation and Missouri in a wonderful manner.

Our spring season is rapidly developing—we have already completed our youth turkey season. I’m sure you all are looking forward to our spring turkey

season, which will occur in the very near future. Best wishes for a successful and safe hunt for all who partake.

On the legislative front, we continue to have challenges to the efforts of wildlife here in our great state. Our goal must be to continue to meet these challenges head on and champion the great principles that our forefathers so widely established for us. Continue to stay ready, as we may all be called to serve soon.

Best wishes!

Don Johnson President, CFM

Conservation + Planned Giving = A Better Tomorrow hat do a retired couple in Dent County, a group of concerned citizens in Wright County and a successful husband-and-wife entrepreneur team have in common? Planned giving to benefit conservation in Missouri.

Graham and Gerhild Brown built their dream home on 189 acres in the Ozarks, but Mrs. Brown died a few years later. To create a living legacy to his wife, the widower left the farm to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF). The Foundation, in turn, gave the land to the Conservation Department, creating Graham and Gerhild Brown Conservation Area (CA).

A group of Wright Countians wanted to preserve 391 acres of stunningly beautiful Ozarks land that included the headwaters of Bryant Creek and the state’s second-highest point. They raised enough money to do it, through lots of hard work and cooperation with the MCHF, the Johnny Morris Foundation and other partners. The partnership eventually led to creation of Cedar Gap CA. Dr. Harry and Lina Berrier of Columbia have been making cash gifts to the MCHF for more than 20 years through their successful Show-Me Barbecue Sauce business. They let the money accumulate, hoping to do something big with it one day. They have reached that goal, and now they are considering a land purchase.

“Donations don’t have to be enormous to be important,” said Conservation Department Grants and Donations Coordinator Kit Freudenberg.“By putting money into the Foundation each year as the Berriers have done, you can build up quite a sum over time.”

Mary Bronstein loved wildflowers and was a frequent visitor to Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. After her death, her husband, Robert, wanted to show his appreciation for the many happy hours she had spent at the Kirkwood facility. It seemed natural to set up an endowment to care for wildflower plantings around the nature center building. Interest from the trust pays for refurbishing the flower beds each spring and putting them to bed in the fall.

The MCHF is separate from the Conservation Department, but it is dedicated to the same goals. It was formed in 1997 and is governed by a board of directors consisting of business and community leaders who have a history of conservation involvement. Several Board members are Conservation Federation officers or past

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“EARMARK” PROJECTS Missourians who want to support conservation but don’t know where to start can choose from a number of categories set up by the MCHF. Contributing to one of these allows donors to focus their contribution in one area.

One of the most exciting of these “earmark” programs is the Stream Stewardship Trust Fund. This money is available to help landowners with stream conservation.

An example of the program at work took place in Miller County. The county commission’s efforts to stabilize a road crossing on Little Tavern Creek unintentionally destroyed fish habitat and a traditional swimming hole. It also caused the bridge approach to flood during heavy rains, making road problems worse. Money from the Stream Stewardship Program helped fix the problem, at the same time restoring habitat for the endangered Niangua darter.

Other earmarked-gift categories include: Land and Coldwater Stream Acquisition • Nature Centers Habitat Restoration and CA Improvements • Kids Fishing and Youth Hunting Events Missouri Stream Teams • Natural Resource Research Projects Wildlife Enforcement and Hunter Education Programs Anti-Vandalism Reward Fund • Or where funding is needed most

conservation commissioners. They make sure that donations are used as intended.

Citizens set up the MCHF to do things a government agency cannot. The Foundation can move quickly on real-estate purchases. It also can guarantee that contributions will be used for specific projects. Furthermore, accepting donations of land and other real estate is much simpler for the Foundation than for the Conservation Department, as the Brown’s example demonstrates.

As a nonprofit group organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code, the MCHF also offers tax advantages otherwise not available to donors. Gifts to the Foundation can be particularly advantageous under certain circumstances.

For example, when someone donates stocks or bonds, as former Conservation Commissioner and Foundation President Howard Wood did, the Foundation can sell the securities and put all the proceeds to work for conservation. If Wood had sold the stock, worth $500,000 and donated the money, he would have had to pay capital gains taxes on any increase in value the stocks showed since purchase, decreasing the value of his gift.

Finally, the MCHF can do things that are beyond government’s financial means.

“Missourians are extremely supportive of conservation,” said Freudenberg,“but they also have very high expectations of conservation. People are asking more than the conservation sales tax can deliver. The Foundation supports conservation programs by obtaining funds from other sources. In recent years, this added money has helped the Conservation Depart-

ment’s stretch available funds for projects such as the Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus and land restoration. Planned giving through the Conservation Heritage Foundation is one way Missourians can be partners in projects they especially want to see accomplished.”

Freudenberg said the reasons for planned giving are highly personal. For some, the love of a place or activity is the motivation. For others, it may be a desire to give back to an activity, such as hunting, that has provided a lifetime of fulfillment.

Whatever the reason, said Freudenberg, every gift should be based on careful forethought. People who rush into decisions about donations, bequests and other gifts risk losing potential benefits to both themselves and their favorite project.

“Planned giving means carefully assessing your assets and looking for the best way to structure a donation,” said Freudenberg.“Assets can be tangible things, such as cash, land, buildings, stocks or bonds, or something that is intangible, such as a conservation easement. Each one has a different set of considerations that should be discussed with a legal or financial advisor.”

The MCHF has a variety of ways for donors to contribute to conservation, each with unique benefits. One arrangement is a life estate, where a landowner can reap the benefits of donating property, for conservation while continuing to live on and retain control of his or her land as long as they live. The Foundation receives the property upon the donor’s death.

Another strategy is to donate funds for a charitable remainder trust. Under this

arrangement, donors receive payments from the trust as long as they live. The money in the trust passes to the Foundation for conservation upon the donor’s death. MCHF has invested funds with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for assistance with deferred giving plans.

“If you watch the Foundation’s work, you can’t help but be impressed by two things,” said Wood.“First of all, many of the projects provide seed-money – initial funding to get something started. An example is the new vandalism-reward program similar to Operation Game Thief and Operation Forest Arson. The other thing that is notable is the fact that a large number of the projects involve partnerships with every kind of conservation entity you can imagine. That multiplies the benefits to conservation.”

“The Conservation Heritage Foundation provides a way for the little guy to play a part in big things,” said former Conservation Commissioner Randy Herzog.

Former Commissioner Anita B. Gorman agreed.“By donating what they can for things that are important to them, anyone can make a real difference. Far from getting lost in a sea of donations, these are the sea.”

You can make contributions or receive more information from MCHF, P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City Missouri 65102-0366, phone (573) 634-2080 or (800) 227-1488, fax: 573-751-4467, e-mail mchf@MoCHF.org.

MCHF ACHIEVEMENTS Since its formation nine years ago, the MCHF has accumulated an impressive list of achievements, including: • Bringing together 13 groups to raise $256,000 and restore 770 acres of wetland in the upper Truman Lake watershed.

• Funding the creation of more than 200 outdoor classrooms and buying outdoor equipment, such as canoes and fishing gear.

• Funding disabled-accessible hunting and wildlife viewing blinds and fishing piers.

• Organizing outdoor skills camps for urban youths.

• Raising $4.3 million for the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City.

• Purchasing electronic surveillance equipment to deter vandalism at CAs. • Funding habitat work for grassland birds, such as prairie chickens and bobwhite quail and other wildlife.

Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

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AGENCY NEWS

Where Do We Go From Here?

State Of The Environment Report Provides Road Map For Action hose of us who share an interest in protecting Missouri’s natural resources often find ourselves asking the same question: Where are we in our quest? Is Missouri air clean for every citizen in every part of the state? Are our rivers, lakes and streams safe for a variety of uses? Are we protecting our land resources so they will continue to support and sustain an abundance of wildlife species?

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently released “The State of Missouri’s Environment: 2007” to help address these questions. This report is designed, in part, to help us map how far we’ve come. “The State of Missouri’s Environment: 2007” reports that bacterial standards now protect 96 percent of Missouri’s classified stream miles for swimming and other uses.

The report tracks the progress made by efforts to protect Missouri’s land, such as the recently reinstated 50-cent-pertire fee. To date, more than 14 million tires from more than 600 illegal tire sites have been cleaned up with funds from this fee.

