Vol70 no3 2009

MISSOURI

Wildlife

MAY 2009 VOL. 70, NO. 3

A Special Thank You

A Night On The Wild Side

O

n Thursday, February 19 it was just 100 pounds or so of frozen ground venison. But by Friday night at Bass Pro in Columbia, Missouri, it was a full-on party with live music and great food. It’s a safe bet that not all of the 265,138 pounds of ground venison distributed to hungry families in Missouri through Share the

Harvest this year became pate, spiced chipotle quesadilla’s or gorgonzolastuffed meatballs, but you can be sure it was appreciated every bit as much or more than the incredible food provided by Columbia’s best chefs at our event, “A Night on the Wild Side.”

Through the music and fun, all that attended were reminded of the

importance of protein in our diets, and of the difficulty food banks have in acquiring good sources of protein due to the expense. Peggy Kirkpatrick of the Central Missouri Food Bank thanked Missouri’s hunters and meat processors for doing their part to thin our deer herds and feed our most vulnerable citizens. In the 32 counties she serves, there are 110,000

people living in poverty and half of them are children. If you’re one of the 4,729 hunters who donated a deer to Share the Harvest— Thank you and keep up the good work!

To the folks who attended our wild night, became members, bid on auction items and even danced, thanks for making this first annual event such a success!

Our Chefs Adam C. Wells-Morgan— The Club at Old Hawthorne (1st place) Craig Hindelang— Jack’s Gourmet (Runner up) Jim “Hoss” Koetting— Hoss’s Market and Rotisserie Dave Faron— Bleu Restaurant & Wine Bar Todd Schapira— Abigail’s Robert Dodd and James Gray— Boone Tavern Sponsors Ron Newman— Glazer’s Midwest/ Redwood Creek Wine Tom Smith— Flat Branch Brew Pub David Smith—Bass Pro Rick Allenbrand— Bear Creek Tactical Travis Scott— National Wild Turkey Federation Our Judges—The Phat Guyz Fred Parry Larry Schuster Scott Charton Norm Ruebling Donny Stamper Special Guest Peggy Kirkpatrick— Central Missouri Food Bank Planning Committee Sara Parker-Pauley Scott Pauley Marlin and Juliette Ritzman Marilyn Parker Donny Stamper Davis Minton

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

FEATURED ARTICLES New Chief For Federal Conservation Agency....................................14 Young Archers Learn Lifetime Lessons ..............................................16 Youth Enjoy Governor’s Invitational Turkey Hunt ..............................18 Meramec River Documentary Takes Top Award In National Film Festival ................................................................29

NEWS, UPDATES AND COLUMNS View From The Stone House ..............................................................................2 President’s Message ............................................................................................3 Development Director’s Message ....................................................................4 School Of Natural Resources Nature Restores Us In Times Of Struggle ........................................................5 Teaming With Wildlife CFM Participates In 8th Annual Fly-in Days ..................................................6 Clean Water Summit New Bill Seeks To Restore Wetlands Protections ..............................................7 News & Issues ........................................................................................................8 CFM Convention Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented ............................................10 Conservation Leadership Corps Brings New Ideas ........................................15 Words Of Wisdom To CLC Members ............................................................15 Conservation Federation Of Missouri Debates Issues ....................................22 Agency News Let’s Keep The Ash Borer Out Of Our Trees ..................................................26 Coming Home To Missouri’s Bounties ..........................................................28 Calendar................................................................................................................20 Reduce Reuse Recycle Spring Composting! ........................................................................................25 Member Information New Members ................................................................................................27 Honorariums And Memorials ........................................................................30 Affiliates ..........................................................................................................31

May 2009 Vol. 70, No. 3

OFFICERS Glenn Chambers President Mike Schallon 1st Vice President Duane Addleman 2nd Vice President Dan Zerr Secretary Randy Washburn Treasurer

STAFF Dave Murphy Executive Director/ Editor Matt Gaunt Director of Development Amy Buechler Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Office Manager Haymaker Laurie Coleman Membership Associate/ Managing Editor Lynne J. Lampe Design & Production

Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. ISSN 1082-8591

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Phone • 573-634-2322 Fax • 573-634-8205 Email • dmurphy@confedmo.org Online • http://www.confedmo.org MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bimonthly in January , March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City , MO 65101-1559.

Of each member’s dues ($25 minimum) $10.00 shall be for a year’s subscription to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City , MO. and additional mailing offices.

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

COVER: A job well done—wild turkey hen and brood. ©Glenn Chambers.

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

1

VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

Roots “…much of the land of my youth has vanished under feet and tarmac. But as long as there is life in the plant it is the roots that survive.”

Gerald Hammond, Thin Air

A

s birthdays come and go my appreciation of the fleeting nature of time really intensifies. Psalms 90 and the American Medical Association both remind us of finite limits to our time on earth, something like 75 years. Not long at all when compared to the age of the earth or even in comparison with time since the last Ice Age. On the other hand, the past 75 years of Missouri history has been quite an era for forests, fish and wildlife. In a mere 3/4 century, our human population has doubled and we have increased acreage of forests, reduced soil erosion (and thus enhanced water quality), and brought back deer, wild turkeys, river otters, Canada Geese and wood ducks from the brink of extinction to great abundance. All these incredible achievements have occurred on the same landscape at the same time! No one in 1935 could have imagined this possible, not many now fully appreciate what has happened. Sadly, even fewer seem to be aware of how this has happened.

But I’m getting off track just a bit. Back to our consideration of lifetimes. Seventyfive years ago real progress in 2

M AY 2 0 0 9

conservation began in Missouri. Seventy-five years before that, our nation was divided in a bitter Civil War. Seventy-five years before that the American Colonies were becoming the United States of America. Not that many lifetimes ago, really. Recently my thoughts have begun to reach for what the next 75 years may bring and even to the next 75 years beyond that.

Certainly we can expect more people. How many?

What will be important or even relevant to those Missourians 75 or 150 years from today? We get glimpses of what may come from time to time. Last week a study came out which reports that the average American kid spends only 30 minutes a week outside! Just a wild guess on my part, but I expect that you who are reading this spent a lot more than 30 minutes a week outside when you were growing up. I certainly did.

My kids have. Every kid I know very well does. But we are talking about averages here. The old quip about averages springs immediately to mind,“on average, if you stick one foot in a bucket of ice water and the other foot in a bucket of boiling water, you will be comfortable.” My point is that for the national average time kids spend outdoors to be 30 minutes a week; there are a heck of a lot of kids who almost never get outside.

This is not only a crying shame; it is a major concern to

every citizen. How concerned can folks be about natural resources, if they have no first hand knowledge or appreciation of them? Oh, sure we can expect some segment of society to campaign for the preservation of all living things and their environs as a sacred responsibility, even if they lack direct experience. But how much more likely is it that their connection to the outdoors will atrophy, lose relevance and ultimately become so exclusive that too few engage in or care about conservation? Suddenly ridiculous things can happen…like the banning of foxhunting in England…like banning trapping in Colorado of all places!...like closing the seasons on bears, mountain lions, mourning doves…you name it.

I have heard it said that “it takes a hunter to make a hunter.” I believe there is truth in this. I believe it also takes an angler to make an angler. It takes a trapper to make a trapper. It also takes a hiker, biker, birdwatcher, canoeist to initiate someone

else. The list goes on and on.

We know we are doing a great job with hunter recruitment in Missouri. The best in America. The best in the world. But will our recruitment efforts of today be enough to make up for the loss of baby-boomers as we pass on? Time will tell, making time to connect others to the outdoors right now is the best we can do. Thus will the outdoors longer have the benefits of our investment. Thus will those we recruit have more time to recruit others.

Tremendous stories of recruitment and visioning are told in this issue of Missouri Wildlife. Two great recruiting projects are the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MONASP) and the very first Missouri Governor’s Invitational Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for Youth.

The very first state tournament for MONASP happened in Linn on March 7. This was the largest first time state tournament in National Archery in the Schools Program history! Well done to all the volunteers, MDC staff and others who worked long and hard to make this so successful. Thousands and thousands of kids have been well introduced to archery already.

The Governor’s Hunt, jointly hosted by CFM, MDC, the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the George Clark Missouri State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey See Stone House on next page

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Politically Correct

I

n today’s society, being “politically correct” can be a real challenge. But globally, considering ways to wisely use our natural resources by cutting (forests), culling (mammals), and catching (fish), we should be cognizant of the verbiage and the meaning and implication that it carries. Such is the case,for example, when using the words “harvest” or “killed.”

I grew up on a farm in rural Missouri; we hunted, we fished, we cut our own firewood and we butchered our own hogs and beef. It was expected that sometime in the dead of winter, usually in early January, dad would announce that we were going to “kill hogs” next week. Mom and us kids got the message!! It was going to be a busy week.

But what if dad would have said, “Next week we are going to harvest the pigs”?? There would have been a huge gaze of astonishment around the

table, to say the least.

To us harvesting meant threshing wheat, or shucking corn, or shocking hegari.

But Webster’s 10th Collegiate Dictionary’s second definition of the word “harvest” is: “to gather, catch, hunt, or kill (as salmon, oysters or deer) for human use, sport or population control.”

Dead is dead. Whether you are speaking of an animal that was taken for its food value or a tree that was cut for a fuel supply. Both “harvest” and “kill” are acceptable words in conservation vocabularies. But being “politically correct” is a notion that we must consider.

In some cases it has been a hard lesson, driven home by animal rights activists. But most agree that the consideration of the use of the words “harvest” or “killed” has given us cause to “think ahead”before inserting “foot in mouth” A legitimate use of the word “harvest” applies to the

aggregate “kill” totals over a hunting season. Like the “harvest” of wild turkey gobblers in Missouri during the spring hunting season of 2008 was 46,314 birds. Conversely the use of the word “kill” better describes a mountain lion’s effort to successfully bring down a deer for a meal.

Some folks object to the term “harvest” and claim that it is a euphemism—less offensive, and soft-peddling the issue; in other words call “a spade a spade” and KILL IT !!

Some feel that using the euphemism “harvest” for

“KILL” gives the feeling of apology and sounds unnatural.

There is no set rule. Cool heads must prevail and good judgment is paramount in today’s complex society.

When all is said and done, words and how we use them really matter. Hunting, fishing and trapping are nothing to be ashamed of. It is a much greater concern if an entire generation loses touch and believes that buying meat in a grocery store somehow translates to nobody killing anything.

As one writer put it,“If the right combination of preparation, skill and luck come together, the hunter makes a kill. That’s what it is and there is no shame in calling it such.”

This applies in the case of any predatory situation: two legged or four legged!!!

Glenn D. Chambers President, CFM

Stone House from previous page Federation was fantastic.

Governor Jay Nixon spoke with eloquence and obvious personal experience on the personal and cultural values of hunting and fishing and on the priceless value of connection to the outdoors. This experience of a lifetime for the 10 youth was a showcase of celebration for hunting, hunter recruitment success in Missouri and for the magnifi-

cent wild turkey.

One of our biggest initiatives in this lifetime will happen the end of May in Columbia. Hundreds of Missourians, outdoors leaders all, and experts from across America will gather to brainstorm and develop ideas and solutions to anticipated needs of the future. What can we do today to prepare for the tomorrow of our grandchildren?

For the many benefits we each continue to receive in our lives from our favorite outdoors pursuits, we owe those yet to come a debt. We are responsible for passing on even more opportunity than we have been provided. This requires commitment, effort and investment. May our grandson’s granddaughters reflect fondly on us and on our commitment, efforts and

investments! Long may our ancestral roots live and produce the fruits of our connection to the outdoors! Hey, it is springtime in the Show Me State! We had best be about tilling and planting today! We had best be prepared to nurture our crops through a long, hot, dry summer…all the way to harvest.

Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

3

Introducing Our Director Of Development

S

ometime back in early January I came by “the Stone House” to visit with Dave Murphy and Glenn Chambers about the possibility of working for the Federation. Following our meeting I asked what reading they would recommend to help me become more acquainted with the organization. Dave gave me copies of Man and Wildlife in Missouri and the 50th Anniversary Edition of Missouri Wildlife. That night at home, I got comfortable in my favorite chair and began reading Charles Callison’s narrative of Missouri as it greeted the early settlers. His beautiful description of the land and wildlife, with elk, antelope and bear, was of particular interest to me because I knew my ancestors were here to experience it. In the early 1800s, prior to statehood, my father’s great-great-grandfather piloted riverboats up the Missouri to trade with Indians, returning to St. Louis with furs and meat. In the 1830s my mother’s family first arrived in the area north of Versailles by covered wagon, where they built a log cabin that is still standing and owned by family to this day.

Every branch of my family tree—and my wife’s as well— was firmly rooted in Missouri soil by the 1880s. So in my mind, the bond I share with the state of Missouri is similar to the bond shared with family. It is part of who I am and I owe my existence to it.

Reading the 50th Anniver4

M AY 2 0 0 9

sary Edition of Missouri Wildlife left me humbled by the vision, commitment and accomplishments of our organization’s founding fathers. In a sense, they rescued Missouri’s natural identity, and put in place an approach to conservation that would last well beyond their lifetimes. Working within that framework for nearly 75 years, Missouri’s citizens have continued to set our state apart in matters of conservation. In my short time with CFM, I’ve enjoyed meeting many of our state’s great conservation leaders, some just getting started, some in the prime of activity and influence, and some reflecting back on great achievements from days when they had more energy to give.

As an organization it is important to understand and value our past, but we need only look to the future to determine our relevance today.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is uniquely positioned to positively impact our natural resources and safeguard our outdoor heritage.

Through the Conservation Leadership Corps we are actively building tomorrow’s leadership and ensuring that the chain of accomplishment is not broken. Through Teaming With Wildlife we are connecting CFM to on-the-ground conservation efforts and helping Missouri’s citizens to have a direct impact on the health of their local surroundings. Most of our readers are likely aware of the many wonderful programs that we have helped cre-

Quick Facts Name: Matt Gaunt Age: 45 Degree: University of Missouri, Economics Hometown: Columbia Wife: Courtney Gaunt Children: Emily (15),

Frank (10), Steve (8)

ate, organize and administer.

We are doing great work.

There is a financial reality behind the operation of any organization. We have staff, offices to maintain and programs to support. In order to continue in our role as the citizen’s voice for conservation, continue to act as a catalyst for innovative programs, continue to protect the legal and financial structure that our state’s professional conservationists work within, continue to provide vision and direction for future efforts, we must continue to invest in CFM. As director of development, I am honored to have the task of working with our members and our donors to ensure that we have the funding necessary to fulfill our mission. There is much more that we can accomplish with additional

Favorite spot in Missouri:

My good friend’s farm on Cedar Creek in Boone County.

Hobbies: I enjoy coaching

baseball and football, Tiger athletics and doing almost anything that involves time with family.

My favorite outdoor activities include hiking, fishing and hunting.

funding, and I hope that you will contact me if you are interested in learning more about ways your investment can have an impact on our outdoor heritage. But don’t be surprised if I call you first! I’m eager to visit and see what we can get done together.

Matt Gaunt Director of Development, CFM

2008 Season Share The Harvest Figures No. of Participants Whole Deer 4224 Partial Deer 466 Urban Deer 39 Total 4,729

Pounds of Venison 253,440 9,358 2,340 265,138

SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Nature Restores Us In Times Of Struggle SNR Director Offers Insights From Thoreau, Researchers

T

hese are difficult times. The stress of economic setbacks, the uncertainty of future economic problems, and the pessimism that has been engendered by the economic woes seems to weigh heavy on everyone these days.

Here at MU, we are struggling with budget realities unlike anything we’ve experienced in the past. I have no simple solutions to offer about the economy. But, I can offer some ideas about coping with stress, uncertainty, and the negativity that attacks us all.

The solution? Nature.

Time in nature restores, heals, and re-creates us. And what better time than spring, with its beauty, its rebirth, to spend time in nature. I urge everyone to find a few minutes every day and hopefully a few hours every week to get out and heal your body, your emotions, and your mind in nature. Thoreau, in Walden – that wonderful 150 year-old

book on the value of time in nature, wrote “…From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind.”

In Thoreau’s time “barks” referred to folk medicines in which the bark of different trees (e.g., slippery elm) where brewed like tea and drank to relieve any number of maladies. But, in this passage he wasn’t speaking literally, he was talking of time in the nature as being a restorative to the spirit of humans, like the “tonic and barks”

GREAT SERVICES! Timber Marking & Sales Harvest Inspection/Audit Forest/Wildlife Mgt Plans Forest Inventory & Appraisal Timber Tax/Cost Basis/Depletion Pesticide License • GIS/GPS/Mapping Forest Health • Forest Certification FSC/SFI Forest Investment • Lease Hunting Toll Free 866-420-9971 www.clearwaterforestconsultants.com One Stop Shopping Forest, Wildlife & Land Management

were for the body.

These days we have science to back Thoreau up. Stephen and Rachel Kaplan, environmental psychologists (just the fact that such a discipline exists suggests how far we’ve come from Thoreau), have done research on what they call “attention-restoration theory.” Too much of what they call “directed attention” (they mean what most of us call “work”!!) leads to “directedattention fatigue,” which is characterized by the lack of ability to concentrate, irritability…just not feeling “right.” The Kaplans’ research points to the most effective restoration of “directed attention” ability…time in nature!

The Kaplan’s and others have demonstrated that even being able to see nature out the window can reduce stress (I suggest opening the window to get the complete experience of the smell of spring). There is a lot more research available to suggest that Thoreau got it

right. Spending time in nature sharpens our focus, encourages more positive emotions, reduces feelings of anger, and…removes the “blahs.”

Admittedly, time in nature won’t solve the economic problems we face. But, it will restore our spirits and our minds. With that comes better ability to cope with those problems or others that we might face. Recreation (recreation) in nature will indeed brace humankind.

And, while you are planning your restorative time in nature, please take a child along with you. April was “No Child Left Inside” month, and why not celebrate in May too?

Sharing nature with the next generation will do you both a lot of good.

You can reach me at RyanMR@missouri.edu. Enjoy springtime in Nature!

Mark R. Ryan, Director, The School of Natural Resources

MISSOURI BOW HUNTERS “Support the Bowhunting Defense Fund”

PO Box 133 • Gray Summit, MO 63039 e-mail: hmeier@onemain.com Visit our website: www.missouribowhunters.org SOUTH COUNTY ARCHERS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CFM & MBH MISSOURI WILDLIFE

5

TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE

CFM Participates in 8th Annual Fly-in Days

M

ore than 100 conservation leaders from 30 states spent February 24-25 in Washington, D.C. The teams from each state met with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of new and greater funding to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered through the State Wildlife Grants program.

Missouri’s team consisted of Amy Buechler (Conservation Federation of Missouri), Tim Ripperger and Gene Gardner (Missouri Department of Conservation); Justin Johnson (Missouri Prairie Foundation) and Rick Thom (Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation).

We met with staff of each of our representatives and senators, urging them (1) to sign on to a letter of support restoring State Wildlife Grant funding to $85 million; (2) to co-sponsor the Teaming With Wildlife Act of 2009 to provide increased and dedicated funding for wildlife conservation; and (3) to support wildlife adaptation funding in climate change legislation.

The State Wildlife Grants Program provides federal money to every state for costeffective conservation aimed at preventing wildlife from becoming endangered. In Missouri, these dollars are distributed through the Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Diversity 6

M AY 2 0 0 9

Fund and the Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI) grants program.

State Wildlife Grants is a vital program in Missouri, funding dozens of projects through numerous conservation partners each year.

Restoring SWG funds to the FY02 Level of $85 million nationwide would result in approximately $1.5 million for Missouri.

At the time of this writing, five of Missouri’s nine Representatives had signed the “Dear Colleague” letter indicating their support of $85 million for the SWG Program. We thank and recognize Rep. Russ Carnahan, Rep. William Lacy Clay, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Rep. Sam Graves, and Rep. Ike Skelton for supporting conservation funding in Missouri. We also recognize Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, as she is expected to submit a programmatic request in support of SWG funding.

Next year, we hope also to see Rep. Akin, Rep. Blunt and Rep. Luetkemeyer on this list of support. The Senate “Dear Colleague” letter has just been released. We hope and expect Senator Bond and Senator McCaskill to show their support once again.

The Teaming With Wildlife Act of 2009 is a newly introduced piece of legislation that would provide $350 million annually for six years through the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program to provide funding for fish, forest

Amy Buechler (CFM), Rick Thom (Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation), Gene Gardner (MDC), Justin Johnson (Missouri Prairie Foundation) and (not pictured) Tim Ripperger (MDC) represented Missouri’s Teaming With Wildlife Coalition at this year’s Fly-in Days.

and wildlife conservation, education and related outdoor recreation. If passed, these funds would replace the State Wildlife Grants program and bring significantly more funds to Missouri ($6.8 million each year!). You can help by contacting Senator Bond and Senator McCaskill, asking them to co-sponsor Senate Bill 665 – the Teaming With Wildlife Act. Finally, increasing evidence demonstrates the negative impacts of climate change on wildlife populations. The Teaming With Wildlife Coalition is working to make sure that any climate change legislation that is considered would include funding for wildlife conser-

vation. Stay tuned, as more specific legislation is likely to be introduced later this year.

Teaming With Wildlife is a national coalition of organizations and businesses in support of additional dedicated funding for fish, forest and wildlife conservation and related education and recreation. Teaming With Wildlife supports implementation of Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy. To add your organization or business to the Teaming With Wildlife Coalition, please visit www.teaming.com/action.

Amy Buechler Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator, CFM

Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution) Charles Abele, Saint Louis R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph Duane and Nancy Addleman, Springfield James Agnew, Arnold Richard Ash, Saint Charles Carolyn Auckley, Jefferson City Dane Balsman, Perryville Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Glenn Chambers, Columbia Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Columbia John Enderle, Kelso Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Fleming, Columbia Howard & Sara Fleming, Moberly Mr. & Mrs. Matt Fleming, Moberly Timothy Gordon, Maryland Heights Dave Kolb Grading, Saint Charles Gray Manufacturing Company, Saint Joseph Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe Don Johnson, Festus Roger & Debbie Johnson, Humansville Duane & Cosette Kelly, Independence Tom Karl, Farmington Marty King, University City Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs Sara Knight, Charlotte, NC Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS

Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City Gerald Lee, Kansas City Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis John Lewis, Columbia Leroy Logan, Arnold Chip McGeehan, Marshfield Cynthia Metcalfe, Saint Louis Davis Minton, Dexter David Murphy, Columbia Dean Murphy, Jefferson City Teresa Owens, Marshfield Sara Parker Pauley, Hartsburg Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Jan Phillips, Saint Louis Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Mike Schallon, Wentzville Mossie Schallon, Wentzville Timothy Schwent, Jackson George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis Sara Seidler, Saint Louis M.W. Sorenson, Columbia Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico Mary Stuppy, Joplin Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Tim Thompson, Saint Charles Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City Barbara VanBenschoten, Kansas City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Randy Washburn, Jefferson City Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Daniel Witter, Holts Summit Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Dan Zerr, O’Fallon 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:__________

CLEAN WATER SUMMIT

New Bill Seeks To Restore Wetlands Protections

A

merica’s wetlands would have their Clean Water Act protections restored under a new bill introduced today by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (Wisc.) and 23 cosponsors. The Clean Water Restoration Act, which is supported by Ducks Unlimited and other conservation/ sportsmen’s groups, would restore protection to more than 20 million acres of geographically isolated wetlands at risk of pollution and destruction under current guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.

“Existing EPA and Army Corps of Engineers guidance make it clear that a legislative solution must be sought to restore protection to America’s wetlands,” said Don Young, Executive Vice President of Ducks Unlimited.

“Many of these wetlands that have lost their protection are critical waterfowl breeding habitats.”

