Vol72 no2 2011

MISSOURI

Wildlife MARCH 2011 VOL. 72, NO. 2

2010: A Year Of Many Accomplishments

M A R I LY N N L A N G S T O N

Below and right: Getting Families Outside — Children in Nature Challenge.

Above: Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Left: Sporting Clay Tournament at River Hills Sporting Clays.

Please view our Annual Report inside this issue.

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

FEATURED ARTICLES Donation Helps Create Shooting Sports Program ..............................5 Reconnecting Community with Nature ............................................24 Opening Day Brings Personal Best And Family Memory ..................26 Missouri Wildlife Group Wins National Chapter of the Year ..............27 Waterfowl Regulation Workshops Scheduled Throughout State ........29 E-Permits Available March 1..............................................................31

NEWS, UPDATES AND COLUMNS View From The Stone House ..............................................................................2 President’s Message ............................................................................................3 Development News

March 2011 Vol. 72, No. 2 OFFICERS Mike Schallon President Duane Addleman 1st Vice President Richard Ash 2nd Vice President Dan Zerr Secretary Randy Washburn Treasurer

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

Planned Gifts Made Easy..................................................................................4 CFM 2010 Annual Report CFM’s Top 10 Achievements for 2010 ..............................................................6 CFM’s Internal Milestones for 2010..................................................................8 CFM 2010 Financial Overview ......................................................................10 Calendar ..............................................................................................................20 Agency News Missouri-bound Elk Pass First Health Test ....................................................14 Missouri’s Environmental Legacy ..................................................................16 MDC To Hold Public Forums On Preventing Invasive “Rock Snot” ............18 The People Of CFM List Of Affiliates ..............................................................................................11 Business Alliance Members ............................................................................11 Conservationists For Life ................................................................................12 CFM Staff ......................................................................................................12 CFM Board Members ....................................................................................13 Award Winners for 2009 ................................................................................13 New Members ................................................................................................30

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: Cardareva Bluff, Current River. ©2011 Glenn D. Chambers.

Mail Bag ................................................................................................................28 MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

Haunted By Waters emember how Thumper tapped his foot on the ice and proclaimed “Hey, the water’s stiff ”? All water outdoors today exists as a solid.

Early mornings with single digit temperatures, afternoons in the 20s — conditions conducive to healthy and growing ice. At times like this my senses are drawn irresistibly back to flowing waters experienced in the past. Their fresh and saturating fragrances, their hypnotizing and infinitely alluring beauty, their musical voices. In darkness preceding the vernal equinox my kinship is close enough to touch with Norman Maclean, both of us “haunted by waters.”

Were we Dutch, I suppose we might find respite in Elfstedentocht, the magnificent “Eleven Cities Tour” for speedskaters. Most likely the elegance of gliding on mirrored surfaces through manicured landscapes at incredible speed could fulfill some of what we miss about ripping currents. But the sounds and smells would fall short.

We might head for the Southern Hemisphere, were we of such means. Certainly the beauteous rivers of New Zealand or Chile would do.

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But it is hard for me to find time, even in the dead of winter, for weeks of travel. I confess to some propensity to sit in a dark room and be glued to a flat screen with wonderful footage from these Meccas of flyfishers. Still, it isn’t exactly like being there.

But for outright immediate solace, it is hard to beat what is available to each of us at the public library, or from our personal favorite bookshelf, or nowadays, via the internet or even on Kindle. Many a long, dreary, dark Swedish winter have I renewed my spirits in the waters of Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, or Haig-Brown’s A River Never Sleeps, or Middleton’s Rivers of Memory, or Babb’s River Music.

Stars Upstream by Master Conservationist Leonard Hall,

is every bit as good as any of the aforementioned in curing the late winter blues. Do yourself and all the rest of us a favor and read or reread this Missouri masterpiece. Personal awareness of the Current River, centerpiece of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, its history and character, is essential knowledge for each of us right now. The ONSR plan is in revision, and we owe serious consideration of the plan and our best performance in advocacy for the riverways to ourselves and to those generations yet to come.

As you read this, Ozark rainbows will have begun to brighten early spring outings in the trout parks again. Careful monitoring by MDC reveals that 14% of the total sportfishing activity in Missouri occurs in the less than 200 miles of Missouri trout streams. Considering that our state, where “The Rivers Run” is abundantly blessed with more than 56,000 miles of permanently flowing streams, and with countless ponds and lakes, that 14% figure is amazing! The intensity of demands and the vital importance of excellent management of our trout waters should be obvious to everyone. Next time

you creel a trout or better yet, catch-and-release one, be sure to thank Fisheries Division of MDC for the opportunity.

They have a well-conceived, effective trout plan and execute it to perfection. They manage the fisheries well.

Their partners in state parks and the James Foundation provide fantastic settings and all kinds of other groups serve as important partners in the endeavor. They say “it takes a village to raise a child” it takes all of us to produce Ozark rainbows — from permit buyers to citizens paying sales tax to all the aforementioned professionals.

We are all owner operators of conservation in Missouri.

We consistently demand the benefits. We should always be eager to do our part with the responsibilities.

The only certain way to cure cabin fever is to get outside. Do it immediately. Take someone along to share the adventure! Tell the story to others. Send us pictures and a note for Missouri Wildlife.

May every outdoor experience enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

—Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

Would you would like to be added to our electronic newsletter list?

Please email your name and email address to lcoleman@confedmo.org or call us toll free at 800-575-2322 2

MARCH 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello CFM Members recently had the opportunity to speak to the Appropriations Committee of the Missouri House of Representatives who oversee the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Conservation.

The members of this committee introduced themselves and shared a little about their backgrounds. As I listened it became very clear to me that most of these citizen representatives were farmers.

In my opening statement I spoke of a concern I have had for many years about the apparent antagonism between the farming community and conservation efforts both private and public.

This led to a lengthy discussion about land use, local owners/operators and urban dwellers who for example, purchase forty acres and visit rural communities on an infrequent basis.

I walked away with several impressions of these representatives but the one lasting impression was this: Those of us who don’t own land, perhaps at times take for granted our healthy deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and other Missouri wildlife populations, who reside on private property. These animals live or die as a consequence of having enough food, water and habitat, most of which is provided by private land owners.

During my college years (many moons ago) I lived on my uncle’s farm. Even as a

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young boy growing up in South St. Louis, I have fond memories of visiting my aunts and uncles in Southeast Missouri, where most were farmers. The first vehicle I ever drove was a tractor! I vividly remember my Uncle Joe and I picking up hay bales when I was still too short to reach the pedals. He would idol down the engine on the model M International Tractor letting me steer between the rows while he loaded the hay wagon behind us.

My first recollection of real work was feeding cattle and hogs, putting up hay, (at a penny a bale) hog and beef butchering and the list goes on. I do have a sense of where my Cheerios and favorite fast food burgers come from!

I encourage you to pause

and think about our landowners – farmers, ranchers and timber owners – because they do sacrifice some of their profit every year to the wildlife that share their property.

Remember the Missouri Department of Conservation holds in public trust only about two percent of our

cherished Missouri landscape.

If you know a farm family, take the time to thank them for their efforts to bring in a crop that helps sustain all of us through the years Yours in conservation, —Mike Schallon President, CFM

Walnut Tree Program • June 10 and 11 Tree Planting Demonstration, Managing Timber Sales, Black Walnut Plantation for Quality Nut Production Nussbaum and Martin Tree Farms Cape Girardeau, MO Tour demonstrations will cover tree planting, managed timber sale, managing selected cultivars of quality black walnut for nut production and an update on the threat of Thousand Cankers Disease hitting Missouri black walnut.

For pre-registration and more details of the tour, contact palmh@missouri.edu or Dennis Potter 573-808-0837 after May 1.

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Passing the Buick hen my dad passed away in 2006, I learned a few things about estate planning that I didn’t know. Until then, I was not familiar with Missouri’s Transfer On Death statute, or “TOD deeds.” My dad used this method to transfer ownership of a well preserved Buick Regal.

The TOD process is simple to initiate and the transfer to the beneficiary is immediate upon death. In 1989 Missouri became the first state to enact a TOD statute, and more than 300,000 TOD deeds have been recorded since that time.

If you have wildlife art, guns, a bass boat, vehicle, or any personal property that

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you’d like to give to CFM upon your death, give some thought to the TOD deed.

Even with this very simple tool, I highly recommend that you consult an attorney, and because I feel that way, I contacted one before writing this article.

I called a friend that I’d worked with on one particularly complicated estate gift years ago. I asked Greg Jones to consider writing an article about TOD deeds for our magazine, and told him that I wanted to focus on simple things that anyone could do to benefit CFM. His answer brought me to the second thing I learned about estate planning when my dad passed away — the

beneficiary of an IRA pays income tax. So while the TOD is a great tool for transferring property to a charity, your IRA might be the first asset you should consider giving.

Greg’s advice below provides a couple of easy, tax efficient ways to benefit CFM or any charity of your choosing.

Please let us know if you’ve named the Conservation Federation of Missouri as a beneficiary of your retirement assets, a life insurance policy or TOD deed. Any planned gift or bequest of any amount will qualify you for membership in our Edward K. Love Society, and we are eager to thank you and recognize your support for CFM. Please call the CFM office at 573-634-2322 if you’d like more information about the Edward K. Love Society or would like to discuss how you might benefit CFM with a planned gift.

—Matt Gaunt Director of Development, CFM

Planned Gifts Made Easy ften individuals wish to make a donation to a charity in their estate planning documents. Most, however, assume that they’ll need to amend their will or trust to do so — a process that may require multiple trips to an attorney’s office and hundreds of dollars in legal fees. While this is a very common way to make a gift to charity at your death, there are often easier, cheaper and more tax efficient ways to accomplish the same end.

Two simple ways to give.

Retirement assets are some of the most heavily-taxed assets when they pass to a family member. Consider,

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MARCH 2011

instead, naming your favored taxexempt charities as beneficiaries of part or all of your retirement assets. Since these organizations will not pay taxes on the receipt of retirement assets, they receive the full value of your gift. Other assets can then be given to your heirs, with a lower net tax burden.