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The department’s latest biennial report looks at how recent developments in energy and energy prices are affecting Missouri’s economy. Since nearly 94 percent of Missouri’s primary energy sources are imported from outside the state at a cost of more than $13 billion annually, there is a great deal of interest in finding ways to keep this money in-state. Interest in harnessing wind and solar power is growing, and, according to the report, ethanol production in Missouri expanded from approximately 50 million gallons in 2003 to approximately 118 million gallons in 2005. More proposed ethanol production facilities are on the horizon.

The report looks at how the parks, soils and water sales tax has been used to make important improvements to Missouri’s state parks and to protect soil and water quality in our 114 soil and water districts. The report looks at

the recent renewal of this tax and how it will affect the future of these efforts as well.

It also details the significant economic impact of the state’s historic preservation efforts. Passage of the state historic rehabilitation tax credit in 1998 triggered significant rehabilitation activity in Missouri. Since inception of this tax credit, more than $2.35 billion has been invested in Missouri’s rehabilitation projects. Missouri also is a leader nationwide in the use of federal tax credits.

“The State of Missouri’s Environment: 2007” measures the effectiveness of the department’s efforts to improve customer service, including the addition of several new satellite offices, a Field Services Division and an ombudsman program.

According to the report, in the first year since its inception, ombudsmen contacted nearly 1,500 citizens, community leaders, business owners and other groups. These proactive efforts are designed to increase environmental compliance and head off dangerous and costly environmental problems

before they occur.

The report shows that Missourians have made tremendous strides in protecting the state’s natural resources. We also found that there is still work to do.

Addressing ground-level ozone in St. Louis and Kansas City continues to be a challenge. Too many of our waterways are impaired, and a great deal of work remains at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, in addition to the normal maintenance and repair at our 83 state parks and historic sites. The report also looks at growing issues like e-scrap, which may pose a threat in the future.

In compiling this report, we were reminded of the important role our partners play in these efforts. Without the leadership and commitment to stewardship provided by organizations like the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the progress we’ve experienced would not have been possible.

To request a free copy of “The State of Missouri’s Environment: 2007,” call the department toll-free at 1-800-3614827, or download the report from the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1332.pdf.

AGENCY NEWS

Celebrating Nature Program To Preserve Natural Areas Reaches Landmark Anniversary ou’re invited to a celebration!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Missouri Natural Areas Program. The committee was formed on April 20, 1977, by a joint agreement between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The goal of the committee and the program is to coordinate the classification, inventory, designation and stewardship of Missouri’s most outstanding natural features. In the past 30 years, the committee has designated 180 natural areas in 74 counties.

The Missouri Natural Areas Program is outstanding for several reasons. In

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addition to designating the state’s most outstanding natural features, the program is an example of intergovernmental cooperation among state and federal agencies. The departments of Natural Resources and Conservation, along with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy all have successfully worked toward a common goal. This cooperation continues with the organizations that own these natural areas — state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, local governments, corporations, private citizens, foundations and other ownership associations.

The Department of Natural Resources owns or manages 41 natural areas. Staff are involved in major landscape restoration projects to preserve and interpret forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies, glades, wetlands and caves in Missouri state parks. These natural areas not only bring visitors into contact with a variety of landscapes, but they also support and sustain numerous different types of wildlife.

In honor of the 30th anniversary of this important program, you’re invited to explore some of Missouri’s most significant natural features this summer. A number of special events are planned throughout the year so state park visitors

can see and appreciate designated natural areas. Expect to see and learn about high-quality examples of the natural terrestrial and aquatic communities in Missouri within our wide variety of state parks and 41 natural areas.

For more information about special events, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-334-6946 or visit the department’s online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/parkssearch. do. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com.

Doyle Childers Director, DNR

NEWS AND ISSUES A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND THE STATE

2007 Fall Conference The 2007 Conservation Federation of Missouri Fall Conference will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 14, 15 and 16, 2007 at Camp Clover Point, Lake Ozark State Park, Osage Beach, Missouri.

Programs planned are Coleman Repair, Spear Throwing (Atlatl), Archery with Don Johnson, Cooking with Henrietta, Earthquakes by Sarah Seidler, Dutch oven cooking by Charlie Ponciroli, fire making, orienteering with compass, wildlife rehab, knife sharpening, making a whistle from a willow branch, and crafts for adults and kids.

Entertainment will be games, bingo, square dancing, marshmallow roast, campfire, story telling and guitar playing.

The Happy Hour and White Elephant Sale Saturday afternoon is always a good time. When you are cleaning out your garages and basements, save some good stuff to donate to the White Elephant Sale. The sale helps to defray the expenses of the Fall Conference.

The food is always wonderful!

Reserve September 14 – 16, 2007 on your calendar and plan to attend for this relaxing weekend. There will be a registration form in the July/August issue of Missouri Wildlife.

See you there.

Surplus Property to be Auctioned May 19 Get your checkbook or credit card and mark May 19 on your calendar.

That is when the Missouri Department of Conservation will hold its surplus property auction selling vehicles, boats, motors and trailers to the highest bidders.

This year’s sale will include johnboats, boat trailers, boat motors,

gooseneck and van trailers up to 30 feet long, office equipment, farm tractors and 40 vehicles, ranging from sedans to 2-ton trucks with rollerback beds and all-terrain vehicles.

For a tentative list of sale items call (573) 522-4115 ext. 3279 or 3283. A complete list of sale items will be available at the registration desk the day of the sale. Auction items are on display from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. the day before the auction and starting at 8:00 a.m. the day of the auction. The auction will begin at 10:00 a.m.

All property must be paid for on the day of the sale and before removal.

Acceptable methods of payment include cash, MasterCard, Visa or personal checks with proper identification.

Welcome CFM New Members Thomas Abernathy, Saint Louis Norma Ackley, Jefferson City Glen Baker, Dixon Esther Banta, Bridgeton Edith Barclay, Florissant David Bates, Kansas City John Baxter, Independence Leona Bell, Moberly Jim Bishop, Columbia Paul Bobeen, Troy Charles Brader, Saint Louis James Brandt, Grandview Dan Bray, Lees Summit

Bill Brighoff, Chesterfield John Buettner, Saint Louis Larry Bunse, Cosby Homer Butler, Saint Charles Suzanne Byrne, Saint Louis Virgil Cagle, Columbia Edward Campbell, Kirksville Danny Caylor, Jasper Walter Chipps, Saint Joseph Paul Coker, Kansas City Cleo Colville, Helena Lon Cooksey, Moberly County Electric Company, Saint Louis John Crosby, Lees Summit Jeffrey Cytron, Saint Louis David Dale, Saint Louis Warren Davis, Republic Elliott DeClue, Warrensburg Edward DeGroot, Farmington Betty Jo DeLong, Jefferson City Martha Desloge, Florissant Ross Diviak, Kansas City Melvin Dockins, Platte City Ron Douglas, Springfield Etta Eagle, Chesterfield Birkle Eck, Saint Louis John Eckert, Kirkwood Barbara Eichenseer, Barnhart Leland Ellege, Maryland Heights Ray Elmore, Saint Louis Brad Enke, Saint Louis James Ernst, Kirkwood First State Bank, Farmington D. F. Flint, Chesterfield Merle Fox, Rock Port Robert French, Koshkonong Eugene Fuchs, Saint Louis Gregg Galbraith, Carthage Matt Gaunt, Columbia Lelyn Gfeller, Roach Ed Gillett, Sarcoxie George Godfrey, Harrisonville Joe Gogel, O’Fallon Carol Goodwin, Saint Louis Jennie Gorham, Mount Vernon Dick Graham, Jefferson City Mark Greenwell, Florissant Bridget Grissom, Cleveland Fredona Groh, Harrisonville Bob Hafeli, Saint Louis Peter Haigh, Columbia Natalie Halpin, Warrensburg John Hambacker, Salem Hammons Products Company, Stockton Earl Haywood, Saint Louis Neil Higgins, Licking Neil Hoffner, Saint Louis Alan Howald, Moberly Rick Hughlett, Springfield Harry Hurlburt, Kansas City Greg Iffrig, Saint Louis Edward Imo, Saint Louis Elizabeth Jackson, Ballwin Ronald Jenkins, Independence Carolyn Johnson, Springfield Connie Johnson, Galena James Joy, Columbia Wendell Kaiser, Osceola