The guidance on interpreting the Clean Water Act from the EPA and Army Corps came in response to two Supreme Court cases. Since the guidance was released, permitting times for the farmers and ranchers that Ducks Unlimited work with have increased dramatically as agencies determine how to apply the guidance to proposed projects. Under the Clean Water Restoration Act,

the guiding language would be restored to previously understood guidance, which would reduce the time to receive permits for land alteration.

“The loss of protection for geographically isolated wetlands and the confusion over how to interpret the new guidance is detrimental to people and wildlife,” said Young. “Alleviating these problems through the Clean Water Restoration Act eliminates both and will ultimately benefit everyone, from landowners to waterfowlers.”

To learn more about Ducks Unlimited and the Clean Water Restoration Act see www.ducks.org/cleanwater.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands—nature’s most productive ecosystem—and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year.

Neil Shader Ducks Unlimited

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

7

NEWS & ISSUES A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND THE STATE

Lower Meramec River Water Quality Demonstration Project The week of May 11 through May 16, 2009, the Open Space Council, along with the Trust for Public Land and the U.S. Forest Service, will host a four-day strategy exchange to develop a plan for improving water quality in the Meramec River watershed. Several preliminary meetings have been held with local stakeholders in preparation for the May meeting. Outside and local experts will collaborate to create a master watershed plan for three subwatersheds of the Meramec: Fox Creek Watershed, Brush Creek Watershed and Hamilton-Carr Creek Watershed.

The Strategy Exchange will take place primarily in Wildwood with planned field trips to specific areas in the watersheds. Public input will be welcome at an open reception to be held sometime during the first two days of the meeting. Data and other knowledge gained from the Strategy Exchange will provide the Saint Louis Region with the most effective approaches to addressing the top threats to our water quality. For more information contact Brittany Barton by email at brittany@openspacecouncilstl.org.

Missouri Natural Resource Scholars Honored Five Missouri college students were recognized February 27 for outstanding achievement in their studies in natural resources. With the recognition is a $1,000 scholarship provided by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust.

The scholars were honored at the 8

M AY 2 0 0 9

Conservation Federation of Missouri’s annual convention held at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO. The recipients all attend or will be attending Missouri schools.

Named for its benefactor, the Ed Stegner Natural Resource scholarships each year provide five $1,000 scholarships in the areas of fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks and recreation and soil and water conservation. The professional societies in each category select the winning recipient from all the applicants in their respective category.

This year there were thirty applicants representing seven different Missouri schools.

The honored students were: Corinna Lynn Willis, Jefferson City, a senior attending Lincoln University, the soil and water conservation recipient; Tyler Steven Brown, Lebanon, a sophomore attending Missouri State, wildlife; Keith Michael Brown, Columbia, a junior at the University of Missouri, forestry; Michael James Moore, Columbia, who will be attending the University of Missouri, fisheries; and Gregory Bearce, Saint Charles, a senior at the University of Missouri, parks and recreation.

2009 CFM Fall Conference The 2009 Conservation Federation of Missouri Fall Conference will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 18, 19 and 20, 2009 at Camp Clover Point, Lake Ozark State Park, Osage Beach, Missouri.

Programs planned are Coleman Repair, Feral Hogs, Flags, Fly Tying, Archaeology and a craft for kids. The archaeology presentation will possibly include a field trip, weather permitting.

Entertainment will be bingo, camp-

fire, and square dancing.

As usual, we will have Happy Hour and the White Elephant Sale Saturday afternoon. When you are cleaning out your garages and basements this Spring save some good stuff to donate to the White Elephant Sale. The sale helps to defray the expenses of the Fall Conference.

The food is always wonderful!

Put September 18, 19, and 20, 2009 on your calendar and plan to attend this relaxing weekend. A registration form will be in the July issue of your Missouri Wildlife magazine.

See you there!

MU Shooting Team Receives Grant The University of Missouri Shooting Team received a $5,000 grant from the Howard and Sara Fleming Charitable Foundation in February. The foundation donated the money to the Scholastic Shooting Trust naming the University of Missouri team. The funds will be invested for the longterm benefit of the shooting team and earnings will be available for expenses such as scholarships, travel, practice and entry fees into competitions. Last year the University of Missouri Shooting Team placed fourth at the ACUI National Clay Target Championships and Stephanie Walters, team president, said this year “We are really excited for nationals and hope to do really well!”

The Scholastic Shooting Trust (www.scholasticshootingtrust.org) was formed to provide funding for shooting sports education in traditional public and private high schools, colleges and universities, so that participating students can improve their con-

NEWS & ISSUES A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND THE STATE

Ed Stegner is pictured at the induction events for the Missouri Recreation and Parks Hall of Fame on March 12, 2009. With Stegner are his daughter, Carrie Weise and son-in-law, John Weise.

fidence, discipline and leadership skills.

Alumni, families of team members and community members fund the grants through donations to the Scholastic Shooting Trust so that youths have a better opportunity to compete in the shooting sports. Larry and Brenda Potterfield created the MidwayUSA Foundation, Inc. in 2007 to support education in shooting sports, hunting, firearms safety and outdoor skills.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Larry Potterfield, please contact Curt Morgret at 573447-5158 or email Curt at cmorgret@midwayusafoundation.org.

Riders And Volunteers: Sign Up For “Cruisin’ on the Katy” Applications are now available for bicyclists who would like to participate in Katy Trail Ride 2009, a ride on the nation’s longest developed rail trail.

“Cruisin’ on the Katy” is the theme for

the ninth annual weeklong bicycle ride that takes place June 22-26 on Katy Trail State Park across Missouri.

Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri State Parks Foundation, this scenic bicycle ride will go 225 miles from Clinton to St. Charles and will include an additional 15 miles of road riding into and out of Jefferson City and Hermann. Katy Trail Ride 2009 will allow bicyclists to experience the entire Katy Trail State Park, which takes travelers through many of Missouri’s rural communities, along open fields and between the Missouri River and its bordering bluffs. Daily mileage ranges from 27 to 64 miles. Stops will include Pilot Grove, Jefferson City, Hermann and Augusta.

Participation is limited to 300 people and the deadline for registration is May 22. The registration fee includes breakfast and dinner daily, outdoor camping spaces each night, portable hot showers, gear shuttle, support stops, and a Katy Trail Ride t-shirt and

water bottle. Evening activities and daily trivia questions will highlight this five-day ride.

Transportation between St. Charles and Clinton on June 21 or June 26 will be available along with roundtrip transportation from Columbia to Clinton on June 21 and St. Charles to Columbia on June 26 for an additional fee. Day trips are available for bicyclists who would like to participate in this ride but do not have five days to spare.

The Katy Trail Ride takes 300 bicyclists through the many rural communities that border the trail, boosting the local economy. Riders purchase their lunch in a different community each day and several choose to stay in local hotels or bed and breakfasts rather than camp. Organizers also pay local establishments or organizations to provide breakfast and dinner daily to the participants and volunteers. Many businesses have developed in these small, rural communities since the trail was established and they rely on trail users for a big part of their business’ success.

For anyone who would like to help out with the ride, organizers are looking for friendly volunteers to load or drive the luggage truck, load bicycles, assist participants at the registration and information booths and support stops, and serve as ride sweeps. Volunteer information and applications are available at www.katytrailstatepark.com.

For more information about the ride or for an application,call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit the Web at www.katytrailstatepark.com.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of upcoming meetings and events in the state park system, visit the Department’s online calendar at www.mostateparks.com/events/events. htm MISSOURI WILDLIFE

9

CFM CONVENTION

Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented Citizen Conservationists Recognized At Annual Convention

A

group of Missouri citizen conservationists were awarded prestigious Conservation Federation of Missouri statuettes for their volunteer and professional efforts to improve and protect our natural resources at the Annual Convention of the Conservation Federation of Missouri on February 27, 2009 at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO. Chosen from a select group of nominees, the 2008 award winners represent the best of the best. A large group 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 2008 awards was CFM President Glenn Chambers.

from Joplin High School and attended Southwest Baptist College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959. His occupation was with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 1963 until 1993.

His professional activity includes: • Air Traffic at FAA Academy • ATC Facility Manager Central regional office Kansas City • FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. • Last position when retired— Division Manager, Office of Safety His volunteer activity and interests include: • Volunteer at Springfield Conservation Nature Center • President of Great Ozarks Audubon Society Chapter • President of Audubon Missouri Board of Trustees • Steering committee of Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MOBCI) • Prairie Foundation Member • Avid bird watcher, golfer and fly fisherman CONSERVATION COMMUNICATOR BILL COOPER

Charles Burwick OUTSTANDING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT CHARLES BURWICK

Charles Burwick graduated 1 0

M AY 2 0 0 9

Bill developed an insatiable desire for outdoor knowledge early in his life and spent many long days exploring the bayous and cane breaks of southeast Missouri. The boy from the Bootheel earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Missouri in

Bill Cooper

Outdoor Education. He simultaneously earned an officer's commission in the United States Army, completing his studies as a Distinguished Military Graduate. Upon accepting a park superintendent position with the James Foundation in 1973, Bill began writing park brochures.

Soon he began writing a column, “Outdoors with Bill Cooper,” for several Ozark newspapers. From the beginning, a central theme of Bill's articles has been outdoor ethics and fair chase.

Bill has worked long and tirelessly with a number of youth organizations, which included writing education materials. He organized and directed an “Outdoors for Youth Ministry” program for his church. He volunteered as director of the “Hunter Apprentice School” for almost 20 years for the state's National Wild Turkey Federation's JAKES program. He also vol-

unteered several years for the Boy Scouts and directed youth hunting programs for three years for the Land Learning Foundation.

Not only did print media receive Bill's attention. For eight years he hosted “Outdoors with Bill Cooper,” a radio show that aired on seven southern Missouri radio stations. He also hosted his own television show, “Outside Again,” for two years. In 1999, Bill published his first book: Outdoor Celebrities Cookbook, which sold at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's and several Missouri Department of Conservation locations. The book coupled splendid recipes with hunting and fishing stories and strong conservation messages.

Bill is now a regular outdoor writer and photographer to The Springfield NewsLeader, River Hills Traveler, Outdoor Guide (editor of “Outdoor Almanac” section), The Kaleidoscope Weekly and Missouri Game and Fish. Bill is a regular contributor to Bass Pro's Outdoor Library. His byline also has appeared in the past years in such publications as Mid-West Outdoors, Turkey and Turkey Hunting, Arkansas Game and Fish, UPS Today, Chevy Sports, Missouri Deer Hunter, Women in the Outdoors, and The Missouri Conservationist. Additionally, he has contributed articles to many outdoor websites, including Discover the Outdoors and Cabela's.

CFM CONVENTION

Kyle Lairmore CONSERVATION EDUCATOR KYLE LAIRMORE

Kyle Lairmore is a Private Lands Conservationist (PLC) with the Missouri Department of Conservation. His assigned counties are Osage and Cole.

As a PLC, Kyle assists landowners and citizens with improving and enhancing fish, forest and wildlife resources on their property. Kyle consistently organizes, coordinates, conducts and participates in educational workshops, programs, and public events. He has tirelessly worked to get Missourians excited about the outdoors.

Kyle and an interested group of like-minded outdoorsmen founded the MidMissouri Dream Hunters to provide youth with special needs the opportunity to experience the outdoors, give them lifelong memories, education and the tools needed to adopt a lifestyle that includes hunting and a love for the outdoors. Kyle worked with the Gasconade River Gobblers (National Wild Turkey Federation), the Four Rivers Quail Forever Chapter, the Ozark Border Bobwhites Quail

Unlimited Chapter, the Gasconade County Youth Shooting Sports Group, Pigg Hollow Farms, and the Missouri Department of Conservation to host a hunt for youth with special needs during 2008.

The Missouri 4-H State Wildlife Contest was held April 12 at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area near Williamsburg. Participating youth were called upon to demonstrate wildlife identification skills, evaluate habitat from aerial photos, match foods with the appropriate wildlife species, and make habitat recommendations for designated species. This contest is tough and a young person must know a lot in regards to ecosystems, wildlife habitat requirements, and management practices. Youth between the ages of 8 to 18 tested their skills in a very challenging event. Earning first place team honors in the senior age division was the team from Gasconade County.