In addition, if you have a change of heart about the charity, or if you wish to leave more or less to it, it is much easier to simply change the beneficiary designation on these retirement assets than it is to amend your will or trust.

Many people have existing life insurance policies that are no longer needed for their originally intended purposes.

Children have grown up, living expenses have decreased and mortgages have been paid.

Similar to designating a beneficiary for a retirement account, it is also usually much easier to name a charity as a beneficiary (or owner) of an old insurance policy than it is to go through the formalities and expense of changing a will or trust.

Contact your IRA or retirement plan administrator or your insurance company for the appropriate Change of Beneficiary Forms.

—Greg Jones, JD Jones & Watkins, LLC

Potterfield Donation Helps Create FOREVER Shooting Sports Program $1.27 million pledge triggers effort to get youth involved. heasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF) has received a $1.27 million pledge from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders of MidwayUSA, to launch its “FOREVER Shooting Sports Program”. The funding will help Pheasants Forever achieve its goal of developing a sustainable, comprehensive shooting sports program with its chapters and partners.

PFQF’s FOREVER Shooting Sports Program will utilize research-based recruitment and retention strategies to introduce up to 20,000 individuals annually to shooting sports through a variety of community based programs and events over the next five years. The program is off and running thanks to the first donation from the Potterfields of $250,000. Dick Leeper, Executive Director of the Midway USA Foundation, presented the check to PFQF at the organization’s National Pheasant Fest event this past month.

“This generous donation from the Potterfields is a direct reflection of the great work Pheasants Forever members, chapters, partners and staff are doing with our ‘No Child Left Indoors’ initiative,” said Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s National President and CEO, “We view the FOREVER

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Shooting Sports Program as a gateway to the outdoors, and a gateway to the world of wildlife habitat conservation.”

“Brenda and I, along with the rest of the folks at MidwayUSA, strongly believe in Pheasants Forever’s habitat mission,” said Larry Potterfield, “We’ve always believed in giving back to conservation organizations. We’re proud to factor in the creation of the FOREVER Shooting Sports Program and look forward to years of great shots and even greater conservationists.”

Models for successful shooting sports programs already exist within Pheasants Forever’s ranks. For example, the Mid MO Young Guns QF Chapter based out of Macon won the National No Child Left Indoors Award in 2009.

They annually hold 4 youth/women’s shooting events including a rabbit hunt, a pheasant hunt, a quail hunt and a raccoon hunt. They also hold a habitat day for youth that focuses on creating habitat on the Thomas Hill Conservation Area – a Quail Emphasis Area. The Mid MO Young Guns also have the privilege of having a youth member on the National Youth Leadership Council, PFQF’s answer to the disconnect with youth in the outdoors. The fact that youth help plan and facilitate Young

The National Youth Leadership Council at Pheasant Fest in January received a check from Dick Leeper, Executive Director of Midway USA Foundation.

Guns shooting events has helped recruit additional youth members, and it also helps the youth develop the leadership skills they will need as future Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever volunteer conservationists. Through the FOREVER Shooting Sports Program, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever plan to develop up to 10 such "Young Guns" programs annually.

Pheasants Forever also plans to make ammunition and incentive grants available to all 700-plus Pheasants For-

ever and Quail Forever chapters across the country as part of its FOREVER Shooting Sports Program.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters hold more than 500 youth events annually. Missouri Chapters host over 40 events per year for Missouri Youth. Missouri boasts 21 active QF chapter and 5 active PF chapters. For more information, contact Elsa Gallagher, Quail Forever Regional Biologist for Missouri at egallagher@quailforever.org or call 573-680-7115.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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CFM 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Conservation Federation Of Missouri’s Conservation Leadership Corps. Our national award winning youth leadership development program reached new heights this year. Fiftyseven students participated in the CFM Convention and wrote 15 of our 30 resolutions. In 2010 the number of Conservation Achievement Award Winners, or students in the program for at least a maximum of three years, exceeded 20. CLC representatives were included on every resource and standing committee within CFM. This year Montana began its CLC program, with

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our CLC students guiding the process. We recognize that our greatest responsibility is to prepare those who will follow us, and CLC shows everyone that CFM is succeeding on this with a world class performance.

State Parks Youth Corps. With monies we raised with the help of Missouri Department of Economic Development state tax credits, we were able to provide the equipment needed for this historic project in partnership with the Division of State Parks and Governor Jay Nixon. Over 1,200 Missouri youth worked all summer in our State Parks on priority projects of construction, maintenance and interpretation. Everything from shovels and tools to t-shirts and boots and a trailer to haul equipment in were provided. Best of all, these young people gained important work experience and learned the great value of our State Parks in the process.

3 Speaking up for our Natural Resources. In 2010, CFM: • Passed 30 resolutions at the Annual Convention calling action from many agencies and organizations.

• Facilitated at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference, a panel discussion of major agency directors on the status of their agencies and the challenges they must face.

• Drafted comments on several topics pertinent to new management plans for: – Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge; – the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; and, – the Mark Twain National Forest.

• Supported elk restoration in the targeted area of the eastern Ozarks.

• Produced and released our first e-newsletters.

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Teaming with Wildlife and Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy. In 2010, Teaming with Wildlife and Missouri’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy celebrated their 10th anniversary.

CFM continues to lead the citizen’s coalition in support of Teaming; this year we grew the coalition to over 275 organizations. The new website and new e-newsletters to the coalition members were launched in 2010.

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CFM 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Top 10 Achievements For 2010 Share The Harvest Program. CFM’s new partnership with the Food Bank Association of Missouri brought additional funding and allowed us to pay for the processing of over 5,500 deer this year. Due to this partnership and NAP credits obtained, in most cases processing costs were totally covered for hunters donating deer! In 2010, Share the Harvest Program provided in excess of 330,000 pounds of ground venison for needy families. Since the beginning of the program, the total deer meat donated by Missouri deer hunters is well over 2,000,000 pounds. By helping to manage the herd in high density areas and providing for those in need, our program in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and many businesses and organizations is a real winner!

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Rallying Citizens. In 2010, CFM: • Coordinated services for the first Woody Biomass Conference to consider expected challenges.

• Facilitated the establishment of the Forestry and Woodland Association of Missouri to inform, engage and empower landowners and all others who favor healthy, sustainable and productive forests.

• Participated in the conference to establish a Prescribed Fire Council in Missouri.

• Through our Outdoor Action Committee (OAKs), developed the plan for implementing the recommendations of A Summit on the Future of Missouri Outdoors hosted by CFM in 2009.

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Missouri Archery in the Schools Program (MOASP). This program is now in over 120 school districts in Missouri.

Thousands of kids are participating in what may be the best hunter recruitment activity ever! As partners with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Wild Turkey Federation, CFM helped fund equipment to many new districts in 2010. The second annual state competition nearly doubled in size to over 600 archers. Thanks to the generous support of Bass Pro Shops and the unique leadership commitment of their Columbia store manager, David Smith, MOASP is in the curriculum of every school district in Boone and Callaway Counties!

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Getting Families Outside. In 2010: • Governor Jay Nixon issued an executive order at CFM’s convention to encourage all state agencies and communities to promote the “Children in Nature Challenge.”

• CFM hosted a National Wildlife Federation webcast “Be Out There” event at Runge Nature Center in April.

• First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon invited CFM to participate in Harvest Fest in October at the Governor’s Mansion. We expected about 300 kids for this event, which replaced the historic “Haunted Mansion for Halloween” program in place for many years. Over 4,600 showed up for the day!

• In partnership with State Parks and the NWF, CFM hosted the “Great American Camp Out” at all Missouri State Parks on June 26, offering free camping for families.

• In partnership with Governor Nixon, the Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Missouri Department of Conservation, CFM hosted the second Missouri Governor’s Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for Youth. 15 young hunters participated in this event!

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Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.

2010 was a record year for sportsmen at the Missouri Capitol. 134 of the 197 General Assembly members joined the Caucus! The Caucus hosted a Hunter Education Class and a Concealed Carry Class for its members, and their staff and families. They cohosted the Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt and raised money for MOASP with the proceeds of their benefit shoot in April.

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Operation Game Thief/Operation Forest Arson. This was no doubt the best year so far in operations for this program. Smart phones, text messaging and continued development of investigation techniques available only through telecheck, combined to make a solid year of enforcement support possible. Awards totaling $12,750 were paid for information leading to arrests and convictions in 2010.

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CFM 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Conservation Federation Of Missouri’s Celebratio n o f o u r 75th An n iversary o n Septem ber 10, 2010, in Co lu m bia.

• Hosted a public show of Charles Schwartz’s art at Bass Pro in Columbia with the State Historical Society of Missouri.

• Held a gala event in the ballroom at the Tiger Hotel on CFM’s anniversary night, featuring speeches

by Governor Jay Nixon, Bob Priddy of MissouriNet and Bill Crawford, Master Conservationist, who is the only living attendee of our 1935 organizational meeting.

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Biggest an d Best C o n ven tio n in Years.

In 2010, CFM had its biggest and best convention in years at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. We had record attendance, successful fund-raising and fun activities.

Governor & First Lady Nixon, Johnny Morris and Chuck Drury attended and actively participated this year. Our Annual Convention is the last weekend in February.

Ren o vatio n o f th e Bo ard Ro o m in th e Sto n e H o u se at CF M H eadqu arters.

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Thanks to generous donations from the Addlemans, the Wood Family, Randy Washburn and a special price from our contractor, Joe Ford, this much needed project was completed with no additional expense to CFM. Drop by and see it for yourself.

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New M em ber So ftware.

Our outdated software had not been upgraded since 2000. With new software, we are able to provide better and more efficient service to our members, donors and partners.

CFM 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Internal Milestones For 2010

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L arge Scale Direct M ail Cam paign .

This year end, CFM made its first attempt in years at a large scale direct mail campaign for membership recruitment.

With our new software, we are able to handle large files efficiently and can now continue to develop, expand and refine our prospect list.

Spo rtin g Clay To u rn am en t at River H ills.