Harold Keairnes, Kansas City Wilma Keepper, Greenwood Robert Kelley, Independence Ruth Kelley, Springfield Terry Kennett, Saint Louis Bob Kinker, Ballwin J. L. Kleinert, Revere Earl Koder, Saint Louis Eldo Lakey, Lake Saint Louis Harry Lawyer, Sarcoxie Denis Ledgerwood, Ballwin Bill Lewis, Edina Huey Linegar, Springfield Maurice Lonsway, Wentzville Roy Lowe, Harwood Robert Lumma, Hazelwood Ray Madden, Joplin Norene Maevers, Cape Girardeau Gene Mareschal, Hazelwood Phyllis Martiz, Saint Louis Richard Martin, Liberty James Mazzola, Wright City Jim McCollum, Houston, TX Ann McFarland Sullins, Saint Louis Patrick McMurry, Saint Joseph Eric Merritt, Springfield Rick Merritt, Eolia Theila Metz, Saint Louis Barbara Moran, Fulton Verda Morrow, Newburg Wayne & Judy Morton, Osceola Steve Mowry, Kansas City James Murphy, Saint Louis William Nash, Blue Springs Daniel Nix, Grain Valley Dale Nixon, Kansas City Mildred Nyblad, Dadeville Melvin, O’Dell, Webb City Mark Oldani, Saint Louis Jack Olds, Imperial Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield Byron Parkin, Fenton Timothy Patterson, Hillsboro Donald & Mary Pautler, Lees Summit Charlotte Phillips, Columbia Joel Picus, Saint Louis Elliott Potter, Carthage Kenneth Preiss, Saint Clair Mary Ratz, Pacific Linda Reifschneider, Saint Louis Lowell Reynolds, Lewistown Ernest Robbins, Cedar Hill Thomas Roehr, Florissant Ruth Rosenthal, Gainesville James Ruffini, Belton Jerry Salarano, Saint Louis R. E. Sanders, Brookfield Martha Scheetz, Higbee Bob Schulz, Williamsburg Eugene Schwab, Jefferson City John Schweiss, Saint Louis Eric Seaman, Columbia Richard Secrease, Saint Louis Roger Shannon, High Ridge Robert Sieckhaus, Saint Louis Robert & Joce Slater, Kansas City Robert Smith, Owensville Peter Stevens, Saint Louis

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NEWS AND ISSUES Dennis Stinson, New Bloomfield Kenneth Suelthaus, Saint Louis David Swinger, O’Fallon C. Frank Taggart, Jefferson City Bob Tarrant, Florissant Jim & Rita Thomas, Hermann

Linden Trial, Columbia N. P. Trimborn, Ballwin Jerry Tripod, Harrisonville John Tucker, Lees Summit James Turner, Rolla Spencer Turner, Columbia

Dennis & Melinda Twyman, Sullivan Glenna Udre, Troy Elmer VanDyke, Sedalia W. D. Vasse, Moberly Mike Vittorino, Kansas City Jane Voss, Saint Louis Sharon Washabaugh, Jefferson City Thomas Westhoff, Montgomery City Harold Whitaker, Bland

Lee White, Blue Springs Richard Whiting, Chesterfield Robert Wilson, Independence Teresa Woody, Kansas City James Worton, Saint Louis Leon Wright, Smithville David & Judy Young, Windsor

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There are many experienced hunters, boaters and conservationists.

There are many award-winning video and TV producers.

Very few are all of the above.

MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Specializing in Wildlife Conservation Education

To talk to one of the few who does it all, call Lee Vogel at 816.510.9127 • www.wacondamedia.com 6

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Will you join today to help us conserve our natural resources for tomorrow?

Check the member category you prefer: � $20–Individual

� $15–Student

� $30–Family

� $100–Corporate

� $1000–Lifetime

Your membership dues include a one-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, logo sticker, and membership card.

Please mail this application with your membership dues to: Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 If you have any questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www.confedmo.com.

4FQUFNCFS UI OE Name __________________________________________________________________ For more information, call the Open Space Council at 636-451-6090

Address ________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________State ____________Zip code __________ Work phone: ____________________________Home phone: ______________________ Fax number: ____________________________E-mail address: ____________________

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Please make checks payable to the Conservation Federation of Missouri.* Or you may charge your membership dues to your MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Credit card number ________________________________Expiration date __________ Signature of cardholder ____________________________________________________

Pull...for Conservation!!

Conservation Federation of Missouri First Annual Sporting Clays Tournament Oct. 13, 2007 • 9:00 am–3:00 pm • River Hills Sporting Clays • Boonville, MO • Sponsored by Bass Pro Shops 8:30 am ~ registration begins 9:00 am - 3:00 pm ~ shoot and reshoot

SIGN ME / SIGN US UP!! _____ Team Sponsor $250 (4 competitors and sign)

_____ Squad $175 (4 competitors)

River Hills Sporting Clays is a first-class shooting facility. Fun for beginners and experienced competitors alike. Special price for youth (17 and under) $20. Improve your score, reshoot for only $20.

_____ Station Sponsor $125 (sign)

_____ Team $100 (2 competitors)

_____ Shotgun Tickets ($5 each or 5 for $20)

_____ Reshoot $20

11:30 am–1:00 pm ~ lunch served all day

Your Name _________________________________________________________________________________

All day ~ auction bidding and gun raffle. We will have some outstanding items up for silent auction bidding, plus chances at winning a fine shotgun donated by Bass Pro Shops. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets may be purchased before the event or when you register at the event. Winner need not be present to win.

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________

4:00 pm ~ award party A and B flight prizes will be awarded for first and second place two-person teams according to Lewis Class. Each contestant also receives a commemorative event souvenir.

Please complete the form at left and return with payment to: Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Street Jefferson City, MO 65101

_____ Youth $20 (17 and under)

City _________________________State_______Zip____________ Home Phone ___________________Work Phone _____________________Email________________________ Company Name (for sponsor signs) ________________________________________________________________________ Preferred shooting time: (circle one) ~ Morning or Afternoon In addition to yourself, who will join you?

1. ___________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________ Payment of $ __________ enclosed. Please charge my Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card No. ________________________________________________Expiration Date________________

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CONSERVATION AWARDS

Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented Citizen Conservationists Recognized At Annual Convention group of Missouri citizen conservationists were awarded prestigious CFM statuettes for their volunteer and professional efforts to improve and protect our natural resources at the Annual Convention of the Conservation Federation of Missouri on March 16 at the Lodge of Four Seasons. Chosen from a select group of nominees, the 2006 award winners represent the best of the best. A large crowd of CFM members and awardees family members and friends celebrated the elite group’s accomplishments at a reception sponsored by Bass Pro Shops. Presenting the 2006 awards was CFM President Don Johnson.

classroom. Though this page is designed for students, readers of all ages can learn from the information on the page since it is published in the newspaper.

One look at her NIE pages indicates Joyce should also have the title of “conservation educator.” She combines her artistic talents, writing skills and an interest in the outdoors to produce 12 conservation oriented NIE pages in 2006.

Though these pages are written in a simplistic (and usually humorous) style that targets young children, the messages of environmental stewardship they convey ring clear for older readers, as well.

Whether the NIE product be in the form of a “Frog Press” page or an interview with such characters as “Murray the Mussel,” the conservation message that comes through is straight-forward and emphatic: We need to take care of the outdoor world around us.

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been a leader and educator for the program. Because his work with the beginnings of Project WET was so good, he became the Missouri program coordinator for Project WET and remains in that position.

He has a cadre of teachers and conservation professionals that teach these courses throughout Missouri. He has kept the goals and objectives of Project WET aligned with the standards of education set by the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education.

Joe has been a leader with Missouri Environmental Education Association, always assisting in keeping the goals of environmental education pertinent to the needs of the State of Missouri.

Joe has been a major contributor to CFM’s Conservation Leadership Corps.

In all of his activities, he has promoted the Conservation Federation. He has been in regular attendance to the Education Committee’s meetings and volunteers to help the Federation wherever the help is needed.

JOYCE HAYNES

It’s often said the key to conserving our wonderful natural resources is to educate our young people - the conservationist of tomorrow. It’s also important the conservation message continues to reach adults. If the Awards Committee wishes to honor someone who works hard - and succeeds - at both of these missions, look no further than Joyce Haynes of the McDonald County Newspaper Group, a newspaper chain consisting of the McDonald County Press, McDonald County News Gazette, Anderson Graphic, Southwest City Republic and Goodman News-Dispatch newspapers.

Joyce is the art director for these papers and, as part of her duties, she coordinates Newspapers in Education projects. Newspapers in Education (NIE) is a national program through which newspapers partner with local schools to provide a special page that can be used as an educational tool in the 8

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Conservation Communicator of the Year

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Don Johnson (left) and Joyce Haynes.

Quail Unlimited members accept the award.