Coached by Kyle Lairmore, the team represented Missouri at 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program national contest in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION UPPER WHITE RIVER BASIN FOUNDATION

The Upper White River Basin Foundation, first incorporated in 2001 as a non-profit corporation under the provisions of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code, has a mission to promote water quality in the upper White River watershed through bistate collaboration and research, education, public policy and action projects

basin-wide in both Arkansas and Missouri.

The region included in the upper White River basin includes major portions of Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri, the most dynamic and rapidly growing portions of the two states. As this region has developed, in part driven by its excellent water resources, the accelerating growth has put new pressures on the watershed from urban runoff, changing agricultural practice, industrial development and the wastewater produced by an expanding population. Recognition of these threats to water quality in the region prompted the establishment of the Foundation.

Priorities of the Foundation include the monitoring and reporting on water quality in the basin, serving as an advocate on legislative and regulatory policy which affects water issues, emphasizing public information, education, promotion and communication about water quality issues, supporting allied watershed organizations working for common purposes, and seeking long term support for water quality work.

Projects of the Foundation have included the initiation of continuing conferences involving Arkansas and Missouri on water quality matters; the development of comprehensive geographic information system maps on the entire basin area; the initiation of demonstration projects like a new wastewater treatment sys-

tem for an Ozark community; water quality monitoring and testing; the development of a watershed management plan; support for allied watershed organizations operating in the region; advocacy for a bi-state compact to address water quality concerns; initiatives to provide sustainable funding for watershed groups throughout the region; and regular communications about important water related issues in the Ozarks and elsewhere.

Jeremy Wilson FOREST CONSERVATIONIST JEREMY WILSON

Jeremy has been a fulltime professional consulting forester since his graduation from the University of Missouri School of Forestry in 1998. He is the owner and CEO of Quality Forest Management, LLC, the largest and most progressive full-service forestry/wildlife management consulting firm in Missouri.

Jeremy owns four tree farms, including half ownership in Moniteau Creek NursSee Awards on page 12

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

1 1

CFM CONVENTION

Awards from page 11 ery in Howard County, which produces ball and burlap tree planting stock. He does storm damage appraisal work, timber trespass damage claims by loggers cutting trees off of approved sale areas, management advice consultation with new landowners, etc. Jeremy also has his own sawmill and does custom sawing as well as a firewood business.

One trait of a Jeremy Wilson–owned woods are that he usually does complete Timber Stand Improvement immediately after purchase. Wildlife management is also a strong consideration on all lands he works with. In ten years Jeremy has already achieved more forest management knowledge and success than most foresters achieve in a lifetime.

Gwen Morris HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR GWEN MORRIS

Gwen Morris became a volunteer Missouri Hunter Education Instructor in 1997.

She brought to the Hunter Education classrooms of Jefferson and Saint Louis counties more than 30 years of public high school teaching 1 2

M AY 2 0 0 9

experience. She taught business and office technology. In 2008, Gwen taught nearly 300 students in 11 classes.

For the past 14 years Gwen has been very involved with the Missouri Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) with her husband, who has been a moving force in starting and continuing Missouri's very excellent YHEC program. She has been involved with all facets of the YHEC program's state event, including registrations, statistical scoring and preparing match reports each year. Gwen also assisted at the National Rifle Association's (NRA) International YHEC as a volunteer on the Wildlife Identification course for many years.

In addition to her Missouri Hunter Education and YHEC efforts, Gwen is certified as a Missouri Bowhunter Education instructor and NRA certified as a rifle instructor, shotgun instructor, muzzleloader instructor and shooting range safety officer. Gwen is an instructor for the Missouri Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, teaching Firearms Safety, Rifle Marksmanship, Archery, Bowhunting and Shotgun Skills at the YMCA of the Ozarks. She is a graduate of the Safari Club International’s American Wilderness Leadership School in Wyoming.

For the past four years Gwen has been active as a Level II certified shotgun coach with the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). She is one of only two women in Missouri to hold this level of

coaching certification. She has coached with the Arnold Rifle & Pistol Club program and currently is working with the youth trap team at the Missouri Department of Conservation's Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Saint Louis County.

Greg Iffrig PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATIONIST GREG IFFRIG

Greg earned his Master of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Missouri and for more than ten years has worked for the L-A-D Foundation out of its Saint Louis and Salem offices. He is the official liaison to the Board of L-A-D and manager of the Saint Louis office. He also works one or two days per week out of the Salem office for Pioneer Forest where he coordinates all recreational, natural area and endangered species work on that 140,000 acre property conveyed to LA-D in 2004 by Leo Drey.

One important milestone has been the publication of a landmark report, Pioneer Forest, A Half Century of Sustain-

able Uneven Aged Forest Management in the Missouri Ozarks, by the Southern Research Station of the United States Forest Service. This comprises a series of articles that derive from papers presented at a conference years ago celebrating the long history of Leo Drey's ownership and guidance of Pioneer Forest. Greg had been the coordinator of this conference and was an author or coauthor of several of the papers.

Greg coordinates all trail location, development and maintenance on Pioneer Forest. In doing so, he works closely with Pioneer's foresters, plus a wide variety of other agencies and organizations involved in such work.

Three projects reached key milestones during 2008. For one, the new trail at Clifty Creek Natural Bridge in Maries County was completed and dedicated on October 18.

Greg's role was also critical to the success of another trail, the Cave Spring Trail which crosses National Park Service and L-A-D lands on the Current River. The return loop was finally completed in 2008.

Greg has been at the forefront of a visionary effort to develop a spectacular trail along the Current River from Round Spring down to Bee Bluff in Shannon County, where it will connect to a spur off the wellknown Ozark Trail.

WATER CONSERVATIONIST MIKE KRUSE

Mike Kruse is a fisheries biologist who has worked for

CFM CONVENTION

Mike Kruse

the Missouri Department of Conservation for twenty-two years. He has worked extremely hard over the years to promote conservation in our state and has been very successful on a number of levels. In addition to his main interest in coldwater conservation, Mike is a well-rounded conservationist who is interested in all aspects of the Missouri outdoors.

In the early 1990's Mike worked long and hard on the Spring Creek Trout Habitat Improvement Project. This project involved innovative, collaborative conservation efforts between the Ozark Council of Trout Unlimited, the Ozark Fly Fishers from Saint Louis, the Roubidoux Fly Fishers, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and other organizations.

Mike was the chairman of national Trout Unlimited's Embrace-A-Stream program.

This high-profile program provides funding for a wide variety of conservation projects around the country, including habitat restoration, research, and education.

Under his leadership there

were many success stories and the program showed a great deal of progress. In 2002, the Embrace-A-Stream awards topped $200,000 and critical funding was provided for over forty projects in twenty-two different states.

In October of 2003 the Conservation Commission accepted and approved “A Plan for Missouri Trout Fishing” which outlined a number of ways Missouri's trout program could be improved over the next ten years. The Plan was prepared by the Trout Plan Committee, which was made up of some the Missouri Department of Conservation's brightest and most dedicated employees.

Mike Kruse served as the chairman of the committee and was largely responsible for much of its vision and content. In the years since its adoption, Mike has worked diligently for its implementation and deserves much of the credit for the Plan's outstanding success.

CORPORATE CONSERVATIONIST BASS PRO SHOPS

Bass Pro Shops is America's leading conservation company. A key part of the Bass Pro Shops mission statement is “inspiring people to love, enjoy and conserve the outdoors.” The guiding conservation philosophy of the company comes from Johnny Morris, the founder, who states that the “people of our

company believe very strongly that the future of our industry, the sports we serve, and the sports we personally enjoy, is absolutely more dependent upon how we manage our natural resources than anything else. It is far more important than any catalog we mail, any new store we open, or any new product our vendor creates.”

Bass Pro Shops was an early supporter in Missouri to conservation when they gave full support to the “Design for Conservation” and ran advertisements across the state. The company was an early and active supporter of Teaming with Wildlife and the Wildlife Diversity initiative and gave money and personal support to this initiative at the national and state level. Bass Pro Shops has been a leader in America's Fish Habitat initiative and have pledged millions of dollars to the More Fish Campaign and the Table Rock Lake Fish Habitat initiative.

Bass Pro Shops has given support to the Conservation Federation by contributing to and giving support to the CFM annual awards banquet, Share the Harvest Program, Operation Game Thief and is a corporate member. They are the leading sponsors of the National Archery in the Schools Program in Missouri.

CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR LISA ALLEN

Lisa, through personal effort and leadership, has worked tirelessly to advance conservation of private nonindustrial forest land in Missouri. Lisa made exceptional effort to engage the fish and

Lisa Allen

wildlife community as well as other natural resource stakeholders to maximize natural resource progress through several important initiatives. The effect of her effort is extensive.

Nearly one-third of Missouri is forested and 85% of this land is in private, nonindustrial ownership. These forests help define the face of Missouri that attract visitors to engage in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and sightseeing.

In addition, the forest industry contributes $3 billion/year and 34,000 jobs to the state economy. Markets are developing for carbon sequestration as well as woody biomass and these needs will be best met on sustainably managed forests that contribute to soil conservation, improved water quality, and enhanced wildlife habitat. In the Ozarks, forests provide irreplaceable habitat for plants and animals. On agricultural landscapes, forests complement cropland and grassland to help farms deliver conservation such as wildlife habitat, groundwater See Awards on page 14

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

1 3

New Chief For Federal Conservation Agency

D

ave White was named Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on March 24, 2009. He began his 32-year career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a conservation aide in Missouri.

Subsequently, he has served the agency in South Carolina, Montana and its Washington, D.C. headquarters. As Chief, he leads 12,000 employees and manages a budget in excess of $3 billion.

From 2002 to 2008, Mr. White was assigned as the NRCS State Conservationist in Montana. For much of 2007 and 2008, he was also detailed to Senator Tom Harkin’s Capitol Hill office, where he helped the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry craft the Conservation Title of the 2008 Farm Bill.

His earlier jobs in the Washington, D.C., area include two details to the staff of Senator Richard Lugar, in

NRCS

Natural Resources Conservation Service Has Leader With Missouri Roots

Dave White, new chief of Natural Resources Conservation Service.

support of agriculture committee work on energy and

alternative fuels and the 2002 Farm Bill, and a tour as Director of Communications for the White House Task Force for Livable Communities.

Mr. White is an honors graduate of the University of Missouri, where he studied agriculture. He and his wife have a grown son and daughter.

NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help America’s private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources.

Awards from page 13 recharge and quality water.

Societal demand for all land to deliver diverse products is on dramatic increase. But, only 7% of Missouri's private nonindustrial forestlands are managed with benefit of professional forester advice.

There is huge potential for forestland to contribute more to society but, without planning, huge potential to contribute less. This is a daunting challenge that State Forester Allen is meeting with exceptional effort and ability.

In the last year, State Forester Allen shepherded several key private land forest resource initiatives that contribute significantly to conservation. For one, Lisa has long recognized the forest conservation potential of Farm Bill programs such as the Environ1 4

M AY 2 0 0 9

CFM President Glenn Chambers (far right) presents the 2008 awards to an outstanding group of conservationists.

mental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

Beginning in 2006 and accelerating in 2008, Lisa worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and in consultation with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Private Land

Services (PLS) Division to secure greater attention to forest resources through EQIP. NRCS developed an EQIP incentive to encourage forest landowners to secure a management plan prepared by a forester to help guide management most productively and identify cost-share needs. In

addition, Lisa helped stimulate a practice to address thinning during commercial harvest and improve forest health and/or wildlife habitat—a cost savings versus after the harvest.

All progress in 2008 is in addition to the attention of State Forester Allen to forest resources on MDC land and initiatives that safeguard forest health such as awareness and containment of the Emerald Ash Borer. It is through Lisa's personal involvement and leadership that several major initiatives are converging to benefit Missouri privately owned forest land to the benefit of soil, water and wildlife as well as the forestry economy, development of alternative energy and carbon sequestration to help address climate change.