This year, the Sporting Clay Tournament had a record number of shooters (103) and station sponsors (44), resulting in record fund raising success ($9,000 net).

The shoot is generally held on a middle weekend in August and continues to expand and improve each year.

6 Oh, By The Way, This Year We Also:

Fall Co n feren ce at L ake O zark State Park.

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This year the Fall Conference was better than ever! Emphasis was placed on the history and mission of CFM and the status of State Parks. A successful work day on Saturday resulted in attendees completing all projects prepared by the State Parks staff.

1. Represented you at all hearings at the Capitol relevant to outdoor legislation.

2. Attended all Missouri Conservation Commission meetings and many committee meetings of interest within Missouri Department of Conservation.

3. Worked in close partnership with all agencies relating to our mission, both State (Missouri Departments of Agriculture, Health & Senior Services, Natural Resources, and Office of Administration) and Federal (United States Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Department of Agriculture).

4. Recognized outstanding contributions of citizens and professionals through our annual Conservationist of the Year Awards Program.

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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CFM 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

CFM Financial Overview 2010 Income IProgram $919,157 Grants/Scholarship $87,920 Fundraising $127,992 Meetings $56,906 Membership Dues $186,654 Publications and Advertising $7,190 Miscellaneous $68,017 $1,453,836

2010 Expenditures Programs Grants/Scholarship Fundraising Meetings Membership Publications Miscellaneous Capital Improvements Operating Payroll

$491,654 $19,202 $54,210 $51,003 $57,312 $39,020 $4,369 $15,224 $33,248 $276,845 $1,042,087

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THE PEOPLE OF CFM

CFM Affiliates Anglers of Missouri Big Game Hunters Bridlespur Hunt Club Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve Festus/Crystal City Conservation Club Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Greenway Network Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club Meramec Area Sportsman’s Association Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Atlatl Association Missouri BASS Federation Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Missouri Bow Hunters Association Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Missouri Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Department of Agriculture Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Hunter Education Instructor’s Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association

Missouri Park & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Society of American Foresters Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State University Student Wildlife Society Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Monett Sportsman's League MU Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society Northside Conservation Federation Open Space Council Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman's Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. River Relief, Inc. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Saint James Civic Club Saint Louis Audubon Society Southside Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman's Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club Wonders of Wildlife

Business Alliance Members Platinum:

Basic:

Bass Pro Shops Shelter Insurance Drury Hotels

Aaron’s Boats & Motors ArdPark Cabins Bee Rock Land, LLC Bolin Auto and Truck Parts C. J. Thomas Company Cap America Cequel III Citizens Telephone Company Columbia Daily Tribune Commerce Bank Columbia Market Culligan Water of Columbia Denny Dennis Sporting Goods

Silver: Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc. Gray Manufacturing Company Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling and Plumbing James T. Blair IV Pyramid Home Health Services

Evans Equipment Farmer’s Coop Elevator Association Les Bourgeois Vineyards McRoberts Farm, Inc. Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Michaelanne, Inc. Paradigm Financial Advisors Quality Forest Management REMAX Boone Realty Sierra Bullets Suddenlink Communications Tabor Plastic Company The Bank of Missouri Wood Land & Cattle, LLC MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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THE PEOPLE OF CFM

Life Members Charles Abele, Saint Louis R. Phillip Acuff, Saint Joseph Duane Addleman, Springfield Nancy Addleman † Nancy Addleman, Springfield Tom Addleman, Harrisonville James Agnew, Arnold Allan Appell, Calhoun Richard Ash, Saint Charles Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin Michael Baker, DeSoto 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 Bill Crawford Columbia Ryan Diener, Marthasville Joe G. Dillard, Columbia Ron Douglas, Springfield John Enderle, Kelso Howard Fisher, Higginsville Mary Louise Fisher, Higginsville Andrew Fleming, Columbia Howard Fleming, Moberly Lori Fleming, Columbia Matt Fleming, Columbia Paula Fleming, Columbia Sara Fleming, Moberly Matt Gaunt, Columbia Timothy Gordon, Belgrade Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph James Hill, Mexico Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill John Hoskins, Fremont Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis

Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City Don Johnson, Festus Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg Roger & Debbie Johnson, Humansville Tom Karl, Farmington Cosette Kelly, Kansas City Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs Elizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NC Jeff Kolb, Weldon Spring Carl Kurz, Leawood, KS Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City Larry Lackamp, Bates City Kyle Lairmore, Owensville Jay Law † Gerald Lee, Kansas City Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis John Lewis, Columbia Leroy Logan, Arnold Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell Ike Lovan, Steelville Chip McGeehan, Marshfield Teresa McGeehan, Marshfield Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Cynthia Metcalfe, Saint Louis Davis Minton, Dexter Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City John Moore, Jr., Springfield Johnny Morris, Springfield John & Patricia Mort, Smithville David Murphy, Columbia Dean Murphy, Jefferson City First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson City Governor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City Larry & Nancy O’Reilly, Springfield Austin Owens, Lebanon Jeff Owens, Marshfield Sara Parker Pauley, Hartsburg Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Jan Phillips, Saint Louis Jerry Presley, Centertown Albert Price, Columbia Nick Prough, Harrisonville

Staff Micaela Haymaker, Office Manager Matt Gaunt, Director of Development Laurie Coleman, Membership Associate/Managing Editor Amy Buechler, Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Dave Murphy, Executive Director 12

MARCH 2011

Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland Fred Saylor, Independence Mike Schallon, Wentzville Mossie Schallon, Wentzville Timothy Schwent, Jackson George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis Sara Seidler, Saint Louis Gary & Susanna Smith, Neosho M. W. Sorenson, Columbia Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove Charles & Winnie Stribling, Mexico Mary Stuppy, Joplin Mark Sullivan † Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Jeff (J. T.) Tillman, Lake Ozark Barbara van Benschoten, Kansas City Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Julius Wall, Clinton Randy Washburn, Jefferson City Henry J. Waters III, Columbia Robert Werges, Arnold Mark Williams, Lawson Michael Wilson, Saint Louis Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Brenda Witter, Holts Summit Dan Witter, Holts Summit Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Joyce Wood, Terre Du Lac Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Jim Zieger, Blue Springs Emily Ziehmer, California Robert Ziehmer, California Ethan Zuck, Strafford Guy Zuck, Strafford

† deceased

THE PEOPLE OF CFM

Board Members Officers: President: Mike Schallon, Wentzville First Vice President: Duane Addleman, Springfield Second Vice President: Richard Ash, Saint Charles Secretary: Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Treasurer: Randy Washburn, Jefferson City

Board of Directors: Mike Baker, DeSoto Marvin Behnke, Saint Louis Jim Blair, Clayton Gerry Boehm, O’Fallon Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Earl Cannon, Jefferson City Jerry Castillon, Ellisville Glenn Chambers, Columbia Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Dittmer Charlie Davidson, Jefferson City Chuck Drury, Saint Louis Howard Fisher, Higginsville Howard Fleming, Moberly Elsa Gallagher, Excello R. Jack Garrett, West Plains Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs Donald Harris, Springfield Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Bill Hilgeman, Manchester C.W. Hook, Higginsville Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles Steve Jarvis, Jefferson City

Don Johnson, Festus Duane Kelly, Kansas City Marty King, University City Judd Kirkham, Climax Springs John Knudsen, Hermann Ann Kutscher, Jefferson City Grace Leinberger, Linn Joel LeMaster, Fulton Norman Leppo, Saint Louis Leroy Logan, Arnold Ike Lovan, Steelville C.F. Luebbert, Tipton Ranney McDonough, Poplar Bluff Richard Mendenhall, Columbia Arnold Meysenburg, Lees Summit John Neporadny, Lake Ozark Tom Noyes, Lathrop Frank Oberle, Novinger Sara Parker Pauley, Hartsburg Rod Pennington, Rogersville Albert Phillips, Saint Louis Charley Ponciroli, Brentwood Nick Prough, Harrisonville Winnie Runge Stribling, Mexico Tom Russell, Columbia

Mossie Schallon, Wentzville George Seek, Meadville E. “Sy” Seidler, Saint Louis Chad Shoemaker, Mexico Ed Stegner, Pilot Grove Dennis Stubbs, Festus Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Tim Thompson, LakeSaint Louis Jeff (J.T.) Tillman, Lake Ozark Linda Tossing, Saint Louis Susan Trautman, Saint Louis Tim Turpin, Columbia Gary Van DeVelde, Jefferson City Al Vogt, Columbia Wallis Warren, Beaufort James Washabaugh, Jefferson City Tom Westhoff, Montgomery City Robert Wilson, Eolia Dan Witter, Holts Summit Matt Wolken, Greentop Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Jim Zieger, Blue Springs

Award Winners For 2009 Conservationist of the Year Charles Drury, Creve Coeur

Forest Conservationist Terry Cunningham, Salem

Conservation Communicator Ray Eye, Dittmer

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Douglas Eiken, California Dan Witter, Holts Summit

Conservation Educator Katy Schrader, Joplin Water Conservationist Bill Miller, Goodman Mark Van Patten, Tebbetts

Professional Conservationist Denny Bopp, Lebanon Wildlife Conservationist Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland

Chuck Drury MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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AGENCY NEWS

Missouri-bound Elk Pass First Health Test Ongoing testing will ensure local wildlife and livestock remain healthy. lk earmarked to form the nucleus of a restored herd in southeastern Missouri have passed one of several health tests necessary before coming to their new home.

A veterinary health workup of elk Jan. 25 marked the start of a 90-day quarantine period to ensure the animals’ health.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) worked with the Missouri State Veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture to develop the elk health protocols, which are more stringent than any that apply to livestock brought into Missouri.

MDC worked with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFW) to trap the elk. The two agencies are conducting veterinary tests at a holding pen on the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Kentucky.

In order to draw blood and administer bovine tuberculosis (TB) tests, the elk are run though a squeeze chute like those used when working cattle. All the elk passed the first round of TB testing.

PHOTOS BY MDC

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All the elk being held in Kentucky for Missouri's elk-restoration program passed the first round of testing for bovine tuberculosis.