Don Johnson (left) and Joe Pitts.

Conservation Organization of the Year Conservation Educator of the Year JOE PITTS

WEST CENTRAL MISSOURI CHAPTER QUAIL UNLIMITED

Joe Pitts has been a conservation leader and a mentor to thousands of teachers and lay leaders. For many years, his conservation and environmental courses through the Department of Natural Resources have been and continue to be thorough, practical, very informative and instructive. Those who complete the courses are always giving his work rave reviews.

Joe is the leader of Project WET for the State of Missouri. He was very instrumental in bringing this conservation education program to the state.

With his guidance, one of our teachers, Herb Turner of Waynesville, became part of the writing and editing staff. Mr. Turner has received our Education Award. Joe met Herb through the Stream Team program, where he has

The West Central Chapter has been established since 1993 serving a four county area with about 100 active members. The Chapter completes numerous activities each year which implement portions of the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) National goals at a local level. Many of these activities are directly related to habitat of the Northern Bobwhite Quail and have positively affected local quail population numbers, especially in the past four years.

The West Central Chapter has continued to be a statewide leader in Quail Habitat Initiative Program (QHI) aimed at a cooperative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation and Quail Unlimited to provide technical assistance and cost share to private

landowners for establishing wildlife habitat, especially for bobwhite quail.

This program has been an excellent fill in program used by the chapter when other government programs are not eligible or available to landowners. Since 2000 the West Central Chapter has completed over 175 QHI landowner habitat projects in the four county area. These projects include 3,050 acres of actual habitat installed for quail field borders Native Warm Season Grass (NWSG) conversions, 300+ covey headquarters developed, and nearly 25 miles of edge-feathering completed. Taking the general rule of one acre of habitat actually affects 10 acres for wildlife the number of acres impacted is 30,500. The chapter by partnering has been able to spend over $106,000 to date on these landowner habitat projects. This has been an excellent way for the chapter to partner with others to impact quail in a positive way for the future, and also implement many of the NBCI goals.

The West Central Chapter has won numerous habitat awards over the past years and for the fourth year in a row has won the First Place National Habitat Award from Quail Unlimited in recognition for its work in restoring quail habitat in this area. This is the first time this has ever been done in the history of the award.

The chapter has continued to be a leader in habitat conservation and habitat development in the local area with numerous amounts of habitat having been developed over the past years.

Some of the projects and activities that were not mentioned above include, in the past three years distributing over 18,000 pounds of food plot seed to landowners to develop various wildlife food plots thus creating nearly 2,500 acres of early successional habitat in the area and assisting landowners with the purchase of over 44,000 pounds of NWSG and other seed mixes for wildlife planting which in turn created over 4,400 acres of wildlife habitat. In addition, standing crops of milo/soybeans were purchased directly from the farmer in order to provide wildlife with additional winter food supply on about 150 acres.

Another very important part of the NBCI and quail habitat restoration is education of the public and landowners.

This chapter has always served in this role and continues to build upon this

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Don Johnson (left) and Fred Crouse.

Forest Conservationist of the Year FRED CROUSE

Fred is a full-time professional consulting forester since his retirement in 2000 as a Resource Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fred started work with MDC in 1967 after graduating from the University of Missouri School of Forestry. After 33 years with MDC and over 6 years as a consulting forester, Fred is now in his fortieth year in the profession. If Fred is not the best and most experienced forester in Missouri, he is certainly among the select few. Fred is Certified Forester #2047 with the Society of American Foresters.

One reason Fred is such an excellent

forester is his broad base of experience.

He started for MDC in the heavily timbered southeast Ozarks, transferred to Saint Joseph in northwest Missouri for several years, and finished the last twenty or so years in central Missouri working out of the Columbia Regional office.

What really separates Fred from many others is that he has owned and managed two Tree Farms for many years. One in northwest Boone County north of Columbia and one in Adair County northwest of Kirksville. Fred has completed Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) on 100% of each Tree Farm. He and his crew still do TSI for some clients and he is considered one of the foremost experts on proper chemical application in forest management. Fred is a firm believer that you cannot have a healthy forest which can make a profitable income and produce abundant wildlife while growing low-value crooked, forked, or damaged trees, particularly of species which have minimal if any market value.

While in college in the mid-60’s, Fred worked spring breaks and weekends on tree planting crews. He has continued planting trees ever since on both his and his clients’ woodlands. He has had a small Christmas Tree operation on the Kirksville Tree Farm for many years.

Fred is considered an expert on proper tree planting techniques and especially chemical weed control. Foresters know that without proper weed control, many tree plantings are doomed to failure.

If there is one area of forest management in which Fred really excels, it is timber sales. The paint-marketing of trees to be harvested to improve the future quality of a woods and their proper marketing in order to receive the highest fair market value for the landowner is Fred’s forte. This service also includes getting the landowner’s money in advance of harvesting , the signing of a timber sale contract which is fair to all parties, and the supervision of the logging operation. Recently Fred has as many as sixteen such sales ongoing at once. The value to the landowner in involving a professional forester to select and mark the trees for sale, and the proper marketing of the harvestable trees is unlimited. No one does this better than Fred. Among Fred’s many friends are the loggers/mill operators who regularly have worked on Fred’s sales.

Fred makes time and is active in any organization which has a goal to improve our natural resources. He has been on the Missouri Tree Farm Committee for most of his career, holding many positions, including past Chairman. He is an active member of the Missouri Consult-

ing Foresters Association and treasurer of the Missouri Chapter of Walnut Council and Other Fine Hardwoods—an excellent organization which teaches forest landowners on ways to manage their woodlands. Fred has always been an active member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Society of American Foresters, the Missouri Forest Heritage Center, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, and Missouri Forest Products Association.

In discussions regarding professional foresters and the many areas of expertise needed to properly manage a woodland, it is amazing how many times Fred Crouse’s name comes up as being the best in the state. As Dizzy Dean said many years ago, “It ain’t bragging if ya done it,” and Fred Crouse has done it the right way for many years.

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each and every year. Just in the past three years the chapter has hosted and assisted with: • 7 Farmer Appreciation Days/workshops • 5 Sport shows • 30 Articles or ads promoting quail management • 4 Public Presentations or Talks • 10 Habitat Management Field Days • 10 Chapter Habitat Newsletters • 6 Pamphlets or brochures developed • 20 Covey whistle counts on farms The chapter also works on numerous other activities to promote not only the NBCI and its goals but also quail and wildlife management in general. Some of these activities include holding regular monthly meetings open to the public in which a speaker of various quail topics comes in to speak to the group, hosts and sponsors at least 5 youth events annually that vary from youth hunts to outdoor educational workshops, sponsors and assists with the Missouri Quail Academy in which high school students attend a week long training course on quail and quail habitat.

As you can see the West Central Chapter of the Quail Unlimited has continued to develop as a leader on both the local, state, and national scale in the area of quail conservation and continues to try and build upon this each and every year.

Don Johnson (left) and Evelyn “Lynn” Pierce.

Hunter Education Instructor of the Year EVELYN “LYNN” PIERCE

Evelyn “Lynn” Pierce is a true Hunter Education Professional. She demonstrates a high level of commitment to Missouri Hunter Education and is always willing to assist in any way she can with our programs.

Evelyn is very dedicated and extremely reliable and is always willing to share her passion for firearms safety and safe hunting with everyone but especially young people. She has such a strong classroom presence and a very soft spoken demeanor that everyone enjoys learning with Lynn.

Evelyn is an exemplary Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor and one who represents the Department very well. She has exceeded the minimum expectations in the number of classes that she has taught by participating in 15 classes more than the minimum of 2 for every 2 years during her tenure over the past 5 years. She has taught several classes in Bolivar, Halfway, Bois D’ Arc, Springfield, and Hickory County areas and is always promoting the Hunter Education program and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Evelyn is a Range Volunteer at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center and in that capacity she has had the opportunity to be involved with many Public programs.

With her participation in these various programs and special events, she has always demonstrated a high desire for passing on her knowledge and skills to assist other to enjoy Missouri’s outdoors safely. Through a great number of these hunting and shooting sports programs, she has been able to consistently show participants how to safely conduct themselves with vigilance towards firearm and hunting safety. Evelyn works part time at a local archery shop and is always speaking with individuals who have young people who need to attend a Hunter Education program and she has an amazing way of convincing the adults to accompany the young person and take the class as well.

Evelyn’s tireless efforts in promoting hunting and firearms safety in her classes around Missouri indicate a deep rooted desire that shows her level of commitment to ensuring our hunting heritage is passed on to future generations of people. These extend to both those who come from hunting families along with those who do not.