CFM CONVENTION

Conservation Leadership Corps Brings New Ideas Student Members Add New Vigor To CFM Convention

A L VO G T

T

he final weekend of February saw the Lodge of Four Seasons bustling with energy from the hallways to the meeting rooms as a record number of student members of the Conservation Leadership Corps attended the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s annual Convention.

The CLC members ranged from high school sophomores to students about to graduate from college. They came from all areas of the state. Their goal: to learn more about the process of bringing conservation changes to the state through the submission of resolutions to Resource Committees at the Convention. They authored resolutions and then followed their progress to the General Assembly on Sunday morning.

On Friday, after hearty welcomes from Dave Murphy and Glenn Chambers and a PowerPoint presentation from Amy Buechler about Teaming With Wildlife, CLC members started the long process of developing, writing and finalizing their resolutions.

There was time that evening to attend the Awards Ceremony. Among those receiving well-deserved awards were CLC members who had fulfilled all the requirements for the Conservation Achievement Award. They included Cara Stuckel, Rachel Booth, Mark Corio, Mark Peper, Marissa Jo Daniel, Emily Spellman and Kara Bader.

CLC members take time out for a photo op—their weekend at the CFM annual convention included writing and submitting resolutions, meeting with agency representatives, even showing auction items!

On Saturday, each group presented its Resolution to a Resource Committee. CLC members had to be prepared to defend or modify their resolution as necessary.

The students visited with CFM members during dinner and helped with the auction— two CLC Forestry majors even donated their own labor as an auction item!

On Sunday everyone again gathered to elect a Representative from CLC to the Board.

Ryan Diener was chosen with Mike Baker as the alternate.

Nearly all the Resolutions submitted by the student members were passed by the CFM. The Resolutions will be sent on to the appropriate government body.

We thank all these wonderful young people for their interest and commitment to conservation. We hope to see them again next year!

Words of Wisdom For CLC Members Hello Everyone! I regret I was not able to attend this year’s Annual Conference, but am delighted to be able to share my thoughts and praises with you concerning CFM and the Conservation Leadership Corp. I consider my involvement in the CLC as an amazingly unique experience that helped to open my eyes of how conservation works in the real world.

The fact is, that no matter how passionate a biologist is about conserving or protecting natural resources, the outcome of his/her efforts are severely limited without involvement of local landowners and the local community.

CFM is the ultimate example of how private citizens can lead the charge to conserve natural resources in their part of the world. From the petition to form the Department of Conservation, to the petition to create Missouri’s dedicated conservation sales tax that is the envy of the nation, CFM has been a vital part of it all. I am delighted and excited to be part of Missouri’s great conservation heritage, and I hope you are too.

I wish you the best in your current endeavors and encourage you to get involved in conservation projects in your local community.

Thanks!

Adam Boman Fisheries Biologist, MDC

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

1 5

Photo near right: The steady improvement that comes with practice builds self-esteem. This girl is one of hundreds of students in grades 4–12 to participate in the state tournament on March 7.

Photo center: Participants take their turn at the line. Although NASP is barely two years old in Missouri, it already has spread to 64 schools. Four or five Missouri schools have qualified and plan to compete in the national NASP tournament.

Young Archers Learn Lifetime Lessons Sport Gains Popularity In Missouri’s Schools

J

ill Szumigala had never thought of herself as Robin Hood until she competed in Missouri’s National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) tournament March 7. Keli Smart apparently saw herself as a Superwoman, but it took NASP to make her realize that her superpowers might land her a college scholarship.

The two were among more than 5,000 shooters across the Show-Me State who are discovering that bows and arrows can change your self-image.

Szumigala, a junior at Helias High School in Jefferson City, got into archery when her school made it part of its lifesports program in physical education. NASP uses one bow—the Mathews Genesis— that is adjustable for any shooter in grades four through 12.

Jill was excited about competing in the tournament at 1 6

M AY 2 0 0 9

The shooters from George Guffey Elementary in Fenton took first place in the Elementary School Division.

Linn State Technical College.

When her turn came to shoot, she landed her first practice arrow in the center of the target. Her second shot hit the first arrow so squarely it peeled back the hollow aluminum

shaft like the petals of a flower.

“I just thought it was an accident, and I felt really bad. I was like,‘Coach, I broke an arrow. Do I have to pay for it?’”

Her worry turned to surprise when Coach Chip Malm-

strom practically jumped up and down with excitement.

Because it was a warm-up shot, her “Robin Hood” arrow didn’t count. She still managed to place fourth in the girl’s high-school division, however.

MDC PHOTOS

Keli Smart (above right), from Tebbets, gets in touch with her inner Superwoman through athletics. She says she doesn’t like to hunt, but she loves the Zen-like focus of target shooting, which shuts out everything else. Helping her score arrows is Hailey Hoth from Helias High School.

Helias High School junior Jill Szumigala was worried at first when she split a bulls-eye arrow with her second warm-up shot in the Missouri State NASP tournament. Then she saw how excited her coach was and realized she had pulled off “a Robin Hood.”

Smart, a senior at South Callaway High School, wore a Superwoman tee shirt to the tournament. A serious athlete who pursues karate, power lifting and the discus throw, she

traces her interest in archery to the tender age of four.

“When I was really little,” she said,“we used to put strings on the sides of a stick and wait until they curved and make them

into bows. I always felt that a bow felt right in my hand.”

Smart’s coach, Mary Branum, took several of her archers to Jefferson City last year to meet with the Missouri Sportsman’s Caucus in the legislature. They set up a regulation NASP range and gave representatives and senators a hands-on introduction to the International Style Target Archery training that NASP uses in schools. The lawmakers were so impressed they voted unanimously to buy a full set of archery equipment—bows, arrows, targets and backstop curtain and bow hangers—for the school.

Steve Lanier, who coaches the Longview Farm Elementary School NASP team in Lee’s Summit, handled registration for the state NASP tournament.

He said he knew the program had struck a chord when he received more than 200 registrations in the first week.

He calls archery “the perfect sport for kids,” because anyone

can succeed. Archery does not require above-average strength or stamina. It teaches discipline, responsibility, confidence, self esteem and the concentration skills needed to succeed in other activities, including academics.

Missouri NASP is a cooperative effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. The Missouri Bowhunters Association helped with the state tournament. The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation donated $5,000 to help the top team in each of the three divisions buy equipment or to attend the national tournament.

For more about NASP, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/teacher/ma sp/ or call Conservation Department Outdoor Skills Coordinator Kevin Lohraff, 573-751-4115.

Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

1 7

Youth Enjoy Governor’s Invitational Turkey Hunt

T

he first Governor’s Invitational Youth Turkey Hunt was held in and around Jefferson City on April 3–5, 2009. The event was sponsored by the Missouri State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) and the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) hosted turkey-hunting seminars on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and Conservation staff and volunteers guided the hunts.

The participating youths, selected by their local NWTF chapters and the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, were: Charlie Boschert, age 11, and Jack Boschert, age 10, of Florissant; Levi Chew, age 11,

of Fulton; Thomas Copeland, age 11, of Kirksville; Garrett Jazenboski, age 15, of Chillicothe; Tori McAfee, age 11, of Winona; Chris Payeur, age 11, of Florissant; Cade Pendergraft, age 12, of Cassville; Laura Richards, age 10, of Columbia; and Morgan Robb, age 12, of Warrenton.

The Invitational Youth Hunt included a special seminar on Friday afternoon at the United Sportsmen’s Club in Jefferson City to introduce the youths to their guides and to demonstrate shotgun patterning, discuss hunting regulations and provide hunter safety instruction.

The youths, their guides and parents or grandparents began Saturday morning at 4 a.m. with individual hunts throughout the region. Saturday’s weather was comfortable,

but high winds resulted in less gobbling.

Governor Jay Nixon hosted a dinner Saturday night at the Capitol to congratulate the young hunters.

Several of the youths returned to the hunt early Sun-

day morning despite cold and windy weather. Tori McAfee was successful in harvesting a jake in Miller County.

John Burk NWTF Senior Regional Biologist Supervisor

Top photo: Morgan Robb (left) and Tori McAfee enjoy their first turkey hunt.

Gathered on the front porch of the Lairmores’ cabin are (from left) Kyle Lairmore, Thomas Copeland, Cade Pendergraft, and Jerry Lairmore.

1 8

M AY 2 0 0 9

Bottom photo: Dan (Dad) and Morgan Robb ride in the Bad Boy Buggy with guide Alex Rutledge of Hunter Specialties.

Gov. Jay Nixon (in suit) congratulates the 10 boys and girls who participated in the first Governor’s Invitational Youth Turkey Hunt.

Top photo: Hanging out around the campfire at the Lairmores’ is a great way to end the day.

The young hunters, their parents or grandparents and guides enjoy dinner at the Capitol on Saturday night.

Bottom photo, from left: Guide Alex Rutledge, Hunter Morgan Robb and Cameraman Jeff Lovan celebrate their day afield.

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

1 9

CALENDAR

M I S S O U R I F E S T I V A L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S

AFFILIATE EVENTS GREENWAY NETWORK MAY 1: Stream Team Level 2 Training Session Deadline MAY 2: Watkins Creek Water Festival, Hazelwood High School, Hazelwood (10:00am – 2:00pm); Barb Maynard (314) 961-3360 MAY 2: Ecological Monitoring Workshop, The Green Center, Saint Louis (9:00am – 11:00am); Green Center (314) 725-8314 MAY 2: Prehistoric Pedal, Horseshoe Lake State Park, Granite City, IL MAY 2: Mounds Trail Hike, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park, Collinsville, IL MAY 4: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Charles Community College – College Center Building Room 202, Saint Charles (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAY 4: Tuesday Night Riverfront Trail Rides (7:00pm – 10:00pm) MAY 6: Restoring Peruque Creek (8:30am – 11:30am); Larry Ruff (636) 498-0772 MAY 7: Steak N Shake Stream Team Fundraiser Voucher Day (6:00am – 10:00pm) MAY 8: Sightings of Spring Prairie Hike, Prairie at Calvary Cemetery, Saint Louis (8:00am – 10:00am) MAY 9: Prairie Plantings on the Riverfront Trail, Grace Hill Settlement House (9:00am – 2:00pm) MAY 9: Lewis & Clark Departure Days Bicycle Ride, Alton Marina, Alton, IL MAY 11: Lower Meramec River Source Water Protection Project Strategy Exchange MAY 12: Sights & Sounds of Spring Hike, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, Saint Louis (10:00am – 12:00pm); MDC (314) 877-6014 MAY 13: Restoring Peruque Creek (8:00am – 11:30am); Larry Ruff (636) 498-0772 2 0

MAY 2009

MAY 14: Litter Pickup of Fishpot Creek (2:30pm – 4:00pm); Leslie Venn (636) 225-3555 MAY 17: Kid’s Day at Cahokia Mounds, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, IL (11:00am – 4:00pm) MAY 19: Tuesday With a Twist Bicycle Rides, Saint Louis (9:00am – 12:00pm) MAY 20: Restoring Peruque Creek (8:00am – 11:30pm); Larry Ruff (636) 498-0772 MAY 26: School’s Out Float Trip (8:30am – 5:30pm) MAY 30: Stream Team Academy Workshop, Columbia (9:00am – 4:00pm) JUN 1: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Charles Community College – College Center Building Room 202, Saint Charles (7:00pm – 9:00pm) JUN 4: Jacks Fork River Rats Litter Pickup, Eminence (9:00am – 5:00pm); Ted & Pat Haviland (417) 932-4363 JUN 6: National Trails Days, Sierra Club, Haw State Park (8:30am – 4:00pm) JUN 11: Native Plant School (1:00pm – 4:00pm); Shaw Nature Reserve (636) 4513512 JUN 13-14: Happy Birthday Stream Team (9:00am – 3:00pm) JUN 13: Grand Glaize Creek Water Monitoring (8:00am – 1:00pm); Darlene Haun (636) 225-3946 or Bob Jung (314) 494-8432 JUN 13: National Get Outdoors Day, Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area, West Alton (9:00am – 3:00pm) JUN 14-20: Grand Illinois Trail & Parks Bicycle Tour; Chuck Oestreich (309) 788-1845 JUN 20: Aquatic Entomology Refresher – Scientific Drawing Workshop, Powder Valley Nature Center (9:00am – 4:00pm) JUN 22-26: Cruisin on the Katy Trail, Katy Trail State Park (8:30am – 4:00pm)