“That is a good first step,” said MDC Resource Scientist Jason Sumners. “We will retest in late April to be double sure they are TB-free. In the meantime, we have several other

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s elk restoration plan is available at www.MissouriConservation.org 14

MARCH 2011

tests to perform to be sure the elk we bring to Missouri are healthy.”

Sumners said the next test veterinarians will perform on Missouri’s elk is for chronic wasting disease (CWD). He expects that work, which uses tiny tissue samples from lymph nodes on the animals’ hindquarters, to be done in March.

“This test is not yet certified by veterinary health officials,” said Sumners. “In fact,

there is no approved live test for CWD. However, this is the best tool we have to detect CWD in live animals, and we feel it is a prudent measure to protect Missouri’s wild and captive deer.”

Testing for other diseases currently is underway on blood samples. These tests will check for anaplasmosis, brucellosis, bovine viral diarrhea, vesicular stomatitis, epizootic hemorrhagic disease and blue tongue.

AGENCY NEWS Sumners said the handling necessary for these tests is extremely stressful for the elk.

“These are truly wild animals,” said Sumners. “They do their best to avoid people, and they can injure themselves or others as they try to avoid being herded into confined spaces. We try to minimize this danger, but a few injuries are inevitable.”

Sumners said MDC has had to euthanize several elk because of injuries and from capture myopathy, a condition that affects elk and whitetailed deer when they are trapped and handled. Fortyone elk remain in the holding pen in Kentucky.

All elk that die at the holding pen are examined to determine the cause of death. They also are tested for CWD. Sumners said that approximately 10 percent of wild elk cows in Kentucky die each year from natural causes. Most of this annual mortality occurs during the winter. While losses among the captured elk have been higher than natural winter mortality, Sumners said this was expected.

“Any time you trap elk or deer you lose some,” he said. “I expect the losses to decrease as the remaining animals settle down.”

Sumners said wild elk’s sensitivity to human disturbance is one of the reasons MDC restricts access to the holding pen in Kentucky and will continue to do so while the animals are in a holding pen at Peck Ranch Conservation Area this spring. Elk viewing will be unrestricted

once the elk are released into the elk-restoration zone.

“We would like to allow public viewing,” said Sumners, “However, other states’ experience has shown the importance of limiting as much as possible. Even a few people around a holding pen make elk skittish. We have to keep that kind of disturbance to a minimum for the animals’ safety.”

Missouri’s elk have been fitted with ear tags and with tiny, implanted identification tags like those on pets. Each elk brought to Missouri also will receive a radio collar before being released into the 346square mile elk-restoration zone covering parts of Carter, Reynolds and Shannon counties. This will enable MDC to track their movements.

—Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

Above: Elk receive inoculations to kill parasites, along with ear tags for identification.

Below: Following their veterinary health work-ups,elk are released back into their holding pen.

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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AGENCY NEWS

Missouri's Environmental Legacy am delighted to be back at Missouri Department of Natural Resources. I grew up outdoors — hunting and fishing in the Ozarks with my grandparents and my parents — so caring for and respecting Missouri's outstanding natural resources is a value that goes back generations in my family.

As a CFM Conservationist for Life, I appreciate the value of Missouri’s priceless natural and cultural resources and the importance of preserving, protecting and improving this

I

legacy. I also believe that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. With the help of stakeholders, we can promote sound environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development for the 21st century.

Next month, we will celebrate the 41st anniversary of Earth Day. Gaylord A. Nelson, a former governor and U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, created the first Earth Day back on April 22, 1970 as a method to increase environmental awareness.

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Order yours today! Just call CFM toll-free at (800) 575-2322.

16

MARCH 2011

It’s hard to believe that it was only four decades ago that some rivers in this country were so polluted they caught fire. Some days, the air was so contaminated with pollutants that big cities sometime urged people to stay home from work and kids from school because the air was dangerous to breathe.

Sen. Nelson did not want to leave this legacy for his children. He believed we needed a comprehensive and nationwide program that would save the national resources of America.

Sen. Nelson helped build the foundation for environmental law such as the Environmental Protection Act and the Clean Air Act, which began in 1970, and the Clean Water Act, which began in 1972.

Two years later in 1974, the people in our state recognized how important it was to protect and preserve our part of the world, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources was created.

It was the stakeholders and citizens in Missouri who ultimately decided what and how they wanted to protect and improve Missouri’s natural resources back then. Today, those same stakeholders and citizen groups continue to help us decide the future legacy of the department.

My experience in the private sector as well as in government has made it clear to me that public policy works best when all stakeholders work together. I look forward

to working with the business community, members of the legislature, the public and the environmental community to make Missouri a leader in renewable energy, in resource conservation, and in protecting our outdoor heritage for generations to come.

The remarkable success of Earth Day grew from the seed Sen. Nelson planted back in 1970 and has continued to grow and flourish to this day.

We’ve come a long way since we celebrated the first Earth Day and we continue to learn how to improve environmental protection using new technologies and through better understanding.

What will the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri’s environmental legacy be in the next 30, 40 or 50 years?

Thirty years ago, Fred Lafser was the director of the department. In the first issue of the department’s Missouri Resources magazine, Lafser spoke of the importance of stimulating the economy, resource development, envi-

SCOTT MYERS

AGENCY NEWS

Missouri’s abundant and glorious natural resources will continue to provide a valuable quality of life for generations to come.

ronmental compromise, fair and equitable environmental controls and quick service.

Even though the department has made tremendous progress over the years, all of these issues still apply to what we are dealing with today and most likely will in the next 30 years.

Learning from the past has and will help the agency improve its processes and move forward in a positive direction. While the past is not always perfect, the department will continue to aim for success above all else.

A successful future

includes protecting our resources while growing the economy. I plan to balance my government background and my private industry background and hopefully provide that benefit to the state and its resources.

Together, we will ensure Missouri’s abundant and glorious natural resources will continue to provide a valuable quality of life for generations to come.

This is no small task. We need your help. Help us protect Missouri’s natural resources by getting involved in environmental issues and

supporting the department in its mission to protect, preserve and enhance Missouri’s natural, cultural and energy resources.

The department’s publication Missouri Resources informs its readers about important natural resources issues and how they are being addressed. If you would like to receive a free subscription to the magazine, log on to the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov/magazine.

Earth Day serves as an opportunity to rekindle our flame for environmental protection. It is to raise aware-

ness of local environmental issues and keep the flame going throughout the year.

People all across Missouri, the country and the world will show their respect for the planet by remembering how important it is to protect the environment during upcoming Earth Day events. I would like to encourage everyone in Missouri to stand with me and make everyday Earth Day — what a wonderful legacy to leave to our children and grandchildren.

—Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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AGENCY NEWS

MDC To Hold Public Forums On Preventing Invasive “Rock Snot” Alga smothers aquatic life vital to the food chain that supports fish such as trout. he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold public openhouse forums in March and April to help educate anglers and boaters about the dangers of “didymo” or “rock snot.”

This invasive alga forms large, thick mats on the bottom of lakes and streams, smothering aquatic life vital to the food chain that supports many fish species, including trout. Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) has been found just south of the Missouri-Arkansas border in the White River.

According to MDC Fisheries Biologist Mark VanPatten, preventing the spread of this invasive species is critical to the health of Missouri’s lakes and streams. He added that recreational equipment such as boats, lifejackets, and fishing gear -- particularly waders -- are the most likely ways for Didymo to spread into Missouri.

“In addition to educating anglers and boaters about the threats of Didymo, we are considering potential regulation 18

MARCH 2011

MDC

T

The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold public forums to discuss measures necessary to prevent the spread of the invasive alga didymo or “rock snot”.

changes to prevent the spread of this invasive alga,” said VanPatten. “Public input in this process is very important.”

Public meetings will be held at or near the following fish hatcheries: • Montauk State Park: Searcy Building, Tuesday, March 15, 6 p.m.

• Bennett Spring State

Park: Hatchery Building, Monday, March 21, 6 p.m.

• Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery – Lake Tanyecomo: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Dewey Short Visitor Center at Table Rock Dam, Saturday, March 26, 1 p.m.

• Roaring River State Park: Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, Thursday,

April 7, 6 p.m.

• Maramec Spring Park: James Memorial Library Meeting Room, 300 W. Scioto St. in St. James, Monday, April 11, 6 p.m.

To help reduce the spread of Didymo, remember, “Check. Clean. Dry.” See Alga on next page

AGENCY NEWS

Join the CFM Business Alliance today!

Alga from previous page Check all gear and equipment and remove any visible algae. Do not dispose of algae by putting it down a drain or into bodies of water.

Clean all gear and equipment with a solution of 2-percent bleach, 5-percent saltwater, or dishwashing detergent. Allow all equipment to stay in contact with the solution for at least one minute. Soak all soft items, such as felt-soled waders and life jackets, in the solution for at least 20 minutes.

Dry all gear and equipment

for at least 48 hours by exposing it to sunlight.

VanPatten added that replacing felt-soled waders with waders that have rubber or synthetic soles can also minimize the risk of spreading rock snot and other invasive species.

For more information about the meetings, contact VanPatten at 573-751-4115 ext. 3892 or send email to mark.vanpatten@mdc.mo.gov.

—Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

Check the annual member category you prefer: $250—Basic $5,000—Gold

$1,000—Silver $10,000—Platinum

CFM Business Alliance members will receive a one-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, recognition in each issue of Missouri Wildlife and a CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www.confedmo.org to sign up online

Business Name: __________________________ Contact 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.

