Vol68 no4 2007

MISSOURI

Wildlife

JULY 2007 VOL. 68, NO. 4

5 9 11 14

NEWS & ISSUES

Strategic Plan Update WILDLIFE ART FESTIVAL

Plan to attend CFM FALL CONFERENCE

Register today FEDERATION HISTORY

Diverse groups, common goals

VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

MISSOURI

Wildlife

Five-Tool Players he Boys of Summer are having their day. Baseball is in the limelight and endless discussions of the performances of teams and the skills of individual players flood the airways. Those select few, those elite “five-tool players” of incredible ability usually get at least some mention in each and every broadcast. Why not? They are fun to talk about, fun to hear about and fun to ponder.

Just for the record, baseball’s five tools are: 1) hitting for average, 2) hitting for power, 3) running speed, 4) arm strength, and 5) fielding ability.

Any baseball fan can pretty quickly come up with the short list of frontrunners in each category, but those who excel in all 5 are the rarest of the rare. Any baseball fan can probably give you most of the entire list of current and historic five tool players in the major leagues. For now, let’s turn our attention from the diamond to the “rough.”

Recently I reread Aldo Leopold’s famous technical book Game Management. His introduction includes the following passage about another set of five tools. “The central thesis of game management is this: game can be restored by the creative use of the same tools which have heretofore destroyed it—axe, plow, cow, fire and gun. A favorable alignment of these forces sometimes came about in pioneer days by accident. The result was a temporary wealth of game far greater than the red man ever saw. Management is their purposeful and continuing alignment.”

That’s the part I was after, that is what I wanted to review in my own mind as we began the serious work of summer projects on our farm. Managing our forest, nurturing the soil, establishing and encouraging high quality and productive cover in open areas, protecting our watersheds and ponds all to be done at some level simultaneously! Although the tools we have to work with are pretty clear, the strategies for their use require contemplation and creativity to produce the best results.

I suppose because sports are so pro-

T

Another reading of the technical book Game Management by Aldo Leopold (above) inspires Dave Murphy to consider the state’s use of the five tools.

moted by media and so familiar to each of us, sports words are often used in widely circulated metaphors. The word “team” gets used a lot. Everyone understands the words “player,” “coach,” “winner,” and “loser.” Most of these words also conjure up personal emotions, based on firsthand experience, for each of us. A consideration worth making once in a while is that although professional sports are a really big deal in Missouri, and although they certainly have become really big business…they pale in comparison with hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and forestry. These outdoor recreations and, yes, industries in Missouri are an incredibly powerful economic engine, as well as huge contributors to our fine quality of life. Last year alone, these outdoor endeavors contributed well over $7 billion to our state’s economy. Several times as much as was contributed by all professional sports teams in Missouri combined. That’s right, outdoors is a bigger business in Missouri than the Cardinals, Royals, Rams, Chiefs, and Blues combined. Now that’s something to cheer about!

How has this happened? How has a state that was bankrupt for wildlife only 70 years ago managed to work its

July 2007 Vol. 68, No. 4 way to the world championship?

Turns out Missouri is the ultimate five-tool player for conservation. The five tools?

1) Authority…authority to make decisions based on science, not politics…given by us private citizens.

2) Funding…designated funding continues to produce great results…we must remind ourselves that stable, designated funding is still less than 1% of our overall state budget…will we need to invest more in the future? Are we investing enough right now? Time will tell.

3) Leadership…the director is excellent, widely respected, extremely capable and balances very well being responsive to our people and serving as guardian of our natural resources and outdoor heritage. Commissioners appointed by the governor and approved by the Missouri Senate are quality leaders with good business acumen and personal passion for the cause.

4) Staff…without question the finest state agency staff in America, top-shelf professionals come from all over the land to work here, because of tools #1 and #2.

5) Resources…capital facilities, equipment and land…all good and continuously improving.

So how do we fit into all this? Are we cheerleaders to chant on the sidelines and shake our pompons? Are we fans to merely watch, cheer or boo how and when we like? Are we the front office to hire, fire, trade or move?

Are we coaches to strategize, decide, plan, prepare, and play or bench? Are we players to physically do everything?

Are we sports reporters to call the action? Are we owners to invest resources and reap the benefits? Obviously the answer is yes to each of these questions. Frequently CFM serves in some roles, rarely in others…but always we contribute to what makes things happen. Thank you for your part, Champ. Keep the fan mail coming!

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: One of Leopold's five tools in action.

A Missouri farmer prepares a better tomorrow for wildlife. Photo compliments of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

M I S S O U R I

Reduce Reuse Recycle W I L D L I F E

1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s Summer: Think Safety e are rapidly approaching our summer outdoor season. I’m sure our time will be full with activities for hunting, fishing and generally enjoying our great resources in the state of Missouri. As our activities take us into the waters lets always keep in mind that we need to have life jackets available for all concerned. Remember the life jacket that you wear is the one that really pro-

W

tects you. As we venture forth in the outdoors lets all make a special effort to take a youngster or someone new to the outdoors with us as we travel. It’s always more fun to share our experiences with others and this will allow us to spread our outdoor heritage throughout Missouri.

We have recently completed our legislative session in Missouri. A lot of effort has been expended to protect our out-

door heritage as we know it. We are so successful in our outdoor pursuits in this state that it seems there are always others who seem to want to use our resources for their own agendas. We will always have to stay strong to protect this legacy.

I hope you enjoy your summer season and always think safety as you travel.

Don Johnson President, CFM

AGENCY NEWS

Bagnell Dam License To Benefit Fish, Wildlife, Recreation meren-UE’s newly issued license to operate the Osage Hydroelectric Project has benefits for fish and wildlife, for citizens trying to protect their land and for the burgeoning nature-based tourism industry on Lake of the Ozarks.

On March 30, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a license that allows Ameren-UE to continue operating Bagnell Dam on the Osage River in Camden County. The license—the third granted in the hydroelectric plant’s history—is the product of more than a year of negotiations between Ameren-UE, citizens along the lower Osage River and Lake of the Ozarks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service and the Missouri departments of Conservation and Natural Resources. Missourians will get much more than just electricity from Bagnell Dam for the next 40 years.

Union Electric began acquiring land for Bagnell Dam and the 50,000-acre Lake of the Ozarks in 1927. Planners gave little thought to how the dam and its electricity generating activities would affect people, land and wildlife downstream. Over the following decades, however, the impacts became clear.

Although the hydroelectric plant provides only a small part of Missouri’s power needs, it plays a key role in meeting peaks in demand. For example, when air-conditioners are working overtime , Ameren-UE can release water through Bagnell Dam’s turbines, quickly adding electricity to avoid having to buy power from more expensive sources. When demand falls off drastically after sunset, the utility can shut off the flow

A

of water until the next peak in power demand.