JUN 27: Grand Glaize Creek Water Monitoring (8:30am – 1:00pm); Darlene Haun (636) 225-3946 or Bob Jung (314) 494-8432 MIDWEST DIVING COUNCIL MAY 23-25: Bubble Master’s Memorial Weekend Fun Dive, Pontiac Park, Bull Shoals Lake JUN 6-7: Spearfishing Pro-Am Competition Dive, Stockton State Park, Stockton Lake JUN 20-21: Pontiac Marina Catfish Competition, Pontiac Park, Bull Shoals Lake MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION JUN 6: Board of Directors Meeting, Warsaw JUN 7: Summer Sizzler Tournament MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAY 2: Derby Day, Moose Lodge – Veterans Memorial Parkway, Saint Charles (6:00pm); Christen Butler (314) 570-4762 MAY 8: Greater Kansas City Golf Tournament, Hillcrest Country Club (1:00pm); Ben Cohen (913) 515-8636 MAY 9: Sporting Clay Shoot, Blackhawk Valley Hunt Club, Old Monroe (9:00am); Chris Bosley (636) 262-4935 MAY 9: Annual Banquet, Hartland Banquet Center, Moberly (5:30pm); Sherree DeClue (660) 295-4628 MAY 9: Glenn Chamber’s Membership Dinner (6:00pm); Brian Hill (816) 537-8272 or Mike Brigman (816) 718-3998 MAY 16: Texas Hold’em Tournament, Copper Kettle, Ashland (11:00am); Cindy Downing (573) 657-2722 MAY 20: Spring Sponsor Dinner, Native Stone Winery, Jefferson City (5:30pm); Daniel Webb (573) 690-0958 JUN 6: Annual Banquet, Walsworth Community Center, Marceline (5:30pm); Travis Stufflebean (660) 376-3467 JUN 13: Sportsman’s Night Out, Elks Lodge, Brookfield (2:00pm); Jeff Hill (660) 2582391 MISSOURI FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION JUN 26-17: Midwest Forest Industry Show, Cape Girardeau; MFPA (573) 634-3252

MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS MAY 9: Lake County Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City; Bob Kendrick (573) 735-2607 MAY 9: Marais-des Cygnes River Gobblers, Elks Lodge, Butler; Brandon Plunkett (660) 4240891 MAY 14: Upper Meramec Longspurs, Recklein Auditorium, Cuba; Shane Staples (573) 259-7405 MAY 29: Booger County Gobblers, Ava High School, Ava; Stan Lovan (417) 683-5218 MAY 30: All Women’s Event, Casa de Loco, Camdenton; Cindy Sherell (573) 346-6133 MAY 30: Braymer Longbeards, Braymer C-4 Gymnasium, Braymer; Travis Moore (573) 769-2859 JUN 12: Putnam County Chapter, Putnam County Middle School Commons, Unionville; Heath Halley (660) 216-1437 JUN 12: Summit City Longbeards, Aurora Community Building, Aurora; Ritchie Meredith (417) 678-1731 JUN 13: Branson Tri-Lakes, Windmill Inn and Convention Center, Branson; Jack Livingston (417) 699-3481 JUN 20: Bollinger County Double Beards, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Randy Pogue (573) 238-3234 JAKES FIELD DAYS MAY 10: Platte County Longspurs, Smithville Lake; Paul Lowry (816) 506-7048 MAY 16: Leadbelt Longbeards; John Spurgin (573) 431-4661 MAY 16: Tick Ridge, Macon County Fairgrounds; Ted Seiler (660) 385-2616 JUN 6: Green Hills, Triangle C Ranch, Trenton; Scott Roy (660) 359-3399 JUN 6: Grindstone Gobblers, Hahn’s Lake; John Hahn (816) 725-1521 WHEELIN SPORTSMENS EVENTS MAY 2: Spring Turkey Hunt, Ash Grove; Michael Brooks (417) 742-4361 MAY 23: Little Platte Longbeards Fishing Event, Plattsburg; Eric

CALENDAR

M I S S O U R I F E S T I V A L S A N D A F F I L I AT E E V E N T S

Dennis (816) 539-2035 JUN 20: Day at the Range & Outdoor Adventure Fair, Ash Grove; Michael Brooks (417) 742-4361 WHEELIN SPORTSMENS BENEFITS MAY 31: Kirksville Ridge Runners, Kirksville; Mike Allen (660) 323-5531 JUN 6: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Clay Bird Shoot, Marble Hill; Paul Strickland (573) 3321989 JUN 6: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Jackson; Paul Strickland (573) 332-1989 WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS MAY 16: Benton County Boss Hens, American Legion Hall, Warsaw; Jeanette Limback

(660) 438-2588 MAY 30: Lake Area Lady Gobblers, Missouri Trap Shooters Association Gun Club, Linn Creek; Cindy Sherrell (573) 346-6133 JUN 6: Basic Handgun Workshop, Rock Port; Georgia Houghton (660) 744-6271 JUN 19-21: Missouri State & Heartland Center, Heartland Presbyterian Church, Parkville; Patty Sharinger (913) 651-0271 JUN 27: Clark County Longbeards, Junior Stutz’s Farm, Kahoka; Betty Stutz (660) 8662590 MISSOURI PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION MAY 22: Legislative Committee

Meeting, Musco Lighting Building (10:00am – 12:00pm) JUN 19: Legislative Committee Meeting, Musco Lighting Building (1:00pm – 3:00pm)

POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES MAY 2: Muskie Mayhem, Shelter House – Cove 1 JUN 6: Prime Time Outing

MISSOURI PARKS ASSOCIATION MAY 9: Earth Fest & Earth Walk, Theis Park, Kansas City (10:00am – 4:00pm)

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FLY FISHERS MAY 2: Montauk Kid’s Free Fishing Day, Montauk State Park (6:30am – 8:15pm) MAY 14: Business Meeting, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) JUN 11: Business Meeting, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) JUN 13: JRBP River Rescue, Historic Ozark Mill, Ozark (8:00am – 10:00pm)

MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION MAY 2: Kid’s Derby, Lake Jacomo MAY 2: Kid’s Derby, Bennett Spring State Park MAY 16-17: Spring Derby, Bennett Spring State Park MAY 23-24: Fifth Annual Fly Fishing Expo JUN 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS MAY 2-3: Paddle Sport Expo, City Lake Park, Peculiar JUN 6: Little Blue River, Sibley JUN 20-28: Missouri River – Part 1, Kaw Point, Taylor Landing

CFM EVENTS

SEP 18-20: Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point, Ozark Beach

REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE River Hills

Traveler 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 ($18). 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/ traveler-subscription.php.

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

OutdooR magazine

Guide

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING

For a FREE Copy of the Magazine Call 1-800-706-2444 or Visit our website at www.outdoorguidemagazine.com MISSOURI WILDLIFE

2 1

CFM CONVENTION

Conservation Federation of Missouri Debates Issues Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions

T

he delegates of this year’s Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Convention have voted to adopt twenty-five resolutions on current conservation issues.

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

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

#1: Forestry Resource Assessment and Strategy Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 convey its support to the development of FRAS to the state of Missouri and encourage the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to actively seek participation of CFM affiliates in this process.

#2: Atlatl in Hunter Education Manual Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2 2

M AY 2 0 0 9

2009 requests the addition of atlatl history and information into the Hunter Education Manual of the Missouri Department of Conservation; Be it further resolved, that the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation provide additional information regarding the atlatl programs to the public through newsletters, magazines, and any other source of informative literature applicable.

#3: Connecting Families With Nature Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 call on the Governor to develop and implement a comprehensive state plan to connect children and families with nature.

#4: Discover Nature Schools Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 convey its support to the Missouri Department of Conservation for the continued promotion of the Discover Nature Schools program, and urge Missouri schools to participate by adding the program to their curriculum.

Be it further resolved, that the CFM asks through Missouri Wildlife for its affiliated clubs and organizations to make their expertise available to both teachers and students for the continued implementation of the program.

#5: Lead Contamination Of The Big River Watershed Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 actively supports the expansion of public awareness of the condition of the Big River watershed.

Be it further resolved, that the Conservation Federation of Missouri actively support the remediation of lead contaminated sediment in the Big River.

#6: Current River Tributary Protection Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 hereby urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the Missouri Attorney General, to investigate and where appropriate to prosecute under any and all statutes, regulations, and lease-hold

public interests that have been violated in the process of causing this damage to the resources of the state.

#7: Restoring Clean Water Act Protections Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009, calls upon the President of the United States, the United States Congress, the Governor of Missouri, the Missouri legislative bodies, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to take action to craft amended legislation to restore the protection Congress intended when they passed the Clean Water Act of 1972 by: Adopting a statutory definition of “waters of the United states” based on the longstanding definition in EPA and USCOE regulations; Delete the term “navigable” from the Act to clarify Congress’ primary concern in 1972 was to protect all the nation’s water from pollution rather than just sustain the navigability of waterways; Including a set of findings which explain the factual basis for Congressional assertion of constitutional authority over all waters, including those that appear to be hydrologically “isolated”; and by Preserving the Act’s longstanding exemptions for farm-

CFM CONVENTION ing, ranching, mining, water treatment and forestry activities.

#8: Statewide Riparian Buffer Zone Requirements Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 recommends that landowners (federal, state, county and municipalities) work together to create a sufficient buffer zone by planting vegetation such as trees, shrubs and grasses. Installing fences will prevent livestock damage to streams due to grazing and animal waste.

Alternative livestock water sources will be implemented to replace the livestock’s water source.

#9: Polystyrene Foam Usage In Schools Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 recommends that the legislature enact a bill banning the use of expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) products within Missouri public schools.

#10: Depredation Permit Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 contact the Missouri Department of Conservation and encourage that palatable deer taken with a depredation

The convention challenged [hundreds of] Federation members...to debate current conservation issues and develop positions statements, when appropriate. permit be donated to needy families, food banks or Share the Harvest.

#11: Sericea Lespedeza Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 officially and actively support and advocate the listing of sericea lespedeza on the Missouri State Noxious Weed List.

Be it further resolved, that the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture, National Park Service, United States Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge System, Unites States Army Corps of Engineers, United States Forest Service, county government, and interested non-governmental organizations coordinate efforts to develop and deliver a partnership program to assist Missouri landowners technically and financially, specifically for the purpose of treating and controlling sericea lespedeza on private land.

#12: Missouri Acreage for CRP Quail Practices Now, therefore, be it

resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 ask USDA to increase statewide allocation by at least 30 percent for CRP quail practices to take care of current demand from private landowners.

#13: Harvest Of Biomass Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 encourages the USDA Farm Services Agency amend the CRP manual for Missouri to ensure that biomass harvest from CRP preserve the benefits for wildlife and wildlife quality.

Be it further resolved, that these rules should: Create a buffer zone of at least one hundred feet of a steam or other water body within which pesticide and fertilizer application is not permitted.

Create a buffer zone of at least one hundred feet around the perimeter of CRP field which is left unharvested and restricts application of pesticides and fertilizers.

Require a minimum stubble height after harvest of CRP biomass.

Prohibit the use of genetically modified plant species.

Be prepared by consultation with wildlife professionals to develop said rules.

#14: EQIP Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 encourages United States Department of Agriculture, specifically the Natural Resource Conservation Service, earmark a percentage of the money annually allocated to the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) specifically for the creation of wildlife habitat that would be beneficial to quail. Additionally, these earmarked funds would be ranked against the entire EQIP practices, which historically have kept wildlife habitat practices from getting funded. These earmarked funds would be allocated by the NRCS on a first come first serve basis.

#15: Funding For CRP Programs For Quail Habitat Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 encourage the United States Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Conservation promote and if necessary create special Conservation Reserve Programs that are targeted at See Resolutions on page 24

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

2 3

CFM CONVENTION

Resolutions from page 23 creating quail habitat. This model shall be patterned after the Missouri Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. This includes the options of adding increased incentives, such as SIP and PIP, to landowners to encourage them to sign up. Additionally, this change would add 15% to the annual CRP rental payment just like what was done in the MO CREP Program.