We also accept MasterCard, Visa, or Discover below or online at www.confedmo.org

Credit card number: ______________________ Expiration date: __________________________ Signature of cardholder: __________________ MISSOURI WILDLIFE

19

CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS A F F I L I AT E E V E NT S B I G G A M E H UNT E R S MAR 4: Foundation Auction, The Falls Reception Center, Columbia, IL (5:00pm); Jay Ernst (314) 691-7833 CA P I TA L CI T Y F LY F I SH E R S MAR 1: Trout Season Opens Statewide MAR 3: Winter Fly Tying Session 9, Runge Nature Center – Forest Room, Jefferson City (6:00pm – 8:00pm) MAR 3: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) MAR 8: Board of Directors Meeting, First Baptist Church – Room 101 (6:00pm) MAR 8: Membership Meeting, First Baptist Church – Room 101 (7:00pm) MAR 10: Winter Fly Tying Session 10, Runge Nature Center – Forest Room, Jefferson City (6:00pm – 8:00pm) MAR 17: Teach a Vet to Tie, Veterans Hospital – Conference Room C201, Columbia (3:00pm) G R E E NW AY NE T WO R K MAR 1: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 1: Mother Nature’s Expert Witness: PhytoForensics Academy of Science Seminar, High School Keating Theater, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 8:30pm) MAR 2: Re-Energizing America: Renewable Energy Solutions for the Future – Academy of Science Seminar, The Living World – North Side of Zoo, Saint Louis (7:30pm – 9:00pm); (314) 533-8586 MAR 6: Missouri Stream Team Industry Workshop Registration Deadline MAR 11: Healthy Yards for Clear Streams Workshop, University

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MARCH 2011

of Missouri Extension Center, Saint Peters (6:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 18: Healthy Yards for Clear Streams Workshop, University of Missouri Extension Center, Saint Peters (6:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 22: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Powell Hall – Saint Louis Symphony, Saint Louis (8:00pm – 10:00pm); (314) 533-7888 APR 5: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm) APR 14: Missouri Stream Team Introductory Workshop, Quail Ridge Park Lodge, Wentzville (8:30am – 5:00pm); Susan Higgins (573) 526-1002 or (800) 781-1989 APR 17: Earth Day Celebration, Forest Park (10:00am – 6:00pm) H E AV E N’ S A NG L E R S MAR 3: Club Meeting, West County Assembly of God Church, Chesterfield MAR 31: Club Meeting, West County Assembly of God Church, Chesterfield APR 2: Club Tournament, Clearwater Lake APR 7: Club Meeting, West County Assembly of God Church, Chesterfield APR 29: Help a Child Charity Tournament, Truman Lake M I D M I SSO UR I T RO UT UNL I M I T E D MAR 1: Regular Monthly Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) APR 5: Regular Monthly Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) M I SSI SSI P P I VA L L E Y D UCK H UNT E R S A SSO CI AT I O N MAR 9: Guest Speaker Johnny Belz of Ducks Unlimited MAR 11-13: Trout Fishing, Lake Taneycomo MAR 28: Monthly Board Meet-

ing, American Legion APR 13: Annual Fish Fry, American Legion APR 25: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion M I SSO UR I A SSO CI AT I O N O F M E AT P RO CE SSO R S MAR 4-6: Convention and Trade Show, Holiday Inn Select Executive Center, Columbia M I SSO UR I B A SS F E D E R AT I O N APR 9: Directors Meeting, Shriner’s Club, Hermitage (9:00am) APR 10: 22nd Annual Open – Buddy Bass Tournament Spring Fling – CFM Benefit, Pomme De Terre Lake – Hermitage State Park Ramp, Blue Springs (7:00am – 3:00pm); (816) 228-2585 M I SSO UR I D UCK S UNL I M I T E D MAR 5: Franklin County Dinner, Knights of Columbus Hall, Washington (5:30pm – 10:00pm); Derek Gildehaus (636) 221-2145 MAR 5: Christian County Chapter Dinner, Event Center, Nixa (5:30pm – 10:00pm); Jason Prichard (417) 234-4096, Sean Lambeth (417) 840-7583 or Jared Doty (417) 766-1826 MAR 5: Lee’s Summit – Glenn Chambers Membership Dinner, Gun Club, Lake Lotawana (5:30pm – 10:00pm); Steve Kelley (891) 320-7562 or Gene Cole (816) 797-9905 MAR 11: Callaway County Dinner, Saint Peters Auditorium, Fulton (5:00pm – 10:00pm); Alan Finke (573) 642-1025 MAR 12: Membership Dinner, The Civic, Neosho (5:30pm – 9:30pm); Chris Endicott (417) 540-2855 or Ron Wright (417) 451-0008 MAR 12: Membership Dinner, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy (5:30pm – 10:00pm); Todd Keithly (636) 262-6681 MAR 18-20: State Convention, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark; Wayne Plybon (573) 387-4527 or Ginny Zinck (660) 826-1843 MAR 26: Saltwater Dinner, Heartland Banquet Center,

Moberly (4:30pm – 10:00pm); Dale Hartman (660) 346-8401 or Sherree Duclue (660) 2954628 MAR 26: Membership Dinner, Ray Zumwalt Expo Center, Lake Stockton (6:00pm – 9:30pm); Denise Smith (417) 276-6732 or Don Chubb (417) 399-7557 APR 2: Sponsor Dinner, Butcher’s Block, Joplin (5:30pm – 9:30pm); Billy Cartright (417) 673-7381 or Collin Swift (417) 456-0643 APR 2: Kids and Wetlands Green Wings Day, August Busch Wildlife Area, Saint Charles (10:00am – 3:00pm); Dan Crigler (636) 441-4554 or Todd Carlton (573) 893-7449 APR 29: Mid-County – Show-me State Blackducks Dinner, Andre’s South, Saint Louis (6:00pm – 10:00pm); Eddie Whiting (314) 450-6420 or John Weddle (314) 302-2188 M I SSO UR I H UNT I NG H E R I TAG E F E D E R AT I O N MAR 4-6: Hunter Education Clinic – Chukar Hunt, Hedge Hollow Ranch MAR 13: Board of Director Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence M I SSO UR I NAT I O NA L W I L D T UR K E Y F E D E R AT I O N F UND R A I SI NG B A NQ UE T S MAR 3: Swampeast Strutters, United Methodist Church, Charleston; George Curtis (573) 427-9112 MAR 4: Osage Prairie Thunderin’ Toms, Eagles Lodge, Nevada; Bruce Rogers (417) 876-2521 MAR 4: Reynolds County Struttin Gobblers, Reynolds County Fairgrounds, Redford; Gary Black (573) 637-9344 MAR 5: Capitol City Strutters, Donita’s Banquet Center, Jefferson City; John Slicker (573) 680-5903 MAR 5: Heartland Gobblers, Holiday Inn, Poplar Bluff; Chuck Stewart (573) 222-7182 MAR 5: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs, Lions Club, Potosi; Bill Glore (573) 701-8650 MAR 5: Platte Purchase, Ameri-

CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS can Legion Hall, Saint Joseph; Edward Heisel (816) 253-9583 MAR 5: Sho-Me, Knights of Columbus Hall, Springfield; Matthew Kramer (417) 8874455 MAR 10: Current River Longbeards, South Missouri Baptist Assembly, Van Buren; Dale Kipp (573) 429-6589 MAR 11: Carroll County Longbeards, Rupe Center, Carrollton; Joe McCumber (660) 3220801 MAR 11: Lake of the Ozarks Chapter, Community Center, Stover; Kurt Heisler (573) 3786032 MAR 11: Nolan R. Hutcheson Memorial, Golden Hills Trail Rides, Raymondville; Bud Bryant (417) 217-1468 MAR 11: Stealth Gobblers, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Warrensburg; Byron McMurphy (660) 429-2961 MAR 12: Hickory County Jakes and Jennies, Hickory County Senior Center, Wheatland; David Wright (417) 722-4488 MAR 12: Lead Belt Longbeards, Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Farmington; Michael Mahurin (573) 431-2808 MAR 12: Randolph County Longbeards, Saint Pius X Gymnasium, Moberly; Larry Terry (660) 651-8636 MAR 12: Yellow Creek Gobblers, Walsworth Community Building, Marceline; Ken Polley (660) 258-5340 MAR 18: Lake Show-me Longbeards, VFW Post 4958, Memphis; Dorsey Swearingen (660) 892-4596 MAR 18: Parkville Gobblers, Athletic Complex, Parkville; John Shene (816) 365-2853 MAR 18: Rock Top Limbhangers, Armory, West Plains; Brad McKee (417) 469-0577 MAR 18: Spring River Toms, Memorial Hall, Carthage; Jerry Hartman (417) 793-0310 MAR 19: Moniteau Monarchs,

Community Building, Jamestown; Brian Hill (573) 796-3885 MAR 19: Nemo, American Legion Hall, Palmyra; Dan Minor (573) 822-4779 MAR 19: River Hills Thunderin’ Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomsdale; Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 MAR 25: Lafayette County Longbeards, Community Center, Odessa; Troy McNeel (816) 365-8312 MAR 25: Marshfield Full Strutters, Marshfield Buildings, Marshfield; Gary Shaffer (417) 741-2006 MAR 25: Pike County Twin River, Elks Lodge, Louisiana; Timothy Brooks (573) 7546692 MAR 26: Big River Gobblers, Knights of Columbus Hall, House Springs; Brad Crum (314) 713-2398 MAR 26: Hocomo Big Beards, Saint Josephs Hall, Fayette; Gene Smith (660) 537-4667 MAR 26: North Central Missouri Local, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe; Matt Holder (660) 707-1828 APR 1: Boonslick Trail Gobblers, Community Building, Jonesburg; Dan Robb (800) 8110991 APR 1: Muddy Creek Gobblers, Thiebaud Auditorium, Lamar; David Darrow (417) 884-2320 APR 1: Platte City Longspurs, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy; Paul Lowry (816) 4310323 APR 2: Four Rivers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Washington; Eldo Meyer (573) 484-3102 APR 2: Kirksville Ridge Runners, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville; Josh Meyer (660) 665-4300 APR 2: Saline County Strutters, Saint Peters School, Marshall; Joe Pycke (660) 631-3407 APR 8: Triple B Chapter – Buffalo Big Birds, Shriner’s Building, Buffalo; Alan Daniels (417)