Her previous record of volunteer accomplishments reinforces her dedication to Missouri’s Hunter Education programs and the Missouri Department of Conservation through her high degree of professionalism. Evelyn is willing to take the basic Hunter Education program to the next level through her active participation in recruiting new participants into many programs and special events including Youth Hunting Events and programs for people with disabilities.

Professional Conservationist of the Year DUANE CHAPMAN

Duane is currently the “Immediate Past President” of the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS).

He was elected vice president of the Chapter in 2004 and served as president from 2005-2006. In this position he also served on the governing board of the North Central Division of the AFS from 2005-2006. As president he presided over a substantial revision of the bylaws of that organization, to bring the bylaws up-to-date with current activities and with the parent society constitution.

Duane wrote nearly all the changes and submitted them to the EXCOM and then the membership for comment and then for final approval. Approval will be by Continued on next page

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Don Johnson (left) and Vicki Richmond.

electronic ballot and is currently underway, but is highly likely to pass. Changes in the bylaws will in turn require substantial changes in the Operations Manual of the Chapter, and we have already begun a draft revision of that document.

Duane served as Chair of the Legislative and Environmental Issues Committee of the Missouri Chapter of the AFS from 1998 until 2004. In this position it was required that he be the spokesman for the Chapter in its three-year advocacy battle over in-stream gravel mining. He testified to the Missouri Chapter’s position on gravel mining at numerous meeting of the Missouri Land Reclamation Commission and in Missouri State congressional hearings. Duane also drafted position statements and letters for the Chapter regarding gravel mining, invasive species, and Missouri River activities by the Corps of Engineers. He represented the Society in meetings led by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that determined the regulations required of aquaculture effluents. In 2006, he again had to testify in State congressional hearings to defend the agreements that were made during the earlier effort.

Work on advocacy issues is performed on leave or other personal time because of the service to the Chapter.

Duane’s professionalism during the sand and gravel hearings in the last two sessions of the Missouri Legislature have increased the profile of the Conservation Federation an the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society as technical experts with streams and stream management.

Driven for knowledge, Duane has exemplified what it means to be a Fisheries Professional and we are fortunate to have him and his dedication, strength, and talents in Missouri. This is more than a job for Duane, it is truly a passion to do this work.

and hard-working volunteers you will find. Her home is Kansas City but more specifically the Blue River Watershed. She is a member and was a parttime employee of the Blue River Watershed Association (BRWA)/Stream Team 1878. Vicki is involved with water quality monitoring, community outreach, and extensive education efforts. In 2002, Vicki played a vital part in the BRWA receiving one of EPA’s Regional Geographic Initiative (RGI) Grants.

She has helped to lead and coordinate the group’s efforts through this grant.

These efforts have included a Blue River mitigation project, website development and maintenance, informational handouts, workshops, and hands-on educational opportunities for watershed schoolkids.

Vicki has also been an instrumental part of Stream Team 175/Friends of Lakeside Nature Center. This Team started in 1990 and one of their biggest accomplishments annually is the Blue River Rescue. This annual event is responsible for removing an average of 75 tons of trash per year from a 7.2 mile stretch of river. Blue River Rescue connects hundreds of volunteers with this urban stream every year. The group has also planted over 35,000 trees to stabilize stream banks and reforest the riparian zone. She was directly responsible for the organization receiving the 2005 Bridging the Gap’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Keep KC Beautiful Category in the fifteenth of the Blue River Rescue. This activity has resulted in over four million pounds of trash from in and around the river. It is an amazing site to see all of these people working together on a common goal to clean up one small part of the Blue River and how much trash that is collected after one of these events.

During the summer of 2003, Kansas City was chosen as one of eight locations visited by Fran Sorensen, Water Watch Regional Coordinator from NE Victoria, Australia. Fran was visiting the United

Water Conservationist of the Year VICKI RICHMOND

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JRPB representatives accept the award.

Water Conservationist of the Year JAMES RIVER BASIN PARTNERSHIP

James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) is a not-for-profit organization which was formed in 1997 as a project of Southwest Missouri resource conservation and development. The James River is approximately 75 miles long and covers part of seven counties with 931,000 acres.

During the last five years JRBP has partnered with other organizations to host multiple Clean Water Kids programs. JRBP has over 5,500 students participate in a variety of field trips, educational presentations, and hands-on activities. JRBP assisted Taney County and hosted the first Christian County

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Don Johnson (left) and Duane Chapman.

Watershed Festival for all 5th graders that reside in these counties. The Festival gave the students an opportunity to learn from experts by hands-on activities how to protect our water resources.

Public outreach and education is crucial to protecting and improving our water resources. JRBP staff, board of directors, and partners has been able to deliver water quality information to a variety of community groups through educational presentations, workshops, demos, and field days hosted in our region. JRBP has reached over 300,000 individuals through the public service announcements which were designed to promote the annual River Rescue event, septic tank maintenance, urban lawn fertilizing plans, and stormwater runoff reduction.

JRBP worked with NRCS foresters, SWCD personnel and MoDNR to: • Establish 22 miles of riparian corridors • Fill and seal 20 abandoned wells • Fence 664 acres to protect woodland from over grazing damage • Prepare 24 nutrient management plans for farmers • 5,633 acres of planned grazing systems • Completed 10,422 acres of pasture improvements The partnership is also thinking toward the future by working with partners and stakeholders to develop a Watershed Management Plan for the basin to help determine priorities and create an action plan that is developed by the stakeholders of this million acre watershed.

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States as a part of a Churchill Fellowship she was awarded. These fellowships give Australians the chance to travel abroad to learn about things that they cannot learn about in their home country.

Fran’s goal was to visit several states here and learn about their community volunteer efforts. She researched environmental volunteer programs on the internet and chose Missouri as one of her destinations because of the Stream Team program and the recent accomplishments of the Blue River Watershed Association. On very short notice, Vicki set aside projects in order to spend several days with Fran, lead her on a tour of the watershed, and share information about the Stream Team program and projects on a statewide and local level.

Another example of Vicki’s dedication was shown recently when she committed to help Stream Team staff with a Missouri Outdoors photo shoot. Vicki helped to schedule the event; set up the sites used for the shoot, and provided the staff and crew with images they needed to make a great Stream Team story. Kansas City efforts will shine in this new clip!

By and large, if you need action in the KC area or the Blue River watershed, Vicki is the gal to call on! Her dedication and reliability are unsurpassed. She will not stop until the Blue is improved and everyone in the watershed is aware.

Paul Nelson (left), Paul’s son, and Don Johnson.

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year PAUL NELSON

Paul Nelson is deserving of a CFM achievement award for his effort to revise the classification of Missouri’s terrestrial natural communities which culminated in the publication in 2005 of The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri, a full color, 550-page book published by the Missouri Natural Areas Committee.

Paul led an interagency team in producing this work, which will help foresters, biologists, park managers and others recognize and manage key elements of our natural landscape.

In 1979, The Missouri Natural Areas Committee created a task force to develop a terrestrial natural community classification system for Missouri. With a goal of conserving all of the state’s extant natural communities within the Natural Areas System we needed some definition and consensus on what, exactly, that mission entailed. Paul Nelson chaired that group.

He devoted incredible effort to the project during the next few years. In 1981, the Missouri Natural Areas Committee adopted the new classification system recommended by Paul and his task force.

Recognizing that the new system had broad application to conservation and science, the Committee asked Paul to expand the technical report into a publication - a manual for the conservation and study of Missouri’s landscape diversity. Paul, with help from other knowledgeable and dedicated people, authored The Terrestrial Communities of Missouri, published in 1985.

Over the past two decades “The Nelson System” became the standard for inventory, assessment and tracking of Missouri’s best remaining examples of its landscape diversity. The new Missouri Natural Heritage Database adopted the Nelson nomenclature for all terrestrial community records in its database. The Missouri Department of Conservation used the Nelson System to conduct 27 comprehensive regional natural feature inventories between 1981 and 2003.

These inventories acquired extensive new data for the Natural Heritage Database.

Conservationists in MDC, DNR, The Nature Conservancy, and federal agencies used the classification. The system also served us well in its original intended role —to evaluate progress in completing the Missouri Natural Areas System. We created a scorecard of natural communities within and outside of the Natural Areas System, and identified gaps - natural communities not yet conserved within Missouri Natural Areas. The classification system thus provides a critical performance measure for the Missouri Natural Areas Program. Through all of these applications the Nelson nomenclature permeated the vocabulary of a generation of conservationists.