#16: Landowner Hunting Permits Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 ask that the Missouri Department of Conservation consider our request to change the current minimum of five acres to 40 acres that is required for residents to acquire landowner permits.

#17: Orange During Firearm Turkey Season Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 recommends that the Department of Conservation Regulations Committee review the issue of instating a blaze orange requirement to all hunters during the spring firearm turkey season. This requirement would only mandate hunters to wear a blaze orange vest when moving into 2 4

M AY 2 0 0 9

and out of public hunting areas. The vest must meet the requirements set by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

#18: Pallid And Shovelnose Sturgeons Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 encourages MDC and other appropriate agencies to further educate the general public about the difference between the pallid and shovelnose sturgeon.

#19: Black Bear Hunting Season Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 strongly urge the Missouri Department of Conservation to consider a season when black bear populations are sustainable.

#20: Disposal Of Unused Pharmaceuticals Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 convey its support for a means for preventing improper disposal, creating a means for proper disposal and a plan for education regarding unused pharmaceuticals.

#21: Native Bird Habitat Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 convey its support in the promotion of the conservation of native bird habitats to the Missouri natural resource agencies through their education, management and partnerships.

#22: Connect Children With Nature Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 hereby support the National Wildlife Federation’s resolution to connect children and families with the outdoors.

#23: Ozark National Scenic Riverways Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 reaffirms its long-standing and strong interest in the wellbeing of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, and the national park which is charged with their proper stewardship; recognizes that there are resource problems related to overdevelopment, scenic easement enforcement, uncontrolled vehicular trespass, and over-concentrated equestrian usage in certain

places and at certain times; and is committed to the proper and satisfactory resolution of these issues for the benefit of the natural integrity of the Riverways for present and future generations; and hereby commits itself to vigorous involvement in the public review process to assure that the new General Management Plan addresses and corrects these resource issues, and urges all of the Missouri Congressional delegation to support the Riverways and the protection of its natural resources.

#24: Peruque Creek Stream Bank Mitigation Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 support the Greenway Network, Inc. and write a letter urging the First National Bank of St. Louis to negotiate with the Greenway Network, Inc. the donation of said stream mitigation bank site.

#25: Climate Change Advisory Board Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Conservation Federation of Missouri assembled at the Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO, this 1st day of March, 2009 encourages the Missouri State government to create a state advisory board to suggest, formulate, and implement new policies pertaining to climate change.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

FLAG SUPPLIES FOR HOME, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY FLAG SPREADER • For 1” to 1-1/4” Poles (Outside Diameter) • Vinyl Coated Pole Bracket Attachment • Sure-Grip Clips Hold Flag Securely in Place • Easy-On, Easy-Off

Without Spreader

With Spreader

• Commercial Poles For Home & Business • Residential Poles & Brackets • Parade & Indoor Sets • Custom Made Flags Or Banners For Your Town Or Organization

HONOR YOUR VETERANS Leo Cardetti’s Distributing Company 219 N. Jefferson Saint James, MO 65559

800-532-3524

Time To Start Composting

S

pring is here, and warmer weather brings with it opportunities to start spring cleaning, not only inside your home, but in your yard and garden. If you are not in the habit of composting yard waste, now is a great time to start by establishing a backyard composting system. No matter how much or how little compostable waste your household generates, you can easily start your own compost pile. Home composting can reduce vegetative yard and food waste from entering Missouri’s landfills. An additional benefit is the valuable soil amendment created through the compost process.

Compost, when added to your soil, helps to improve soil health, keeps the soil surface cool, and increases water retention. When used as a soil amendment, compost provides organic nutrients. These nutrients can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers in some applications. Used as a top dressing or mulch, compost can also be an effective weed barrier.

Composting can be produced in an enclosed bin,an open bin, or a loose pile. The Department of Natural Resources has information instructions on the Web to help with the construction of compost bins. The department also has information on how to compost and the different types of composting

applications and general information on how to compost, as well as best management practices for a successful backyard composting operation. Visit the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/ env/swmp/composting/compost1.htm for more information.

Since 1992, yard waste has been banned from Missouri landfills. Composting helps reduce the amount of material going into landfills and the end result is a useable product requiring very little effort to produce. Materials that can be easily composted include vegetable and fruit scraps, lawn and house plant clippings, flowers and most weeds. Dry grass and leaves, straw, paper products, bread, pasta, rice, and cardboard can also be used in composting.

Some things to avoid placing into your compost pile are meat, dairy or fish because these items might attract animals and rodents. Pet wastes should also be avoided because they have the potential to create health risks if your compost is used on edible crops and can cause odor problems.

A successful compost operation, even a small one,contributes to the state’s waste diversion efforts, and is environmentally beneficial and can save you money. More and more homeowners are starting small gardens and what better way to enhance your garden soil than with compost you “produced” yourself.

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

2 5

AGENCY NEWS

2 6

M AY 2 0 0 9

Forest pests can hitchhike on YOUR firewood.

Don’t give bad bugs a ride!

• Leave firewood at home.

• Use only local sources of firewood.

• If you brought firewood, burn all of it.

The emerald ash borer has killed more than 50 million ash trees in nearby states.

For more information http://www.mdc.mo.gov/forest/features/firewood.htm

Thanks for protecting Missouri’s beautiful forests!

tissue just beneath the bark of ash trees where they produce S-shaped galleries that disrupt the flow of water and nutrients and eventually girdle and kill the tree.

Although ash trees make up only about 3% of Missouri’s natural forests, they make up 14% of our street trees and more than 30% of trees in some city parks. So the potential economic impact to Missouri communities is expected to be high when cities and homeowners are faced with removing hazardous dead ash trees. It is estimated that the removal of dead ash trees from communities in Wayne and the surrounding seven-county area alone would cost nearly $5 million, not to mention the loss of wood products constructed from ash wood. Just like chestnut blight and Dutch elm disease before it, EAB is capable of eliminating an entire tree genus from Missouri’s forests and cities. This makes it one of the most serious environmental threats

now facing North American forests.

Missouri’s Emerald Ash Borer Action Plan made a quick response possible by several agencies and stakeholders at the first sign of EAB in our state. Several surveys showed that there were other sites with EAB-infested ash trees on Army Corps of Engineers property adjacent to the first site. Evidence indicated that these invading beetles had been present for at least five years. Detection efforts throughout the rest of the state showed no additional EAB infestations during 2008.

Our main goal now is to limit the spread of this pest.

The Army Corps of Engineers Wappapello Project staff should be commended for their efforts in removing infested ash trees and destroying them before the adults emerge this spring. They diligently worked to reduce EAB host ash trees and are cooperating with other federal and state agencies to further limit

The tiny emerald ash borer has killed more than 50 million trees in the U.S. and Canada.

P E N N S Y LV A N I A D C N R

O

n July 23, 2008 seven adult emerald ash borers (EAB) Agrilus planipennis were discovered in a purple prism trap placed in a campground in Wayne County, Mo., at the Wappapello Lake Army Corps of Engineers Greenville Recreational Area.

This made Missouri the ninth state invaded by the emerald ash borer. The trap was placed there as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s EAB National Survey, which targeted high-risk sites in 48 states. Because this first find in Missouri was at a campground, it leaves little doubt that these insects arrived in our state by “hitchhiking” in firewood collected from an out-of-state, EAB-infested area and transported to Missouri by campers.

The emerald ash borer is an exotic, invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills native North American ash trees. It’s native to eastern Russia, China, and northeastern Asia, where it feeds on several ash tree species. It was accidentally introduced into North America several years prior to its 2002 discovery in southeastern Michigan. The beetle likely arrived in North America in ash wood packing materials from Asia. Since its discovery in the United States, EAB has been confirmed in ten states and two Canadian provinces and is responsible for killing more than 50 million ash trees. EAB larvae feed in the outer sapwood and phloem

E R I C R . DA Y, VA . P O LY T E C H N I C , B U G W O O D . O R G

Let’s Keep The Ash Borer Out Of Our Trees!

The larvae feed in the outer sapwood and their tunnels disrupt the flow of water and nutrients to the tree.

the EAB infestation during 2009. Adult emerald ash borers can’t travel far on their own, so people moving infested wood is the main way they spread. Ash wood product quarantines are in effect for Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario. As of September 3, 2008, the USDA and Missouri Department of Agriculture placed Wayne County under quarantine for articles related to EAB until further notice. Ash nursery stock, any part of an ash tree,

AGENCY NEWS including green lumber, waste, compost, chips, etc., and any species of hardwood firewood are regulated by the quarantine and cannot legally be moved out of Wayne County.

Because firewood is the most likely way EAB will be moved around, campers should leave firewood at home, and homeowners and

WELCOME CFM NEW MEMBERS

Lori Allenbrand, Stockton Rick Allenbrand, Stockton Bryan Allensworth, Oak Grove David Alpers, University City John Anderson, Kansas City ArdPark Cabins, Florissant Scott Atkins, Columbia Earl Balsman, Perryville Lori Baumgartner, Fulton Fred Bennett, Eagleville Arnold Bock, Shawnee Mission, KS Christian Boessen, Columbia Bowood Farms, Inc., Clarksville Mark Brandes, Holts Summit Richard Breugger, Saint Charles Phil Brown, Saint Louis Tyler Brown, Lebanon Patrick & Kristy Bryant, Columbia Mark & Jamie Buehrle, Saint Charles Charles Burwick, Springfield Dan Cardwell, Springfield Kevin Carpenter, O’Fallon Z. T. Cartwright, Columbia Chrisman Wildlife Art Gallery, Dexter Scott Combs, Belleville, IL

campers should obtain or purchase firewood locally. It’s also a good practice to burn all wood that you have at your campsite to kill any hitchhiking pests before they have an opportunity to emerge as adult insects. To join others in promising not to move firewood and keep EAB out of our state visit stopthebeet

Joe Corio, Dittmer Martha Creason, Truxton Juel Culver, Bonne Terre Norma Darrow, Lebanon G. L. Dawkins, Cameron Michael DeLoughery, Clark Stuart Devore, Columbia Gary Dixon, Versailles Susan East, Eureka Jon Eckles, Saint Louis Jodean Edwards, Kansas City Jay Eichenlaub, Ballwin Charles Elam, Kirksville Carolyn Elder, Shawnee Mission, KS Brian & Elizabeth Elston, Maryville Thomas Fisher, Kansas City Connie Floray, Marceline Leigh Fredrickson, Puxico Auben Galloway, Columbia Justin Gauda, Saint Louis Linn Gault, Center Matt & Courtney Gaunt, Columbia Robert Geller, Ashland Martha Gersten, Saint Louis Bill Goodwin, Warrensburg Jason Green, Rolla Jason Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Kevin Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Gerald Harper, High Ridge Kent Heimer, Taylor Mary Hewitt, Kansas City

le.info/promise.html.

Keeping firewood in place to stop the spread of EAB is one thing you can do. Another way to keep healthy trees in your future is to choose something other than ash trees when you’re planting new ones. You can find more information on the emerald ash borer by visiting EAB.mis-

Matthew Hightower, Grain Valley Vernon House, Wentzville Dorothy Jacob, Columbia Jerry Jerome, Hatfield Don Katashuk, Florissant Carol Kennedy, Bolivar Dennis Kiefer, Chesterfield Shaun Klingsmith, Green Castle Jim Koetting, Columbia Henry Kratz, Saint Louis Andy LaMarca, Saint Charles Andrew Lemberger, Rocheport Barbara Lomker, O’Fallon Robert Long, Moberly Pat Luecke, Washington Steve Lumpkin, Shawnee Mission, KS Mary Lyon, Columbia Connie Marcellus, Branson Steve Maritz, Saint Louis Dwight & Karen Massey, Linn Stephen & Bree McMurray, Columbia Jim & Mimi McRoberts, Columbia Daniel Melton, Kansas City John Miller, Brookfield Bruce Mills, Paris Jeanette Monnig, Saint Louis Chris & Julie Moore, Cape Girardeau Dave Mosby, Hartsburg Frank & Judy Oberle, Novinger

souri.edu or missouriconservation.org/firewood. To report a potential EAB sighting, contact your nearest Missouri Department of Conservation office or call the EAB hotline at (866) 716-9974.