345-6730 APR 9: Fabius River Fantails, Knights of Columbus Hall, Edina; Adam Doerhoff (660) 216-4277 APR 15: Osage Gobblers, Knights of Columbus Hall, Westphalia; Steve Brune (573) 897-2211 APR 16: Great Rivers Longspurs, The Boeing Machinist Building, Hazelwood; Brian Duckett (314) 574-9213 APR 16: Little Platte Longbeards, Community Center, Lathrop; Haden Darr (816) 296-1231 APR 16: State Fair Strutters, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia; Barry Barnes (660) 826-9365 APR 21: Polk County Hillbilly Longbeards, Smith’s Restaurant, Bolivar; Rick Lowry (417) 326-6556 APR 22: Green Hills, National Guard Armory, Trenton; Scott Roy (660) 359-3399 APR 23: Gentry County Gobblers, Community Center, Stanberry; Tim Runde (660) 9372580 APR 23: Lake Area Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Camdenton; Charles McElyea (573) 216-2769 APR 29: Mid America Chapter, The Cashew, Kansas City; Steven Moore (816) 309-1150 APR 30: Grindstone Gobblers, Community Center, Cameron; John Hahn (816) 449-5613 JA K E S F I E L D DAY S MAR 18-20: Sugar Creek Gobblers, Exeter; Dan Fuller (417) 439-8594 MAR 19: Rhine Valley Chapter, Rod and Gun Club, Hermann; Gary Scheidigger (573) 2001339 APR 9-10: Ozark Greenway Thundering Gobblers, Willard; Carrie Bussard (417) 8270782 APR 9: Twin Lake Longspurs, High School Gymnasium, Bolivar; Lloyd Buckner (417) 7771178 APR 16: Bunt Cumbea Laclede County, Shooting Complex, High Prairie; Cindy Jones (417)

589-6831 W H E E L I N SP O RT SM A NS E V E NT S APR 9: Disabled Accessible Youth Spring Turkey, Rogersville; Cody Wilson (417) 838-2451 APR 30: Spring Turkey Hunt, Bois D’Arc – Andy Dalton MDC, Ash Grove; Matthew Kramer (417) 887-4455 WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS MAR 25-26: Platte Purchase – Camp Gieger, Saint Joseph; Sherry Hill (816) 992-3650 APR 15: Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge Ladies Day, Forrest City; Lori Stickler (660) 446-2336 APR 29-MAY 1: Ladies Turkey Hunt, North West Missouri Outfitters, Denver; Karla Ledom (816) 582-2241 M I SSO UR I PA R K & R E CR E AT I O N A SSO CI AT I O N MAR 8: Quarterly Board of Directors Meeting, Saint Louis (10:00am – 12:00pm) MAR 8-11: Conference and Expo, Hilton at the Ballpark, Saint Louis MAR 29-31: National Playground Safety Institute, Memorial Hall, Saint Charles; Tim McNamera (888) 222-7529 M I SSO UR I P R A I R I E F O UNDAT I O N MAR 5: Invasive and Nuisance Species Workshop, Burr Oak Nature Center, Blue Springs (9:00am – 2:00pm); Mark Van Patten (573) 522-4115 ext.

3892 APR 23: Annual Spring Plant Sale, City Market, Kansas City (7:00am – 1:00pm); Doris Sherrick (816) 779-6708 APR 30: Annual Spring Plant Sale, City Market, Kansas City (7:00am – 1:00pm); Doris Sherrick (816) 779-6708 M I SSO UR I SM A L L M O UT H A L L I A NCE MAR 16: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS APR 20: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 M I SSO UR I TA X I D E R M I ST A SSO CI A TIO N JAN 22: The Winter Seminar, Curt Shahan’s Woodland Wonders Taxidermy Studio M I SSO UR I T RO UT F I SH E R M E N’ S A SSO CI AT I O N MAR 3: Regular Club Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) APR 7: Regular Club Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) M I SSO UR I W H I T E TA I L S UNL I M I T E D MAR 5: Mid-Missouri Deer Camp, Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia MAR 12: Area Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City MAR 19: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Monett MAR 26: Long Branch Chapter Banquet, Expo Center, Macon APR 1: Audrain County Chapter Banquet, Audrain County 4H Building, Mexico APR 16: Disabled Freedom Hunt Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Boonville

O Z A R K F LY F I SH E R S MAR 1: Membership Class, Powder Valley Nature Center (6:30pm – 9:00pm) MAR 5: Go Fish Trout Program, Suson Park and Busch Wildlife (2:00pm – 4:00pm) MAR 8: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) MAR 17-19: Sowbug Roundup, Mountain Home, AR MAR 24: General Membership Meeting, Queeny Park MAR 26: Go Fish Trout Program, Suson Park and Busch Wildlife (2:00pm – 4:00pm) MAR 26: Chili Tie-In, Marlin’s Club House, Manchester APR 2: General Meeting, Government Center, Creve Coeur APR 6: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) APR 9: Water Quality Monitoring, Current River; Scott Darrough (314) 560-1335 APR 9: Water Quality Monitoring, Mill Creek; Malcolm Royse (314) 220-8121 APR 23: Go Fish Trout Program, Suson Park and Busch Wildlife (2:00pm – 4:00pm) APR 30: Go Fish Trout Program, Suson Park and Busch Wildlife (2:00pm – 4:00pm) APR 30: Water Quality Monitoring, Blue Springs Creek

O Z A R K W I L D E R NE SS W AT E RW AY S CL UB MAR 12: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) MAR 12: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) MAR 19-20: Jack’s Fork River, Blue Spring Campground, Mountain View MAR 26-27: Ozark Trail – Courtois Hike, Onondaga Cave State Park, Bourbon APR 9: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) APR 9: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) APR 16-17: Bluebell Trip – Niangua River, Riverfront Campground and Canoe APR 22-24: Easter Trip – Buffalo River, Ozark Campground APR 25-28: Mulberry River, Redding Camp, Redding, AR P O M M E D E T E R R E CH A P T E R M USK I E S, I NC. MAR 26: Rogue Outing – Dinner and Meeting (6:00pm) APR 9: Chapter Challunge – Meal and Meeting APR 16: Spring Board Meeting, Madison, WI APR 30: First Day Shawnee Muskies Hunters Spring Tournament Q UA I L F O R E V E R & P H E A SA NT S F O RE VE R MAR 5: Ozark Hills Quail Forever Banquet, Rolla; Elsa Gallagher (573) 680-7115 MAR 11: Corner Covey Quail Forever Banquet, Sweet

Springs; Elsa Gallagher (573) 680-7115 APR 30: Wyota Quail Forever Banquet, Lebanon; Elsa Gallagher (573) 680-7115 RO CK Y M O UNTA I N E L K F O UNDA TIO N MAR 26: Banquet and Fundraiser, Lions Club, Rolla; Carol Carmack (573) 729-5113 SA I NT L O UI S A UD UB O N SO CI E T Y MAR 5: Awards Dinner and Silent Auction, Orlando Gardens, Webster Groves MAR 5: Honeysuckle Removal Project, Creve Coeur Memorial Park MAR 12: Woodcock and Owl Prowl, Busch Memorial Conservation Area; Pat Lueders (314) 359-9364 MAR 13: Nature Walk For Kids, Creve Coeur Memorial Park (10:00am – 12:00pm) MAR 24: Bats, Litzsinger School, Ladue (7:30pm); Mitch Leachman (314) 599-7390

CF M E V E NT S SEP 16-18: Annual Fall Conference, Camp Clover Point State Park, Osage Beach

If your affiliate has upcoming events they would like to be printed in Missouri Wildlife, please call our office at (800) 575-2322 or email lcoleman@confedmo.org.

Conserve Life: SLOW DOWN More than 1,100 people die on Missouri highways each year.

Don’t become a statistic. Conserve life by slowing down and by always making sure your seatbelt is buckled. BUCKLE UP 22

MARCH 2011

Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation presents:

The 22nd Annual Open-Buddy Bass Tournament

Spring Fling BENEFITING: Conservation Federation of Missouri

Sunday April 10, 2011 7:00A.M. to 3:00 P.M. DST

$100 Entry Fee. Includes Big Bass Pomme de Terre Lake, Hermitage State Park Ramp 60% Payback to 10% of the Field Total Weight – Heavy Boat BIG BASS POOL 100% PAYBACK – TROPHY FOR BIG BASS Guaranteed $1,000 First Place Attendance Prizes: $1000 in Bass Pro Gift Certificates donated by Drury Hotels

Host: Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation 3405 NW Nautical Ct. • Blue Springs, MO 64015 Contact: (816) 228-2585 Go to www.mobass.com For Boat Number Confirmation

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An Update from the Director’s Office he School of Natural Resources has over 100 students pursuing graduate degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) in one of our professional disciplines. These students are working with faculty mentors on a host of applied conservation problems from Missouri to elsewhere in North America to across the globe.

I want to use this column to introduce CFM members to some of these incredi-

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bly talented young professionals. I have invited them to submit, through me, material for this column. I encouraged them to write about their research, but also welcomed essays on topics that mattered to them. The first of these essays is below, authored by Chris Bobryk, a Ph.D. student in Forestry.

Mr. Bobryk is a graduate research assistant in our Department of Forestry, coadvised by Dr. Shibu Jose and Dr. Hong

He. Mr. Bobryk holds a B.S. in Environmental Science (2007) from Wayne State University and a M.S. in Biology (2010) from Eastern Illinois University.

His current research entails developing a multi-faceted, ecological assessment for prioritizing areas for potential increases in forest biomass and diversity.

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

Reconnecting Community with Nature hen looking to the wild, everyone has a chance to be an explorer irrespective of age or experience.

In this day and age it is unfortunate to see that there are many for whom this opportunity remains hidden or out of reach. This is why we must reprioritize our efforts and focus on making community outreach the main doorway to conserving our natural resources.

One of the most exciting components of experiencing the outdoors is the feeling of discovery, the raw excitement and surprise that comes from catching a glimpse of a soaring bald eagle, interrupting a browsing white-tailed deer, or spotting a molting cicada. The dynamic nature of wild areas is such that you never know what to expect when you venture out into the open air. I believe that the opportunity for individuals to feel these experiences and become comfortable with the true beauty of what nature has to offer is a fundamental right, which should not depend on location of residence or academic knowledge. The real

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challenge is being able to share these experiences and communicating what we know to those who have never had the opportunity to explore.

