Vol72 no6 2011

November 2011 September VOL. 72, NO. 65

Conservation Federation of Missouri

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“The Voice for Missouri Outdoors”

CHANCES

TO WIN!

HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES 24 DRAWINGS ON 24 CONSECUTIVE DAYS

December 1st - 24th, 2011

24 PRIZES WORTH MORE THAN $20,000 Each ticket is entered in all 24 drawings!!

3 EASY WAYS TO PLAY Order your tickets by phone (800) 575-2322 Mail in your tickets (see inside) or email your request to: tscott@confedmo.org

1-$20, 3-$50, 7-$100 Proceeds help fund CFM’s outreach and advocacy. No limit on tickets purchased per person.

Sweepstakes winners are responsible for scheduling trip dates with donors. Prizes offered subject to terms and dates set by donor. Prizes are nontransferrable unless otherwise stated by donor. Please provide email address with ticket if available. Prize winners will be notified by email or by phone.

see inside for additional details

1-Dec

1 pair of Woody Max Muck Boots in your size - Farmers Coop Elevator - St. Peters, MO

2-Dec

2 person canoe trip with Bass River Resort - Steelville, MO with lodging for 2 at Fair Winds Cabins-Cherryville, MO (Mon-Thurs 2012)

3-Dec

4 person float trip with Huzzah Valley Resort and 4 Tickets to Meramec Music Theater Steelville, MO

4-Dec

3 tickets to Mizzou Tigers Basketball game against Baylor 2-11-12 with parking pass & $50 gift certificate to Coley's Restaurant-Columbia, MO

5-Dec

1 night deluxe accommodations @ Lodge of 4 Seasons Resort with 2 rounds of golf at The Ridge - Lake Ozark, MO

6-Dec

2012 Wildwood Springs Lodge Concert pkg. Includes 2 concert tickets, 2 dinners, upstairs lodging and 2 breakfastsSteelville, MO

7-Dec

1 shoulder whitetail deer mount gift certificate, Walker's Taxidermy - Mexico, MO 2011-2012 seasons (non-transferrable)

8-Dec

2012 Wildwood Springs Lodge Concert pkg. Includes 2 concert tickets, 2 dinners, upstairs lodging and 2 breakfasts–Steelville, MO

9-Dec

2 person Mississippi River guided catfish excursion 6-8 hour trip on the river between St. Louis and Louisiana, MO

10-Dec 1 day central Missouri waterfowl hunt for 2 hunters donated by Yellow Creek Farms - Keytesville, MO 11-Dec 2 person guided Crappie/ Bass fishing trip with 1 night’s lodging for 2 at Inn at Grande Glaze - John Blankenbeker guide 12-Dec Winchester SXP black syn 12ga - 28 in barrel + 3 chokes donated by Spradlin Insulation Co. - Mexico, MO 13-Dec 2 person Bennett Spring State Park pkg including 2 dinners for 2, one 2 person canoe trip and $40 in apparel (Sun-Thurs) 14-Dec 1/2 day 2 person guided Bass/Crappie fishing trip for 2 with 1 night’s lodging for 2 at Inn at Grande Glaze - Win Stevens guide 15-Dec Mossberg 835 - 12ga shotgun - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass donated by Bruce Mills 16-Dec 1 full body wild turkey taxidermy mount donated by the Turkey Roost Taxidermy Studio to be redeemed in the 2012 or 2013 season (non-transferrable) 17-Dec NE-MO 2012 Spring Youth turkey hunt with fishing - meals & lodging included (1 youth w/adult) donated by Tim Thompson 18-Dec 4 person 2012 Drury Hotels, Cardinal pkg includes 4 Club Seats to Cardinal Baseball game (full buffet and drinks in the Cardinals Club) plus food and drink service in the seats through the 7th inning along with 2 nights lodging at the Drury Hotel of your choice including the Drury Plaza 19-Dec 1 person MO firearm whitetail deer hunt for 3 days, includes one evening meal per day - Triple H Outfitter - Richards, MO (lodging not included) 20-Dec 4 person 2012 Drury Hotels, Cardinal pkg includes 4 Club Seats to Cardinal Baseball game (full buffet and drinks in the Cardinals Club) plus food and drink service in the seats through the 7th inning along with 2 nights lodging at the Drury Hotel of your choice including the Drury Plaza 21-Dec 2 person Big Cedar Lodge pkg includes 2 nights lodging for 2, dinner for 2 at Worman House not to exceed $100, 2 person carriage ride, 2 $100 Bass Pro Gift cards and 1/2 day guided Crappie/Bass fishing trip for 2 on Table Rock Lake - Webb's Guide Service - Mike Webb guide 22-Dec 2 person SE Oklahoma Hog hunt for 3 days to be filmed by Campfire Stories TV series film crew to air on the Pursuit Channel - lodging, meals and fishing included donated by Rockin' E Ranch - Atoka, OK 23-Dec 2 person Kansas Spring Wild Turkey hunt for 3 days with lodging and meals donated by Mid-West Adventures 24-Dec 1 person Alligator hunt in Louisiana, 2 person lodging and meals included and second person may upgrade to hunt for additional fee donated by Louisiana Delta Plantation and Honey Brake Outfitters - Jonesville, LA

Inside This Issue:

MISSOURI

Wildlife

FEATURED ARTICLES Quail Forever Partners with Hunting for Heroes to Help Disabled Officers ....4

November 2011 Vol. 72, No. 6

CFM Fall Conference ................................................................................14

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

Missouri B.A.S.S Federation Nation State Championship Tournament ..16

Dave Murphy

New Director of Missouri USDA-APHIS ........................................................6 Operation Wild Lands ..............................................................................11

Applications New Being Accepted for The Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship ....................................19 CFM Holiday Sweepstakes ......................................................................20 Passport to Meramec River Trails ........................................................24 Wild Turkeys Make the Most of Break From Weather ....................25 Rim to Rim for CFM ................................................................................26 Thinking About a Timber Sale? Call Before You Cut ......................27

STAFF Executive Director/ Editor Travis Scott Director of Development Debra Lee Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator Micaela Haymaker Office Manager Membership Laurie Coleman Associate/ Managing Editor Joe Pendergrass Design & Production Mission Statement: Missourians for Conservation of Natural Resources and Protection of Our Outdoor Heritage.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services List the Ozarks Hellbender as Endangered and Moves to Include Hellbenders in Appendix III of CITES ..................30

NEWS, UPDATES AND COLUMNS View From The Stone House ....................................................................2 President’s Message..................................................................................3 Department Of Natural Resources

Conserving Our Soil and Water Through Cost-Sharing Practices ......8 Pershing State Park Spotlight ............................................................10 Agency News

MDC Bans Porous-soled Waders to Help Protect Trout Waters From Invasive Algae ........................................12 Calendar ..................................................................................................18 Member Information

New Members......................................................................................7 Conservationists For Life ..................................................................22 Christmas Wreath Sales ....................................................................29 Affiliates of the Federation ................................................................23

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: "All Season Gobbler" Thanksgiving through Christmas !!!

Eastern Wild Turkey, © Glenn D. Chambers

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VIEW FROM THE STONE HOUSE

Thanksgiving

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atch TV, listen to radio, read the papers or magazines, go on the internet, check your email or facebook, in fact seek information from any major media source you choose… and my guess is you will mostly be bombarded with concerns, problems, threats and every other real or contrived fault with our world the human mind can conjure up.

Oh yes, there are really negative and even dangerous things in our world. But we humans are masters at making mountains out of molehills and of allowing ourselves to be incapacitated to helplessness and inactivity by worry and fear. To the Naysayers, those doom and gloomers finding fault with all things as if there is some kind of a reward for it, I say enough.

Especially now as we enter The Seasons. By The Seasons I always mean hunting, fishing, trapping AND holiday seasons. This is a time for joy and for sharing joyous experiences which enrich each of our

lives. One of the incredible, good things about America is our own celebration of Thanksgiving. A national holiday which exists solely to set

CFM, whether you are a member of an organization affiliated with CFM, or a member of an organization belonging to the Missouri Teaming With

Gunilla, Emma, Anna and Dave Murphy

aside a weekday for expressing gratitude. A planned opportunity to express our personal gratitude for those closest and most important to us.