This pattern of use causes rapid rises and drops in the river downstream from Bagnell Dam. Besides being inconvenient for hunters, anglers and recreational boaters, the rapid fluctuations contribute to erosion of stream-side agricultural fields. Changes in the water level on Lake of the Ozarks cause problems for thousands of people who have homes, sea walls and fishing and boat docks at the popular recreational destination.

Then there are fish kills. Some fish are sucked into water intakes on the lake side of Bagnell Dam and killed by the violent passage through hydroelectric turbines.

Others die in the violent currents created by flood flows through the dam’s spillways.

Fish and wildlife also suffered from poor water quality caused by the hydroelectric plant. Oxygen-poor water drawn from deep below the surface at the dam to turn turbines fills the river and leaves aquatic life gasping for breath.

The Conservation Department brought all these concerns to the table when the Osage Hydroelectric Project’s previous, 30year license neared its February 2006 expiration date. The people of Missouri have let Ameren-UE use the Osage River to generate electricity for profit for 70 years. In return for that very valuable privilege, we asked for reasonable accommodations between the needs of wildlife and power generation. We succeeded to a large degree.

Some of the accommodations will be made immediately. Others will take several

years to develop and implement. The end result will be a better balance of benefits to Missourians, from electricity to recreation and protection of private property.

One major accommodation will be increased dissolvedoxygen levels in the river below Bagnell Dam. Ameren-UE will replace two of its existing hydroelectric turbines with more efficient ones that mix more air with water flowing out of the turbines. This will hasten the return of healthier conditions for fish and other aquatic wildlife after power-generation runs.

Ameren-UE also agreed to double the amount of water it releases to maintain flows in the lower Osage River when it is not generating electricity. While the new minimum flow of 900 cubic feet per second still is small compared with the river’s natural flow, it will make a significant difference in the amount and quality of aquatic habitat available to fish and the plants and animals that fish rely on for food. Increased minimum flows also will ensure better spawning habitat and make boating more practical in the river downstream from Bagnell Dam. Under the terms of the new license that the Conservation Department helped develop, Ameren-UE is required to develop new measures to prevent fish kills. One is placing a net in front of turbine intakes on the lake side of the dam to keep fish out.

The new license also restricts the way and the rate at which Ameren-UE can release water from Bagnell Dam to maintain a stable lake level following heavy rains. In the past, water has been released

rapidly and through only a few flood gates.

The water was moving so fast that it killed fish below the dam, sometimes ripping the heads off large paddlefish during their spring spawning runs. Under the new license, releases will be spread out over a longer time and will have to be channeled through more gates to reduce the violence of the flows.

In the past, rapid changes in the amount of water released after flood events have contributed to erosion by creating unnaturally rapid drops in water level downstream. Earthen banks that became saturated with water during high flows collapsed when the water receded rapidly, due to the weight of the water inside them. The new license requires Ameren-UE to change flows more gradually, allowing water to seep out of stream banks as the water recedes. River boaters will benefit from less drastic water level fluctuations.

Ameren-UE accepts responsibility under the new license for improving habitat for freshwater mussels and other plants and animals that are part of a healthy stream ecosystem. The company also will take responsibility for stocking to replenish fisheries in Lake of the Ozarks and below the dam. The utility will increase waterquality monitoring and expand its analysis of erosion problems in the lower river to find ways to further reduce the impact of its operations.

The requirement to manage lake levels similar to the past few years will result in better spawning conditions for fish. It also will keep the lake level more stable. This is a really big win for tourism on Lake of the Ozarks.

M I S S O U R I

W I L D L I F E

3

AGENCY NEWS

Wanderlust Points The Way To Missouri State Parks he kids are restless and you have a serious case of wanderlust. Unfortunately, the sign above the gas pump is telling you this might not be the year for a cross-country excursion. With 83 state parks and historic sites totaling more than 140,000 acres plus 61,000 acres in the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry, Missouri’s state parks and state historic sites offer an inexpensive excursion to satisfy nearly every travel fantasy.

Dreaming of a weekend in wine country? Check out Deutschheim State Historic Site in the heart of Missouri’s wine country in Hermann to learn about German culture. Tour the two houses and period gardens, including grapevines that have thrived for more than a century. Longing to wiggle your toes in the sand? Spend a day relaxing on

T

one of the two swimming beaches found at Lake of the Ozarks State Park near Osage Beach. Those craving history can check out the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site in Kansas City or the Scott Joplin State Historic Site in St. Louis. Step back in time at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site in Lawson, or immerse yourself in Missouri’s unique natural and geological features at Onondaga Cave State Park near Leasburg or Meramec State Park near Sullivan.

If you’re looking for an overnight getaway, take a cue from Larry and Phyllis Moore of Marshall, who recently celebrated their 30th consecutive year in the Missouri Camper Award Program. The award is presented to individuals, families or youth groups that camp in five different Missouri state parks during the

Your #1

POW-MIA

Service Banners 7KH )RXQGU\ $UWV &HQWUH ,Q +LVWRULF 6DLQW &KDUOHV 0LVVRXUL

U.S. & Any Indoor Set

Foreign

Memorial Cases

Send Us Your Old Worn Flags...

We Will Dispose of Them Properly

Leo Cardetti’s Distributing Company 219 N. Jefferson St. James, MO 65559 Home & Commercial Poles

J U LY

been identified, and each month, one trail in each region will be featured. Hikers can earn special hiking medallions while exploring state parks and historic sites.

When summer wanderlust sets in and your heart feels like rambling, Missouri’s state parks and state historic sites are the place to be. A fun and affordable vacation destination is waiting in every corner of the state.

For more information about state parks and historic sites, the Trail of the Month Program or the Missouri Camper Award Program, call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-3346946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com.

Flag Store

State

4

calendar year. First-year participants that complete the program receive a camper award patch, a numbered year patch and a certificate. Each year after, participants receive numbered year patches and certificates. Every five years, each participant receives another camper award patch and each family receives a Distinguished Camper Award that is good for a free night of camping in any state park.

Those who enjoy vacations that combine scenery and relaxation with physical fitness will also enjoy the many trails found in Missouri’s state parks and state historic sites. Through the Trail of the Month: Passport to Health, walkers and hikers can take advantage of these trails for fun, adventure and exercise while earning rewards. Now through Oct. 31, six trails in six regions of Missouri have

800-532-3524 www.leocardettisflags.com

2 0 0 7

Patriotic Decorations

Doyle Childers Director, DNR

NEWS AND ISSUES A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND THE STATE

CFM Strategic Planning Update The Strategic Planning Committee had its direction somewhat diverted by needs that became apparent as a result of a meeting last fall with NWF representatives. Since then, those concerns that had to do with short-term goals of the Federation have been met and other recommendations were approved by the board. These recommended goals and strategies include the following: • Developing an operating budget of $500,000.

• Develop and maintain a reserve of $1,000,000.

• Hire staff as needed.

• Increase sustaining membership to 8,000.