As a life-long city dweller in the Detroit-metropolitan area, my outdoor experiences began as for many others.

They were associated with bonding with family and friends by taking trips to northern Michigan to hunt, fish, hike and camp.

Through these experiences, I became enthralled with nature and amazed by the diversity of colors, creatures and landscapes. But it all seemed to end when we left the woods. The city just didn’t offer the same experience, and I am finding the same here in Missouri. I have dedicated myself to continue exploring, but now as a scientist; and have come to understand and appreciate the importance of giving to others similar opportunities to experience the outdoors.

Continuing education comes with an important caveat; responsibility. Accepting this responsibility has inspired me and shaped me as an individual. All of us are intimately linked to the Earth; and as

fellow stakeholders in our environment we need to embrace this responsibility and advocate for our natural resources by continually searching for innovative ways to get others to know and appreciate their surroundings. For all of us who enjoy looking to nature for enjoyment, philosophy, sustenance or inspiration, we mustn’t forget our duties and invest the time to pass on our knowledge.

Don’t overestimate the accessibility of nature. Sometimes we take for granted how easy it is to connect with nature because we have the transportation, the equipment or knowledge of where to go and what to do. We must not forget those who lack this ability or who solely rely on buses, can’t afford the equipment, or lack the understanding of what lies out there to be discovered. It is sobering to know that there are some who have never been in a boat, held a fish, listened to the silence of the wilderness in winter, or heard the jubilance of spring. Location, time, family and accessibility are all limiting factors that stand in their way of discovery.

Those of us with knowledge and opportunity can help break these barriSee Reconnecting on next page

Honorariums and Memorials

Reconnecting from previous page ers in concert with advancing the understanding and appreciation of the diversity of life.

Diversity includes all shapes and sizes. There is more to nature than just charismatic megafauna (the big and popular wildlife that we are so use to seeing). We often get wrapped up in the tiger-cheetah-panda realm of conservation that we forget what else needs our help. One of the greatest biologists of our time, E.O. Wilson, once said, “If you have seen an ant, a tree and a bird, you have not seen them all.” We don’t always have to look through the binoculars to appreciate the diversity of nature around us.

Sometimes all you need is a magnifying glass. The easiest, and often most overlooked, road to discovery lies just beneath our feet and in front of our faces. The plethora of life that exists under rocks, logs, or even underneath the bark of trees can open our eyes to entirely new worlds. It is imperative that our understanding of where and how to find nature transfers to others who might not have the ability to see the world in such a way. It is also important to recognize the availability of life that exists outside our doors, in gardens or at the city park.

Learning is only half the battle. As stewards of the environment we must now step up our efforts in conservation by first better understanding the world we live in. We know so little about our world, all the processes and species within. These unknowns can promote education. Thus, there is a task for everyone who enjoys nature and the services provided by it, to continue exploring and most importantly, educating. Sometimes this is easily implemented by looking just a little closer at the world. Such small leaps can create considerable effects in conserving our natural resources.

It is in our best interest to work together towards a common conservation goal by confronting the perils ahead of us and utilizing outreach education to build an awareness of nature. Thus, whether you’re spelunking, birdwatching, or overturning a log, there is a myriad of life out there to be discovered, and it is up to us to take the time to teach others where to find these wonders and understand the significance of a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Remember that it is how we communicate the need for immediate action that will have the greatest influence on the future of society and our natural resources.

But first, it begins with taking an active role as an educator and leading the way into the wild. So, the next time you venture outside; be creative, remember to pack along a magnifying glass, and always wear your ‘teacher’s hat’.

—Christopher Bobryk, Ph.D. Candidate in Forestry, University of Missouri-Columbia

Mark special days or show tribute to someone you care about with a donation to CFM. You could honor loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries or other special events. This could be a respectful remembrance of friends and relatives who have passed away. We will list honorariums and memorials here or on another page if this space is insufficient.

Your gift would help in so many ways: to benefit our Share the Harvest Program, the Conservation Leadership Corps, our publications or website, our building fund or help fund our day-to-day operations. We gladly accept cash, check or credit card—just return the form below to CFM. $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 Other _______

In memory of __________________________________ In honor of ____________________________________ Please notify (name, street, city, state, and ZIP) ____ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ DONOR INFO: I w ould lik e more information about including the Conservation Federation of Missouri in my w ill or trust.

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 MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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Opening Day Brings Personal Best And Great Family Memory

George Stevens shot an eight-point buck in Deer Ridge Conservation Area on opening day. His son, Bob, shared in the joy — and shared the hauling duties as well.

Here is a picture of my father, George Stevens, and I on Deer Ridge Conservation area in Northeast MO opening day of firearms. The 8 pointer is his personal best.

I climbed out of my stand around 8:00am after a radio call and helped drag him out the entire day. We didn't want to see orange so we hiked in a couple miles.

This particular season will be forever embedded in my memories. Great weekend spent with my ole man. Thank you!

No it is not a 4 year old buck or older or a huge deer — but it is his personal best and that buck was headed for at least a half dozen other hunters that would have taken him anyways.

—Bob Stevens

When will you add your name to the list?

CFM Life Membership Application Name:

____________________________________

Address: ____________________________________ City: ________________

State: ______

Zip: ______

Phone: ____________________________________ Email:

____________________________________

Payment Method (circle one): Credit Card #:

Cash

Check

______________________________

Exp. Date: __________________________________

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MARCH 2011

1123 Wilkes Boulevard, Suite 330 Columbia, Missouri 65201 Phone: 573.234.1130 Fax: 573.234.1153 www.joneswatkins.com

Missouri Chapter of The Wildlife Society Wins the TWS Chapter of the Year Award he Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society, an organization composed of wildlife biologists and conservation agency/organization administrators won the State Chapter of the Year award at the 2010 annual international meeting of The Wildlife Society in Snowbird, Utah.

The Chapter of the Year award is a competitive award and chapters must submit a nomination that describes their history, service to their members, and outreach to students and conservation partners.

Missouri’s nomination was extremely competitive because of the many things we do, such as hosting the annual Missouri Natural Resources Conference with three other professional societies, recognizing the contributions and professionalism of our members, partners and colleagues with five annual

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awards, and providing continuing education opportunities for members.

The Missouri Chapter of The Wildlife Society was formed in 1962. Chapter members work for various state and federal agencies or for non-profit conservation organizations, such as the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

In fact, CFM’s Executive Director, Dave Murphy, is a member and recently won the Chapter’s most prestigious award, the E. Sydney Stephens Award, for his long-time contributions to wildlife conservation efforts in Missouri and at a national scale. The Chapter is also a member of the CFM and typically sends at least one Chapter representative to the Federation’s annual meeting.

We are a proud group. We have about 200 members and our membership has been growing in recent years. We keep up with our members

and communicate our Chapter happenings through our semi-annual newsletters, our listserv and our webpage. In conjunction with three other state natural resource professional societies, we host an annual 2-day conference that typically draws 900 participants. We recognize the conservation efforts and contributions of farmers, students, conservation partners and members who have performed outstanding work. We mentor college students by hosting an annual weekendlong workshop. Our goals are to assist our members in

reaching their potential and to provide information that our members can use in their everyday work.

Check us out at our website, www.motws.org. If you are a wildlife biologist in Missouri and you would like to be a member of the Chapter, just fill out the membership form located on the website and send it to our treasurer at the address on the form. We would love to help you grow in your profession.

—Rochelle Renken, 2009 President, Missouri Chapter of The Wildlife Society

To view the Missouri Chapter’s nomination online, go to http://www.motws.org, and click on the link, “MoTWS is 2010 TWS Chapter of the Year.”

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MAILBAG

Dear Friends,

MEMBERS’ LETTERS

On behalf of our clients who benefit so well from the Share the Harvest supply of protein to our food pantries … I thank you! The efforts, time, and energy, as well as direction and promotion provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, are deeply appreciated.

May all of your work in conservation to protect the works of creation be blessed.

Sincerely, Sr. Mary Ellen Reichert Andrew County Food Pantry Savannah, MO

Gift memberships are a g reat w ay to support conservation and CFM! Your gift will include 6 issues of Missouri Wildlife, a logo decal and a membership card, as well as a note identifying you as the sender. Please check the membership level you would like to give as a gift: $25—Individual $15—Student $30—Family $100—Sustaining $1000—Lifetime Gift of conservation from Name ________________________________________________Phone: ______________ Given to Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________ ZIP code: __________________________________________________________________

MDC

City: __________________________________________________ State: ____________ Phone: ______________________________E-mail address: ____________________________________________________ Pay via check (payable to Conservation Federation of Missouri) or charge (MasterCard, Visa or Discover) Credit card number: ______________________________________________________________ Expiration date: __________ Signature of cardholder: __________________________________________________________________________________ Please mail 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 CFM is an IRS-approved tax-exempt not-for-profit, so your donations are tax deductible.

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MARCH 2011

Waterfowl Regulation Workshops Scheduled Throughout Missouri For March, April Conservation Department seeks hunters’ ideas about zone boundaries and season timing. he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) plans to hold workshops statewide to gather hunters’ ideas about the timing of duck season and where waterfowl hunting zone boundaries should be located.

Because ducks and other waterfowl migrate across state and international boundaries, ultimate responsibility for their management rests with federal officials.

Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes frameworks for season length and bag limits. Waterfowl population surveys provide the basis for setting frameworks that are either liberal, moderate or restrictive. States set their regulations within the federal frameworks.

Every five years, states have the opportunity to adjust existing duck zones or consider fewer zones with a split in each zone where a break occurs at some point during the season. These decisions are based on previous years’ experience and on hunter preferences.

This year, MDC will consider duck season dates and zone boundaries for the 2011 through 2015 hunting seasons. The agency has scheduled 15 workshops around the state in March and April to learn how hunters feel about duck season dates and hunting zones that have been in place for the past five years and what they would like to see for the next five years.

Duck Season Dates and Zone Boundaries Workshops will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the dates and locations listed to the right. Additional details are available by calling the number listed for each workshop.