As my family, friends and I put our feet under the table together this year to celebrate Thanksgiving, we will be offering prayers of gratitude for YOU. Every member of

Wildlife Coalition, or a business alliance member of CFM, or a regular member of CFM, or a life member of CFM, or a volunteer on any of our committees, or a member of our board of directors your participation is essential to our existence and success. You have chosen and taken action to make a positive difference in

this wacky, wonderful world we live in. THANK YOU! Thanks especially for your decision to make your mark through CFM. Of all the many ways you could choose to invest your time, talents and treasure you have chosen CFM. This simple act is vitally important to CFM right now, and the effects of your decision will reach far, far beyond the present. We will always do our very best to continue to earn and use to maximum advantage every resource you give us. The best of all our many strengths and assets is our individual members. Help us improve and grow by reaching out to those around you about CFM. Nearly everyone I know has joined CFM because “their friend asked them to.” Be that friend to someone today.

Savor The Seasons!

— Dave Murphy Executive Director, CFM

HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS In memory of Jim Wickerham Kathleen Gray ~ Desoto, MO

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

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UP

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Fall In Missouri

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all is harvest time. We humans reap what nature has provided us and what we have cultivated by our own hard work during the spring and summer months. In Missouri, the outdoors bounty is plentiful.

Why? Because of the thoughtful management of fish, forest and game carried out for more than seventy five years by our Missouri Department of Conservation; and we share in this proud history! Our own Conservation Federation visionaries played a critical role in the development of Missouri’s Department of Conservation that we are all so proud of today.

For the past seventy five years CFM has been busy planting the seeds of conservation to help cultivate a mindset in the people of Missouri that our fish, forest, and wildlife receive the priority they deserve when our legislators and governors work to create/defend laws that impact our environmental quality.

As a consequence of our devotion to the conservation cause, Missouri has a healthy and abundant deer herd. Our turkey population provides for world class gobbler hunting.

Our lakes and streams are productive fisheries. Missouri’s forests are beautiful and provide both recreation and a robust lumber industry that help drive our state’s economy.

If it is true that we reap what we sow, then every member of CFM should feel pride in what their membership dues and volunteerism provides for here in Missouri. As you enjoy this season of plenty, share our CFM story with your family and friends. Let them know who we are and what we do.

By the time my message reaches you, hopefully I will have grabbed my archery equipment and begun my search for deer and turkey……..relishing in the fact that both of these species are back home in Missouri in plentiful numbers, which was not the case when my father

“…if men are to survive upon the earth there must be law, and there must be justice, and all men must stand together against those who would strike at the roots of what men have so carefully built…

Man must deal with himself. It is his reality he must face each morning when he rises. It is his world with which he must deal.

Perhaps his end is only years away, or even months, yet he

was a young man. Perhaps my outdoor adventures will take me to the south or to the east central part of the state. I hope so, as I would love to see a black bear or hear the bugle of a free roaming bull elk! Missouri is a land of plenty once

cannot more than acknowledge that, for it is the now with which he must deal, unless like a spoiled child he is to fall on his face and beat his fists against the earth. He must be, he must move, he must create…

If man is to vanish from the earth, let him vanish in the moment of creation, when he is creating something new, opening a path to the tomorrow he may

again! Let’s get outside and enjoy it…. and if you can, take a youngster with you!

Yours in conservation, Mike Schallon President, CFM

never see. It is man’s nature to reach out, to grasp for the tangible on the way to the intangible.

We have hedged ourselves round with law, for we know that if man is to survive it must be through cooperative effort.”

—Louis L’Amour The Lonesome Gods

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Quail Forever Partners with Hunting for Heroes to Help Disabled Officers

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he Moreau Valley Chapter of Quail Forever and Hunting for Heroes sponsored a Labor Day 2011 weekend dove and pheasant hunt for disabled law enforcement officers at String Creek Game Bird Farm near Jefferson City, Missouri. Disabled law enforcement officers from Missouri, Iowa and West Virginia attended the three day event. Volunteers with Hunting for Heroes and with the Moreau Valley Chapter assisted the wounded officers with firearms handling, retrieving and access to fields for the opening of the Missouri dove season. Elsa Gallagher, Quail Forever Regional Biologist

in Missouri said, “I was extremely pleased to assist the Moreau Valley Chapter members with this special hunting opportunity. These wounded officers had a wonderful time thanks to the generosity of QF members.

It was also so nice that chapter members opened their own land and special dove fields for these officers to hunt.”

Other sponsors of the event included String Creek Game Bird Farm, Hevi-Shot maker of non-toxic shotgun shells, CZ-USA a firearms manufacturer, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. The Missouri Department of Conservation provided staff to help with the 3-day event.

Hunting for Heroes is a Kansas City based nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting law enforcement officers wounded in the line of duty with outdoor adventures that are extremely difficult without special facilities and equipment. Hunting for Heroes provided the funding for transportation, meals and other expenses for the disabled law enforcement officers plus family members or other attendants. Hunting for Heroes President, Christopher Allen said, “The officers attending this event will develop life long friendships with each other. This is an opportunity for wounded officers to be around and talk with other law enforcement personnel,

an aspect of their changed lives they miss.” Ten volunteer officers from several police forces in Missouri attended to help with the logistics and to provide peer group support.

Each wounded officer received a specially marked shotgun to commemorate the event. Charles Brown, Vice President of Hunting for Heroes said, “We want each officer to return home with memories and a refreshed spirit as their healing process continues. These special shotguns are a reminder of their experiences here this weekend.”

Recreational therapy and counseling are the main mission of the Hunting for Heroes organization.

Volunteers with the Moreau Valley Chapter of Quail Forever and Hunting for Heroes provided a three day dove and pheasant hunting event at the String Creek Game Bird Farm, Cole County, Missouri for disabled law enforcement officers from three states. Photo: Dave Urich 4

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Tom Peak, owner of String Creek Game Bird Farm and long time QF member, hosted the event at his Cole County, Missouri hunting lodge. This facility is disabled accessible and provided a comfortable, secluded retreat for wounded officers and their families. “As a former law enforcement officer myself, I was pleased to offer the lodge for their use,” Peak said.

Allen explained that the events for wounded officers are held in rural areas like String Creek Game Bird Farm because wounded officers often cannot experience nature and wildlife without

significant assistance. “Our goal for the Hunting for Heroes organization is to have a dedicated facility that disabled law enforcement officers can attend and we can be more efficient with transportation and support,” Allen said. At the end of the weekend, Allen recognized the significant contributions to this event by the Moreau Valley Chapter.

More information about the Hunting for Heroes organization including volunteer opportunities is available at huntingforheroes.org.

Dave Urich Conservation Pioneer

Kenny Sharp assists Mike Lose, Polk County Iowa, with pheasant hunting at String Creek Game Bird Farm Cole County, Missouri during the Hunting for Heroes sponsored event for disabled law enforcement officers. Photo: Dave Urich

www.wildwoodspringslodge.com AND www.wildwoodspringslodge.com/concert11 M IS S OURI

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New Director of Missouri USDA-APHIS As the weather changes from a dry summer to a cool fall and then a wet winter, so do activities related to wildlife damage management. Migratory waterfowl begin to move south, often posing problems at airports across the state.

Blackbirds begin flocking to urban areas, feedlots, and dairies. Beaver begin, or continue, blocking culverts, ditches and streams, and feral swine continue to exploit prime wildlife habitat. With these activities and many more challenges involving wildlife management, I would be remiss to not introduce the Wildlife Services (WS) program in Missouri and myself.

As the new U.S. Department of Agriculture WS State Director for Missouri and Iowa, I look forward to maintaining the program’s long-standing relationship with agencies in Missouri, such as the Missouri

Seth Swafford, State Director for Missouri and Iowa.

Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. Having worked for WS for 16 years, I

have held several positions, ranging from a biological science aide to my current position. I hold a Masters of Sci-

Bob Alexander, WS employee, with a pair of red-tailed hawks captured at an airport in Missouri. Photo credit: USDA 6

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ence Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Mississippi State University. Most of my days at the WS office in Columbia are filled with administrative duties, funding challenges, and reporting requirements. Many days I miss the field work of wildlife management, though I still enjoy the outdoors through spring turkey hunting, backyard bird feeders, and an occasional freshwater or saltwater fishing trip. Having been raised on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, I will likely always have an affinity to the sights and smells of the estuary ecosystem. I’m also a beginner scuba diver which has proven to be one of my favorite outdoor activities!

While I spend most of my days at the WS office, other WS employees are directly involved in wildlife damage management, conservation, and research. WS shares the responsibility of wildlife damage management with the Missouri Department of Conservation. We follow all State and Federal laws and regulations regarding wildlife, the environment, and agriculture. The fifteen employees in Missouri are well-educated professionals and many of them are recognized by The Wildlife Society as Certified Wildlife Biologists.