Sweeping advances in both knowledge and technology have occurred since publication of The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri. Growth in the Natural Areas System; knowledge of the extent and condition of remaining natu-

ral communities gained from the Missouri Natural Features Inventory; increased experience in managing natural communities; new research on historic influences on natural communities such as dendrochronology analysis of fire and drought histories; better understanding of how plants and animals relate to their natural communities; a new ecological classification system; and advances in the science of landscape ecology have enhanced our understanding of natural communities and how they relate to the landscapes in which they are embedded.

Improvements in the Natural Heritage Database, faster and more powerful computers, data loggers, GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and digital imaging have given us effective new approaches and techniques.

Additionally, the users - inventory biologists, ecologists and land managers - had thoroughly tested the system and had suggestions for improvements and modifications. After 20 years it was time for a substantial revision.

Paul Nelson, still active in conservation, and still a Missouri Natural Areas Committee member, recommended in 1997 that the classification system be revised. We again turned to Paul Nelson to create and head a working group to accomplish this task.

This publication is a result of that effort. It accomplishes the needed revision of the terrestrial natural community classification, incorporating the knowledge, technology and user suggestions that have surfaced since the original publication. It greatly expands treatment on natural processes, landscape relationships, animal components and interactions, threats to natural communities, and management considerations. It provides more background on the human history and present consideration of Missouri’s landscapes. It will continue to guide us in building the Missouri Natural Areas System. This publication will be used in inventory, assessment, protection, restoration, management, and education.

It provides management targets for maintaining and enhancing extant natural communities that have all but vanished from the landscape. It will help agencies and organizations achieve larger scale, landscape restorations. It will guide the Missouri Natural Areas Committee in managing Natural Areas within larger, functional landscapes.

Conservationist of the Year DIANA MULICK

Diana Mulick is long overdue recognition for her outstanding work in conservation education. She is a teacher foremost, both in the school setting and

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Don Johnson (left) and Diana Mulick.

in the field of conservation. She has been a vital part of the Fall Conference, Chair of the Education Committee, and has explored the underwater wilderness with her husband, Don, as a scuba diver.

Her support for conservation is life long and has always been superb. One could strike out superb and insert any of the following: magnificent, dominant, remarkable, stellar, or excellent!

The Conservation Federation of Missouri has had a reasonably active Education Committee for several years. Several of us have done the expected and routine things with the committee reuse, recycle, plant, camp, and educate students on current issues. Diana, however, has taken that challenge “to educate” to a totally different and higher level. She is in a league by herself!

Along with Al Vogt, Diana arranged for students to begin to attend the Conservation Federation annual meeting.

This led to the establishment of the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC).

For a student to be nominated to the CLC program, the individual had to have exhibited evidence of accomplishment in organized conservation activities.

Diana gave this group of high school and college students an opportunity to give input and/or make a statement concerning conservation. Students were asked to take on the task of influencing conservation policy and actions. Diana asked for (and got) CFM to budget for student registration and price considerations, food incentives, as well as space for discussions, opinions, and policy writing to take place. She also saw that fun activities were incorporated in the CLC members stay, a broader educational reason to belong to the group.

Under Diana’s guidance this leadership group has continued to grow and make an impact on the Conservation Federation with their knowledge, interest, and much needed infusion of young blood into the organization. These

future leaders have been encouraged by Diana to write policy and defend the intent to a committee of veteran members.

As a result of Diana’s desire to see the CLC membership acknowledged, a new award has been added to the Conservation Federation’s annual meeting, that of a Student Conservation Achievement Award. Students who complete three years as a participant in the Conservation Leadership Corps and a conservation related college curriculum are eligible.

The CLC group, under Diana’s guidance, has gained prestige and recognition. National Wildlife heard about the success of this program and felt it was a worthy goal for any conservation group to know about, as well as how to get it started. Consequently, this year four CLC students have been asked to attend the National Wildlife Conference to speak to the national membership.

Diana is to be applauded for her dedication to give the CLC members ownership in the program. She leads from behind, as well as in front when needed.

Her goal has been to give the students the responsibility to do for themselves.

As such, the students are the ones who talk out at the meetings in favor of a policy or in opposition to one. Students are the ones who will tell the story to National Wildlife. The students are, and have indeed, been trained to be leaders.

A couple years ago, Diana came to the meeting just out of the hospital because she felt her role so important - to see that “her kids” got to do the things she knew was important to them. And, by so doing, CFM is gaining young membership and fresh ideas.

As Aldo Leopold states, “It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relation to conservation can exist without love, respect, and admiration for land. One of the requisites for an ecological comprehension of land is an understanding of ecology. An understanding of ecology does not necessarily originate in courses bearing ecological labels; it is quite as likely to be labeled geography, botany, agromony, history, or economics. Whatever the label, ecological training is scarce.”

As an educator, Diana has done the most important job one can ever do encourage students to experience for themselves in becoming ecologically aware. In her quiet, graceful, gentle manner, Diana has done an incredible service to conservation by instilling a love and a passion for guarding and protecting those precious resources of conservation in the youth of today.

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Conservation Federation Of Missouri Debates Issues Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions he delegates of this year’s Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Convention have voted to adopt fifteen resolutions on current conservation issues.

The convention challenged over two hundred Federation members, meeting in natural resource committee sessions, to debate current conservation issues and develop positions statements, when appropriate.

Action letters will be sent to the agency heads, legislative leaders (state and national), non-profit directors, and others requesting their response.

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#1: CELLULOSIC BIOFUEL PRODUCTION Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, requests The General Assembly to actively support legislative initiatives: 1.

To encourage, support, and provide incentives for the establishment of cellulosic biofuel facilities in Missouri through private organizations, and state and federal agencies, e.g. Missouri Forest Products Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 2. To encourage cellulosic biofuel producers to require their facilities to only purchase materials that have been harvested in a responsible manner from sustainably managed forests following a management plan under the supervision of a professional forester and agricultural lands; 3. To increase private landowner awareness and education about cellulosic ethanol production by utilizing the outstanding resources of University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the Missouri Department of Conservation. #2: FERAL HOGS Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, requests that the State of Missouri and United States government through agency actions, and General Assembly of the State of Missouri through legislative 1 2

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actions, take steps necessary leading to: 1. The immediate removal of feral hogs from all public lands in Missouri by methods including trapping, ground and aerial shooting, and other methods as may be appropriate; 2. Expanded assistance to private landowners to remove feral hogs from private lands; 3.

Enhanced regulatory and enforcement diligence to eliminate the prospect of escapes and accidental releases of feral hogs from hunting preserves; 4. Reclassification of the criminal action for deliberate releases of hogs to the wild to “felony” status with appropriate modifications in penalty; 5. Removal of the undesirable and illegal premise under which feral hogs are being illicitly released.

Be it further resolved, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, as a principal conservation organization in Missouri working on behalf of Missouri’s sportsmen and women, condemns those who are releasing feral hogs for the purpose of establishing populations for hunting.

Be it further resolved, that the Conservation Federation of Missouri encourages similar statements of condemnation by other conservation organizations and by agricultural organizations in Missouri.

and Wildlife Service Regional Region 3 Director that portions of each National Wildlife Refuges in Missouri be opened to hunting and that all Refuges in this state collaborate on a comprehensive hunting plan with public input to supplement and guide the Comprehensive Conservation Plans for each refuge.

#3: CAPTIVE-REARED MALLARDS Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, supports the Missouri Department of Conservation regulations to restrict the release of free-flying mallards and to regulate hunting opportunity on shooting preserves.

Be it further resolved, that the Conservation Federation of Missouri opposes any legislation that would restrict the Missouri Department of Conservation’s constitutional authority to regulate the use of captive-reared mallards and other game birds on licensed hunting preserves.

#7: ELECTRICAL BARRIER BELOW THE SANITATION AND SHIPPING CANAL Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, actively supports the substitution of the permanent barrier for the temporary barrier and encourage the Congressional Delegation of Missouri to support the appropriation of funds needed to operate the electrical barrier as a buffer until the funds can be raised to finish the second phase of the construction and appropriations of funds to provide hydraulic separation between Des Plaines River and Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal at the locations where invasive species can bypass the electrical barrier during periods of high water.

#4: HUNTING ON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, respectfully requests of the U.S. Fish

#5: WATERFOWL HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, encourages the concept of study to allow a second party to hunt a waterfowl blind after the previous party has left, thus encouraging more public involvement in the outdoors. #6: WETLAND CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, actively supports The School of Natural Resources in securing a Center for further learning and aiding in the addition of key missing components of such an esteemed degree program.