• Marketing to major funding sources.

• Establish a Clean Water Committee as a permanent standing committee.

• Establish the Strategic Planning Committee as a standing committee.

The Committee will meet again probably in late summer to address longer term matters that were being discussed earlier. These matters had to do with the use of CFM’s Resource Committees, among other items.

Safari Club Sponsors Public Program A Safari Club program highlights conservation efforts affecting wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities in central Missouri.

What is the future of conservation in Missouri? Find out at the Central Missouri Chapter of Safari Club International’s July 19 public program for hunters and conservationists. The event will provide information on future conservation efforts related to outdoor recreation in central Missouri.

The event will include a presentation by the Missouri Department of Conservation titled ”The Next Genera-

tion of Conservation” which will detail the agency’s strategic plan.

Subjects covered in the presentation include conserving habitats and animals, protecting clean and healthy waters, promoting healthy trees and forests, preserving Missouri’s outdoor recreation heritage, including actions that might promote hunting opportunities, supporting conservation in our communities, helping private landowners advance conservation, and much more. The event also will include presentations by representatives of CFM, the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources and Bass Pro Shops.

The public program for hunters and conservationists takes place at 7:00 p.m. in the Jesse Wrench Auditorium located at the Memorial Student Union on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Ample parking is available one block north of the Student Union.

Contact Earl Cannon at (573) 636-4292 or cannonedc@yahoo.com for more information.

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, and plan to attend for this relaxing weekend. You will find a registration form for the 2007 Fall Conference on page 11 of this issue.

See you there!

Charles Browne, Saint Charles Leland Buckler, Higginsville Jeff Burrows, Defiance Homer Butler, Saint Charles Suzanne Byrne, Saint Louis Edward Campbell, Kirksville Francine Cantor, Saint Louis Myrna Carlton, Chillicothe John Chadwick, Saint Louis Walter Chipps, Saint Joseph Richard Cochran, West Plains Laura Cohen, Saint Louis Robert Collins, Grandview Congregational Charity Committee, The Pension Protection Act of 2006 O’Fallon (PPA 2006) permits individuals over Larry Constantino, Saint Louis the age of 70 1/2 to rollover up to Harry Copp, Novinger $100,000 from an IRA to charity. This Ann Corrigan, Saint Louis new legislation allows otherwise taxRay Cossey, Kansas City able distributions of up to $100,000 Bob Cottrell, Steelville during each taxable year from a tradiCounty Electric Company, Saint Louis tional IRA or Roth IRA to a charity to Mary Covell, Saint Louis be excluded from gross income.

J. Craig, Saint Louis The PPA 2006 presents a welcome Karen Crebs, Saint Louis incentive for donors to use their IRAs Allan Crouse, Ava to make charitable gifts. There are sevDorothy Curiale, Kansas City eral types of funds that may receive an Betty Daniel, Independence IRA rollover distribution: designated Richard Deshon, Saint Joseph funds, scholarship funds, field of interMartha Desloge, Florissant est funds, unrestricted funds, organiza- Viola Duckworth, Saint Louis tional capacity building funds, organiEtta Eagle, Chesterfield zational endowment funds, and June Easley, Springfield community grant-making funds.

Leo Echele, Saint Charles The new IRA rollover is an exciting Birkle Eck, Saint Louis tool for qualified individuals. It offers a Barbara Eichenseer, Barnhart unique vehicle for donors to meet char- Leland Ellege, Maryland Heights itable goals and improve the quality of Ray Elmore, Saint Louis life for generations throughout Missouri. James Ernst, Kirkwood Please consult your tax professional for G. Feder, Saint Louis further information concerning an Bill Federhofer, Liberty IRA charitable rollover to CFM. C.R. Fillmore, Unity Village Karen Finch, Saint Peters Thomas Fischer, Hannibal D.F. Flint, Chesterfield Ruth Forsman, Saint Louis Timothy Aguilar, Kansas City Dolores Fox, Lake Ozark David Alspaugh, Saint Louis Betty Freise, Union Amonsoquath Tribe of the Cherokee, David Fuller, Blue Springs Thayer Gregg Galbraith, Carthage Dolores Anderson, Saint Louis Matt Gaunt, Columbia Deanna Baker, New Haven John Gehn, Saint Charles Susan Baker, Pevely Joseph Glik, Saint Louis Esther Banta, Bridgeton Wayne & Jane Goode, Saint Louis Thomas Barklage, Saint Charles Veronica Goodell, Springfield Janet Barrett, Saint Louis Fannie Gosche, Scott City Kevin & Julie Beattie, Saint Louis Daniel Gottman, Palmyra Rodger Benson, Peculiar Mark Greenwell, Florissant Mary Bischoff, West Plains Bernard Grice, Columbia B. Black, Bolivar Eugene Griffith, High Ridge Kevin Bley, Saint Louis Bridget Grissom, Cleveland Barbara Bohne, Saint Louis Patricia Groover, Kansas City Nancy Boland, Columbia Diana Hammond, Columbia James Bommarito, Saint Louis Richard Hardin, Wentzville Pamela Bopp, Saint Louis Kenneth Hefner, Blue Springs James Brandt, Grandview Roger & Nancy Hershey, Independence Barbara Bregant, Jefferson City Richard Hetlage, Saint Louis Lolamae Brickhaus, Sedgewickville Michael Hevesy, Saint Louis Bill Brighoff, Chesterfield Alan Hillard, Columbia

IRA Rollover

Welcome CFM New Members

M I S S O U R I

W I L D L I F E

5

NEWS AND ISSUES Hillermann Nursery and Florist, Washington Franklin Hockett, Saint Charles Frederick Houser, Saint Louis Glennon Hunn, Chesterfield Harry Hurlburt, Kansas City Thomas Hutton, Jefferson City Edward Imo, Saint Louis Elizabeth Jackson, Ballwin Mike Jarvis, Saint Louis Ronald Jenkins, Independence John Jennings, Saint Louis Candace Johns, Saint Louis Margaret Johnson, Saint Louis Carolyn Jordan, Jefferson City Annette Kappelman, Higginsville Susan Kelly, Mexico Mark Killingsworth, Ballwin Dan Kinney, Springfield Roy Kirgan, Jefferson City J.L. Kleinert, Revere Ruth Koch, Saint Louis Earl Koder, Saint Louis Robert & Maureen Kremer, Columbia Eldo Lakey, Lake Saint Louis June Lancaster, Independence Louis Lankford, Saint Louis Harry Lawyer, Sarcoxie Denis Ledgerwood, Ballwin William Lester, Saint Louis Bill Lewis, Edina Eunice Lieurance, Columbia