Our mission is “to provide Federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist.” We simplify our mission by providing assistance to cooperators to help protect natural resources, agriculture, people, and property. We rely

Photo credit: USDA - Dan McMurtry

heavily on relationships with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the US Forest Service, as well as with airports and airbases across the state. Wildlife Services currently partners with over 75 cooperators in Missouri to implement its statewide wildlife damage management program.

One of our most popular

projects includes capturing large birds of prey, such as redtail hawks and great horned owls that pose a risk to aircraft through bird strikes or collisions. This not only protects aircraft, but by live-capturing, banding, and relocating them off-site, we are able to protect the birds too. Another similar project involves capturing mourning doves at certain air-

ports and relocating them offsite. WS is also partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation and others to capture urban Canada geese and relocate goslings. These types of projects are a win-win for conservation and wildlife damage management.

WS is historically known for predator control, such as coyote management after livestock are killed; nest predator management when ground nesting bird reproduction is being impacted; and our work when crops are lost to migratory bird damage. One of our newer areas of expertise involves wildlife diseases.

Within the past ten years, WS in Missouri has been engaged in investigating diseases in feral swine, zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted between animals and people), and even chronic wasting disease in deer.

One of our most recent projects and accomplishments included collaborating with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Department of Conservation,

and others to remove and test captive cervids from a knownpositive herd. Feral swine continue to damage Missouri’s valuable wildlife habitat and forested ecosystems, so WS collaborates with many private landowners and wildlife/natural resource agencies to resolve problems caused by feral swine.

WS in Missouri has an outstanding team of wildlife specialists, wildlife biologists, and support staff. Thank you for welcoming us in Missouri, and I look forward to working with you on solving wildlife damage issues in the future.

To learn more about the Wildlife Services Program in Missouri, go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wil dlife_damage/state_office/missouri_info.shtml or call the State Office at 866-4-USDAWS. Seth R. Swafford State Director USDA/APHIS/WS Missouri/Iowa

REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE

WELCOME CFM NEW MEMBERS Stephen Addleman, Fisher, IN Everett Allday, Saint Joseph Melissa Bettes, Springfield Marshall Carmack, Kearney

Donald Carrow, Farmington Lee Castile, Fenton Jed Edwards, Middletown Tiffany Frey, Rogersville

Buster Geisendorfer, Monticello Kellie Herman, Springfield Jake Hindman, Festus Tom King, Defiance Aaron Lehnen, Middletown Travis & Kathi Moore, Palmyra John Murphey, Rolla Larry Neal, Cape Girardeau John Onesty, Eureka Ryan Peck, Sedalia

Dixie Peterson, Saint Louis Michael Powell, Grain Valley Premium Standard Farms, Princeton Timmy Reaka, Nixa Dan & Dianna Robb, Jonesburg Jeffrey Rosenblum, Olivette Jonathan Small, Pleasant Hill Seth Swafford, Columbia

CFM would like to thank the 326 members that renewed since our last publication.

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Conserving Our Soil and Water Through Cost-Share Practices The fall harvest is nearing completion and the weather is turning cooler…autumn is certainly here. With floodwaters receding, this is also the time for Missouri’s agricultural landowners to begin assessing the damage caused by the extreme wet and dry weather we faced this summer. The frequent change in weather may have caused some soil and water resource concerns that should be addressed before spring rolls around.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources can help provide financial incentives to landowners who want to implement conservation practices to help prevent soil erosion and protect water resources. By promoting good farming techniques that help keep soil on the fields and waters clean, the department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program helps conserve the productivity of Missouri’s working agricultural lands.

Missourians certainly realize the importance of supporting our state park and historic site system and better managing and conserving soil and water resources when they continue to support the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax was first passed in 1984 with help from stakeholders across the state. The tax was successfully renewed in 1988, 1996, and received its highest support in 2006 with 70.8 percent voter approval. Prior to the passage of the sales tax, 8

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Cooper Co - By promoting good farming techniques that help keep soil on the fields and waters clean, the department's Soil and Water Conservation Program helps conserve the productivity of Missouri’s working lands. Photo credit: DNR

Missouri had the second highest rate of erosion in the nation.

The department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program serves as a model for the nation. Quite frankly, many other states envy Missouri for our dedicated tax and public support to soil and water conservation. Partnerships play a critical role in conserving the productivity of Missouri’s working lands and help family farms conserve precious natural resources used to produce food, fiber and biofuels for all Missourians. The department is certainly appreciative of the support it receives from the

2011

Conservation Federation of Missouri and its members as well as the many other partners that play a critical role in the program’s success.

The majority of the soil and water portion of the tax has been used to assist agricultural landowners through voluntary cost-share practices that are developed by the Soil and Water Districts Commission.

The commission sets the program policy and practices that the Soil and Water Conservation Program and local districts then implement. The commission is made up of six farmers, the directors of the departments of Natural

Resources, Agriculture and Conservation, as well as the dean of the College of Agriculture of the University of Missouri.

The Department of Natural Resources provides support to the Soil and Water Districts Commission and carries out administration of the programs to ensure good stewardship of the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The commissions’ programs are administered by the 114 Soil and Water Conservation District boards included in each county across the state.

Landowners may contact their local Soil and Water

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Conservation District (SWCD) office to see what cost-share practices the local SWCD Board is making available in their district. The districts focus on seven resource concerns to control soil erosion and protect water quality on agricultural land. The seven resource concerns include: Sheet, Rill and Gully Erosion – addresses unwanted removal of soil from the land surface or through channels incised by the action of rainfall or runoff. These conservation practices help landowners limit erosion problems by establishing good vegetative cover to stabilize the soil’ building terraces to reduce the erosive force of water; using a no-till system for planting crops; planting trees and shrubs at the edge of fields to help with water and wind erosion; building ponds or basins to catch sediment; developing diversions to direct rainwater; and constructing waterways with sod-forming grasses to transport rainfall without creating field erosion.

Woodland Erosion – addresses soil and vegetation loss that has occurred through livestock trampling or improper tree harvesting. These conservation practices help landowners protect woodlands and water from impacts of livestock, or help recover a damaged area by planting trees and shrubs; installing

fence to exclude livestock; ensuring that timber harvest operations use proper construction of logging roads and stream crossings; and correcting and controlling gully erosion through proper timber harvest practices.

Irrigation Management – addresses irrigation systems that do not distribute water evenly causing excessive runoff and overuse. These conservation practices help landowners efficiently and uniformly irrigate, and apply appropriate amount of nutrients and chemicals through irrigation system upgrades to their existing sprinklers and nozzles; the collection and reuse of irrigated runoff; creating a closed system of water transport; the retention of irrigation water on the field; and underground piping and water control structures to manage excess water.

Animal Waste Management – addresses improper management of animal waste, which can affect both water and air quality. These conservation practices help landowners protect the quality of water and air on their land by collecting, controlling and managing manure and litter; safely disposing of livestock and poultry carcasses and using incinerators or composting facilities to break down animal waste to be used to improve soil fertility.

Sensitive Areas – addresses

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areas of agricultural land where current management has negatively impacted soil erosion, surface water and existing groundwater. These conservation practices help landowners protect water quality in streams by planting grass buffers or woody species along the edges of crop fields or below cropland to trap runoff; planting trees or shrubs to reduce wind erosion; constructing fencing to exclude livestock from streams; and using rock structures or anchored cedar trees to protect stream banks from erosion. In addition, landowners can help protect groundwater by establishing buffers or exclusion around sinkholes; creating spring collection points for livestock watering use; and filling and sealing abandoned wells.

Nutrient and Pest Management – addresses the runoff from poor nutrient and pest management practices that can affect water quality.

These practices can help landowners prevent excessive chemical runoff by adopting new management techniques and technologies for applying commercial fertilizer or pesticides; properly using manure as a plant nutrient source; and moving excess manure to land where additional nutrients are needed.

Grazing Management – addresses overgrazing by livestock that can cause erosion

problems, affect water quality and limit soil productivity.

These conservation practices help landowners make the best use of soil and water resources by improving the vegetative cover on pastures; initiating a planned grazing system that may include developing water sources and water distribution; adding fencing to construct paddocks; applying lime to manage the pH of the soil; and the interseeding of legumes.

Landowners can receive up to 75 percent of the estimated cost of the practice to be reimbursed after the practice has gone through a certification process. Landowners discuss their conservation needs with a certified technician within the district. The district then assists them with technical and financial assistance to address their soil and water needs on their farm through conservation practices. For more information or to find the district office locations, call 800-3614827 or visit the department’s website at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp.