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Workshop Dates and Locations Columbia: March 7 at the Boone Electric Cooperative, 1413 Rangeline St., 573-882-8388 St. Charles: March 10 at Stegton Regency Banquet Center, 1450 Wall St., 636-441-4554 (Preregistration is required.)

St. Joseph: March 14 at MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive, 816-271-3100 Blue Springs: March 15 at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road, 816-655-6250 Jackson: March 22 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 3305 N. High (also known as Hwy 61 between Jackson and Fruitland), 573-290-5730 Dexter: March 23 at the National Guard Armory, Hwy 114 East near airport, 573-290-5730 Kennett: March 24 at the Justice Center, corner of the North Bypass (also called Ely) and Floyd St., 573-290-5730.

Joplin: March 28 at the Wildcat Glade Conservation Area and Audubon Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, 417-895-6880 Springfield: March 29 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S. Chrisman, 417-895-6880 Nevada: March 30 at the Vernon County/Nevada Community Center, 200 N. Ash Street, 417-876-5226 Clinton: March 31 at the Clinton Christian Church, 1201 E. Ohio St., 660-885-6981 Mound City: April 4 at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, 5 miles south of Mound City, just off Interstate 29. Take exit 79 and drive 3 miles west on Hwy 159, 816-271-3100 Chillicothe: April 5 at Grand River Inn, 606 W. Business 36, 816-271-3100 Kirksville: April 6 at the MDC Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore, 660-785-2420 Hannibal: April 7 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Road, 573-248-2530

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WELCOME

Randall Dow, Fenton James Edwards, Cedar Hill Diane Erickson, Imperial C F M N E W M E M B E R S James Ernst, Kirkwood Eugene Everson, Fair Grove Leland Fischer, Jefferson City Stephen Armbruster, Saint Trent Fischer, Fenton Louis Marsh Francis, Fredericktown Victor Arnold, Columbia Rick Freise, Wentzville Tim Bankston, Kansas City Timothy Gantner, Moscow James & Susan Barry, Blue Mills Springs Garretson Meat Processing, Adam Beglau, Blue Springs Shelbina Tom Biggar, Saint Louis Sally Geniec, Columbia Matt Bischoff, Meta Michael Goetz, Saint Louis Alan Blest, Saint Louis Arthur Goodall, Lake Saint Donald Boettcher, Gerald Louis Jerry Bowen, Washington James Granger, Chesterfield Charles Boyd, Blue Springs Leon Grass, Sainte Genevieve William Breuer, Marthasville Ken Gumper, O’Fallon Thomas Brundage, Columbia Joe Haake, Kansas City Richard Bullock, Excelsior Robert Hediger, Saint Louis Springs Kenneth Hefner, Blue Springs Layton Burkhardt, Osage Terence Heiman, Kansas City Beach Clint Hibdon, Florence Judith Burns, Saint Louis Chris Hicks, Weatherford, TX Chuck Burris, Blue Springs Ricky Hicks, Weatherford, TX Dennis Callahan, Florissant Donna Hieronymus, Grain Russell Chambers, Columbia Valley Carl Christensen, Maryville Jeff Hires, Fletcher June Clark, Saint Louis Mary Hoeflicker, Hollister Wayne Clark, Lake Saint Louis John Hoffman, Springfield Caleb Colbert, Springfield Wayne Hoffman, Saint Scott Combs, O’Fallon, IL Charles Elizabeth Copeland, HillsKevin Hogan, Birch Tree boro Rex Homan, Albany Roy Cox, Ava Alois Hoog, Pacific Robert Cunningham, West David Hosking, O’Fallon Plains Donnie Humphreys, Lebanon Clint Dalbom, Eminence Robert Jacobson, Columbia Glenn Danuser, Fulton Jeffrey Jasper, Liberty Dale Deeker, New Florence Raymond Kaestner, Cedar Michael & Rachel DeFelice, Hill Liberty Byron Klaus, Springfield Richard Deshon, Saint Joseph Seth Klein, Bland Ryan Dochterman, Canton Gerald Kleitsch, Ballwin Brad Douglass, Ballwin Ed Kniep, Saint Louis

Gary Lacey, Saint Charles Timothy Ladd, Saint Louis Warren Lammert, Saint Louis Julius Lazzareschi, Ballwin David Leivan, Lamar Robert Lyttle, Foristell Edwin Marks, Saint Louis Shauna Marquardt, Columbia Shane & Deirdre Martin, Clarksville Barbara Martin-Frohoff, Shawnee Mission, KS Shane McDaniel, Jefferson City Michael McGough, Saint Charles Randall Meador, Kansas City Domien Meert, Festus Arthur Meister, Saint Louis Claire Meyners, Eureka Craig Miller, Peculiar Ilion Miller, Saint Louis Patrick Mittendorf, Saint Louis Gary Moffett, Ava Michael Mohrman, Saint Louis Sharon Moran, Ballwin Kathleen Mueller, Smithville Yale Muhm, Marthasville Jerod Mullins, Raymore Aaron Murrell, Springfield Christopher Naumann, Seagoville, TX James Naylor, Lees Summit Mark Noonan, Rolla Carol Norrenberns, Sullivan Mickey Owen, Silex Dave Pace, Salem Erik Palladino, Hermann Donald Parks, Cape Fair Taylor Paxton, Poplar Bluff Dale Pierce, Odessa Daniel Provance, Springfield Nancy Pyle, Carthage Teresa Reeves, Ballwin Chris Repp, Wentzville

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MARCH 2011

Tina Riehn, Millersville Tim & Patricia Rielly, Jefferson City Donald Roberts, Eureka Leroy Roberts, Grover Russell Runge, Mexico Ralph Samples, Imperial Steven Sarry, Macks Creek Irene Schulze, Saint Louis Benny Scire, Lees Summit Larry Siedenburg, Jefferson City Stephen Skainka, Saint Louis Douglas Smentkowski, Jefferson City Mark Smith, Lexington Terry Spink, Arnold Mark Spurgeon, Ballwin Leonard Stagoski, Ballwin Warren Stegmann, Saint Louis W. Stern, Saint Louis Gregory Strnad, Washington Robert Stuart, Saint Louis Mary Swillik, Smithville Jeremiah Thieman, Lamar Donald Thoele, Fenton Joseph Tobbs, Saint Louis Ricci Toothaker, Cedar Hill Trevor Traum, Saint Charles Edward Vandeven, Fenton Bradley Vannada, West Plains Nicole Vanop, Saint Louis Jane Walker, Saint Louis Dan Weber, House Springs Arthur Wende, Fenton Charles West, Jerome Ricky Western, Springfield John Whittaker, Grinnell, IA Matt Wier, Saint Louis Kenneth Wilper, Kansas City Wise El Santo Co., Saint Louis Tony Wolf, Saint Peters James Wolpers, Poplar Bluff Alan Zerr, Lake Saint Louis David Zimmermann, Crystal City

E-Permits Available March 1 s of March 1, you can buy most hunting and fishing permits at home, using the new e-Permits system.

The system allows you to print permits on your computer printer and use them immediately. You will not need a color printer to print permits.

All sport fishing and hunting permits are available through e-Permits. So are trapping permits and the Apprentice Hunter Authorization. They still look like permits and are about the same size as in the past. Commercial permits and lifetime permits are available from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s central office, 573-751-4115.

The change to e-Permits is part of MDC’s continuing effort to improve services and keep permit costs low in spite of declining revenues. Hunters and anglers now can buy permits online 24/7, anywhere they have access to a computer and printer. If they prefer to buy permits from vendors, as they always have, that option remains open to them.

They also can buy permits by calling toll-free 1-800-3924115.

Vendors will continue to print permits on durable material using the old Pointof-Sale permit system until July 2012.

Durable permits will be phased out between July 2012 and July 2013. After that, per-

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mits purchased from vendors will be on regular printer paper.

Missourians have been able to buy permits online since 2002. However, under the old online system, buyers received only confirmation at the time of purchase.

They used this confirmation while waiting to receive the actual permits through the mail, which could take up to two weeks.

This was no help to turkey and deer hunters, who need actual permits to tag game.

With e-Permits, turkey and deer hunters can buy permits, print them and use them immediately.

Deer and turkey tagging procedures have changed with the change to e-Permits.

The main difference is that permits no longer include a removable transportation tag. Instead, the permit itself is the transportation tag.

Deer and turkey permits have months printed along

one edge and dates on another edge. Hunters will notch the month and day as part of recording their harvested game and attach the permit to the animal. They will continue to check harvested animals through the Telecheck system.

E-Permits are not printed on adhesive-backed material, so hunters will need to provide a means of attaching them to harvested game.

Hunters are encouraged to put e-Permits inside zippertype sandwich bags and attach them to deer or turkeys with string, twist-ties, wire, plastic cable ties or tape.

Protecting paper permits in this way will keep them readable and make it easier to write confirmation numbers on them when Telechecking deer and turkeys.

Hunters also can print extra copies of permits in case one gets lost or ruined.

As always, permits may not be shared and additional copies of a permit DO NOT provide additional valid permits for the buyer or

others to use.

The change to e-Permits will reduce costs as MDC phases out software, hardware and special permit material used in the old Point-of-Sale permit system.

When fully implemented, e-Permits will reduce the cost of issuing permits by approximately $500,000 annually.

Low permit cost is one reason the Show-Me State is a great place to hunt and fish.

Missouri residents pay $12 for an annual fishing permit, while residents in the eight neighboring states pay an average of $20.80 for the same privileges.

Missouri’s $17 Resident Any-Deer Permit is a fantastic bargain compared to the average of $46.63 for equivalent privileges in surrounding states.

More information about e-Permits is available online at http://mdc.mo.gov/permits/e-permits.

—Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

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

Check the membership 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 MasterCard, 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.

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MARCH 2011

Thank You For Making 2010 A Successful Year For CFM!

Left: Missouri Archery in the Schools Program Below: Operation Game Thief

Above: CFM Staff — Amy Buechler, Micaela Haymaker and Laurie Coleman.

Right: Fall Conference at Lake Ozark State Park.

Below: Celebration of our 75th anniversary.

Please view our Annual Report inside this issue.

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