#8: PROTECTION OF WATERWAYS NEAR HUMAN DEVELOPMENTS Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons,

this 18th day of March, 2007, supports an increase in Land Disturbance Permit fees from $300 per permit cycle to a $500 annual fee for operators.

Be it further resolved, that this increase go to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to hire staff that must overlook and approve development plots and enforce water-friendly development techniques near waterways. #9: MISSOURI FARMLAND PRESERVATION ACT Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, stand in strong affirmation of the creation of the Missouri Farmland Preservation Act. Be it further resolved, that the Conservation Federation of Missouri request that the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Natural Resources, with non government organizations to fund the creation of voluntary coalitions to work in a joint effort with farmers. These coalitions will form agricultural districts of 200 contiguous acres or more of useable farmland, to prevent urban and rural clash, along with any farm within five miles could join the district as an extension of the district. Farmers could choose to enter the contract for ten, fifteen, or twenty-five years, and keep their land devoted to agricultural uses. Farmers who choose to join these coalitions will receive the developmental value for their land. Farmers could petition the committee for the right to construct non-agricultural structures on the effected land, if it promotes further agricultural production. #10: FESCUE ALTERNATIVE GRAZING PUBLICATION Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, actively supports cooperation between the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture, and University of Missouri Extension through the Missouri Agricultural

CONVENTION

Land Management Resources Institute (MALMRI) to compile and distribute print and electronic based publications that describe the aforementioned tall fescue related problems.

Be it further resolved, the information should contain solutions and corresponding cost share programs. The resulting print and electronic publications should be widely distributed and readily available.

#11: COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE STRATEGY Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, supports ambitious implementation of the Missouri Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy and encourages state and federal agencies to review their commitments to protecting our diverse natural resources and work with the Missouri Department of Conservation to see that the guidance

for comprehensive wildlife conservation be integrated into the plans and policies of state and federal agencies so it truly becomes an “all wildlife strategy” for Missourians. #12: WILDERNESS AREAS DESIGNATION Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, supports the introduction and passage of legislation to permanently protect the following areas under the provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964: Big Spring (7,600 acres), Lower Rock Creek (13,800 acres), North Fork (7,200 acres), Smith Creek (2,500 acres), Swan Creek (9,200 acres), and Van East Mountain (2,500 acres).

Be it further resolved, urges the Missouri congressional delegation to work together for the prompt introduction and passage of legislation to achieve these purposes.

Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution) Charles Abele, Saint Louis Duane and Nancy Addleman, Springfield Richard Ash, Saint Charles Dane Balsman, Perryville Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Columbia Dave Kolb Grading, Saint Charles John Enderle, Kelso Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Fleming, Columbia Howard & Sara Fleming, Moberly Mr. & Mrs. Matt Fleming, Moberly Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill Don Johnson, Festus Roger & Debbie Johnson, Humansville Duane & Cosette Kelly, Independence Sara Knight, Charlotte, NC Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS

Jay Law, Saint James Gerald Lee, Kansas City Joel LeMaster, Fulton Leroy Logan, Arnold Chip McGeehan, Marshfield Cynthia Metcalfe, Saint Louis David Murphy, Columbia Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Mike Schallon, Ballwin Timothy Schwent, Jackson Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico Barbara VanBenschoten, Kansas City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Randy Washburn, Jefferson City Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Robert Ziehmer, California

#13: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, enjoins the Missouri Department of Conservation to set forth programs to educate the public, not only to ensure a clear and scientifically sound view of fur trapping as a management tool, but also of the use of furs in clothing and other goods as a proper and responsible use of our resources. This education effort should be based on recent market research that identified key messages about the use of traps and trapping. This could then be the first step towards a more secure future for scientific wildlife management as well as renewed confidence for the consumers of furs and other Missouri products. #14: QUAIL COMMITTEE Now, therefore, be it resolved that

#15: GLOBAL WARMING LEGISLATION Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, this 18th day of March, 2007, call upon Congress and the White House to enact a cap and trade legislation to curb carbon dioxide emissions by a rate of no less than 2% per year from base emission levels to achieve an 80% reduction by the year 2050.

Be it further resolved, that Missouri, as a leading conservation state in the nation, calls on the state legislature and governor to adopt model legislation patterned after California and New Mexico, reducing pollution by 80% by the year 2050.

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AGENCY NEWS

Plan For Tomorrow’s Resources Today uring my annual address to the Conservation Federation of Missouri, I challenged our organizations to lead a statewide discussion about the future of conservation in our state. There are many opportunities to advance fish, forest and wildlife resources, but many challenges to think through to be successful.

One notable trend worthy of our attention is the shifting demographics of Missouri’s hunters and anglers.

A recent study by MDC’s Resource Science Division analyzed permit records of hunters and anglers and discovered that Missouri’s traditional core of conservationists is aging. This is a cause for concern because the analysis also reveals that these sportsmen and women are not being replaced by younger participants at the same rate they were years ago. While Missouri is currently leading the nation in the recruitment of new hunters, if not reversed, current trends project a loss of more than 110,000 resident firearms deer

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hunters, 200,000 anglers and 130,000 small game hunters over the next few decades.

The cause of these declines is hard to pinpoint, but it is safe to say that societal changes and the expanding role of technology is influencing the receptiveness of today’s youth to an outdoor education.

In many ways, television, video games, the internet and email make our communications and education more efficient. However, these widely available technologies also make it attractive to connect with an electronic box before we connect with our neighbors or the open areas near our homes.

How do we ensure that tomorrow’s adults become active participants in outdoor recreation and protectors of the resources CFM was formed to conserve?

At its basic level, the question is—Who will teach our sons and daughters about

fish, forests and wildlife?

We know public understanding that hunting and fishing are important to conservation management must increase. Therefore, MDC formed a task force of conservation professionals and partners, such as CFM, to identify strategies to reverse these trends.

The group is exploring many topics to identify barriers to attracting new hunters and anglers. Topics like: the complexity of regulations; the exposure to hunting and fishing in urban areas; the role of mentors in developing outdoor passions; and new education programs that introduce Missourians to nature and outdoor experiences. We welcome your help in this monumental task.

Grassroots coalitions and meaningful debates about the role of conservation in society are necessary to precipitate action.

We have to start talking today about the

new resources needed to advance conservation, not just the need to conserve resources. The key will be what we individually contribute to broadening awareness.

CFM’s diverse group of 70 affiliates proves that conservation in Missouri is a big tent with a wide entrance for all who wish to come in. All of us engaged in Missouri conservation have a personal responsibility to share our passion with our families and the youth we encounter.

And it’s simple to do; find a child and take a walk, go to a pond, pattern a shotgun or find a spot to witness the spring bird migration. Every encounter with nature has lasting significance.

Not every youth will become an adult who hunts or fishes, but we can dramatically increase the number of future adults who value our resources and take actions to protect them.

John Hoskins Director, MDC

Beautiful CFM Notecards For Sale!

A unique partnership between CFM and Jim Rathert has begun. You can buy fantastic images of Missouri wildlife, caught in the act of living, by renowned photographer Jim Rathert.

Best of all, each of these vivid slices of Missouri wildlife will greatly benefit CFM. The cards are sold only in high-quality sets of 12. There are 3 copies of each of the 4 images in every set (whitetail buck, greater prairie chicken, belted kingfisher, eastern bluebird). Each card is 5 x 7 with a full color photo on the front, a nature note by Jim with our CFM logo, mission statement and contact information on the back and plenty of space for your message on the inside. High quality, matched envelopes accompany each card.

Please order your cards today! We are certain you will enjoy sending them as much as your friends will enjoy receiving them. A dozen cards are yours for only $19. If you order 3 or more sets, you pay only $16 per set. Prices include shipping and handling. To buy cards, use the form below, call (800) 5752322 or go to www.confedmo.org. Mail your payment to 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Spring Into Action During Composting Awareness Week Missouri Department Of Natural Resources Encourages Participation In International Event pring is a great time of year to get back to nature. The temperature outside creeps back up, trees and gardens are in bloom and a general feeling of rebirth is all around. Perhaps this is why spring also ushers in a time of environmental awareness events: We have Earth Day April 22, Arbor Day is April 27, and the whole month of April is National Garden Month.

The theme continues into May with International Composting Awareness Week, which lasts from May 6 to May 12.

During that week, people are encouraged to learn about the benefits of compost and engage in various composting activities.