The website offers more details about each practice, the step-by-step process for completing a cost-share practice and brochure.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

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

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Pershing State Park Spotlight

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hen citizens of Laclede first expressed an interest in honoring Gen. John J. Pershing, commanding general of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, the most suitable tribute seemed to be a park encompassing the land that Pershing loved to roam in his youth. In 1937, the state purchased the first tract of land, setting in motion the preservation of what is considered a rare natural jewel in a predominantly agricultural landscape.

Pershing State Park is an excellent example of the wetland landscape once common in northern Missouri. Locust Creek meanders across the flood plain within the park and shapes the landscape by forming oxbow lakes, sloughs, shrub swamps, marshes and wet prairie. Along the creek is a large bottomland forest of oak, hickory, cottonwood, sycamore and silver maple, which has been designated a Missouri natural area.

Bird watchers can enjoy a huge variety of birds through-

Pershing SP - Wander through a slice of pre-settlement landscape at Pershing State Park located in Laclede. Photo credit: DNR

out the park, including great blue herons, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, migrating songbirds, waterfowl and wintering bald eagles. On the prairie, visitors will find cordgrass, compass plant, spiderwort, blue flag iris and the rare pale green orchid. The endangered massasauga rattlesnake can be found in the park along with deer, turkey, raccoon, river otter, mink, beaver, muskrat and several species of frogs.

The best way to explore the wetlands and view wildlife is the interpretive boardwalk and

the Riparian Trail that meander along Locust Creek. The exhibits along the boardwalk explain the forces that interact with one another to create and maintain the wetlands and wildlife found in the park. An observation tower overlooks the largest remaining wet prairie in north Missouri at nearly 1,000 acres.

For those visitors wanting to savor more of this wetland masterpiece, the park provides a shady campground and picnic shelters. Or visitors may want to spend the day at one of the four small lakes casting

a line for bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Anglers can also try their hand at catching bullhead, carp and drum in Locust Creek.

Pershing State Park is located 18 miles east of Chillicothe or seven miles west of Brookfield on Highway 36 in Linn County. Be sure to also visit Locust Creek Covered Bridge and Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home state historic sites while you are in the area.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

“The pristine wilderness notion is a historically created idea about what ought to count as nature, and there is no reason we can’t change it. Just as the definition of citizen has changed to include more kinds of people as political ideas changed, so could nature expand to include more kinds of areas. Many ecologists today argue that we have to expand it, as our increasing understanding of history and atmospheric chemistry has left us with no areas at all that have not been altered by humans. And once we do change it, a heretofore unthinkable, exciting, and energizing thought occurs: we can make more nature. We can make things on Earth better, not just less bad.” —Emma Marris Rambunctious Garden 1 0

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Operation Wild Lands

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he Open Space Council’s volunteer land stewardship program, Operation Wild Lands (OWLs), has trained hundreds of volunteers since the program’s inception in 2007. OWLs prepares citizen volunteers of all ages to restore and maintain public lands throughout the St. Louis region. These trained volunteer land stewards assist with the proactive management of public open space to improve wildlife habitat and nature-related outdoor recreation.

Recognizing that natural habitats are a precious

resource and that most of the public-owned urban wild acreage in the St. Louis region is passively managed as a matter of practicality, The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region created OWLs to help facilitate ongoing wildlife habitat improvements that include: • Area cleanups • Trail development and maintenance • Invasive species removal and native plant re-vegetation • Tree plantings • Educational field trips This fall, Girl Scouts, Cub

and Boy Scouts, college students, and citizen volunteers make up our crews of environmental stewards for OWLs events. With large, enthusiastic crews we have been able to clear litter and invasives, such as Bush Honeysuckle and Euonymous Vine, from various parks and conservation areas in the St. Louis region.

ground space for native plants to be able to grow. By also opening up the canopy, sunlight can now beam down to the understory plants, promoting growth of native species as well.

Want to volunteer at the next OWLs event? Or just want more information about the program? Check out the schedule and more detailed information at http://openspacestl.org/programs/operation-wild-lands or give us a call at 636-451-6090.

We have definitely made an impact on the OWLs event areas by clearing some

Ron Coleman Executive Director Open Space Council

Location: Al Foster Trailhead in Wildwood, MO. With hard work and a little muscle, anything is possible. Photo credit: Jerry Castillon of The Open Space Council.

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 M IS S OURI

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AGENCY NEWS

MDC Bans Porous-soled Waders to Help Protect Trout Waters From Invasive Algae Porous-soled waders are prime suspects in human transport of “didymo,” or “rock snot.”

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n anticipation of winter trout fishing, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages trout anglers to help prevent the spread of a new threat to Missouri’s coldwater streams and rivers.

Called “didymo” (Didymosphenia geminata) or “rock snot,” this invasive alga forms large, thick mats on the bottoms of cold-water streams and rivers, reducing the quality and quantity of food vital to fish such as trout. Didymo also clogs water intakes and boat motors. It interferes with fishing gear and eventually makes fishing nearly impossible, with devastating economic and environmental consequences.

Didymo is native to northern parts of North America and Europe. While it has not been found in Missouri, rock snot has been found just south of the MissouriArkansas border in the White River.

According to MDC Fisheries Biologist Mark VanPatten, didymo is kept in check naturally in other parts of the country and world by lower pH, or acidity, levels in the water. Missouri’s wealth of 1 2

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limestone creates higher pH levels in Show-Me waters.

These higher pH levels can allow didymo to spread unchecked.

“Preventing the spread of this invasive species into Missouri is critical,” VanPatten warns. “There is no way to control or eradicate didymo once it gets established in the state.”

VanPatten emphasizes that recreational equipment such as boats, lifejackets and fishing gear--particularly poroussoled waders--are the most likely ways for didymo to spread into Missouri.

“Porous-soled waders and wading boots, worn by many trout anglers, appear to be a likely pathway for the spread of didymo,” VanPatten explains. “The soles hold moisture for days and can harbor cells of this alga. Individual cells cannot be seen with the naked eye and only a single cell is needed to establish a stream-killing colony.

Anglers who visit waters with didymo can, unknowingly, transfer these cells to the next stream they visit.”

The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved a regulation change banning the use of porous-soled

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Didymosphenia geminata, an invasive algae, forms slimy mats that smother fish eggs and makes water sports unpleasant. Photo credit: MDC

waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a porous sole of felted, matted, or woven fibrous material when fishing in trout parks and other specific trout waters. Pending public comment through the Secretary of State’s office, the new regulation will go into effect March 1, 2012, the opening day of catch-and-keep fishing at Missouri’s four trout parks.

To help reduce the spread of didymo, MDC encourages anglers to remember: Check, then Clean or Dry. • Check all gear and equipment and remove any visible algae. Dispose of algae by placing it in the trash, not by putting it down a drain or

into bodies of water.

• Then 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 three minutes. Soak all soft items, such as felt-soled waders and wader boot cuffs, neoprene waders and life jackets, in the solution for at least 20 minutes.

• Or then Dry all gear and equipment for at least 48 hours by exposing it to sunlight.

To help anglers clean their waders before entering Missouri trout streams, MDC has installed wader wash sta-

AGENCY NEWS tions at Missouri’s five coldwater trout hatcheries: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Maramec Spring Park near St. James and Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery by the upper portion of Lake Taneycomo near Branson.

All anglers are encouraged to replace their porous-soled waders with ones that have

non-porous rubber or synthetic soles.

Anglers can adapt felt-soled and other porous-soled waders to comply with the new regulation by sealing the soles with solutions of contact cement or marine rubber cement. VanPatten notes the cement may need to be reapplied after each use. MDC offers an instructional video for sealing waders at http://www.youtube.com/wat

ch?v=n_udcfZqA_w “Adapting waders is not a cure,” VanPatten cautions.

“It is just one step in prevention. It is still vital to check and clean or dry all waders and all other gear that have had contact with the water.”

MDC held public openhouse forums in March and April in communities near Missouri’s trout parks and hatcheries to help educate anglers, outfitters, retailers

and boaters about the dangers of didymo, the need to replace porous-soled waders and to get public feedback on the proposed regulation change.

For more information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov and search “didymo.”

Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator Missouri Department of Conservation

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is proud to serve as “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” on behalf of its’ affiliates and we appreciate the support each of these groups bring to us. We are additionally thankful for those affiliates who play an active role in our activities throughout the year such as our board meetings and annual fundraisers. With this in mind, special thanks to Jim Zieger and Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation again this fall, who through proceeds generated at their Missouri State Championship Tournament Oct 7-9 at Truman Lake, made the gift of 21 CFM individual memberships. Please watch upcoming issues of Missouri Wildlife for more information regarding the Second Annual MO B.A.S.S. Federation Nation’s “Spring Fling” fishing tournament. Proceeds for the tournament will once again benefit CFM and we would love participation from all of our CFM anglers to help ensure this event continues to grow. Next year’s event will be held on April 22, 2012 on Pomme de Terre.