Maurice Lonsway, Wentzville Robert Lumma, Hazelwood Gene Mareschal, Hazelwood Phyllis Maritz, Saint Louis Nancy Marron, Saint Louis Hervey McGaugh, Saint Joseph Patrick McMurry, Saint Joseph Jacqueline Middlehamp, Kansas City Christina Miller, Kansas City Helene Miller, Liberty Robert Miller, Kansas City Missouri Beef Cattleman, Kansas City Modern Auto Company, Washington Thomas Monroe, Saint Louis Sharon Morash, Lees Summit Timothy Morrison, Ballwin James & Lorraine Morton, Saint Louis Steve Mowry, Kansas City Ruth Myers, Kansas City Larry Neel, Saint Charles Holly Neill, Springfield Kathleen Nelson, Marshall Maxine Nevels, Grubville Emma Newman, Joplin Roma Nichols, Park Hills Louis Nuelle, Saint Louis Lorraine O’Brien, Independence Patricia Oglesby, Rolla Terry O’Hara, Kansas City William Ohnesorge, Saint Joseph John Olaughlin, Defiance Janet Olliges, Saint Louis

Barbara Ostmann, Gerald Joyce Otten, Kirksville Byron Parkin, Fenton Lyn Pendleton, Eldon Clayton & Monica Perry, Saint Louis Kevin Poe, Roby Dick Pouch, Everton Doris Pree, Saint Louis Roger & Janet Price, Black Leone Proffer, Cape Girardeau Ronald Raglin, Saint Louis E.L. Reed, Chillicothe Steve Reed, Springfield Linda Reifschneider, Saint Louis Theodora Rendlen, Hannibal Erma Rinaman, Saint Louis Rockwood Bank, Eureka Virginia Rodman, Strafford Thomas Roehr, Florissant Pamela Rogers, Lees Summit Richard Row, Greenwood Mary Ruckdeschel, Saint Louis Amanda Rung, Saint Louis Tom & Barb Russell, Columbia Nancy Salzman, Richland George Sato, Saint Louis Sue Schuble, Springfield Irene Schulze, Saint Louis Mark Schulze, Concordia Richard Schuppan, O’Fallon Richard Schwane, Washington Richard Secrease, Saint Louis Judith Shaffer, Anderson Glen Sites, Saint Louis Leroy Sommer, Saint Charles Melissa Sprock, Washington

J.L. Stagner, Half Way Ilene Staib, Diamond John Starz, Saint Louis Kathy Steiner, Saint Louis Barbara Stephenson, Florissant Mark Stephenson, Joplin Janet Sternburg, Jefferson City Peter Stevens, Saint Louis Loman Stone, Farmington Edward Sullivan, Perryville Sharon Talley-Klein, Saint Louis Robert Temper, Saint Louis Mary Terry, Saint Louis Ron Throckmorton, Glencoe George Tomasovic, Ballwin N.P. Trimborn, Ballwin Judy Tripp, Holts Summit Sally Tureman, Lees Summit Charlene Turner, Clarksville Pat Turner, Maryville Joan Twillman, Saint Charles Glenna Udre, Troy Alan Umbright, Saint Charles Maureen Vaughn, Ozark Wynn Volkert, Columbia Carol Washburne, Chesterfield Carol Wells, Chesterfield Pat Werner, Festus Joan Whelan, Saint Louis Barbara Wilhoit, Liberty Marvin Williamson, Springfield Patricia Wilson, Kansas City Bernard Worful, Saint Charles Charles Wurrey, Kansas City John Young, Springfield

Pull...for Conservation!!

CFM 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

_____ 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

6

SIGN ME / SIGN US UP!!

J U LY

2 0 0 7

_____ 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________________

Meramec River Basin Summit And Media Float Trip July 28–August 3, 2007 t was 40 years ago that a small group of civic leaders, conservationists and environmentalists gathered for a short float trip to share their visions for a better Meramec River. A river on the brink of decay due to benign neglect. In 1967 river restoration on the lower Meramec River began in earnest with planning for the first Annual Operation Clean Stream event, which helped to spawn a much bolder collaborative effort on the part of many public and private partners.

In an effort to highlight the 40-year restoration of the lower Meramec River, the Meramec River Tributary Alliance (of which the Open Space Council is a founder) will be conducting a week-long 104-mile, six-day media float trip on the Meramec River from Meramec State Park to its confluence with the Mississippi River just east and south of St. Louis County.

The event will run July 29–August 3, 2007.

You or your organization can participate for part or all of the week-long media float by sponsoring a canoe in the event.

The $1000 level “Golden Paddle Sponsorship” includes advertising, canoe, meals, transportation, educational programs, limited lodging and entertainment. Sponsorships are limited to 10 canoes. A “Silver Paddle Sponsorship” is also available at the

I

$500 level with fewer perks.

The media float is part of the Meramec River Basin Summit scheduled for September 20–21, 2007 in St. Louis and Steelville, Missouri. The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a partner in the summit. For details about the Media Float Trip or the Meramec Basin Summit contact Ron Coleman, Open Space Council executive director and CFM board member, at 636-451-6090.

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

Bison Meat America’s Original Red Meat Low in fat, cholesterol and calories.

There are many experienced hunters, boaters and conservationists.

There are many award-winning video and TV producers.

Very few are all of the above.

Steaks, roast, burger. State Inspected.

MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Specializing in Wildlife Conservation Education

Salem (800) 827-3403 • www.meramacbison.com

To talk to one of the few who does it all, call Lee Vogel at 816.510.9127 • www.wacondamedia.com M I S S O U R I

W I L D L I F E

7

Missouri Student Receives National Scholarship rowing up on a farm in Missouri gave Stephen Eschenbach a real appreciation of hard work, farming and the

G

outdoors.

So it’s quite fitting that Eschenbach is this year’s recipient of the $5,000 National FFA Collegiate Scholarship funded by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Graduating second in his class, Eschenbach earned a 4.0 grade point average while participating in basketball and track and on three FFA teams that worked their way to Missouri state competitions.

“Participating in Future Farmers has been one of the most memorable parts of my high school career,” Eschenbach said.

Eschenbach is also an avid hunter who hopes to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation one day. He plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University and major in wildlife management to become a private lands conservationist. He wants to help landowners, especially farmers, manage their property for wildlife.

In addition to the NWTF scholarship, Eschenbach has received local scholarships and an academic scholarship from his chosen college.

“We support college-bound students who are hunters with a demonstrated commitment to conservation and show leadership in their communities,” said Christine Rolka, NWTF education coordinator.“We do this through the FFA and through our own scholarship program.”

To be eligible for the $5,000 scholarship, applicants must support hunting, have strong leadership skills and high academic achievements. Over the past

nine years, the NWTF has given more than $55,000 in scholarships through the FFA and nearly $2 million in scholarships overall.

In addition to the scholarship, the NWTF partners with the FFA as an exhibitor at the FFA National Agriculture

Career Show and as judge for the National Wildlife Management event.

“The NWTF and the FFA have a terrific partnership,” Rolka said.“We both want to make a positive difference in students’ lives through agriculture and conservation education.”

Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution)

Osage Outdoors would like to introduce a revolutionary tick removal product, Tick Tape™, a folding tick removal tool.

When Tick Tape™ is closed around an attached tick, its adhesive-coated foam construction securely grips the tick for easy removal and preservation or disposal. Tick Tape™ has two unique features, first, the adhesive improves the friction between the surface of the Tick Tape™ and the tick itself, and second the foam limits excessive pressure on the tick which can cause damage to the tick and potentially impede the removal.

To order this product, or for more information log on to www.osageoutdoors.com or call 1.888.253.6729.

8

J U LY

2 0 0 7

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 Norman Leppo, Saint Louis 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 Arlene Segal, Kansas City 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

When will you add your name to the list?

CFM Life Membership Application Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________Email:_____________________________ Payment Method (circle one):

Cash

Check

Credit Card _______________________________ Exp. Date:__________

Art Lovers, Artists: Save The Date For Wildlife Arts Fest Third Annual Fall Event Raises Money For Conservation he Third Annual Missouri Wildlife Arts Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4, 2007 at the beautiful St. Charles Foundry Arts Centre located at 520 N. Main Ctr. in historic downtown St. Charles, Missouri.

The festival will feature over 40 of the top wildlife artists from Missouri and across the nation. The event will feature paintings, photography, pottery, bronzes and carvings.

The festival is open to the public and art work can be purchased directly from the artist. Hours for the show are Saturday, November 3rd, 11:00 AM7:00 PM and Sunday, November 4th, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. There is a modest admission of $5.00 per person (chil-

T

dren under 16 free).

This unique event is being sponsored by the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) in partnership with the Missouri Wildlife Artist Society and two St. Louis Area conservation groups, the Greenway Network and the Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region.

Dan Brueggeman, a wildlife sculptor and member of the Missouri Wildlife Artist Society says that “this is a wonderful opportunity for both the public and many talented wildlife artists to come together in an outstanding venue to enjoy some great art for a good cause.” Proceeds from the festival will go towards supporting the conservation work of the sponsoring organizations.

If you would like more information about the festival feel free to contact the Conservation Federation of Missouri office by calling 800-575-2322, the Missouri Wildlife Artists Society at 573-498-3479 or the Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region at 636-451-6090 or go to info@openspacecouncilstl.org.

Call For Artists Are you an artist interested in displaying your art for sale at the Third Annual Missouri Wildlife Art Festival?

Please contact Dan Brueggeman at 573-498-3479 or Bp8studio@aol.com for more information.

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

River Hills

• Examine Traveler in your home.

We’ll send the outdoor magazine of the Ozarks to your home FREE FOR THREE MONTHS. Then we’ll send a bill ($17).

If you want to keep getting Traveler, pay the bill. If you don’t, you won’t. It’s that simple.

Go to www.riverhillstraveler.com/8news.html.

Click on FREE TRIAL, Or call 1-800-874-8423 and ask for a free sample subscription.

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

OutdooR magazine

Guide

HUNTING

FISHING

CAMPING

BOATING

For a FREE Copy of the Magazine Call 1-800-706-2444 or Visit our Web site at www.outdoorguidemagazine.com M I S S O U R I

W I L D L I F E

9

Woodland Steward Training Program Now Available In Three Formats issouri woodland owners and enthusiasts now have three ways to learn basic timber and wildlife habitat management: live workshops, purchased DVDs and online.

“The Missouri Woodland Steward program was originally taught through a series of four live workshop sessions and a weekend walk in the woods to put the information into practice,” said Hank Stelzer, University of Missouri Extension forestry specialist.

“We have had great interest in those sessions, though we saw the need to expand the program so that others could take it on their own time.”

Woodland enthusiasts now can purchase the DVD used in the live workshop session from MU Extension. In addition, Woodland Steward training is available as an online noncredit course through the MU Center for Distance and Independent Study, also an MU Extension division.

“If you want live interaction with forestry and wildlife professionals, the full workshop series will continue,” Stelzer said.

The DVD package is designed for the landowner who wants to learn about basic timber and habitat management without a formalized learning process or interaction with others.

“Users can listen to the materials at their own pace, focus on the areas they’re most interested in and contact a forestry professional if and when they have questions or want to work on developing a management plan,” Stelzer said, adding that the online coursework offers something in between the live workshops and the “self-teaching” process of the DVDs. “Learning online is more flexible than the live workshops, so you can work at your own pace. But the coursework still offers a formalized learning structure, with assignments and opportunities for feedback from professionals, plus the chance to talk with other landowners through online sessions.”

There is no formal “test” in the online course. Once a student finishes the coursework, he or she will be notified when an area “walk the woods” session is scheduled.

Landowners who live far from scheduled walks will be contacted by a professional forester to discuss timber and wildlife management ideas specific to their needs.

Students have nine months to complete the online course.

M

1 0

J U LY

2 0 0 7

“During the course, students have opportunities to pose questions, post digital photos of plant species or pest or disease problems they can’t identify,” he said.

For information on the online course, visit http://cdis.missouri.edu and type “Woodland Steward” into the search window.

“However you access it, the Missouri Woodland Steward program teaches basic timber and wildlife habitat management,” Stelzer said.“The information we’ve pulled together helps evaluate the timber stand and property and can help a landowner think about appropriate uses for that land.”

Early lessons teach goal setting and how to take stock of the land, including how to access aerial photos and maps of property, obtaining soil information and identifying tree and plant species.

The second session covers basic forest management concepts: forest ecology, assessing forest stand, tending woodland

gardens and forest health.

Session three focuses on wildlife habitat and ecological concepts, how forest management practices influence wildlife food and cover, and habitat management to encourage specific types of animals.

“In the fourth session, materials bring everything together to help the landowner begin to develop a management plan that will fit their goals and the land they have to work with,” Stelzer said. Often, the program helps students decide what uses don’t fit with the land they own.

“Someone may have a strong desire to develop a walnut or other tree plantation in their woodland, but the soils and terrain may not be well suited for that,” he said.

“The program will help them see that quickly, and they can begin to think about other uses.”

The DVDs are $50 plus tax, shipping and handling. The set can be ordered by calling 573-882-7216 or 1-800-292-0969,

or at http://muextension.missouri.edu.

If you have purchased the DVDs separately, you can take advantage of the online discussions by signing up for the course for a $50 course fee. The course and DVD package are $100. Visit the CDIS website at http://cdis.missouri.edu/CourseInfo/Detai lCourseInfo.asp?9502 For information on the “live”Woodland Steward Sessions, which include four evening classes and a weekend “walk in the woods” wrap-up session, contact your nearest MU Extension Center.

Digital download available at: http://AgEbb.missouri.edu/news. Voice assistance at 573-882-4827.

Greg D. Horstmeier News Director, Extension and Ag Information University of Missouri 573-884-1846 horstmeierg@missouri.edu

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.