Tim Banek Invasive Species Coordinator, MDC

Marilyn Parker, Columbia Nick Pelligreen, Saint Louis J. Glenn Phaup, Ashland Richard Phelps, Sunrise Beach Chad Plunk, Kirksville Ellie Powell, Columbia Jeff Powelson, Rosendale Martin Ritzman, Columbia Dale Roberts, Ashland Derrick Roeslein, High Ridge Rudi Roeslein, Saint Louis Mary Ellen Rowe, Holden Charlie Scott, Columbia Bill & Gail Seibel, Stockton Linda Sickles, Saint Louis Dan Slawski, Kearney, NE Roger Slusher, Lexington Kenneth Spieckerman, Kansas City Mabel Taylor, Harrisonville Steve Taylor, Saint Louis Chuck Tharp, Columbia Janis Torrey, Columbia Jon Trent, Nixa David Troth, Hartsburg Chet Twitchell, Coffeyville, KS Krystal Wales, Liberty Tim Ward, Troy Barbara Weaver, Columbia Frank Weber, Pacific K. Andrew West, Puxico Karl & Lyn Wightman, Raymondville Jon Wingo, Florissant Jerry Wymer, Saint Louis Bill Ziercher, Earth City

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

2 7

AGENCY NEWS

Coming Home To Missouri’s Bounties

M

y career has taken me across the country and around the world. I’ve had the opportunity to accumulate a range of experience by observing numerous methods for protecting the environment and by learning, first-hand, what works and what doesn’t. But no matter where I was—New York, Connecticut, even Thailand and India—I found my heart was always in the Show-Me State, my home state, Missouri.

On March 1, I returned home. I had intended to spend my first day elbow-to-elbow with other anglers at Montauk State Park celebrating the opening of trout season, but unfortunately Mother Nature and her 11 inches of snow had other plans. Though that first trip may have been detoured, in my new position as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, I have already begun to travel throughout the state, visiting communities and learning about the challenges they face.

On these trips, as I take in Missouri’s rolling pastures, crystalclear lakes and historic towns, it’s clear to me that Missourians have been taking seriously their role as guardians of our natural resources.

Groups like the Conservation Federation of Missouri provide critical leadership in 2 8

M AY 2 0 0 9

many of these efforts. The clean streams that provide a place for us to hunt, fish, watch birds and view wildlife are due, in large part, to Missouri’s Stream Team program, which is co-sponsored by the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

More than 7,000 volunteers have attended the water quality monitoring training provided by this program. In 2008, 4,118 Stream Team participants cleaned up litter, planted trees, performed water monitoring and held educational activities, devoting 8,480 hours to streams; 437 trained Stream Team Volunteer Water Quality Monitors submitted data to the Department of Natural Resources from 556 different sites.

The Missouri Stream Team Program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It is, indeed, a cause to celebrate.

We are grateful to all the volunteers who, over the course of these past two decades, have given their time, their energy and their relentless commitment to maintaining and improving our water quality. I hope you’ll consider honoring this important anniversary by lending your support to a Stream Team in your community. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation Web site at www.mostreamteam.org, the Conservation Federation of

Mark Templeton, director of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri Web site at www.confedmo.org/ and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/v mqmp/vwqmpworkshops.htm.

Unfortunately, we have, at times, believed that in order to move our economy forward, we must forsake our air, land and water quality. In Missouri and across the country, we have spent decades trying to address old problems, even as new ones have continued to crop up; much of it was due to this faulty reasoning. We’ve reached a unique time in our history, however; one at which con-

OE "OOVBM

cerns for our economy and concerns for our environments both seem to guide our decision making. The two, we have finally come to understand, are closely intertwined, and cannot be separated from one another.

It is possible to foster a healthy economy by promoting a clean environment, and vice versa.

During my short time here, I’ve already met numerous innovative Missourians with ideas for making this happen.

With springtime blooming across Missouri, I’m eager to travel across the rest of the state to connect with all that we protect, and to become familiar with the work that lies ahead. In June, I’ll be participating in Katy Trail 2009, a bicycle ride on the nation’s longest developed rail trail.

Along the way, I look forward to meeting with Missourians to hear their priorities, their concerns and their ideas for keeping our environmental progress moving forward.

Together, we will continue to make this state a place we are all proud to call home.

Mark Templeton, Director Missouri Department of Natural Resources

"6(645

WWW OPENSPACECOUNCILSTL ORG

MAILBAG MEMBERS’ LETTERS

Dear Dave, I wish to thank you for your very gracious show of appreciation to me in your article on the new look of CFM. That was very kind of you. I feel that this new format will bring CFM more to the front.

I read your article religiously in every issue and want to compliment you on being on target on so many issues. You are a very great asset to CFM. I know you will keep up the good work. Thank you again for your great endorsement.

Meramec River Documentary Takes Top Award In National Film Festival

T

he short film, Meramec River: Miracles and Milestones, which was produced

by The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region in 2007 and 2008 documenting the last 40 years of restoration and conservation in the Meramec River basin, has been awarded Best Environmental Paddling Film in the National Reel Paddling Film Festival.

The Festival will be showing Meramec River: Miracles and Milestones along with 28

other films in over 100 cities across North America and the world in the 2009 World Tour.

A premiere was held earlier this year in Waterloo, Ontario to a sold out audience. The Festival is not currently scheduled to come to St. Louis, but additional dates are being added. The Reel Paddling Film Festival is produced by Rapid Media. Rapid Media also publishes four leading paddle sports magazines: Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots

and Family Camping and Kayak Angler magazines.

For more information about the Festival, visit http://www.reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com and for more information on Meramec River: Miracles and Milestones, please visit www.openspacecouncilstl.org/ or call 636451-6090.

The film is available for purchase on the website with proceeds going to continued conservation efforts in the Meramec River Basin.

Sincerely, Leo Cardetti, Saint James

UNITED BOWHUNTERS of MISSOURI Preserving the Tradition of Bowhunting We support Bowhunting through conservation, education, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship & promoting responsible and ethical hunting.

For Information: United Bowhunters of Missouri P.O. Box 235 • Jackson, MO 63755 MISSOURI WILDLIFE

2 9

HONORARIUMS

AND

In memory of James Stuerke Nadine Stuerke ~ Higginsville, MO

MEMORIALS In memory of Bent Hotze Gascony Hills River Farms Jane Hotze Morrison, MO

In memory of Bent Hotze Anna Frances Werner ~ Saint Louis, MO

In memory of Elsie Jönsson The National Wild Turkey Federation George Clark Missouri State Chapter

In memory of Bent Hotze Julie & Craig Spitzfaden and Family Morrison, MO

Mark special days or show tribute to someone you care about with a donation to CFM—just return the form below. $25

$50

$100

$250

$500

Other ________

In memory of __________________________________________________________________________________ In honor of ____________________________________________________________________________________ Please notify (name, street, city, state, and zip) ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ DONOR INFO: I would like infor mation about including the Conser vation Federation of Missouri in my will or tr ust.

Name ________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________ Street

______________________________________________________________________________________________ City State

ZIP

Phone ________________________________________________Email __________________________________ Credit card number

________________________________________________________________________

Expiration date ____________________________________________________________________________ Mail this form and payment to: Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Street • Jefferson City , MO 65101

3 0

MAY 2009

Please join CFM today to conserve our natural resources for tomorrow!

Check the member category you prefer: $25—Individual $15—Student $30—Family $100—Sustaining $1000—Lifetime Your dues include a 1-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, a logo sticker and a 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 questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www .confedmo.org 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.* If you prefer, you may charge your membership dues to your MasterCar d, Visa, or Discover card.

Credit card number: ________________________________________________________ Expiration date: __________ Signature of cardholder:

______________________________________________________________________________

*Note: CFM is an IRS-approved tax-exempt not-for -profit, so your donations are tax deductible.

C O N S E R V A T I O N F E D E R A T I O N O F M I S S O U R I A F F I L I AT E S Anglers of Missouri Beaver Lake Beagle Club Big Game Hunters, Inc. Bridlespur Hunt Club Capitol City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coonhunters, Inc. Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club Mark Twain Area Quail Unlimited Meramec Area Sportsman Association Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Mississippi Valley Gun Club Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Bass Federation Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Missouri Bow Hunters Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Department of Agriculture Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Relief Missouri Ruffed Grouse Society Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Society of American Foresters 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 Missourians Outdoors Monett Sportsman League Northeast Missouri Coonhunters Association Northside Conservation Federation Open Space Council Owensville High School Hunting & Fishing Club Ozark Fly Fishers Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Saint James Civic Club Southside Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Wildlife Society of Missouri State University Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

3 1

IN MEMORIAM

Former Farm Bureau President Passes Away

D

on Fischer, former Missouri Farm Bureau President passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Don served as Missouri

Farm Bureau President from 1988 to 1992. Prior to that Don served as Vice President from 1985 to 1988 and as District #4 board members from 1975 to 1985.

Many Conservation Fed-

eration members came to best know Mr. Fischer for his leadership as Chair and CoChair of the Citizens Committee for Soil, Water and State Parks. Don was a major driving force in the

last two successful statewide campaigns that have led to more stable funding for our Missouri State Parks and Soil Conservation programs.

Memorials can be sent to the Missouri Farm Bureau.

Missouri Wildlife Advertising Rates And Specifications Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri. Publication began in 1938, and it has been published continuously since. All CFM members are eligible to receive the bimonthly 36-page magazine in January , March, May, July, September, and November. Printed by Tribune Publishing of Columbia, Missouri Wildlife has a stitch-and-trim format and is printed using soy ink on 35” web, 50# uncoated recyclable stock. The final trim size is 8.25 x 10.25 in. The “live image area” (LIA) is 7.25 x 9.25 in. (back cover LIA = 7.25 x 6 in.). Full color is available throughout.

The usual deadline for camera-ready ads is the 10th of the month preceding publication. We prefer to receive ads on disk or via email.

Mac or PC platform is acceptable. Ads may be created in Quark, Word, Illustrator, or Photoshop (note: text will not print as crisply from Photoshop as from the others). Please ensure that color ads are CMYK (all spot colors must be converted) with text as 1-colorblack (100% K). Include all fonts and image files, unless ad is a pdf or jpeg. Resolution for ads on inside pages: 200 ppi. Resolu tion for ads on cover pages (front, back, inside front, inside back): 300 ppi.

Size 1/16 page 1/8 page 1/4 page

Black & White $45 $90 $175

Color $65 $125 $250

Size Black & White 1/2 page $350 full page (inside front, back covers) $695 full page (inside pages) $695

Color $495 $990 $990

Rates A discount of 2% is allowed for ads paid in advance or for billing paid within 10 days. A 15% discount is allowed for ads runn ing in six issues or more, paid in advance. All accounts are net 30 days.

To Order an Ad Write CFM, Missouri Wildlife Advertising, 728 West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Submit your ad electronically to lcoleman@confedmo.org. For more information, call (800) 575-2322.

Mechanical Dimensions 1/16-page ad = 1.687 x 2.125 in.

1/8-page ad (horizontal) = 3.535 x 2.125 in.

1/8-page ad (vertical) = 1.687 x 4.147 in.

1/4-page ad = 3.535 x 4.417 in.

1/2-page ad (horizontal) = 7.25 x 4.417 in.

1/2-page ad (vertical) = 3.535 x 9 in. full page ad (inside pages) = 7.25 x 9 in.

3 2

M AY 2 0 0 9

full page ad (inside front, back covers) = 7.25 x 9.25 in. with bleeds = 8.25 x 10.25 in. (add extra 0.25 inch top, bottom, outside edge for bleed) back cover ad = 7.25 x 6 in. with bleeds = 8.25 x 6.5 in. (add extra 0.25 inch top, left edge for bleed)

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

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org