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CFM Fall Conference

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ain at the Lake of the Ozarks didn’t dampen the spirits of this year’s CFM Fall Conference attendees. Great programs and activities ranged from a fireside chat with Executive Director Murphy to presentations on Black Bears and Mountain Lions by MDC’s Rex Martensen. The crowd of roughly 50 folks enjoyed presentations by Larry Yamnitz, MDC Protection Division Chief and by Bradley Schad from the Missouri Corn Growers Association. Nick Fowler was recognized as the first recipient of the CFM Kirkham Family Scholarship. As usual, Charley Ponciroli kept everyone laughing all through Saturday night Bingo “B-B-B 7”.

Special thanks to Janice Houser and her Gourmet Guide catering staff who once again had folks crowding the buffet line at every wonderful meal and to Kim Clark, Gretchen Hanna and Sara Rittman for providing the supplies, equipment and expertise in facilitating our feather craft and orienteering workshops. This year’s annual White Elephant auction was highlighted by the sale of many priceless items donated by celebrities and sports figures from around the globe, at least according to MC/auctioneers Dave Murphy and Travis Scott.

If you have never attended a CFM Fall Conference mark your calendars for the third week in September and make plans to bring your family out for our 2012 event, you’ll be glad you did!

Photo credit: Travis Scott

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Photo credits: Travis Scott

Photo credit: Travis Scott

Photo credit: Travis Scott

The Voice For Missouri Outdoors

Photo credit: Jacob Swafford

Photo credit: Jacob Swafford

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2011 Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation State Championship Tournament

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he Missouri B.A.S.S. Federation Nation held their annual end of the season State Championship Tournament on October 7-9, 2011.

There were 32 clubs that sent teams to participate this year with a total of 230 anglers fishing the 2 day event.

The weekend started on Friday evening at the Warsaw Community Building. Youth Director Gil Kauffman with help from 4 Junior Bassmasters and a couple of parents cooked hot dogs and brats and sold them along with chips and drinks to raise money for the Missouri Junior Bassmasters. Junior Bassmaster members that helped included Colt Love, Tyler Eagan, Jason Thompson and Brendan Allday. The hot dogs and brats were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Everett Allday of the St Joe Bass Club. The juniors raised over $750.00 and the money will be used once again for next year’s season.

The meeting proceeded with President Jim Zieger welcoming everyone and recognizing the Officers of the Missouri Federation as well as first time and past anglers to the event. The annual Presidents Award was given by Jim to Youth Director Gil Kauffmann for his years of dedication to the organization especially for all his work with the Junior Bassmasters and past youth programs including Casting 1 6

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Photo credit: Missouri B.A.S.S Federation.

Kids. The Junior program this year saw over 40 young anglers participate in a 6 tournament circuit culminating with their State Championship Tournament to be held on Sunday October 24, 2011 at Lake Ozarks.

Next guest speaker Travis Scott from the Conservation Federation of Missouri spoke about the organization and our affiliation with them. He thanked the members for their support and told a bit about their role in conservation and wildlife management. Tickets for a 50/50 drawing were sold and he

2011

drew a ticket that one lucky angler won $540.00. Other merchandise that he brought was given next. The other $540.00 was presented to him by President Zieger and 21 lucky members were draw to receive a 1 year membership to the CFM. Brent Chapman spoke next about his experience fishing Truman Lake and gave some helpful tips to anglers on what they might use to catch those elusive fall bass on the lake. Brent is a Bassmasters Elite Series professional angler from the Kansas City area that is a big supporter of

the BFN. He commented on the quantity of attendance prizes that were accumulated and asked everyone to thank and support the sponsors. We appreciate Triton Boats for sending Brent to speak at the event once again.

This tournament qualified 12 anglers and an alternate to attend the 2012 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Central Divisional to be held in Louisiana June 3 to 8, 2012. The top angler from each of the 2 age groups from the Junior Championship will also attend and fish the last day of the competition.

The two day tournament saw tough fishing conditions where just a few 5 fish daily limits were brought to the scales each day. The weather was warm and the wind blew 10-20 mph both days. The largest bass of Day One weighed 6.81 pounds and was caught by Joe Zuptich of the Smithville Bassmasters. The largest fish of Day 2 weighed 4.68 pounds and was caught by Mike Powell of the Knuckledown Bassmasters.

This year’s top team was the Elite Anglers from St Louis and their average weight per man was 8.35 pounds for their 6 man team. They will receive plaques and a free entry into next year’s event.

Congratulations to the top 13 anglers listed below. The top 6 will be boaters and the next 6 non boaters. The 13th angler will be the alternate and team captain will once again be the Missouri Vice President John Blankenbeker. John and his wife Kathy (Secretary) will once again make all arrangements and accompany the team next year. These anglers will represent Missouri June 3-8 next year in Louisiana at the BFN Central Divisional Championship along with the top Junior Bassmaster from each age group.

Ted Daniels Kevin Smith Greg Cooper Bill Keesee Jr. David Smith Justin Pace Tim Bankston Keith Hendrix Gary Pelzel Blake Felix Harold Stark Charles Harrington Dan Chickering

Elite Anglers 8 Fish Benton Co MO BASS 7 Fish Mark Twain Bassmasters 7 Fish Mossback Bassmasters 8 Fish West Side Bassmasters 10 Fish Simply Bass 9 Fish Pleasant Hill Bassmasters 7 Fish Mark Twain Bassmasters 7 Fish Mexico Bassmasters 7 Fish Benton Co MO BASS 7 Fish Simply Bass 6 Fish Show Me Bassmasters 6 Fish Wapello County Bassmasters 6 Fish

21.61 lbs.

20.30 lbs.

19.43 lbs.

19.33 lbs.

18.40 lbs.

17.96 lbs.

16.87 lbs.

16.72 lbs.

16.45 lbs.

14.99 lbs.

14.98 lbs.

14.75 lbs.

14.72 lbs.

Join the CFM Business Alliance today!

Check the annual member category you prefer: q $250—Basic q $1,000—Silver q $5,000—Gold q $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: __________________________________

A big thank you goes out to Sterrett Creek Resort and Marina for hosting the tournament this year. They were great to work with and were open early to supply the fisherman with drinks, snacks and ice for both days of fishing.

I would especially like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous programs which allowed us to give out over $15,000 in attendance prizes. The National Sponsors include Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Motorguide and Lowrance. State sponsors this year included Berkley, Plano Products, Oakley, Kershaw Knives, Meguiars, Cocoon, St. Croix, Frogg Toggs, Flying Fisherman, Culprit, V&M Baits, Helly Hansen and Chums.

ZIP code:________________________________

Jim Zieger President

Credit card number: ______________________

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

Expiration date: __________________________ Signature of cardholder: __________________ M IS S OURI

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

AFFILIATE EVENTS BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY NOV 8: Monthly Program – Adventures in Australia (6:00pm – 8:30pm) NOV 12: Lyon, Coffey and Osage Counties (KS) with Matt Gearheart; Matt Gearheart (816) 569-0817 NOV 20: Bird in the Hand with Craig Hensley, Burroughs Library and Nature Center (1:00pm – 4:00pm) NOV 26: Squaw Creek NWR with Mike Stoakes; Mike Stoakes (816) 554-1956 DEC 4: Birdwatcher’s Who’s Who: Tree Huggers with Craig Hensley (2:00pm – 3:30pm) DEC 6: Holiday Party (6:00pm – 10:00pm) DEC 17: Trimble (Smithville) Christmas Bird Count; Kristi Mayo (816) 289-7828 DEC 18: Kansas City Christmas Bird Count; Mike Stoakes (816) 554-1956 DEC 18: Bird in the Hand with Craig Hensley, Burroughs Library and Nature Center (1:00pm – 4:00pm) GREENWAY NETWORK NOV 3: Giants in the American Conservation Movement Forum, The Living World – Saint Louis Zoo; (314) 516-6203 DEC 5: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm – 9:00pm) HEAVEN’S ANGLERS NOV 3: Club Meeting, West County Assembly of God, Chesterfield MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED NOV 1: Chapter Meeting, D. Rowe’s, Columbia (7:00pm) NOV 4-5: Mid-South Regional Meeting, Heber Springs, Arkansas