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

2007 Annual Fall Conference Conservation Federation of Missouri September 14-16, 2007 Advance Registration Form Return completed form to CFM by September 7, 2007 Name of Each Participant

Complete Mailing Address

Total Enclosed

Phone No.

Cost *

$

Please list the names and ages of all children ages 4–12 (cost is only $50 for those ages 4–12): NOTE: Camp facilities are not set up for children under the age of 4.

1. ___________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________

If you plan to stay at a location OTHER than the barracks at Camp Clover Point, please circle one of the following: 1. A state campground

2. Local motel

3. Home

4. Other _____________________________________________

* Total advance registration is $75 per person or $145 per couple. (Children ages 4–12 pay $50 for the weekend.) The day rate is $10 per day and $10 per meal. If you do not plan to stay for the duration of the conference, please indicate the day(s) and meal(s) at which you will be present.

Registrations received after September 7 will be $85 per person or $165 per couple .

Please make your check payable to CFM and mail it to 728 West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

You may also pay by credit card. Credit Card # _______________________________ Exp. Date _________ Signature of cardholder_____________________________________________

M I S S O U R I

W I L D L I F E

1 1

4th Annual Sportsman-Legislator Summit Promoting a Pro-Sportsmen’s Agenda November 27–29, 2007 Big Cedar Lodge, Branson, Missouri Hosted by the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and Bass Pro Shops What The National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Annual Meeting is a comprehensive policy conference that brings together state legislators, wildlife management professionals, outdoor industry leaders, and the hunting and fishing community to discuss and formulate policy to advance a pro-sportsmen’s agenda as well as present a unified front in the halls of state government.

Where Just minutes from Branson, but miles away from everyday stress, Big Cedar Lodge is tucked into the wooded hillsides of the Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake. This popular resort is a sportsman’s paradise which offers not only ample hunting and fishing opportunities, but also provides cozy accommodations, fine dining options and first class service. Guests will find all the amenities typical of a luxury resort, yet this wilderness lodge is anything but typical.

Why Attend The NASC Annual Meeting is the most important event of the year for State Sportsmen’s Caucuses and partners. It is the only forum that provides a venue for focused discussion and interaction among state policy makers and the hunting and fishing community. By attending, you will stay informed of the issues and legislation that matter most to one of the most influential voting constituencies—hunters and anglers.

The NASC Annual Meeting gives you the opportunity to learn about legislation you can introduce in your home state to benefit wildlife, hunting and fishing as well as informative, educational seminars that update you on issues of importance to your sporting constituency in addition to helping your state sportsmen’s caucus become more effective and engaged. *Photos courtesy of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus

Registration Contact Aaron Hobbs at the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses for more information at 202-543-6850 or email aaron@sportsmenlink.org 1 2

J U LY

2 0 0 7

Summit Offers Unique Opportunity “The challenges to the future of hunting and fishing have not changed,” commented Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

“But how we develop strategies to address these issues is evolving. The need for new and innovative solutions while duplicating successful ideas will be the focus of the NASC annual meeting. The laws we pass today will set the course for a better, stronger future for hunting and fishing in America.”

As the only forum that provides a venue for focused discussion and interaction between state legislators and sportsmen’s organizations, the NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit is an important event for the entire sporting community. The impact of the policies crafted, debated and enacted by our nation’s legislatures is critical and far reaching.

“We have seen sportsmen’s concerns brought to the forefront of political debates from California to Vermont thanks to the efforts of state sportsmen’s caucuses. We expect that following this event, state lawmakers will return to their home states and actively engage colleagues, partners and the local sporting community to address the issues important to them.”

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.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________ State: ______________ Zipcode:_____________ Quantity (# of sets): _________ Total Price: ________________ ❑ Check

❑ Cash

❑ Credit Card ~ Card #: ________________________________________ Exp. Date: ______________

M I S S O U R I

W I L D L I F E

1 3

CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP CORPS

CFM History: Diverse Interest Groups Key To Success Remarks To Conservation Leadership Corps Highlight Federation Milestones, “Big Picture” hat do birdwatchers and hikers have in common with duck hunters and scuba divers? What similarities are there among archers and big game hunters, canoeists and fly fishermen? Do turkey hunters and bass fishermen have any likenesses with campers and field trailers?

I hope that you know enough about the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) to recognize that these quite varied and diverse interest groups, and many others, have at least one thing in common—they can and should belong to CFM. Why? Simply because they should all understand that we share a common interest—a “big picture” understanding.

And, that is, without a healthy and diverse natural ecosystem, without some measure of wildness, and, without clean water and air, the quality of our lives becomes greatly diminished.

As usual, conservation’s great spokesman, Aldo Leopold, stated this idea far more eloquently. In his Foreword to Sand County Almanac, Leopold wrote: “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.

Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher ‘standard of living’ is worth its cost in things natural, wild, and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important than television, and the chance to find a pasqueflower is a right as inalienable as free speech.”

Edward O. Wilson, in his book The Diversity of Life, echoes similar thoughts, “The ethical imperative should be, first of all, prudence. We should judge every scrap of biodiversity as priceless while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to humanity. We should not knowingly allow any species or race to go extinct.

And let us go beyond mere salvage to begin the restoration of natural environments, in order to enlarge wild populations and stanch the hemorrhaging of biological wealth. There can be no purpose more inspiriting than to begin the age of restoration, reweaving the wondrous diversity of life that still surrounds us.”

1 4

J U LY

2 0 0 7

MDC

W

Back when it all began...E. Sydney Stephens and friends in Columbia.

Whether or not Federation members have ever read or are even aware of these statements, I believe that, on some level, they basically share the philosophies that are so well expressed by these eloquent conservation writers.

Realistically, one could not expect the River Bluffs Audubon to always see eyeto-eye with the Missouri Forest Products Association, or the Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association to always be in lock-step with the Table Rock Bassmasters. There could easily be disputes between the Missouri Trappers Association and the Central Missouri Coon Hunters. But, when it comes to the ‘big picture’ issues, the broad scope, one might even say higher interest, we almost always find unity, and our diverse interests pull together.

I really believe it is this diversity of interests that makes the Federation so effective on statewide issues—and we are effective! The Federation has never lost a statewide ballot issue that made it to the ballot. Of course, being a democratic organization, with all our members having a chance for input (usually at our annual meeting); it is sometimes rather difficult to reach an accord in the first place. When we do, watch out.

I mentioned our diversity of interests. Diversity in an organization is perhaps more often these days associated with the age, gender or racial makeup of its members than it is their interests. We could be doing a better job in some of these areas. However, we are trying

very, very hard to increase diversity in all areas, and it is a frequent topic of discussion when the Federation meets. I believe you will see great strides in the near future under our current leadership and CLC program is one we are counting on to make a big difference.

I want to move quickly on to a brief review of just a few of the Federation’s major accomplishments. Our biggest successes, by far, have come about through the initiative petition process.