Compost is made from decomposing organic matter. Materials that can be composted include yard waste such as

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grass clippings, fallen leaves, weeds, garden plant remains, chipped tree limbs, and fruit and vegetable scraps. Things that should NOT be composted include pressure-treated or painted wood, meat scraps, bones or fatty foods.

Compost is a practical and convenient way to transform these waste materials into a valuable resource. If you have a garden, lawn, trees, shrubs or planter boxes, you can use compost to enrich the soil and improve plant growth.

Here are some ways you can celebrate International Composting Awareness Week: • Organize a compost sale in your community • Host a “How to get started composting” get together • Plant a tree in your community

using compost-enriched soil or mulch • Start a garden with compostenriched soil. Donate flowers to local hospitals and food to local food banks To learn more about International Composting Awareness Week, visit United States Composting Council’s Web site at www.compostingcouncil.org.

To learn more about how to compost and what the benefits of composting are, please visit the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program’s Web site at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/composting/compost1.htm.

For other questions about composting, recycling and other solid waste issues please contact the program at (573) 7515401 or by mail at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102.

Yard waste, as well as food and vegetable scraps, makes excellent compost.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION OF MISSOURI AFFILIATES Anglers of Missouri Archery Big Bucks of Missouri Big Game Hunters Bridlespur Hunt Club Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve Eastern MO Chapter Pheasants Forever Festus/Crystal City Conservation Club Forest Releaf of Missouri Franklin County Wildlife Club Friends of Rockbridge Memorial State Park Greenway Network Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coonhunters Kansas City Chapter Safari Club Kansas City Woodcarvers Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club

Mark Twain Area Quail Unlimited Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi County Conservation Society Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Mississippi Valley Gun Club Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Bass Federation Missouri Bow Hunters Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Department of Agriculture Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

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Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State Council Quail Unlimited Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fisherman’s Association Missouri Waterfowl Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Missouri Wild Turkey Federation Missourians Outdoors MO Chapter American Fisheries Society MO Chapter Soil & Water Conservation MO Hunter Education Instructor’s Association MO State University Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society Monett Sportsman League Northeast Missouri Coonhunters Northside Conservation Federation

Open Space Council Owensville HS Hunting & Fishing Club Ozark Fly Fishers Ozark Mountain Paddlers Ozark Wilderness Waterways Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme De Terre Chapter Muskies River Relief, Inc. Saint James Civic Club Show-Me Clean Streams Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen South Side Division Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri Wecomo Sportsman Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS CAPITAL CITY FLY FISHERS MAY 3: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) MAY 4-5: 6th Annual Smallmouth Rendezvous and Fly Tying Extravaganza, Tallequah, OK MAY 5: 3rd Annual Mammoth Spring Trout Festival, Mammoth Spring State Park MAY 12: Hooked on Fly Fishing Not Drugs MAY 17: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) MAY 19: Kid’s Fishing Day, Roaring River State Park and Meramec Spring Park MAY 24: Ozark Fly Fishers’ Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center, Kirkwood JUN 5: Free Fishing Day, Binder Lake, Jefferson City JUN 5: FFF Club President’s Meeting JUN 7: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) JUN 9: Family Fishing Fair, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, Branson JUN 12: Club Meeting, Lakeview Subdivision Lake (6:00pm) JUN 16: Stream Team 760 Outing, Saline Valley Wildlife Area JUN 19: Conservation Kid’s Club, Runge Nature Center, Jefferson City (6:30pm – 8:30pm) JUN 21: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) GREENWAY NETWORK MAY 5: Walk in the Woods, Hawn State

Park (9:00am); Gerry Boehm (636) 3001420 MAY 9-11: Meeting of the Waters – A National Symposium, University of Missouri Saint Louis MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION MAY 1: Summer Newsletter Deadline JUN 9: Federation Directors Meeting, Shrine Club, Warsaw JUN 10: Summer Sizzler, Truman Lake – Long Shoal JUN 10-15: Central Divisional, Ross Barnett Lake MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAY 4: Owensville Dinner, Catholic Church Parish Center, Owensville (6:00pm); Doug Hendrix (573) 437-4995 MAY 19: Mid-County Saint Louis Event, American Legion Post 111, Saint Louis (6:00pm); John Weddle (314) 7730559 MISSOURI FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION MAY 11-12: Midwest Forest Industry Show, The Family Arena, Saint Charles (8:00am – 4:00pm); MFPA (573) 634-3252 MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS MAY 10: Upper Meramec Longspurs, Wildwood Resort, Steelville; Shane Staples (573) 885-4141 MAY 12: Lake Country Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City; Bob Kendrick (573) 735-2607 JUN 8: Putnam County Chapter, Lions Club, Unionville; Ed Anders (417) 343-5853 JUN 15: Lafayette County Longbeards, Odessa Community Center, Odessa; Sean

Croucher (816) 517-1235 JUN 16: Branson Tri-Lakes, Lions Club, Branson; Randy Webb (417) 294-5114 JUN 23: All Womens Event, Stone Hill Winery, Hermann; Tracy Case (573) 486-2283 JUN 23: Bollinger County Double Beards, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Randy Pogue (573) 238-3234 JAKES EVENTS MAY 16: Summit City Longbeards, Lawrence County; Virgil Denayer (417) 678-1020 JUN 2: Little Platte Gobblers, Clinton County; Eric Dennis (816) 539-3558 JUN 2: Green Hills, Grundy County JUN 2: Grindstone Gobblers, Dekalb County; John Hahn (816) 449-5613 WHEELIN SPORTSMEN EVENTS MAY 5: W.O.O.D.S. Event, Wappapello; Andrew Jefferson (573) 222-8562 MAY 5: Grindstone Gobblers, Plattsburg; John Hahn (816) 449-5613 MAY 24: Wheelin Sportsmen Cast and Blast, Lees Summit; Clayton Porter (816) 309-9771 JUN 16: A Day at the Range, Bois D’Arc; Mike Brooks WHEELIN SPORTSMEN BENEFITS JUN 2: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Clay Bird Shoot, Marble Hill; Rob Stover (573) 2437238 JUN 2: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Jackson; Rob Stover (573) 243-7238 WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS MAY 5: Harrison County Women’s Event, Miracle Hills 4H Camp, Bethany; Theresa Updegraff (660) 425-7655 MAY 19: Benton County Boss Hens Women’s Event, American Legion Hall, Warsaw; Sandi Schmitt (660) 438-5922 JUN 2: Fly Fishing Workshop, Sand Springs Resort, Lebanon; Angela Shoultz (660) 534-7412 JUN 9: Grindstone Boss Hens Women’s Event, Pony Express RV Park, Maysville;

Helen Webber (816) 632-0050 JUN 9: 4Bs Hunting Resort Women’s Event, 4Bs Hunting Resort, Stark City; Kathi Stipp (417) 652-7538 JUN 15: Camp Woodland Women’s Event, Camp Woodland, Albany; Kim Costen (816) 724-0035 JUN 23: Dutch Oven Cooking Retreat Women’s Event, Heartland Center, Parkville; Sherry Hill (816) 992-3650 MISSOURI PARKS ASSOCIATION JUN 2: National Trails Day MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE MAY 16: Regular Membership Meeting; Norman Leppo (314) 647-1616 or Matt Wier (314) 647-1679 OPEN SPACE COUNCIL JUN 2: Greenrock Challenge Hike, National Trails Day, Greenfelder Park (8:00am); Kathy Arnett (636) 458-0440 OZARK FLY FISHERS MAY 11: Club Outing, Port Hudson Lake, Gerald MAY 12: Women’s Outing MAY 24: Monthly Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm) OZARK MOUNTAIN PADDLERS MAY 5: Cinco De Mayo Party MAY 10: Boat Rigging Party JUN 8-9: James River Basin Rescue JUN 14: Monthly Meeting POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES MAY 5: Musky Mayhem, State Park Marina (7:00am – 4:00pm) MAY 5: Lake Meeting MAY 12: Saint Louis Outing, Busch Wildlife Area MAY 19: Trolling Party JUN 9: Prime Time Fishing Outing

CFM EVENTS SEP 14-16: CFM Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point – Lake Ozark State Park, Osage Beach

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If there are any errors in your name and address, if you’ve moved from this address, or if you plan to move, please notify us at Missouri Wildlife, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call (800) 575-2322.

POWoods Box 133 4509 Road Gray Summit, MO 63072 63039 Robertsville, e-mail: hmeier@onemain.com Visit our website: www.missouribowhunters.org SOUTH COUNTY ARCHERS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CFM & MBH

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