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MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION NOV 9: Gun Safety and Related Issues with Jan Morris NOV 28: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion DEC 14: Christmas Party MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED NOV 3: Sweet Springs Dinner, American Legion, Sweet Springs (5:30pm – 9:30pm) NOV 3: Grand Prairie Membership Dinner, Elks Lodge, Blue Springs (6:00pm – 9:30pm) NOV 5: Clinton – Golden Valley Dinner, Benson Center, Clinton (6:00pm – 9:30pm); Parker Mills (660) 885-3368 and Matt Cox (660) 924-5004 NOV 5: Yellow Creek Dinner, Elks Lodge, Brookfield (5:30pm – 10:00pm); Jeff Hill (660) 258-2391 and Roger Rhodes (660) 734-3101 NOV 5: Lincoln County Dinner, American Legion, Elsberry (6:00pm – 10:00pm); Joe Briscoe (573) 898-2574 NOV 5: Mound City – Squaw Creek Membership Dinner, The Klub, Mound City (6:00pm – 9:30pm); Kirby Felumb (660) 4425438, Sheri Wright (660) 442-5837 and Bud Reilly (660) 442-5547 NOV 26: Louisiana Dinner, American Legion, Louisiana (6:00pm – 11:30pm); Rick Henry (573) 7545055 and Charles Mix (573) 5608390 NOV 29: Columbia Sponsor Dinner, Columbia Country Club, Columbia (6:00pm – 11:30pm); Tom Shryock (573) 819-6754 and Brad Wright (573) 449-2683 DEC 19: Gateway Greenheads Gun Raffle, Town and Country (5:30pm – 6:00pm); Chris Rhynerson (314) 435-5723 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION NOV 5-6: Director’s Hunt, Mercer

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County DEC 2-4: Hunter Education Clinic – Waterfowl Hunt, Henry County DEC 11: Board of Directors Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION JAKES FIELD DAYS NOV 5: Sugar Creek Gobblers, Elk River; Dan Fuller (417) 4398594 WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS EVENTS NOV 5: Women’s Event, Hillbilly Hunting Preserve, Joplin; Kelly Madison (417) 681-0364 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION NOV 1-4: NRPA Congress NOV 8-10: Certified Playground Safety Inspector, North Kansas City Community Center, North Kansas City NOV 15: Winter 2012 Magazine Deadline NOV 17: Northeast Region Meeting NOV 19-20: Soccer Tournament DEC 9: Board Meeting (10:00am – 12:00pm) MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION NOV 19: Missouri Prairie Foundation Stilwell Prairie Volunteer Workday, Vernon County; (888) 8436739 DEC 10: Missouri Master Naturalists/Missouri Department of Conservation/Missouri Prairie Foundation Lichen Glad Workday, Saint Clair County; (888) 843-6739 DEC 10: Missouri Prairie Foundation Bird of Prey Workshop, Prairie State Park; (888) 843-6739 MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE NOV 16: Monthly Membership

Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 DEC 21: Monthly Membership Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center, Kirkwood (7:00pm – 9:00pm); Les Anderhub (314) 894-8945 MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION NOV 3: Regular Meeting, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (6:00pm) DEC 1: Annual Meeting to Elect Officers and Christmas Banquet MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED NOV 19: Milan Area Chapter Banquet, Community Center, Milan DEC 3: Jamestown Disabled Freedom Hunt Banquet, Community Center, Jamestown DEC 9: Howard County Big Bucks Chapter Banquet, Saint Joseph’s Hall, Fayette OPEN SPACE COUNCIL NOV 5: Passport to Meramec River Trails; (636) 451-6090 NOV 5: Operation Wild Lands (9:00am); (636) 451-6090 DEC 3: Passport to Meramec River Trails; (636) 451-6090 OZARK FLY FISHERS NOV 2: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) NOV 11-13: Bennett Springs Outing, Bennett Springs State Park DEC 7: Board Meeting, Powder Valley Nature Center (7:00pm – 9:00pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB NOV 5-6: Day Hikes with Carl Felling NOV 12: Tour Truman Home, Independence (12:00pm – 1:30pm) NOV 12: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) NOV 12: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) DEC 3: Lawrence Horse Drawn Christmas Parade, Lawrence,

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

Kansas (11:00am – 2:00pm) DEC 10: Decorate the Dining Hall, Swope Park, Kansas City (9:00am – 11:30am) DEC 10: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm – 7:30pm) DEC 10: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm – 9:00pm) DEC 31-JAN 1: New Years Trip, Bennett Spring State Park POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. NOV 5: Fishing Outing – Dinner and Nominations Meeting DEC 3: Planning Meeting (10:00am)

SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY NOV 3: Whitney and Anna Harris Conservation Forum, Giants in the American Conservation Movement, The Living World – Saint Louis Zoo NOV 4: Trivia Night and Silent Auction, Community Center East Gym, Kirkwood NOV 5: Forest Park Beginner Bird Walk (8:30am – 10:00am) NOV 12: Honeysuckle Removal, Creve Coeur Park DEC 3: Forest Park Beginner Bird Walk (8:30am – 10:00am) CFM EVENTS FEB 24-26: Annual Convention, Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark

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CFM Would like to thank the donors and contributors who have made our 2011 Holiday Sweepstakes possible Farmers CO-OP Elevator - St. Peters, MO (636) 278-3544 Fair Winds Cabins - Cherryville, MO (573) 743-6200 www.fairwindscabins.com Bass River Resort – Steelville, MO 800-392-3700 www.basscanoeresort.com Meramec Music Theater – Steelville, MO (573) 775-5999 mmt@misn.com Huzzah Valley Resort - Steelville, MO (800) 367-4516 www.huzzahvalley.com Randy Washburn Lodge of Four Seasons – Lake Ozark, MO (800) 843-5253 www.4seasonsresort.com Wildwood Springs Lodge – Steelville, MO (573) 775-2400 www.wildwoodspringslodge.com Walker’s Taxidermy – Mexico, MO (573) 473-2400 Bruce Mills Joe’s Jug – Louisiana, MO Troy Wallace (573) 754-6687 Yellow Creek Farms – Keytesville, MO Clay & Cindy Creech Win Stevens – Climax Spring, MO (314) 301-4125 www.winprofishing.com Inn at Grand Glaze – Osage Beach, MO (573) 348-4731 www.innatgrandglaize.com John Blankenbeker – Camdenton, MO (573) 280-1445 blankbass@usmo.com Spradlin Insulation – Mexico, MO (573) 581-2701 - Ben & Alice Doerge Missouri State Parks – www.mostateparks.com Turkey Roost Taxidermy Studio – Kirksville, MO (660) 665-8109 www.theturkeyroost.com Tim Thompson Drury Hotels - (800) 378-7946 www.druryhotels.com Webb’s Guide Service (417) 425-7513 www.webbsguideservice.com Mike Webb – find us on Facebook Big Cedar Lodge- Ridgedale, MO (800) 225-6343 www.big-cedar.com Bass Pro Shops – Springfield, MO (800) 227-7776 www.basspro.com Triple H Outfitter – Richards, MO (417) 839-0192 www.triplehoutfitter.com Campfire Stories TV – Robbie O’Bryan and Blake Garrett pro-staff www.campfirestoriestv.com Rockin’ E Ranch – Mike and Becky Evans Mid-West Adventures www.mid-westadventures.com Honey Brake Outfitters – Jonesville, LA (318) 452-6875 www.louisianadeltaplantation.com 2 0

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Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES Call for additional tickets 1-800-575-2322

1-$20 3-$50 7-$100

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

WANT MORE TICKETS? Copy these, contact us at tscott@confedmo.org or call us at (800) 575-2322 M IS S OURI

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CFM Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution) Charles Abele, Saint Louis R. Philip Acuff, Saint Joseph Duane Addleman, Springfield Michael Duane Addleman † Nancy Addleman † Nancy Carol Addleman, Springfield Tom Addleman, Joplin James Agnew, Arnold Allen Appell, Calhoun Richard Ash, Saint Charles Carolyn Auckley, Ballwin Michael Baker, DeSoto Dane Balsman, Perryville Don Bedell, Sikeston Jim Tom Blair, Saint Louis Marilynn Bradford, Cape Girardeau Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau Mark Brandly, New Baden, IL Scott Brundage, Columbia Glenn Chambers, Columbia Ron Coleman, Saint Albans Mark Corio, Columbia Bill Crawford, Columbia Ryan Diener, Marthasville Joe G. Dillard, Columbia Ron Douglas, Springfield Charlie Drury, Saint Louis Chuck Drury, Saint Louis Tom Drury, Saint Louis 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, Maryland Heights