Because of this process provided for in Missouri’s constitution, the citizens of the state can directly propose amendments to the constitution and/or changes in Missouri law. The Federation’s use of the initiative has made our state conservation program the envy of the nation, and also the best funded state conservation program in the United States. kay, let me get to the specifics of a couple of our major accomplishments. In 1935, Missouri sportsmen upset with the decline in Missouri’s wildlife resources and the state’s ineffective response to these declines, established the Restoration and Conservation Federation of Missouri to embark on an initiative petition drive to establish a non-political fish, wildlife and forestry program. This organization eventually became our present-day Conservation Federation of Missouri. The story of this statewide petition drive was recounted by Charlie Callison in his

O

book Man and Wildlife in Missouri— The History of One State’s Treatment of Its Natural Resources. It’s very interesting reading and it is available in most libraries. The Federation’s initiative campaign was a success, and Proposition 4, to establish in the constitution a non-political Department of Conservation, went on the November, 1936 ballot. Called “the greatest movement of our time for Missouri,” it was overwhelmingly approved 879,213 for to 351,962 against.

After the strong positive vote, some Federation leaders thought their job was done and they were planning to disband the organization. However, it very quickly became evident that there were forces, especially in the Legislature, who saw this as an usurpation of the lawmaker’s powers, and several strong attempts to repeal the new conservation amendment were introduced. The Federation realized they would have to become permanent to protect their creation and in succeeding years and to this day we have had to fight many battles that sought to weaken the Department or replace it with one under the thumb of the Missouri Legislature. The Federation has always been there, and we will forever be there to beat back threats to re-politicize our state conservation program.

Another early battle for the fledgling Federation was to rally the opposition to the proposed construction of thirty large flood control dams, mostly on Ozark streams, by the United States War Department. The Federation’s fight against this massive plan in 1939 was unrelenting, and CFM found allies in the National Wildlife Federation, the Izaak Walton League and farmer’s organizations. Some concessions had to be made, but the dams’ supporters were forced to abandon the huge original plan which would have flooded even rivers like the Current, Jacks Fork and Gasconade.

I think perhaps another quality that unites the diverse interests of our Federation membership is that we know we cannot sit still and just hope that everything will magically turn out for the best. We know that action and effort are always required, perhaps more than once, if significant progress is to be made. This became very clear during the Federation’s second major

MDC

CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP CORPS

Original ad from the 1935–1936 campaign to form MDC.

initiative petition effort—the campaign to achieve a new and greatly expanded funding source for the Department of Conservation so they could acquire more public lands and expand programs far beyond traditional hunting and fishing opportunities. lanning for this second major Federation initiative began in the late 1960’s, and, in May of 1970 the Federation formed the Citizens Committee for Conservation (CCC). The CCC’s goal was to come up with a funding base for a conservation program expansion that had been proposed by the Department and to then seek voter approval for their plan.

Utilizing a study of possible funding sources by a University of Missouri professor, the CCC settled on a penny tax on soft drinks as the revenue source. We were successful in getting the legal number of signatures but the effort failed to get on the ballot when the Supreme Court ruled the petition was improperly drafted— it did not contain a necessary enacting clause.

Disheartened, the Federation took a long and hard look at their effort. It had become apparent during the drive that the bottling industry had millions of dollars to fight the proposal and that they were prepared to spend it.

Other technical issues involving the registration of voters and who could sign a petition and where, had to be resolved. Finally, in 1974 the Federation kicked off a second initiative petition drive for expanded funding for conservation. This time, however, we went for a 1/8th percent sales tax. Of

P

course there were some anti-tax groups that opposed this idea but their opposition wasn’t as strong and they didn’t have the big money of the bottling industry. Rural landowner groups, who had originally organized against scenic river proposals and the “taking” of private land, were also opposed, but their opposition was lessened by our promises that land would only be acquired from willing sellers and that the Department would make payments to counties in lieu of lost property tax revenues.

Burned out by the earlier petition drive, some of our volunteer petition carriers threw in the towel, but most came back. We lined up petition drive coordinators for each and every county and for every college campus. The efforts in the metropolitan areas had to be precise to meet new stringent requirements as to the voting address and congressional district of the signers.

On May 27, 1976, we turned in more than 200,000 signatures on petitions requesting the Secretary of State place on the ballot our proposal for a 1/8 of one percent sales tax to fund, indefinitely, a greatly expanded conservation program. We had made sure the funds were earmarked for conservation and could be used for no other purpose.

The petitions were soon certified and an intense election campaign began utilizing many “poor-man” techniques.

Since we didn’t have a big war chest for television advertising, which all public relations firms told us we’d have to have, we relied on what we could do - news releases, radio spots, letter writing campaigns, speaker’s bureaus, posters, bumper stickers, yard signs and tele-

phone banks. We tried everything we could afford and took advantage of any opportunity to spread the word about the Department’s “Design for Conservation” and our plan to fund it. It worked.

On November 2, 1976, Amendment #1 passed 901,500 to 873,400, a slim victory to be sure, but in a time when no tax increases were being approved, it was huge.

After its implementation, Missouri became the nation’s leader in per capita spending for conservation. This was a Federation-led effort from the outset.

The Federation’s Executive Director served as the chief campaign manager and the entire Federation staff worked day and night and headed up the petition and election campaign out of the Federation office.

(If you are interested in learning more about this effort, one source is an article entitled “Amendment#1—A Conservation Victory. It appears in Environmental Education in Action— III: Case Studies of Public Involvement in Environmental Policy) ’m going to switch gears and give you some examples of the many programs and activities in which the Federation has taken the lead, or which are entirely Federation programs. I want to do this, not just to brag about the Federation, but because you may hear something that is of particular interest to you and in which you want to become more involved. That’s what we’d like to see happen.

Among other accomplishments the Federation has: 1. Lobbied through Missouri’s first water pollution laws with grassroots

I

support.

2. Secured federal protection for scenic rivers 3. Proposed and secured state mined land reclamation legislation 4. Helped get areas designated as wilderness and wild lands 5. Often gained expanded hunting and fishing opportunities starting with resolutions passed at our annual convention, etc.

6. Supported and helped lead the petition and election campaigns for the amendment providing 1/10th % sales tax for state parks and soil conservation —several times 7. In cooperation with the Department we initiated the Stream Team Program (The Federation called the first Rivers and Streams Conference twenty years ago leading to the Stream Team program we have today.

There are now over 3200 stream teams throughout the state.)

8. We championed the Katy Trail and through our Foundation financed its purchase and construction and we have a continuing interest in seeing this completed across Missouri and more trailside amenities developed.

9. We’ve been a strong supporter of the Ozark Trail and have had full-time staff assigned to this project.

10. We initiated Operation Game Thief and Operation Forest Arson. (We pay out about $15,000 per year in rewards to people who report illegal poaching and game violations) 11. We started the Share the Harvest program. (The Federation paid processing fees to more than 5500 deer hunters last fall who donated venison for the needy.)