Blake Gornick, Saint Louis Richard & Sally Graham, Hartsburg Joseph Gray, Saint Joseph Debbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Gery Gremmelsbacher, Saint Louis Mark & Kathy Haas, Jackson Christopher Hamon, Kirbyville Herman Hanley, Grain Valley Jack & Pat Harris, Saint Louis Mickey Heitmeyer, Advance Loring Helfrich, Sikeston Randy Herzog, Saint Joseph James Hill, Mexico Christine Logan-Hollis, Blackwell Allan Hoover, Pleasant Hill John Hoskins, Fremont Larry & Joan Hummel, Glencoe Patricia Hurster, Saint Louis Jim Jacobi, Saint Charles Aaron Jeffries, Jefferson City Roger Johnson, Humansville Don Johnson, Festus Malcolm “Mac” Johnson, Hartsburg Pat Jones, Williamsburg 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, Saint Charles 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 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 Scott Pauley, Hartsburg Abe Phillips, Saint Louis Jan Phillips, Saint Louis Jessica Plaggenberg, Florissant Jerry Presley, Centertown Albert Price, Columbia Nick Prough, Harrisonville Kirk Rahm, Warrensburg David & Janice Reynolds, Springfield Gerald Ross, Jefferson City Tyler Ruoff, Savannah Bruce & Jan Sassmann, Bland Fred Saylor, Independence Evelyn Schallon, Ballwin 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 † Jacob Swafford, Columbia Jim Talbert, Jefferson City Travis Taylor, Lawson Tim Thompson, Lake Saint Louis Robert Tompson, Moberly Jeff “J. T.” Tillman, Lake Ozark Gary Van De Velde, Jefferson City Barbara vanBenschoten, Kansas City Lee Vogel, Kansas City Al Vogt, Columbia Julius Wall, Clinton Randy Washburn, Jefferson City Henry J. Waters, III, Columbia Robert O. Werges, Arnold Mark Williams, Lawson Michael Wilson, Saint Louis Stephen Wilson, Hartsburg Addie Witter, Annville, PA Brenda Witter, Holts Summit Daniel Witter, Holts Summit Dick Wood, Saint Louis Howard Wood, Bonne Terre Joyce Wood, Bonne Terre Nicole Wood, Bonne Terre Dan Zerr, O’Fallon Jim Zieger, Hannibal Emily Ziehmer, California Robert Ziehmer, California Ethan Zuck, Strafford Guy Zuck, Strafford † Deceased

When will you add your name to the list?

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C O N S E R V AT I O N F E D E R AT I O N O F M I S S O U R I A F F I L I AT E S Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. Big Game Hunters, Inc. Bobwhite Quail Restoration Association Bridlespur Hunt Club Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Coldwater Outing & Game Preserve Deer Creek Sportsman Club, Inc. Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Gempp Park Commission Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Howardville Community Betterment Jefferson County Coonhunters, Inc. Lambert Field Rod & Gun Club Malinmor Hunt Club Meramec Area Sportsman 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 Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Department of Agriculture Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Parks & 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 Bull Shoals Field Station

Gift memberships are a great way 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:

q $25—Individual q $15—Student q $30—Family q $100—Sustaining q $1000—Lifetime 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.

Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Monett Sportsman League North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Relief, Inc. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Saint Louis Audubon Society South Side Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Tipton Farmers & Sportsman Club United Bow Hunters of Missouri University of Missouri Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club WOLF Parent Organization Wonders of Wildlife

Gift of conservation from Name: __________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________ Given to: Name: __________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________ State: _______________________ ZIP code: _________________ Phone: _________________________________________________ E-mail: _________________________________________________ Pay via check (payable to Conservation Federation of Missouri) or charge (MasterCard, Visa or Discover)

Credit card #: ___________________________________________ Exp. date: ______________________________________________ Signature of cardholder: __________________________________ M IS S OURI

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Passport to Meramec River Trails

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he Passport to Meramec River Trails is a year-long program by The Open Space Council (OSC) that will encourage outdoor recreation along the Meramec River. OSC is encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy the trails this fall among the beautiful fall colors.

By hiking six designated trails along the Meramec River, participants will receive a free water bottle and a oneyear membership to The Open Space Council. Participants will sign and date the Passport when you complete a trail.

When all trails are completed, the passport will be mail to P.O. Box 1468, Ballwin, MO 63022.

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Hikers enjoying the Al Foster Trail in Wildwood, MO. Photo Credit: The Open Space Council

The six trails include: The Greenrock Trail, Al Foster Memorial Trail, Minnie Ha Ha Trail, Rock Hollow Trail, Castlewood State Park,

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Arnold's Grove Trail. Passports can be found at Wildwood City Hall, Sunset Hills Community Center, Castlewood State Park Office,

Ellisville Administration Center, Valley Park City Hall, Fenton City Hall, Kirkwood Community Center and at openspacestl.org.

Wild Turkeys Make the Most of Break From Weather Missouri’s wild turkey flock made significant gains in many areas this year.

Given one nesting season free of late freezes or frog-strangling rains, Missouri’s wild turkey flock has pulled off one of the best hatches in several years.

Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) turkey specialist, released results of the annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey.

Each year, citizen volunteers and MDC staff record the number of wild turkey hens and recently hatched turkeys, called “poults,” that they observe during June, July and August. Isabelle divides the number of poults by the number of hens to provide a poult-to-hen ratio, which is a measure of turkey nest success and poult survival.

The state-wide poult-to-hen ratio has varied little in recent years, ranging from 1.0 to 1.2. This year’s ratio was 1.7, the highest it has been since 2002. ”This year’s poult-to-hen ratio is certainly a step in the right direction after the poor hatches we’ve had the past several years,” said Isabelle. A statewide ratio of 1.7 for a few years in a row would have a fairly dramatic impact on turkey numbers.”

Isabelle said some hunters already are noticing a substantial difference in turkey numbers and are reporting more birds in areas where young turkeys have been hard to find the last few years.

“A good turkey hatch throughout much of Missouri is certainly great news for fall turkey hunting enthusiasts,” said Isabelle.

“Fall hunting provides a tremendous opportunity to pursue wild turkeys in the beautiful fall woods.”

Isabelle noted that only 13,500 hunters bought fall firearms turkey hunting permits last year, compared with springturkey permit sales of more than 100,000.

The few hunters who do pursue turkeys in the fall often have the woods to themselves.

Hunters harvested 5,928 turkeys during Missouri’s 2010 fall firearms turkey sea-

son, compared with 46,000 in the spring.

Isabelle said the fall harvest–which comes out to an average of 50 turkeys per county–has no significant impact on the number of turkeys that survive until the following spring.

Wild turkeys and other ground-nesting wildlife have suffered through a series of cold springs and unprecedented summer rainfall over the past five years. In 2007, a freak cold front dragged the mercury into the teens for several days in a row around Easter. In 2008, Missouri experienced record rainfall – more than 80 inches in some areas compared to the annual average of about 40 inches. 2009 was nearly as wet as 2008, and unusually heavy summer rains continued to plague turkeys last year. This year is the first in five with nearaverage spring temperatures and without repeated, heavy summer rains.

“Missouri’s wild turkeys have suffered through some poor hatches for the last four years in a row,” said Isabelle. “We

have always been confident that they would bounce back when the weather returned to normal, and this year they did.”

Turkeys raised the largest broods in northeastern Missouri and the eastern Ozarks, where observers reported seeing 2.1 to 2.3 poults per hen. Counties along the south side of the Missouri River and the west side of the Mississippi River from Cooper County to Pemiscot County showed poult-to-hen ratios of 1.6 to 1.7.

The western Ozarks and western Ozarks border counties reported poult-to-hen ratios of 1.5 to 1.6. Missouri’s western prairie counties and the northwest corner of the state had the lowest ratio of 1.4 poults per hen.

Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

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Rim to Rim for CFM

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his past September Ron Coleman, CFM Board Member hiked “Rim to Rim for CFM” to show his support for the work of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) and its endeavor to get more people outdoors. Coleman, his son Bart and daughter inlaw Tracy hiked the East and West Rim of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park and then ventured on to hike the North to South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

man’s third visit to the Canyon and he pointed out that only about 3% of the annual 4 million visitors to the park actually hike into the 10 mile wide and 1 mile deep awe-inspiring wonder and only about 1 % hike “Rim to Rim”. “It’s unfortunate that everyone cannot enjoy this grand experience.

Maybe our trek will encourage others to think more about our natural resources and how they can help conservation organizations like CFM protect them, stated Coleman.”

West Zion National Park. Photo Credit: Ron Coleman

Fill out and mail in the pledge form below today. All proceeds go to CFM! (Donors contributing $20 or more will receive a set of 4 National Park image note cards) Tell us about your outdoor adventure in the next issue of Missouri Wildlife.