12. We proudly sponsor Conservation Awards to recognize individual and group achievement in conservation in Missouri and we give Scholarships to continue Missouri’s conservation legacy.

13. Finally, the Federation gets involved in many national and international issues, most often through our national affiliate, the National Wildlife Federation.

There are many more ways to get involved. This is the time to start. In closing I’d just say that I hope above all else you continue your interest and enthusiasm for Missouri’s outdoor world. To us in the Federation, nothing is any more important than the conservation of our precious natural resources.

M I S S O U R I

Charles Davidson CFM Associate Director, Retired W I L D L I F E

1 5

CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS CAPITAL CITY FLY FISHERS JUL 5: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) JUL 10: Club Meeting, South Farm Lake, Columbia (6:00pm) JUL 19: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) AUG 2: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) AUG 14: Club Meeting, Mark Van Patten’s Home, Tebbetts (6:00pm) AUG 16: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) AUG 23: Ozark Fly Fishers, Queeny Park CENTRAL MISSOURI CHAPTER SAFARI CLUB JUL 19: The Next Generation of Conservation, University of Missouri – Memorial Student Union, Columbia (7:00pm); Earl Cannon (573) 636-4292 AUG 5: 7th Annual Auction and Banquet, Ramada Inn, Jefferson City AUG 11: Fundraising Banquet, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia; Earl Cannon (573) 636-4292 GREENWAY NETWORK AUG 25-26: Race for the Rivers, Saint Charles (9:00am) MISSOURI MEAT PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION JUL 12-14: Convention and Trade Show, Milwaukee, WI; AAMP (877) 877-0168 MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION AUG 1: Fall Newsletter Deadline MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED JUL 7: Golf Tournament and Auction, Country Club, Caruthersville; Bob & Bert Pierce

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.

(573) 333-4454 JUL 28: Grand Giveaway VII, Lenoir Center, Columbia; Julie Smith (660) 476-2800 AUG 4: Volunteer Celebration Day, Anheuser-Busch Headquarters; Kevin Willsey (573) 335-6647 AUG 4: Volunteer Celebration Day, Lenoir Center, Columbia (11:30am – 4:00pm); Mark Flaspohler (816) 633-4035 AUG 4: Volunteer Celebration Day, Ramada Inn, Joplin (11:30am – 4:00pm); Mark Jackson (417) 549-9875 AUG 11: Statewide Ladies at the Range, Cedar Creek Rod and Gun Club, Columbia (8:00am – 4:40pm); Renee Martin (573) 268-3477 AUG 24: Blackwater Sponsors Dinner, Skeet and Trap Range, Warrensburg (6:00pm); Kevin Raines (660) 864-3499 MISSOURI FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION JUL 27: MWITT Board of Trustees, Country Club Hotel (6:00pm – 9:00pm) JUL 27-28: Summer Meeting, Country Club Hotel MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS JUL 13: Shoal Creek Chapter, Park and Casino Building, Monett; Bill House (417) 442-3719 JUL 28: Perry County Beards and Spurs, Elks Lodge, Perryville; Dominic Blythe (573) 547-9209 AUG 3: Summit City Longbeards, Robinson Middle School, Aurora; Virgil Denayer (417) 678-1020 AUG 4: David Blanton Memorial, Ozark Family YMCA, Mountain Grove; Tom Jennings (417) 668-5986 AUG 4: Springtown Wattlenecks, American Legion Post, Smithville; Troy O’Dell (816) 628-4245

AUG 4: Saint Louis Sponsor Event, Anheuser-Busch Mansion, Saint Louis; John Frerichs (314) 822-4649 AUG 10: Dry Fork Strutters, Lions Club, Rolla; Barbara Baird (573) 364-6320 AUG 11: North West Struttin’ Toms, American Legion Hall, Maryville; Stuart Carmichael (660) 927-3638 AUG 18: Grindstone Gobblers, Community Center, Cameron; John Hahn (816) 4495613 AUG 18: Platte County Longspurs, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy; Paul Lowry (816) 506-7048 AUG 18: Saint Louis Longbeards, Elks Lodge, Saint Louis; Norb Genie (314) 8423370 AUG 24: Ozark Mountain Gobblers, Saint Marie duLac Parish Hall, Ironton; Kenneth Sherrill (573) 546-3392 AUG 25: River Bottom Gobblers, University of Missouri Delta Center, Portageville; Mickey Moody (573) 333-0662 JAKES EVENTS AUG 24: Sugar Creek Gobblers, McDonald County WHEELIN SPORTSMEN EVENTS JUL 7: A Day in the Outdoors, Saint Charles; Richard Christopher (636) 8615418 WHEELIN SPORTSMEN BENEFITS JUL 28: Young’s Creek Strutters, Boonville; Travis Scott (573) 474-2993 WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS JUL 7: River Hens, City Lake, Adrian; Jenny Markel (816) 297-4419 AUG 4: Sho-Me Chapter, Andy Dalton Shooting Range, Ash Grove; Julie Garner (417) 833-2358 AUG 18: Clark County Longbeards, Stutz’s Farm, Kahoka; Betty Stutz (660) 8662590 AUG 24: Platte County Longspurs, Camp Shawnee, Waldron; Patty Scharinger (913) 651-0271

Mindenmines MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE JUL 18: Regular Membership Meeting; Norman Leppo (314) 647-1616 or Matt Wier (314) 647-1679 AUG 15: Regular Membership Meeting; Norman Leppo (314) 647-1616 or Matt Wier (314) 647-1679 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION JUL 7: Family Fun Day, Fleming Hall (10:00am – 4:00pm) OPEN SPACE COUNCIL AUG 25: 40th Anniversary Operation Clean Stream OZARK FLY FISHERS JUL 26: Monthly Meeting, Queeny Park (7:00pm) AUG 17-19: Club Outing, Montauk State Park AUG 23: Monthly Meeting, Queeny Park (7:00pm) OZARK MOUNTAIN PADDLERS JUL 7-8: Patriot Float JUL 12: Monthly Meeting JUL 28-29: Round Springs Cleanup/Float AUG 9: Monthly Meeting POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES JUL 14: Kids Day, Community Center, Pittsburg (1:00pm) JUL 14: Lake Meeting JUL 21: Pomme de Tour, Lindley Arm of State Park Marina JUL 28: Muskie Seminar, Dock of State Park Marina AUG 18: Pomme de Tour, Pomme Arm of State Park Marina AUG 25: Muskie Seminar, Dock of State Park Marina

CFM EVENTS SEP 14-16: CFM Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point – Lake Ozark State Park, Osage Beach FEB 22-24: CFM Annual Convention, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark

MISSOURI PARKS ASSOCIATION JUL 7: Wildflower Hikes, Prairie State Park,

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org