Please find my donation in support of “Rim to Rim for CFM” in the amount of $____________________ Pictured left to right: Bart, Tracy and Ron Coleman. Photo Credit: Ron Coleman

Coleman said “It is not really such a great feat, but I hope that our “Rim to Rim Hikes” will encourage others to think about how they can support CFM through their own outdoor experiences and also inspire greater support for our public lands.” This is Cole-

You can support CFM’s desire to get more people and families outdoors by making a donation today.

One dollar per mile for the 2 day Grand Canyon 20 mile Rim to Rim Hike is suggested, however any contribution to CFM is greatly appreciated.

Name_____________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ Phone____________________________________________ Email

(Optional)______________________________________

Mail to: Attention “Rim to Rim for CFM”, 728 West Main St., Jefferson City, Missouri 65101-1559

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2011

Thinking About a Timber Sale? Call Before You Cut The Missouri Department of Conservation has help for landowners who want to harvest trees profitably and sustainably.

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aring for your woodland is a long-term proposition where one decision can have impacts for decades. A new outreach effort, Call Before You Cut, provides information to help Missouri woodland owners conduct tree harvests wisely.

“Although woodland owners know a lot about their woods, they often don’t have the critical information they need before selecting someone to harvest their trees,” said Brian Schweiss, forestry field program supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation. “It’s important for landowners to know how many trees they want to cut, how much the trees are worth and what the woods will look like

after the harvest is completed.”

The Call Before You Cut campaign encourages landowners to call 877-5647483 toll-free for free information. A live operator is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. Callers receive information packets to help them set up timber sales and other management information for their woodlands.

“Call Before You Cut isn’t about not cutting trees,” said State Forester Lisa Allen. “It’s about how and when you cut them.”

The program puts landowners in touch with professional foresters who can tell them how much their trees are worth, which trees should be harvested soon and which ones can grow for greater profits later. Call

Before You Cut gives landowners options they might not have considered.

“Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about how to keep my woods healthy and beautiful,” said Dave Murphy, a landowner from Clark County, “but I’m smart enough to know that I don’t know everything. I didn’t want to make any mistakes with my own land.

By working with a professional forester, I was able to make money, maintain healthy woods, and improve food and cover for turkeys, one of my favorite wildlife to view and hunt.”

Forest covers roughly one-third of Missouri, and private landowners own 83 percent of those timberlands, which covers roughly one-third of the state. They are key providers of trees to produce some of Missouri’s widely sought-after wood products, such as flooring, white oak for wine barrels and black walnut products.

Call Before You Cut can help ensure healthy, productive woodlands for landowners and a healthy forest industry for years to come.

More information is available at callb4ucut.com.

CFM's youngest life member Ethan Zuck with his October 4 archery deer harvest.

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

Check the membership category you prefer:

q $25—Individual q $15—Student q $30—Family q $100—Sustaining q $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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2011

Conservation Federation of Missouri “The Voice of Missouri Outdoors” M IS S OURI

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lists the Ozark Hellbender as Endangered and Moves to Include Hellbenders in Appendix III of CITES Hellbenders are among the world’s largest salamanders

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he U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the Ozark hellbender as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and also finalized its decision to list the Ozark and eastern hellbender in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In combination, these listings will provide significant protection to hellbenders, both domestically and internationally.

Under the ESA, an endangered species is any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The Ozark hellbender, which grows to lengths up to 2 feet, inhabits the White River system in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Ozark hellbender populations have declined an estimated 75 percent since the 1980s, with only about 590 individuals remaining in the wild. It is believed numbers have dropped because of degraded water quality, habitat loss resulting from impoundments, ore and gravel mining, sedimentation, and collection for the pet trade.

Also threatening the Ozark hellbender is a fungal disease, chytridiomycosis (chytrid), and severe physical abnormalities (e.g., lesions, digit and appendage loss, epidermal 3 0

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sloughing) which most Ozark hellbenders exhibit.

In addition, the average age of Ozark hellbender populations is increasing and few young are being found, indicating problems with reproduction or juvenile survival.

This, and the multiple threats from disease and habitat degradation, could lead to extinction of the Ozark hellbender within 20 years.

“The Ozark hellbender faces extinction without the protection afforded by the Endangered Species Act,” said Tom Melius, the Service’s Midwest Regional Director. “Listing provides tools and an infrastructure within which partners can pool resources and expertise to help save this species.”

The Service determined that designating critical habitat under the ESA for the Ozark hellbender is not prudent because the designation would require publication of detailed descriptions of hellbender locations and habitat, making illegal collection for the pet trade more likely.

To better control and monitor the international trade of hellbenders, the Service has included both the Ozark and eastern hellbender in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES or Convention).

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CITES is an international agreement between governments designed to prevent species from becoming endangered or extinct as a result of international trade. Collection within the United States and international trade of hellbenders is of growing concern, particularly as they become rarer and, consequently, more valuable. Listing hellbenders in Appendix III of CITES would aid in curbing unauthorized international trade, not only by controlling exports from the United States but by enlisting the assistance of 174 other countries that are CITES Parties in controlling trade in the species.

Currently, two subspecies of hellbenders are recognized, the Ozark hellbender and the eastern hellbender. The Ozark hellbender only occurs in Missouri and Arkansas, whereas the eastern hellbender range includes portions of the following 16 States: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Hellbenders are salamanders with large tails and tiny eyes.

Adult Ozark hellbenders may reach lengths up to 2 feet, and their flattened bodies enable them to move in the fast-flowing streams they inhabit. Hell-

benders are habitat specialists that depend on constant levels of dissolved oxygen, temperature, and flow in their aquatic environment. Even minor alterations to stream habitat are likely detrimental to hellbender populations.

The Endangered Species Act makes it illegal to kill, harm or otherwise "take" a listed species. The ESA also requires all federal agencies to ensure actions they authorize, fund, or undertake do not jeopardize the existence of listed species, and directs the Service to work with federal agencies and other partners to develop and carry out recovery efforts for those species. Listing also focuses attention on the needs of the species, encouraging conservation efforts by other agencies (federal, state and local), conservation groups, and other organizations and individuals.

The Service’s final rules to list the Ozark hellbender as an endangered species and to include hellbenders in Appendix III of CITES appear in the October 6, 2011, Federal Register.

The Ozark hellbender final rule is also available on the Service’s Midwest Region website at www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered, and the final rule to include hellbenders in Appendix III of CITES is also available on the Service’s International Affairs website at

www.fws.gov/international.

The listing of the Ozark hellbender under the ESA will take effect 30 days after publication of the final rule, whereas the listing of hellbenders in CITES Appendix III will take effect 180 days after publication of the final rule. This

additional time is necessary so that the Service can submit required documentation to the CITES Secretariat, which will then notify all CITES Parties of this action taken by the United States.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conser-

vation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Order today! Call (800) 575-2322 10 x 14 ~ $10.00 (includes shipping)

CFM Travel Mug • A 15-oz tumbler/mug with double-wall construction and a stainless steel interior and exterior.

• Has a screw-on, lock-top lid and a curved, easy-pour spout.

• Easily fits most auto cup holders.

$20.00 (includes shipping/handling) Order yours today! Just call CFM toll-free at (800) 575-2322.

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2011

CFM

Business Alliance Quality outdoor opportunities make Missouri a desirable place to live and work, and add to our economic well-being.

Through the CFM Business Alliance, we seek to strengthen the connection between Missouri’s natural resource managers and our business leaders.

Here’s what we’re trying to accomplish.

• Create greater awareness of CFM and the role we play in conservation.

• Gain financial support for the work of CFM. • Include the voice of business leaders in conservation.

• Recognize the business community’s support of conservation.

THANK YOU!

BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEMBERS

Our sincere thanks to all of our Business Alliance members. Your support of CFM is making a difference for Missouri outdoors!

PLATINUM Bass Pro Shops Drury Hotels Shelter Insurance

SILVER Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Gray Manufacturing Co. Pyramid Home Health Services

BASIC Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC Boone County National Bank Cap America Central Bank – Jefferson City Central Trust & Investment Company Championship Sports Citizens Telephone Company Columbia Daily Tribune Dickerson Park Zoo DJ Case & Associates Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association Forrest Keeling Nursery Greenbrier Wetland Services Heartland Restoration, Inc.

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc. Macon Realty Company McRoberts Farm, Inc. REMAX Boone Realty Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Michaelanne Investments, Inc. Osage Canoes, LLC Quality Forest Management, LLC Riley Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac R.L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC Sierra Bullets, LLC Suddenlink Communications Tabor Plastic Company The Bank of Missouri Wood Land & Cattle, LLC

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